Atif Qazi
Video games are known to provide entertainment and excitement, but sometimes they go far beyond by including humor.
From crude jokes to unintentionally hilarious glitches, the gaming world has its fair share of amusing moments.
Here are 20 such instances and mechanics that left us laughing, even if they weren’t always meant to be funny.
1. Portal’s GLaDOS and Her Dark Humor
The AI GLaDOS, from the Portal series, is a classical example of how to create one of the most likable antagonists in a gamer. Particularly, what sets her apart is her dark humor and passive-aggressive remarks that often have the players laughing.
Her sarcastic comments, insults, and sinister nature create an amusing atmosphere, making players chuckle while they solve puzzles.
2. The “Lemon Rant” in Portal 2
Cave Johnson, the founder of Aperture Science, delivers one of the most memorable moments in Portal 2 with his infamous “lemon rant.”
As players explore the Aperture Science facility, they come across pre-recorded messages from Cave Johnson, showcasing his eccentric personality.
The “lemon rant” stands out as a memorable moment when Johnson expresses his frustration with life’s challenges and his plan to “burn life’s house down” with combustible lemons.
Also Read: 10 Video Game Bosses That Were So Ridiculous, We Couldn’t Help But Love Them
3. Octodad: Dadliest Catch’s Ridiculous Physics
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is as absurd as its name sounds. You can almost imagine what a game with an “Octodad” would play like.
Players control an octopus disguised as a human father, attempting to navigate everyday life without exposing his true identity.
The game’s intentionally clumsy physics make even the simplest tasks comically challenging, resulting in a chaotic and lighthearted adventure that keeps players entertained and laughing throughout.
4. The Secret Cow Level in Diablo II
Diablo II features a secret level known as the “Cow Level,” which offers players a humorous departure from the game’s darker themes.
In this hidden realm, players face off against hordes of bipedal, weapon-wielding cows.
The absurdity of battling these fearsome bovines in a fantastical, alternate dimension brings an unexpected sense of humor.
5. Goat Simulator’s Absurdity
Goat Simulator (yes there is a simulator for a GOAT!) embraces its ridiculous nature by allowing players to cause chaos as an indestructible goat.
With absurd physics, deliberate glitches, and over-the-top scenarios, Goat Simulator has become a cult favorite for gamers seeking a good laugh and an escape from the more status-quo games.
The game encourages players to experiment and have fun, resulting in countless funny moments as they wreak havoc on unsuspecting NPCs and the environment.
6. Untitled Goose Game’s Mischievous Antics
In Untitled Goose Game, much the like the Goat Simulator, players control a goose that has a singular objective of wreaking chaos in a rather quant village.
The game’s charm and humor stem from the silly antics of the goose and the amusing reactions of the villagers.
Players can steal items, harass residents, and complete various objectives to spread chaos, all while enjoying the lighthearted and comical atmosphere of the game.
7. The Fart Button in South Park Games
The South Park Series as a whole is no strange to a very crude and dark sense of humor, particularly related to pop culture and current affairs.
So this list would be incomplete without the mentioning of events from the flagship games of the series.
Among the many humorous features of the game, is the dedicated fart button, which allows players to unleash a raging flatulence on command dealing damage to the enemy.
This simple, childish mechanic adds a layer of comic relief unlike any other, as players can deploy their gas-based abilities in various situations, from combat to interacting with NPCs.
8. Death Stranding’s Peeing Mechanics
Death Stranding incorporates an unusual and humorous mechanic where Sam can urinate on command.
This action not only allows players to create makeshift weapons against enemies but also results in the growth of helpful in-game resources.
The entire notion of weaponizing your pee in a game adds a lighthearted and quirky touch to the otherwise serious and atmospheric game.
9. The Curse of Monkey Island’s Insult Swordfighting
The Curse of Monkey Island features a unique gameplay element known as “insult sword-fighting,” which in my opinion is one of the most clever fighting mechanics ever to have graced my gaming journey.
This hilarious mechanic combines witty banter with traditional swashbuckling action. To win, players must engage in a battle of wits, exchanging clever insults and comebacks to defeat their opponents.
This humorous approach to combat makes every swordfight an entertaining experience, as players are challenged to think creatively and quickly to gain the upper hand through laughter and wit.
Also Read: Innovative Game Mechanics That Changed the Industry Forever
10. The Silly Dance Taunts in Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the games that transcended the gaming industry and became part of the pop culture.
One of the favorite gameplay mechanics that has made it a fan favorite is the variety of dance taunts that players can use to celebrate their victories or simply for fun.
These dance moves, ranging from iconic pop culture references to goofy original creations, add a lighthearted touch to the competitive gameplay.
11. The Intentional Glitches in Goat Simulator
In Goat Simulator, the developers intentionally left in numerous glitches, bugs, and absurd physics, creating a chaotic and hilarious experience for players.
As a goat, players can send objects flying, get stuck in improbable places, and perform ridiculous stunts, making the game a goldmine for unscripted humor.
12. Drunk Geralt in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Geralt isn’t a character who readily shows emotions, particularly comical emotions.
