5 Most Thought Provoking Video Games Of The Decade

Hollywood films have often delved into thought provoking or downright existential themes, but the modern media of gaming has often shied away from such subjects. But with every mindless shooter of the generation, a few games that dare to do more are released that leave their audience with a collection of unsettling questions. With some of the more recent titles in gaming history focusing on narratives or character studies worthy of an Oscar nomination, its no surprise that as gaming has evolved, so has its themes.

Whether it's asking what it means to be human, or making us come to terms with the inevitability of our own demise, some of these titles delve into the darker aspects of our own psychosis. Some more than others. Although some of these titles may not be some of the most universally recognized, they deserve the spots on this list for their mature introspection into mental health, or how they challenge the way we perceive the world around us.

All of these titles will keep us engaged long after we have put down the controller.

Dark Soul's is a nihilistic nightmare that attempts to break the player over and over again until they can overcome it, only to find it was all for nothing. The gameplay is the equivalent of throwing yourself at a brick wall again and again, slowly breaking the wall down until you finally succeed, only to find a bigger wall ahead. The game forces us to get better by constantly challenging the player with overwhelming bosses, elaborate areas and complex combat. But it rewards the player with the elation of success. No matter how unforgiving, through perseverance, any obstacle within Dark Souls can be conquered.

Once you have overcome the hurdles throughout the game, the final outcome remains the same. Humanity is doomed to the age of dark whether you sacrifice yourself to light the flame or not. The inevitability will always be the same. Your actions up to this point have not changed things and yet, you as the chosen undead and the player persevere.

In a similar vain to Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus, Dark Souls is like rolling a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down. Instead of lamenting and fixating on the inevitability of death and our lack of purpose in life, Dark Souls teaches us to embrace life and celebrate success. Life is unforgiving and often cruel, but through perseverance you can achieve something. The elation and joy of accomplishing something achieves more than any meaning ever could.

Dark Souls is a masterpiece of atmospheric gameplay and the perfect allegory for life, forcing us to find happiness through perseverance and accomplishment even in the inevitability of failure and death.