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The Parody tag refers to a genre of games that satirize, poke fun at, or exaggerate elements of other games, genres, pop culture references, or real-world events. Parody games often employ humor and wit to provide a playful and comedic take on their subject matter.

In parody games, developers use clever and often humorous elements to mimic or imitate various aspects of the target they are parodying. This can include gameplay mechanics, visual style, character design, storylines and narratives. Parody games are known for their tongue-in-cheek approach and frequently blur the lines between serious gameplay mechanics and comedic elements.

While parody can be found in many different genres of games such as RPGs or platformers, some titles specifically embrace the parody genre as their central focus. These include:

• Epic Battle Fantasy 5 Developed by Matt Roszak; this role-playing game parodies traditional RPGs by playfully subverting genre conventions through humorous characters and dialogue. It also includes nods and references to well-known franchises within the RPG genre.
• The Looker This indie puzzle game lovingly parodies The Witness, a critically acclaimed puzzle adventure game. The Looker imitates the visual style of The Witness while introducing intentionally unconventional puzzles that subvert player expectations for comedic effect.
• Saints Row IV Developed by Volition; this action-adventure game is known for its over-the-top parody of open-world crime games like Grand Theft Auto. It playfully exaggerates common tropes within the genre by presenting an outrageous story filled with outlandish weapons, superhuman abilities, and humorous missions.

The purpose behind creating parody games is often multifaceted. Developers may aim to entertain players through humor while also providing commentary on the subjects being parodied. They can serve to shed light on societal issues, criticize trends in the industry or popular culture, and offer a refreshing take on well-established gaming conventions.

Parody games provide players with a unique and often comedic experience that combines elements of familiarity and satire. The genre allows them to engage in gameplay that simultaneously pays homage to or pokes fun at other games or cultural references they may be familiar with. Parody games are an opportunity for developers to showcase their creativity while providing players with an entertaining and occasionally thought-provoking experience.

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