When I say forced or set up I don't mean any scripted sequence at all can't be depressing for me.Zhukov said:Well, I did have some suggestions, but after reading your OP I don't think any of them are what you're after.
Insurgency is basically the same as any other shooter with a low time-to-kill. So you shouldn't have any trouble finding similar games.
Have you played Day Z? That sounds like what you're describing, so long as you're willing to spend 99% of your time scavenging and hiking and the other 1% in intense high-stakes gunfights.
With Spec Ops there is no way to avoid the "dreaded" white phosphorous scene. I saw it coming from a mile away and it had no impact on me.
This War of Mine would be good if not for the incredibly repetitive gameplay and the fact that everything in the game that makes you feel even remotely sad was preordained.
Games that actually stuck with me this way would be...
Call of Duty 1's Russian missions.
Though scripted, it was incredibly immersive and terrifying and bleak at the time.
I got anxious after playing Rust just because of the constant stress that you might be followed and shot. Gun fights weren't fun in that game, they were terrifying and high stakes due to Rust's loot system.
Those two are the ones that stand out for me the most. It isn't just the low hits-to-kill, its a combination of factors in the games.
Insurgency started this search for me because it wasn't even trying to be impactful. It was just a semi-realistic shooter.
I hope this gives you a better idea of what games I'm after.
BTW, PC only please.