Japanese video gaming giant Capcom has long been lauded for putting out games that go far beyond mere surface-level entertainment. Many of their finest blockbusters over the years have successfully instilled a variety of philosophical themes into their plots.

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Such games often force a surprising level of introspection out of their players on hard-hitting subject matter revolving around human nature, moral dilemmas, ethical limits, and societal norms. Characters are frequently handed profoundly difficult decisions to make, exploring ideas of good vs. evil, identity, and redemption among others. Capcom's commitment to thought-provoking gaming has led to a select few standouts among the rest.

5 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies Is A Layered Look At Truth And Justice

Metascore: 81

The fifth installment in the visual novel game series has a whole host of philosophical conundrums for players to consider. First released back in 2013, the game focuses on a legal system besieged by corruption and falsified evidence.

This challenging premise provides ample room for Dual Destinies to delve into complex themes such as justice, the objective nature of truth, and the frustrating subjectivity of personal perception. The tense courtroom setting demands players dissect testimonies, scrutinize evidence, and expose lies, thrusting them into challenging investigations and dilemmas along the way. The game masterfully explores how completely the truth can be manipulated and pushes players to ultimately question what justice truly is. Underneath its fun, colorful surface, Dual Destinies provides a profound exploration of perception, legal ethics, and the pursuit of truth.

4 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard Is A Brutal ThrillerThat Looks At The Ethical Horrors Of Human Experimentation

Metascore: 86

This 2017 chapter in the iconic survival horror series saw a return to the old school chills of the earlier games in lieu of more action-oriented later entries. Players take control of Ethan Winters as he embarks upon an ominous search for his long-missing wife.

Despite its stripped back setting and style compared to some of its more spectacle-laden predecessors, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard managed to surprise players with challenging moral and ethical dilemmas. Themes of familial loyalty, horrific human experimentation, and sacrifice bolster the plot and the game's suitably unnerving tone and atmosphere throughout. In Ethan, players get a look at unconditional love and selflessness in the face of all-out terror, as he goes above and beyond to save his wife, despite the grim reality of her situation. As body horror and bioweaponry take hold of the narrative and gameplay, the ethical bounds of technology and experimentation are brought to the surface. All in all, the game manages to invoke both fear and philosophical debate before the end credits roll.

3 Devil May Cry 5 Is An Impressive Action Spectacle With Philosophical Depth

Metascore: 87

This 2019 chapter in the all-action demon-fighting series saw the franchise in suitable, hack-and-slash form. Praised for its thrilling, immersive combat system, the game also has a lot to offer on the thematic front.

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Underneath the intense combat, Devil May Cry 5 delves deep into philosophical topics such as identity and self-discovery through Dante, Nero, and V, its three protagonists. Its epic emphasis on conflict between good and evil at both the individual and societal levels provides room to challenge these classical ideas, whilst also tackling more introspective themes. Redemption and personal demons also prove key in the game's characters and development, adding a surprisingly personal edge to the thrilling gameplay. Suitably apocalyptic, Devil May Cry 5's meditations on the perils of conflict and inner turmoil make it one of the beloved series' high points.

2 Monster Hunter World Is A Thoughtful Look At Hunting And Survival

Metascore: 90

The 2018 entry in the long-running action series impressed players and critics alike with its blend of effective storytelling, hard-hitting action, and wild monster designs. Serving as the fifth chapter in the main series, Monster Hunter: World quickly proved to be an unexpectedly thought-provoking romp.

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The game succeeds admirably in navigating the heady philosophy of dangerously balancing the advancement of civilization with the capacity to respect nature. In turn, it succeeds in confronting players with the tough consideration of how their in-game actions can negatively impact the ecosystem as they go to war with a variety of enormous beasts. Core themes of evolution, survival, and the precarious state of human impact on animal habitats allow the game's action to open up a gateway to challenging environmental and existential philosophies. Overall, Monster Hunter: World impresses as a neat cocktail of compelling gameplay and unexpected philosophical dimensions.

1 Ōkami Is A Powerful Piece Of Mythological Gaming

Metascore: 93

First lighting up the gaming world back in April 2006, Ōkami quickly established itself as a supreme example of high art in the video game medium. Providing players with a rich, complex, visually stunning world immersed in traditional Japanese mythology, the game has enjoyed a passionate cult following in the years since its release.

The game's complex themes embrace principles from spiritual ideologies such as Shinto and Buddhism, highlighting the importance of harmony and nature in the process. Additional thoughtful looks at themes of mortality and the grim struggle to maintain moral purity in the face of an increasingly corrupt world lend further to Ōkami's powerful narrative. Players take control of the titular sun goddess, now tasked with restoring vitality to a damaged world in need of both rebirth and redemption. Overall, with its profound storyline, deep symbolism, gorgeous art style, and immersive gameplay, Ōkami is one of Capcom's most philosophically rich and challenging efforts.

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