The 8 Most Gruesome Video Games of All Time

Long gone are the days of nonviolent video games where the object of the game isn't to kill as many people as you can. Thanks to the advancements in video game technology and design, the games have only gotten gorier year after year. Although the connection between video games and violent tendencies in youth is an ongoing debate that may never be proven, we can't help but wonder if these eight gruesome video games should be the first to blame.

1. Manhunt

   Manhunt may just be the scariest and most gruesome video game out there. The incredibly controversial stealth horror game follows death-row inmate, James Earl Cash, as he sneaks around committing the most sadistic crimes imaginable. From gory decapitations, bashed in skulls, and police officer beat-downs, Manhunt takes the cake for disturbing and unnecessarily violent video games.

2. God of War

   God of War is an action-adventure video game that follows a Greek mythology character Kratos as he embarks on adventures that always involve some sort of bloody battle. One swing of Kratos' Blades of Chaos and you've got a slashed up enemy. The gruesome fights and gory cinematics are enough to give any adult nightmares.

3. Thrill Kill

   Maybe it's the fact that you're playing a deviant from hell or maybe it's all the killings you have to commit, but Thrill Kill is definitely a game you feel bad playing. Killing is the name of the game. You even have a "kill meter" instead of a standard life bar and anything goes in Thrill Kill, including brutal dismemberments, mutilation, and weapons you've never seen before. This gruesome game was later cancelled and released online, but continues to be a popular fighting game.

4. Gears of War

   The military science fiction video game Gears of War might be a cinematic masterpiece, but that only means blood and gore are just that much more graphic. It's perfectly normal to have blood splattered on your screen as you chainsaw someone in half or blow their limbs away with an assault rifle. This game is definitely not for the weak-stomached.

5. Postal

   Postal and its sequel Postal 2 are incredibly violent video games that allows the player to take on the role of "The Postal Dude." This character is given several mundane tasks to accomplish and it's up to him if he wants to do it in a civil or non-civil way. Those who choose the latter can toss grenades, hit people with anthrax-infested cow heads, and dismember victims in more ways than you can imagine.

6. The Punisher

   While The Punisher video game is not as gruesome as its movie of the same name, but by no means is it for the faint of heart. The Punisher is based on the anti-hero's adventures and run-ins with petty criminals. With his wide range of firearms, there's no telling what The Punisher won't do. In fact, the on-screen executions are so violent that the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) required that they be partially censored.

7. Mad World

   Mad World takes gore to a whole other level of nauseating. This game lets players skewer their opponents with lampposts, throw darts at their bodies, and dispose of them in a meat grinder. Mad World is a sick game and those who play it better sleep with one eye open at night.

8. Mortal Kombat

   This popular series of fighting games is by far one of the most violent in video game history. Since its release in 1992, parents have been up in arms over the gratuitous violence and disturbing images. The more recent editions of the series, such as Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks and Mortal Kombat: Deception have brought a whole new level of grossness to the game. The fights are bloodier and very painful to watch, especially when enemies are sawed up and dismembered.

Taken From Online Certificate Programs