"Blursed" is just one of many intriguing words to originate in modern times. A portmanteau of "blessed" and "cursed," it seems inherently antithetical. The idea of something being both blessed and cursed is odd, but the internet has provided enough examples for this term to be way more fitting than anyone could have assumed. The term is often used to describe things that are charming or comforting ("blessed"), yet unsettling or bizarre ("cursed") at the same time.
This is true in the realm of video games, too, especially when it comes to indie titles that don't have to play it safe. Despite seeming safe and charming, there's something cursed lurking in the background of these games that is horrifying to uncover in the right circumstances.
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Undertale
The Pacifist Route Is Heartwarming, But The Genocide Route Is Terrifying
Undertale
- Released
- September 15, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Undertale is one of the greatest indie games of all time, becoming a massive sensation and turning Toby Fox into a household name back in 2015. The Neutral and Pacifist Routes had a few disturbing moments, but the game was generally upbeat and wasn't too overbearing, even when things got emotional.
However, things are completely different in the Genocide Route, where everyone in the game starts fearing the protagonist. The music slows down, towns are empty, bosses are harder, and things become spookier. The final boss fight against Sans and Chara's reveal makes it clear that Undertale is far from a jovial game, with the route being so cursed that even the regular endings are affected on later playthroughs.
Omori
Despite The Cute Aesthetic, There's Something Horrifying Under The Surface
OMORI
- Released
- December 25, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Omori is an excellent indie RPG that fans of EarthBound will love. The charming aesthetics of this game are captivating in their own right, but it's clear that there's something horrifying brewing under the surface of this psychological horror RPG.
As Sunny's trauma is slowly uncovered, fans strap themselves in for a ride of a lifetime that is full of charming and eerie moments. Omori's blursed nature is a huge part of what makes this game so special. Headspace may seem like an escape full of cheerful moments, but SOMETHING's ominous presence, coupled with the disturbing scenes that explore Sunny's darkest thoughts, means that players will never feel truly safe or secure in Omori.
Slay The Princess
A Twisted Take On A Classic Fantasy Trope
Slay the Princess
- Released
- October 23, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
As eerie as Slay the Princess may be, it's way more heartfelt than players give it credit for. This isn't apparent early on, especially with players finding themselves in what seems like a traditional quest to find a princess, only for things to get twisted in no time.
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The horrifying visuals and the cosmic horror of this game reach new heights as players slowly piece the story together. This leads to an incredible reveal and a memorable finale that can end on a surprisingly happy note...or a horrifying one, based on the player's choices.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
What Seems Like A Dating Sim Turns Into Something Else Entirely
Doki Doki Literature Club!
- Released
- September 22, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel, Horror
Doki Doki Literature Club! Became viral because of its blursed nature. The game seems like a run-of-the-mill dating sim, only for the visual novel to go down an incredibly dark route in no time. The content warnings of this title should be taken seriously, since some of the events in DDLC can be a bit hard to swallow for some.
The meta storytelling slowly rears its head while the main characters reveal a disturbing side to them that is hard to fathom. Still, the game features some genuine emotional moments between the characters. And under all the horrifying events taking place in this visual novel, there is a ray of hope that players must cling to if they wish to reach the ending.
MiSide
A Unique Horror Game That Traps Players With Its Cuteness
MiSide
- Released
- December 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Horror, First-Person, Simulation
MiSide is yet another game that takes a cute aesthetic and adds a dark edge to it. Players interact with a virtual AI girlfriend, only for things to get way more real than anyone could have expected.
Seeing Mita's different sides as the player's curiosity gets the better of them makes for a harrowing sight and shows a dark side to what presented itself as a nice, simple game. This duality is what helped MiSide become one of 2025's most viral horror games.
Needy Streamer Overload
A Streamer With Some Issues Who Can Go Down A Dark Route
Needy Streamer Overload
- Released
- January 21, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature: Blood, Use Of Drugs, Violence, Strong Language, Sexual Themes
- Genre(s)
- Visual Novel, Simulation
At the heart of it, Needy Streamer Overload sees Ame being guided by her manager to become an online sensation. She starts with humble numbers before eventually figuring out new content ideas for her stream and attracting a bigger fanbase.
Based on the player's actions, Ame can meet one of several fates. Some of these are relatively tame and hopeful, while others can be rather dark. Players will become aware of these if Ame does too many drugs or lets her mental state fall dangerously low. The content warnings of this title should be taken seriously, especially since some of the game's events can go down a very disturbing route.
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