When it comes to video games,religionis often just a backdrop, barely a foundation to the narrative.
Fortunately, some underrated titles don’t shy away from incorporating variousreligious allegories, symbolism, and the complex themes different faiths offer.
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This adds a layer of moral complexity and a sense of purpose to the game’s storyline, making you feel like a chosen one.
Such video games have religion and culture at their heart, rather than simply an unexpectedEaster Eggor a subtle nod throughout the progression.
If you’re looking for a genuine religious-themed experience, check out these titles with thought-provoking narratives and versatile gameplay mechanics that will keep you hooked for a hell of a ride.
10Dante’s Inferno
Highway To Hell Isn’t Straight
Dante’s Inferno
Dante’s Infernoisan action-adventure game loosely based on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedywhere you fight through nine Circles of Hell, making it a perfect title to kick off this list.
Playing as a Templar Knight, you must rescue your wife, Beatrice, from the clutches of Lucifer and go on a war against fearsome gods while traversing through hell.
While the title is often dubbed aGod of Warclone,Dante’s Infernooffers a refreshing take on the influential poem with its nightmarish atmosphere, grisly sound design, and unique art style.
However, unfortunately, its clunky controls and shallow combat system turn it into aliteral hellfor avid action platformer fans like me.
9The Inquisitor
Sinners Won’t Be Forgiven!
The Inquisitoris an action-adventure title that follows analternative timelinewhere Jesus Christ unleashed his fury on the Roman Empire, resulting in Christianity becoming a wrathful religion.
Set in medieval Europe 1500 years after Jesus destroyed the cross and reshaped history,you take control of Mordimer Madderin, an Inquisitor tasked with investigating the plagued town of Koenigstein in search of a vampire.
During these investigations, you can brutally torture or question the suspects (or the sinners), affecting the story progression in ways you won’t even realize at that point.
ThoughTheInquisitorpacks a punch with its unique setting driven by a compelling story, it falls short due to janky mechanics and lack of conflict.
8Darksiders
Apocalypse Now, Answers Later!
Darksiders
Inspired by the Book of Revelations,Darksiderstakes creative freedom in buildinga vast open world on the verge of extinction and uses biblical apocalyptic elements to make it more immersive.
Darksidersis a hack-and-slash action-adventure title that lets you take control of War, thestrongest Horseman, framed for triggering the end of the world prematurely.
This title revolves around the seven seals prophesized to be broken only after humanity is strong enough to fight or sustain themselves.
When war breaks loose between angels and demons on Earth, it is up to you to clear your name and uncover the truth behind it.
Despite its repetitive gameplay and bland mechanics,Darksidersdeserves a spot on this list for its solid narrative, characters, and premise.
7Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Mind Over Matter
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrificeblends religious elements from Norse mythology with an exploration of trauma, grief, and suffering through the protagonist, making it deeply personal.
Focusingmore on mental health,Senua’s Sacrificeisa psychological action-adventure title and a piece of art that beautifully delves into the psyche of the protagonist.
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Placing you in the role of a conflicted Celtic warrior, the title follows Senua on a horrifying quest into the depths of the Viking underworld, demanding the life of her dead lover.
For someone who chuckles at titles with serious undertones,Senua’s Sacrificemakes me genuinely anxious, thanks to its tense atmosphere, absorbing lore, and adaptive soundtrack.
6Blasphemous
Blasphemously Dark And Gritty!
Blasphemous
Set in the dark world of Cvstodia,Blasphemousis anunforgiving Metroidvania titlethat offersnuanced religious themes that blend fittingly with its timeless gothic art style.
You play as the Penitent One, a silent knight protagonist on a pilgrimage to clear out all trials in the form of various bosses.
With a plethora of religious references and metaphors throughout the progression, the enormous exploration inBlasphemousfeels satisfying, due to its non-linear gameplay.
This game is considered aMetroidvania Soulslikefor its difficulty, killing you countless times if you are a newcomer to the genre or franchise.
Nevertheless, the game’s combat and the intriguing lore will compel you into wanting more and keep you glued for hours.
5Asura’s Wrath
Channelize Your Inner Rage
Asura’s Wrath
Asura’s Wrathis one of themost underrated Capcom titles,taking inspiration from Buddhist and Hindu mythologies while fusing them with science fiction.
You take control of Asura, one of the eight demi-gods who is framed, betrayed, and killed by his comrades after they murder his wife and kidnap his daughter.
Blinded by rage and determined to avenge them, our dead protagonist returns to the living world, but 12,000 years have passed.
Asura’s Wrathpacks up this ever-expanding, gripping lore with interactive and anime storytelling, splitting the entire game into four chapters or episodes.
Without separating thiscinematic featfrom the title’s unconventional gameplay, it flawlessly bends genres from third-person combat to shoot ‘em up gameplay, and even allows you to hit prompts during cutscenes.
4The Blinding Of Isaac
God’s Unluckiest Child
The Binding of Isaac
Based on the biblical story of the same name,The Binding of Isaacis an action-adventure roguelike game where you must battle through endless horrors for survival.
You play as Isaac, whose mother is bent on killing him after she receives a message from God, demanding to take his life to prove her faith.
As soon as you flee into a monster-filled trapdoor in the basement, you must clear numerous bosses scattered around different floors in a top-down dungeon crawling experience, inspired by theoriginalLegend of Zelda.
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The Binding of Isaacoffers an unforgettable experience with its dark visual style, storytelling, andpunishing permadeathshould you lose all your health.
3Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
Be A Godslayer!
Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse
There wouldn’t have been a religion without a god, and theShin Megami Tenseiserieswouldn’t be the same without itscatalog of overpowered deities.
However, of all the titles, I can’t get over its fourth installment,Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse, for its stunning realism and detailed visual designs.
Taking control of Flynn,you are resurrected by a demon named Dagda in exchange for becoming his god-slaying assassin.
Filled with pantheons of gods from ancient religions and Lucifer’s armies, this post-apocalyptic title won’t let you catch a break as both parties wreak havoc on Tokyo for world domination.
SMT: Apocalypsetakes most of its mechanics from its predecessors with a third-person perspective for exploration and shifting to first-person for battles.
2Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings 3
As someone who lovesdynasty strategy games, I can’t help but appreciate the broader scope of religion inCrusader Kings III.
Unlike using religion as a narrative device,Crusader Kings IIIincorporates it into a gameplay mechanic, allowing you toundergo pilgrimages, wage holy wars with an entire religion, or even develop your faith.
You take control of a historical figure from theMiddle Ages, and your main goal is to expand your realm while keeping its legacy alive.
Even after your death or deposition, you can continue expanding on your dynasty with a rightful heir or a legitimized bastard.
With such limitless possibilities,CKIIIis a masterpiece for its role-playing elements, polished interface, andgreat replay value, offering a king-sizedrewarding experience for beginners.
When The Devil Whispers
Securing the topmost position,Indikais a dark, story-driven walking simulator set in a bizarre alternate reality of Russia during the late 19th century.
You play as a young nun adjusting to a monastic life while grappling with the visions of the devil throughout your travels and menial tasks.
I’ll be honest without spoiling;among all the games on this list, no game relies as heavily on exploring religious themes and faith as much asIndikadoes.
Since it’s a walking sim focusing on narrative, you must solve platforming puzzles, interact with other characters, and earn collectibles as you traverse through stunning landscapes.
Indikafails to miss a mark with its bold, surreal, and impressive gameplay experience,lingering in your mindfor days.
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