Humans have a fascination with death and the afterlife. One common way this is represented in media is a personification of death, a figure to interact with, such as a ghost or grim reaper. There are plenty of memorable grim reapers in movies, books, and games.
There are some iconic reapers in video games, such as in Dante's Inferno or Dragon's Dogma. However, in many games including those, grim reapers are either enemies or side characters. There are a few games out there that make reaping the main focus, in one form or another. Whether it be slashing through souls to catch them or working a 9 to 5 office job sorting out the dead, a grim reaper main character can add a fun flair to games about death.
7 Little Reaper
Little Reaper is a 3D indie action platformer. Players control Ollie, the Grim Reaper's small assistant who has to travel the world and collect the souls they accidentally released before Death gets home from their holiday.
The game consists of colorful and mysterious landscapes within Death's Domain to slash and dash around while reaping souls. Players can attack enemies with their scythe and throw the scythe to teleport for added movement while platforming. There are four levels, boss fights, and hidden collectibles for adventurers to uncover.
6 Death's Door
Death's Door is a 3D action-adventure RPG game that uses dark comedy to discuss somber topics. Players control a Crow who reaps souls as a job, but when a soul is stolen, the Crow must track down the thief and unravel the dark mysteries of the Doors. This brings the players to a realm untouched by death and filled with creatures overflowing with greed and power. The world is full of many secrets, interesting characters, and twisted tyrants.
Players can use melee weapons, ranged attacks, and magic to fight beasts and demigods. Stats are customizable and there are abilities and upgrades to unlock. These are useful because while victory is rewarded, mistakes are also punished.
5 Rogue Reaper
Rogue Reaper is an indie action-adventure game focused on parkour. It takes place during the Dark Ages when the plague is running rampant. The player controls the Grim Reaper's daughter who is helping to fight off the plague and its cause so her father has less work managing souls. Players must use their scythe and telekinetic abilities to fight manifestations of the plague.
Players can jump, wall run, and dash around roads and towns, using mobility to get the advantage when attacking enemies. However, players have limited energy, so they must use strategy to succeed. The areas consist of moving objects, obstacles, and enemies. There are abilities to invest in that allow the player to specialize in different gameplay styles.
4 Grim Fandango
Grim Fandango is a story-based point & click adventure game based around the Mexican afterlife with elements of film noir. Players control Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the Department of Death. He sells eternal rest packages to souls, but there is a conspiracy that forces Manny to try to save the virtuous Meche Colomar on her four-year journey. The game focuses on the Day of the Dead.
Players must collect objects, interact with scenery and characters, and solve puzzles to progress the game. Inventory is accessed uniquely by Manny pulling items out of his jacket, and there are plenty of engaging dialog options to give hints and insight into puzzles. The player cannot die and there are even humorous cutscenes to watch.
3 Death And Taxes
Death and Taxes is a 2D indie narrative-based game. Players control a grim reaper who works an office job sorting papers to decide who lives or dies. Strategy is needed because every choice has consequences that affect the world and the game's ending. Players can stop plots to destroy the world or follow Death's orders and make their way up to middle management. With multiple secret endings, the game encourages being played multiple times.
From paperwork, talking to the boss, and decorating the desk, this game offers tons of humorous office elements to add lightheartedness to the serious topic of death. There are options for upgrades to make the job more interesting. Players can customize the Grim Reaper's appearance, enjoy elevator music, and even pet the cat.
2 Peace, Death!
Peace, Death! is an indie arcade simulator with pixel art. Players control a grim reaper going through a trial period sorting souls for Death. Depending on characters' traits, dialog, and hidden features, they can be sent to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. The choices players make determine the game's ending.
There are unique events every week called catastrophes that force players to be pressed for time, from bear influenza outbreaks to safes with smuggled goods. At the end of each week, there's a themed day with special spirits and unique music. The game includes memes, funny character dialog, tasks for specific Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and more.
1 Have A Nice Death
Have a Nice Death is a 2D action roguelike platformer. Players control an overworked Death who must restore order to Death Incorporated by taking control of employees and souls alike. The game offers many dark, procedurally-generated departments for players to explore while enjoying fast-paced combat against minions and bosses. There are over thirty unique weapons and spells to acquire, with upgrades to make them even more destructive.
There are tons of unique office and afterlife elements, such as getting a curse upgrade for Death, but accidentally summoning the Labor Inspector. Many diverse characters are willing to share office gossip, such as Death's pumpkin-headed assistant. Death can't die which adds lore to the roguelike element of Have a Nice Death. At the end of each attempt, players get a performance review that unlocks new items and upgrades for future runs.