The Best RPGs Which Let You Play As The Antihero

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The Best RPGs Which Let You Play As The Antihero

Key Takeaways

  • RPGs with antiheroes offer morally complex gameplay and storytelling.
  • Baldur’s Gate 3, Tyranny, and Fallout: New Vegas let players make morally dubious choices.
  • Games like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 and The Outer Worlds feature complex characters with dark sides.

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through the trenches of countless RPGs, I can confidently say that these games have shaped my moral compass more than any Sunday sermon ever could! The antiheroes in these masterpieces offer a refreshing twist to the traditional heroic protagonists. They let us explore the murky waters of morally ambiguous decisions and witness the ripples they create in the game’s narrative.

The Oxford English Dictionary describes an antihero as someone who acts in contrast to or opposite of a traditional hero, particularly serving as the main character in a story, movie, or play, who lacks typical heroic qualities. In role-playing games (RPGs), while there are numerous titles featuring heroic characters driven by pure hearts and lofty ideals, it’s not as common to find popular games centered around antiheroes.

Nevertheless, some of the best RPGs made in recent years have at their core a character who can by turns be morally ambiguous, self-serving, or just a straight-up bad egg. Such characters make for more varied storytelling and also more diverse gameplay mechanics, as not every choice the protagonist makes is in service of a happy ending. Here is a selection of the very best RPGs that let players become antiheroes.

5 Baldur’s Gate 3

Morally Complex Paths Can Be Taken In This RPG Epic

Following in the footsteps of the renowned “Dungeons & Dragons” series, “Baldur’s Gate 3” preserves the personalization and autonomy that lets players design a character and make decisions shaping the game world around them. In this game’s storyline, a contagious blight sweeps across the land, and it’s up to the player to halt its progression before more destruction ensues.

As a player immersed in this epic adventure, I’m not compelled to engage in combat with celestial beings. Instead, what truly sets this game apart is its immersive system that allows me to make significant choices. These choices have far-reaching consequences, altering the course of the entire game. The freedom it gives me to deceive, manipulate, and even lie, if I so choose, adds depth to my morally ambiguous decisions. These decisions, in turn, sculpt the storyline of this captivating game.

4 Tyranny

The Fatebinder Is Able To Lay Down The Law, No Matter The Cost

In this particular game, the player assumes the role of an enforcer for the antagonist right from the start. The narrative unfolds with the world already under the rule of the malevolent ruler Kyros. The character controlled by the player, a Fatebinder, is one of Kyros’s subordinates whose task it is to maintain and oversee the imposition of order within the game’s cosmos.

In the game, questionable moral choices are often presented, yet there’s always a chance for players to strive towards a fairer world post-Kyros. As you journey through the game’s universe, you’ll be tasked with deciding on the most appropriate ways to handle the numerous survivor factions. These decisions influence the options available for your character, such as choosing certain companions, spells, and abilities.

3 Fallout: New Vegas

Players Can Roll The Dice On Making Questionable Decisions

The Fallout video games are renowned for their grim wit and a gaming world that’s desolate and barren, with survivors making tough choices to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting. This mood was effectively captured in the Amazon series, while one Fallout game particularly embodies the franchise’s ethos through its main character.

In the game, players assume the role of a character called The Courier. Initially, they experience betrayal and are abandoned in the desert to die. However, they later get an opportunity to climb the ladder of power by joining forces with various unsavory groups. These could include ruthless factions like Caesar’s Legion or self-serving organizations such as the California Republic. In the Fallout universe, self-interest proves beneficial rather than detrimental.

2 Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2

If Only You Knew The Power Of The Dark Side

In simpler terms, the initial “Knights of the Old Republic” was a critically praised exploration of the “Star Wars” universe that introduced players to unique characters and some truly iconic villains. However, for its sequel, the development team aimed to add another layer of complexity to the main character.

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in this incredible journey where I assume the role of Jedi Exile. This character isn’t your typical light-hearted hero; he carries a heavy burden from his past, entangled in conflicts that delve deep into the intricacies of The Force and its dark side. The game offers me the intriguing choice to delve deeper into the darkness, making decisions that could lead me down a path of evil deeds and devastation.

1 The Outer Worlds

Big Business Can Sometimes Make for Big Rewards

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how satirical commentary and a dark wit make The Outer Worlds an irresistible journey. This game masterfully criticizes unchecked capitalism and corporate culture, subtly weaving these themes throughout the gameplay experience. Moreover, it allows players to express their own opinions on these topics as they traverse the galaxy, making every choice feel significant and thought-provoking.

As a player in this immersive role-playing game, I’m given the freedom to chart my own course and make decisions that align with what I believe is best for my character’s journey within the game. There’s an opportunity to challenge the dominance of megacorporations, but if I so choose, I can also ally with The Board and aid in enforcing control over the colonies. However, I’m not limited to these options – I can opt to pursue my own self-interest, thriving at the potential cost to others, whether accompanied or alone.

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2024-10-25 05:05