However in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players are treated to a humorous side quest called “A Night to Remember,” where Geralt gets drunk with his fellow witchers and then chaos ensues.
Throughout the quest, players witness Geralt engaging in ridiculous antics, such as donning women’s clothing or drunkenly attempting to use his Witcher senses.
This lighthearted detour from the main story provides players with a much-needed break from the game’s more serious themes and showcases a rarely seen, humorous side of Geralt.
13. Frustratingly Funny Mission in GTA: San Andreas
In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, there’s a notoriously frustrating mission called “Wrong Side of the Tracks.”
In this mission. the protagonist, CJ, must help his friend Big Smoke eliminate a rival gang on a train while riding a dirt bike. The mission’s difficulty would often lead many players to multiple failures and Big Smoke’s infamous line, “All we had to do was follow the damn train, CJ!”
This frustrating mission has become a humorous talking point among players, spawning memes and jokes about the iconic line.
14. The Sassy Claptrap in Borderlands Series
One of the most memorable characters of the Borderlands series is Claptrap, a small, one-wheeled robot known for its sassy and often sarcastic commentary.
Claptrap’s constant banter and amusing interactions with the player and other characters provide comic relief in the otherwise action-packed and intense gameplay.
One memorable example of Claptrap’s sassiness occurs during the first game’s introductory sequence. As Claptrap guides the players through the tutorial, it attempts to open a door with an eye scan.
However, the eye scan fails, causing Claptrap to exclaim, “Oh, come on! Let’s get down! Come on, everybody! Check me out; I’m dancing! I’m dancing!”
This cheesy encounter introduces the hilarious sassiness of Claptrap to the players.
15. Saint’s Row IV’s Dubstep Gun
In Saint’s Row IV, players can wield a variety of creative and over-the-top weapons. One such weapon is the Dubstep Gun, a firearm that shoots, you guessed it, blasts of dubstep music.
When fired, the gun causes targets to dance uncontrollably before ultimately being destroyed.
The surrounding environment also reacts to the music, with objects pulsating and lights flashing in time with the beat. The Dubstep Gun adds a layer of humor and absurdity to the game, making it a memorable and hilarious weapon for players to enjoy.
16. South Park: The Stick of Truth’s Alien Abduction
Being a game serious centered on comical absurdity, it is natural to mention several hilarious instances from this game series.
One iconic, bizarre, and of course memorable incident is the Alien Abduction scene in South Park: The Stick of Truth.
Here, the protagonist is captured by aliens and subjected to a series of humorous and uncomfortable experiments.
In true South Park fashion, the scene is filled with crude jokes and references, pushing the boundaries of what players might expect in a video game.
The alien abduction sequence stands out as a prime example of the game’s irreverent humor and commitment to capturing the essence of the TV show.
17. The Battle Against Princess Kenny in South Park: The Stick of Truth
South Park: The Stick of Truth is filled with numerous funny moments, and the battle against Princess Kenny is no exception.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenny dons a Japanese-style princess costume and becomes an antagonist.
The over-the-top anime-style transformation sequence, the catchy theme song, and the absurdity of the situation create a hilarious and unforgettable boss fight that leaves players laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.
18. Conker’s Bad Fur Day’s Great Mighty Poo:
Conker’s Bad Fur Day is no stranger to crude humor, and the encounter with The Great Mighty Poo is a testament to that.
As its name suggests, in this boss battle, you actually battle a pile of Poo. The Great Mighty Poo is a sentient pile of feces that resides in a mountain of excrement and has the powerful ability to launch balls of dung at Conker as he approaches.
To make matters even more absurd, this boss character serenades players with an operatic performance, belting out expletive-laden lyrics in between hurling projectiles.
Despite the hilarity of the encounter, The Great Mighty Poo’s defeat is inevitable. The ridiculousness of fighting against a singing pile of poo is a highlight of Conker’s Bad Fur Day and cements this boss battle as one of the game’s most memorable moments.
19. The Fallout Series’ Wild Wasteland Perk:
The Wild Wasteland perk in the Fallout series adds a collection of bizarre and humorous encounters to the game.
This optional trait introduces strange events and quirky pop culture references, such as a crashed UFO, a group of skeletons arranged in a Star Wars-inspired scene, and a refrigerator containing a fedora-wearing skeleton as an homage to Indiana Jones.
These Easter eggs and amusing surprises inject a healthy dose of humor into the post-apocalyptic wasteland, providing players with plenty of laughter.
20. The Adoring Fan in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the Adoring Fan is an overenthusiastic and hilariously annoying character who becomes a temporary follower of the player after they become the Grand Champion in the game’s arena.
His constant fawning, exaggerated expressions, and obnoxious dialogue make him a source of both annoyance and amusement, as players can’t help but laugh at his unwavering devotion and cluelessness.
Final Words
These are the 20 funny gaming moments/mechanics that I have found throughout my gaming journey.
Let me know if you agree or disagree. Better yet, let me know of other hilarious gaming moments to add to the list.
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