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Warning! Content Includes Profane Language
As video games continue to move into cinematic territory, part of what builds the experience is scripted dialogue, which in some cases use far more colorful language than others. While T-rated games can get away with a few three-letter words, M-rated games go the extra mile by slipping in as many f-bombs and other four-letter words as development allows. Take a look at some of the most verbally explicit titles in gaming.
Manhunt
Nothing gets parents and lobbyists more up in arms than games like Manhunt. This fine title encourages players to stealthily kill in the most gruesome fashion possible. Though a critical success, the game’s harsh violence and language got the game banned across several countries. Typical Rockstar. Tons of use of the f-word is spread across the game, even in graffiti. In one of the earliest sections of the game the first thing you’ll see is a graffiti message on a wall prompting you to “Kill this dumb f***” with an arrow pointing in your victim’s direction.
Yakuza
The Yakuza series has gotten an overwhelmingly positive reception in Japan for giving players a story-driven taste of what it’s like to engage with Tokyo’s seedy underbelly. If part of your job is to play as a character who has to take down countless thugs, a fair share of in-game insults come along with it. The English version of Yakuza featured liberal use of b**** and f*** with a character even being named Punk A**Abe.
Killer7
This action-adventure game created by Suda51 and Shinji Mikami had a killer art style, unique control scheme, and noir storyline. On the other hand, activists criticized Killer7 for having “full-blown sex sequences” and use of the f-word. Still, the game gained enough of a cult following to help sprout No More Heroes.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day
Bad Fur Day was the day Conker left behind kid-friendly titles for something a little more brash. This N64 game is filled with sexual themes, graphic violence, and dialogue that remained largely uncensored as Nintendo wanted to move in a more hardcore direction. Mission accomplished. Who could forget The Great Mighty Poo sequence?
Kane & Lynch
Between the two, Lynch by far has the more diverse vocabulary over his partner. Known to be more aggressive and impulsive among the pair, it’s also not uncommon for him to speak freely, “I'm so sick of you and your f***ing rules! Lynch, do this, Lynch do that, Lynch stop murdering the hostages!”
Page 2 reveals the most verbally explicit game of all time...
Postal Series
Cited as one of the most violent and controversial games of all time, the original Postal has definitely left its mark on the gaming industry as players are tasked to fill everyone with lead and create as much anarchy as possible ultimately living out the fantasy of a homicidal maniac. As you would expect, the team at Running With Scissors pushed their limits with violence and foul language. “Hey, I'm just trying to exercise my second amendment rights here ya f***in' Communist!” Postal Dude is quite the poet.
GTA Series
It’s no surprise GTA has made its way onto this list so no real need of an explanation here. With each new entry Rockstar creates a world populated with potty mouthed residents. Whether its coming from a mob boss, radio personality, or a stray pedestrian your ears are always subject to an expletive. There’s especially no shortage of four-letter words in Liberty City.
House of the Dead: Overkill
When Overkill launched on Wii it broke an impressive record in the Guinness World Records for most swearing in a video game, with 189 uses of the word “f***” in the course of three hours of dialogue. This clocks it in at more than one f*** per minute, and makes up three percent of all words spoken. Impressive for a Wii-exclusive game. However, it has been dethroned by our next entry...
Mafia II
Mafia II now takes the Guinness World Record for most swearing in a video game with the mob game surpassing Overkill’s 189 offenses. A Guinness rep confirms there are more than 200 uses of the word “f***.” The official tally will be on record once the Guinness 2011 Gamer’s Edition hits shelves in January. Achievement Hunters put together this fun little montage video featuring all the uses of this versatile four-letter word in Mafia II.
All Games That Allow You To Name Your Characters
Go from an E-rated game to an M-rated one in no time flat with character name entry. We’ve all done it. I’ve had a ton of inappropriately named Pokémon in my past. Once the names are inserted into the game’s dialogue it’s a comedy goldmine.
What games did we miss? Chime in below.
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