10 excellent games you would be embarrassed to play around non-gamers

In the universe of gaming, one thing is certain, not every game is created equal, especially in the view of the uninitiated. Some have pioneered the essence of design and storytelling; yet others will have you fumbling for the pause button and excuses when caught mid-game. Here are 10 games you may very well be proud of playing, but only behind closed doors.

1. Tomb Raider

Ara Croft's reboot aimed to redefine the character as a serious and gritty survivor. What we received, however, was a wonderful action-adventure, largely resembling a really late-night adult film. The problem? Each scream uttered by Lara following a climb, fall, or blow definitely does not go well in shared company-and not everyone would enjoy witnessing your outburst.


2. Yakuza Series

Yakuza is half an undergoing crime drama and half a fever dream. One moment you are doing battle in the underworld, the next you are in a rhythm game or watching women in bug outfits catfight. The tonal whiplash is both the charm and reason for only using headphones.

3. Stellar Blade

It is fast and showy, but Eve's outfit comes off with revealing suit-like levels of jiggly physics that would have felt dated ten years ago. Underneath the cheesecake, there is a good game, but once they unlock Eve's "suit," judgmental side eyes, even from fellow gamers, will erupt.

4. Dragon's Crown

The Sorceress in particular provides an anatomy lesson on the over-exaggerated side of things. You'll be embarrassed just selecting characters. And while it's an entertaining game, your rational defense for playing is about to die when anyone walks into the room and asks you just what you are playing.

5. Life Is Strange

For all its emotional depth and social commentary, "Life Is Strange" bears some of the most excruciating dialogue in gaming. Sure, it tugs on your heartstrings; now try explaining to someone why you're crying over a high-school-breakup simulator rather than merely shutting your console off.


6. Bayonetta Series
Bayonetta is powerful, witty, but unapologetically odd. Clothes made of hair-letting the hair fly off during combat to summon demons-have got some feminists applauding, others crying "exploitative," while folks walking in at the wrong time will ensure a "damn, what are you playing?"

7. Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The story is epic, the world is wide, and the characters are they hard to ignore. Pyra could break your heart. This fantastic RPG is almost unplayable in public, seeing its characters as if they've been lifted from a fan-service sketchbook.

8. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

A mute assassin who "breathes through her skin" and looks good in strands of clothing pieces. The genius hiding behind stealth gameplay in a Kojima production is often questioned with thick jokes about why on earth your sniper comrade has to be dressed in almost odd dress while committing to warfare.

9. Dead or Alive: Xtreme Beach Volleyball

It is a vacation simulator for those who have never left childhood. Physics that provide a bouncing effect are probably better than the actual game mechanics. This is not something you play; you just keep it hidden beneath a pile of more respectable titles.


10. Final Fantasy X-2The sequel to one of the most cherished RPGs in history starts with a J-pop concert and never looks back. Dress spheres, awkward massage minigames, and never-ending "girl power" energy make this one a guilty pleasure even amongst die-hard fans.

Not all embarrassment is bad. Some of these defy conventions while others embrace irreverence. One thing for certain, if you're popping any of these on, be sure to lock the door and lower the volume. Because sometimes the cringe is just too loud to ignore, no matter how deep or brilliant the game.