10 Games That Punish You For Being The Good Guy

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Video games today are crafted with intricate narratives that rival traditional storytelling. These tales often possess numerous dimensions, reflecting a higher level of care and detail from the game’s designers.

Transitioning from simple stories focused on rescuing princesses with little backstory, to complex narratives filled with numerous characters and intricate plots is one of the most remarkable evolutions in storytelling. This shift has resulted in a series of memorable journeys that linger in our minds.

Video games are more and more exploring their limitless storytelling opportunities, leading to many narratives that challenge us to ponder the ethics of our choices.

Instead, some games aim to emphasize their narrative theme via gameplay mechanics, as demonstrated by these ten titles that penalize you for acting as a noble character.

10.
Disco Elysium

Morality is Complexity

Unlike many other video games, Disco Elysium focuses more on shaping the player’s psychological state rather than portraying the environmental effects of their actions.

As we make choices that impact characters such as Kim or Cuno, it’s essential to remember that the one who feels the most significant influence of these decisions is the main character, and ultimately, it’s the player who experiences this impact directly.

In this remarkable indie film, being a good person isn’t just about choosing the correct path; it’s more about acknowledging our past errors and striving for reconciliation in the present.

The issue lies in the fact that the process reveals our hidden, perhaps shadowy, side as humans. This detective, though, has proven to be an enigmatic character, and delving into his history can at times be challenging.

In Disco Elysium, there are no consequences for this action, making it stand out among other games. What makes it even more notable is its unique exploration of morality within the game, which is a refreshing aspect worth discussing. Given its exceptional quality as a point-and-click adventure, this feature adds to its overall appeal.

9.
Bloodborne

There Are No Good Endings in Yharnam

Despite the fact that the stories in FromSoftware’s games are frequently complex and not always easy to decipher, the connections we form with the characters in Bloodborne suggest a clear truth.

As we meet each new character in Yharnam, it becomes apparent that very few encounters result in anything positive, since most of them eventually face a destiny more dire than you can possibly imagine.

In your perspective, it might seem justifiable to safeguard them from danger by relocating them to a sanctuary, or even saving them outright from certain death. However, in our current reality, death may not always be the most dreadful outcome.

In Bloodborne, it often seems like the game penalizes you for making moral choices, suggesting that contented resolutions abandoned Yharnam a long time ago. This harsh approach effectively sets the game’s ominous tone, yet there appears to be no recognition or compensation for players who choose to act altruistically.

8.
BioShock

Addictive Substances and Enhancements

BioShock’s method of decision-making, which bears a strong resemblance to navigating corporate existence, offers an intriguing perspective, though it may not be the most complex moral system ever devised.

In a world where survival is crucial, tracking the villains’ path and harvesting the Little Sisters’ ADAM provides immense strength, making the entire game less challenging and even more enjoyable.

Conversely, should you choose to save them, you’ll find yourself losing some of your power. This means you must exercise greater care when allocating your assets.

For me, who struggles with FPS games, being the good guy often resulted in numerous respawns using the Vita-Chambers.

This sentence maintains the original meaning while sounding more conversational and easier to read.

7.
Infamous

Ambition is Irresistible

After experiencing Infamous on both good and evil paths, I’ve often found that choosing malicious actions leads to a more engaging and enjoyable gaming experience.

Instead of finding enjoyment in the strategic and careful aspect of sparing innocent people during conflict, there is nothing comparable to the raw excitement of becoming an instrument of widespread destruction.

In games similar to Prototype, the heart of the experience is found in the thrill of an unbridled power fantasy. And while playing as a hero can be appealing, it restricts you from fully exploring the title’s most captivating feature – the unrestricted power and chaos that comes with it.

It’s worth noting that this perspective might differ among players, but for me, choosing the ‘good guy’ option in Infamous may provide a more fulfilling narrative, yet the gameplay mechanics seem less engaging compared to playing as the ‘bad guy’.

6.
This War of Mine

The Hardest Thing About Surviving

In a video game, it’s straightforward to act as a good character if you can manage the repercussions. However, the scenario in This War of Mine takes a different turn because here, dealing with the consequences is exceptionally challenging.

In simpler terms, this game symbolizes survival on a micro level, demonstrating how even moral principles can be overridden when faced with extreme circumstances, where a select group of characters must perform extraordinary acts just to keep existing amidst intense, life-or-death scenarios.

Similar games evoke similar emotions, but what sets This War of Mine apart is its granular focus on individuals with their own names and backstories. This level of detail makes the game feel particularly resonant and challenging to endure.

