RPGs Where You’re Treated Like the Monster

Typically, role-playing game heroes are portrayed as relatable people – they might begin as commoners or even nobles who learn humility. This established pattern holds true for most games, but there are some notable exceptions, both from Eastern and Western developers.

I’ve always loved RPGs, but it’s so refreshing to play as characters who aren’t the chosen ones for once! These heroes are basically treated like everyone else, and honestly, it’s a blast. I’m tired of playing the same powerful archetypes over and over, so this is a really cool change of pace. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a quick rundown of what each game is about without giving away any major plot points!

Attack On Titan

Distrusting The Titans

The anime Attack on Titan features giant humanoid creatures that attack and eat humans who have retreated to a single, walled city—likely the last one on Earth. At the beginning of the series, the protagonist, Eren, learns he has the ability to transform into one of these Titans, which proves helpful in protecting the city.

People are wary of him because everyone is so afraid of Titans. The game largely covers the first season and a half of the story, and players primarily control cadets who fight Titans using special blades while swinging through the environment. Players can also control Eren in his Titan form during certain parts of the game.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Toss A Coin To Your Witcher

In the world of The Witcher, Witchers are humans who intentionally change their bodies through a dangerous process to become stronger and develop magical abilities. They work as mercenaries, traveling around and helping people for payment, but are often feared because of their altered, almost monstrous, nature.

Often, people are motivated by profit, not a genuine desire to help others. This is reflected in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where players encounter characters who judge Geralt based on prejudice. Players can then choose to respond with kindness or aggression, either challenging or confirming those biases.

Undertale

A Monster By Monster Standards

Unlike most role-playing games, Undertale flips the script. Instead of a human exploring the world and battling monsters, you venture underground into the monsters’ home.

Most underground creatures fear humans, assuming they’ll be attacked, so they either hide from the hero or try to prevent them from fighting. However, players have the option to be different – they can choose to talk to monsters instead of battling them, spare their lives, and become known as a compassionate hero.

Final Fantasy 13

The Cursed l’Cie

Magic in most Final Fantasy games is something warriors can learn. However, in Final Fantasy 13, a traditional turn-based RPG, magic is actually a curse given to robotic enemies known as the fal’Cie. Humans affected by this curse are branded as l’Cie, and all members of your team eventually become one.

Becoming l’Cie grants incredible power, but it also comes with a deadly price, as they are destined for terrible fates. Because the source of this power is unknown, people generally fear l’Cie, treating them as if their condition is contagious. Despite the party’s good intentions, this fear and prejudice continue to spread.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story

The King Of Koopas

Bowser has been the main enemy in the Mario games ever since the original Super Mario Bros. came out on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is a role-playing game where you switch between playing as Bowser, who’s trying to protect his kingdom on the outside, and Mario and Luigi, who are trapped inside Bowser and explore his body like a sprawling adventure map.

This game features a fantastic portrayal of Bowser – he’s both genuinely frightening and amusingly dim-witted. Seeing the Mushroom Kingdom tremble before his power is incredibly satisfying and empowering.

Sand Land

Demons Vs Humans

In Sand Land, the world has turned into a huge desert because most of the water has disappeared. Demons and humans are constantly battling over the remaining land and water. However, a surprising partnership forms between Beelzebub, the Prince of Demons, and Rao, a leader among humans, in an attempt to end the conflict.

I’m really getting into this story! It follows Beelzebub and Rao as they search for this amazing, magical water source, and it’s cool seeing them team up with others. But honestly, it’s frustrating because both humans and demons keep judging them based on the actions of just a few troublemakers. Luckily, the game lets you fight back against that prejudice through awesome action combat – it’s a really satisfying way to show everyone they’re wrong!

Valkyria Chronicles 3

Suicide Squad

Valkyria Chronicles 3 is a strategy RPG originally released on the PSP that never made it to Western markets. However, fans have created an English translation patch, making it playable for English speakers. The game centers around Squad 422, a unit considered expendable by the military – they’re essentially sent on dangerous missions with little regard for their safety, much like the Suicide Squad from DC comics.

Fortunately, players easily bond with this group, who function like a tight-knit family. They’re fiercely loyal and will do anything to protect one another, and they always obey commands without hesitation.

Yakuza 0

The 80s Were Powerful

The Yakuza are a Japanese criminal organization similar to the Mafia, known for their intimidating reputation and distinctive, full-body tattoos. Because of this connection, some places in Japan, like traditional bathhouses, still prohibit people with visible tattoos, fearing a link to the Yakuza.

The 1980s were a peak time for the Yakuza, coinciding with a strong Japanese economy, and that’s the setting for Yakuza 0. Players take on the role of a young Kazuma Kiryu as he climbs the ranks and builds a fearsome reputation. Both his words and fighting skills will quickly teach everyone not to cross him or the Yakuza family he belongs to.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince

Sins Of The Father

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince tells the story of what happened before Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen. It focuses on Psaro, the villain from the later game, when he was younger and struggling with issues involving his own father.

Okay, so this game isn’t about saving the world, which is a cool change of pace! Honestly, most people in the game are pretty scared of you because you can actually befriend monsters and then have them fight for you. It’s a bit like Pokémon, but way darker and more mature. You play as the bad guy, even if he’s not totally evil, so you have to remember you’re making some questionable choices, but it’s a lot of fun!

Baldur’s Gate 3

Your Choice

Another good example is Baldur’s Gate 3. Unlike some games, it’s up to the player to decide if they want their character to be intimidating. The game offers extensive character customization, letting you choose how your character looks, their class, and their race.

Playing a Drow character can be a great way to intimidate many characters in the game, as Drow are often seen as evil. You can play into this reputation, or subvert expectations by being a kind Drow. Because Baldur’s Gate 3 offers so much freedom, choices like this can significantly impact how the story unfolds and what options become available.

2026-01-02 11:36