We’re not talking about Duck Hunt, folks, although that’s a fun one. Today we’re looking at a number of influential games that are a bit heavier, racier in content. Although these aren’t adult games, they are in fact mainstream games that have an edge to their content.
In all cases, these games changed the industry in some way and influenced swaths of games to follow. But are they too intense for you to play?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
The Call of Duty series is by far and away one of the most popular video games of all time. It’s intense, adult oriented warfare content and potent graphics evolved the first person shooter game world into what we know it as today.
This highly addicting game has sold nearly 30 million copies. Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision in 2007, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare retraces WW2 narratives via groundbreaking graphics and sound.
As the recipient of a number of gaming awards, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare consistently ranks among the top video games of all time. The game is over 15 years in age, but it remains a staple of the gaming industry.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Speaking of ‘racy,’ it’s difficult not to mention an all time racy gaming classic in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Grand Theft Auto is one of the most popular gaming franchises ever. It’s highly controversial and polarizing due to its adult natured content which often depicts sex, drugs, and violence. The content in Grand Theft Auto is so intense that it’s been parodied as Grand Fuck Auto.
The franchise’s narrative involves entanglements with a hardcore gang that may be able to help you find out why your mother was murdered.
The game’s intensity is not only reflected in dope graphics, but equally in ear-popping graphics that often depict urban noise, or, police presence.
Like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has sold nearly 30 million copies as well. But unlike CoD, Grand Theft Auto utilizes a third person perspective in its gaming interface. Rockstar Games released San Andreas in 2004 yet it remains a staple of the most popular games ever.
Diablo 3 & Reaper of Souls
Your on a hunt to kill Diablo, otherwise known as the “Lord of Terror.” Reaper of Souls is technically an expansion of the original game that allows for a number of cool attributes, including gameplay as The Crusader.
Diablo 3 is an RPG (role playing game) experience.
Diablo 3’s claim to fame, beyond it’s bad ass graphics and cool story is that it is the fastest “out of the gates” selling game of all time. And its safe to say that Blizzard Entertainment’s media hype didn’t let anyone down as this game remains one of the most popular.
Released in 2012, Diablo 3 leverages a bit newer style graphics than the predecessors on our list. You get to play a number of wild characters, including a Demon Hunter, a Monk, or a Witch Doctor.
This game is straight wicked at times featuring stunning, enigmatic style graphics that pop from your screen.
The scenery is always a bit on the dark, murky side of perception which makes the game play super immersive.
Grand Theft Auto V
Another installation from the Grand Theft Auto franchise, V is a 2013 adventure that wholly reflects the GTA hardcore vibe. In fact, the game was banned for a while, which tells you everything you need to know. It literally carries an XXX rating, that’s how hardcore it is.
Unlike others in the series, you’ll get to choose between first and third person perspectives. The content is intense, as mentioned. And moreover, it sold like hotcakes upon release to a tune of $1 billion. That’s insane, but a reflection of a franchise that continually rocks the boat with high-end content that often aligns with controversial themes.