Eventually, there is a moment when, as I initially mentioned, one can endure the compromises of being virtuous, but the system may falter slightly. Yet, prior to reaching that juncture, it proves challenging to remain ethical without resorting to unscrupulous behavior in order to continue functioning effectively.

5.
Darkest Dungeon

Dehumanization Made Roguelike

Discussing being a virtuous character in Darkest Dungeon seems rather odd, given that the game’s setting appears to be one where ethical principles seem irrelevant or absent.

In numerous aspects, this impressive roguelike strives to achieve a lot with minimal resources; however, justifying mechanical choices sometimes results in actions that it’s hard to view as morally sound.

If you prioritize the welfare of your game characters and strive to provide them with a fulfilling existence given the game’s limitations, it is unlikely that you will be able to win the game.

Every decision seems to demand unyielding resolve, yet the emphasis on character mental states within the gameplay causes you to question your choices.

In the challenging world of Darkest Dungeon, being a virtuous character may not lead to success due to the game’s steep difficulty increases. To excel in this game, one often needs to adopt strategies that might seem less than virtuous, which can be quite a harsh trade-off.

4.
Sundered

Resisting the Urge for Power

In the world of video games, titles that combine Metroidvania-style exploration with decision-making arenas are relatively scarce. This scarcity makes the innovative approach taken by Sundered all the more remarkable.

You can choose to align with a supernatural force in this game, gaining power by collecting shards hidden across the map. This decision significantly affects the toughness of the game’s boss battles.

If you choose not to comply with this entity, the difficulty level of Sundered’s test escalates exponentially, pushing hard to make you consider aligning yourself with evil as a means to acquire combat-enhancing skills.

As I dive into this game, the seamless fusion of gameplay and storyline immerses me so deeply that it feels like I’m personally grappling with the challenges posed by entities from dimensions beyond my grasp, who outmatch me at every turn.

In the captivating world of Sundered, I find that choosing the path of good may bestow new abilities upon me, yet they are galaxies apart from those acquired by embracing evil. It’s evident that the forces of good bear a heavier toll in this game.

3.
Frostpunk

The End Justifies the Means

Like the style of Darkest Dungeon, Frostpunk is a game where each choice you make seems like the most challenging decision on earth.

Should we welcome refugees, possibly encountering health challenges along the way, or impose restrictions to focus more on our productive tasks, knowing that some may face hardship?

In Frostpunk, the questions it presents are intricate at all levels, immersing you in a situation where survival becomes the only understanding of morality available to you.

Playing Frostpunk made me confront an aspect of humanity I didn’t want to acknowledge, which is why it’s so remarkable.” This version maintains the original sentiment while making it more accessible and engaging for readers.

2.
Vampyr

Being Good Is Difficult

The game “Vampyr” emphasizes both its storyline and gameplay equally, meaning the choices we make during the campaign have an impact on both aspects.

If we let our main character embrace the vampire abilities he’s been given, it will significantly boost our power, but the plot will start taking some incredibly sad and unbelievable twists.

Instead, if we choose to disregard any supernatural aspects and instead focus on the human qualities of our character Dr. Reid, the overall narrative and its characters will have a much more favorable outcome, but the challenges faced in confrontations will be immense and formidable.

In these specific scenarios, the level of complexity doesn’t typically vary significantly, but the game “Vampyr” doesn’t shy away from ramping up the difficulty when it can amplify the narrative it aims to convey in its storyline.

On the other hand, doing what’s right often requires a significant sacrifice, and this game is no exception – the price tag is quite steep. The game challenges your moral compass, pushing you to decide whether, like the protagonist, you will hold firm against temptation or yield to necessity. This makes for a deeply engaging and immersive experience.

1.
Papers, Please

The Homeland or the Family?

The game “Papers, Please” stands out as an exceptional independent title, demonstrating great creativity within minimal resources. Its brilliance stems from its uncomplicated design and meticulous execution.

In simple terms, the title places you in a predicament where you’re compelled to take questionable moral actions, all for the sake of ensuring your family’s survival.

In the game “Papers, Please“, everyday decisions are often challenging, as they involve moral dilemmas such as taking bribes, allowing those in need to cross the border at the risk of losing your job, or associating with corrupt officials just to survive financially. Each day is a struggle.

Although it lacks characters or narratives to evoke emotional responses, this game effectively portrays the sensation of existence under oppressive, autocratic rule.

If you are someone who is kind-hearted, diligent in your work, obedient to the law, and compassionate towards others’ unique predicaments, you might encounter an unexpected visit from Arstotzka, an event that you will likely remember vividly for quite some time.

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2025-05-14 20:27