Is This A Joke? Top Games That Played The Player!

Creators normally have a clear starting and ending point when developing a game. Because of this regular formula, gamers also orient themselves to this structure, with the occasional plot twists here and there. Because of this normalized structure, gamers find themselves oddly pleased and annoyed when developers add an extra twist of tomfoolery and mockery to how they interact with their creations. It breaks the 4th wall, calls you out, and outrights teases you; it’s fun and unexpected, which is why they become iconic in their own sly way. In light of this, we will list the top games that turned the tables and played with the player! 

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Easy? Are you a chicken?

Hideo Kojima’s iconic “Metal Gear” series is first up on this list. With its Phantom Pain edition, the developers poke fun at players who seem to struggle with certain missions. When they repeatedly fail a mission, the developers grant the player the option to equip a chicken hat that drastically aids them in their attempt. Not only does it look great, it actively has a feature that allows your enemies to laugh at you and feign ignorance so you can sneak on by. 

From Steam Community Official Website

It’s a playful jab at players who are new to the series and require “aid” to master the unique mechanics the franchise offers—plus, it’s lighthearted! 

The Stanley Parable
This is the worst adventure I’ve ever been on

When it comes to games that toy with players' expectations and, at the same time, have expectations of you, one good example is “The Stanley Parable.” It starts simply: players take on the role of Stanley, your regular office worker, but the kick is that he has a sarcastic and omniscient narrator who talks about his every move. 

From Steam Official Website 

You can play this enjoyable game the “right” way just to see how it rolls out, but the game only truly shines when the player screws with the narrator’s script. This leads you to a humorous playthrough filled with events and absurd sequences. So whether it’s defying orders, wandering off the right path, or heck, standing still, “The Stanley Parable” is developed to poke fun at whatever the player dares to think about. 

Detroit: Become Human
Just kidding

This is one of my personal faves as it displaces players in a complex narrative between androids and humans and how they are aware of their own identity. Despite this game rollercoaster, the developers had a little fun with the AI Chloe, which you can see on the main menu. During a certain pivotal moment in the game, Chloe greets the player when they are about to continue, stating that their saved file has been corrupted, following a cute smile. Some gamers have shared that this was the dialogue they got after their game abruptly crashed, making it feel more natural. 

From Steam Community Official Website

Of course, it's all part of the game's clever ruse, serving as a tongue-in-cheek reminder that nothing is quite as it seems in the world of "Detroit: Become Human."

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