8 Best Unique NPC Mechanics In Open World Games

Key Takeaways

The Nemesis system for NPCs in
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War
was so inventive that Monolith Productions patented it so that no one else could use it.
Destroy All Humans! 2:
Reprobed features Crypto body-snatching humans for humor and infiltration.
Making choices in
Vampyr
can drastically alter the game where players can feed as a vampire or help NPCs as a doctor.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say that the current generation of video games has truly outdone itself in terms of character development and narrative depth. One of the most impressive aspects I’ve encountered is the way certain games have managed to breathe life into non-playable characters (NPCs), turning them from mere background decoration into integral parts of the gaming experience.

Typically, players often overlook Non-Player Characters (NPCs) as they usually serve to enhance the immersion in an open world setting. But sometimes, developers catch players off guard by turning NPCs into crucial aspects of the gaming experience, either for narrative purposes or alterations in gameplay mechanics.

At times, Non-Player Characters (NPCs) serve as useful devices for guiding players through both primary and secondary objectives, but on other occasions, they transform into gameplay gimmicks, dominating the overall experience. This demonstrates the creativity that developers can employ to make seemingly background characters as memorable as the main protagonist themselves.

8 Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed

The Sequel Allows Crypto To Body Snatch Humans And More

Cryptosporidium-137 offers the freedom to roam and amuse itself as a murderous extraterrestrial character in the game. A notable skill of his, showcased in the game Destroy All Humans! 2: Reprobed, is the ability to take over human bodies with just a click of a button. This feature can bring laughter as you explore various open-world environments but also serves tactically useful purposes, such as sneaking past enemy defenses.

As a fanatic, I can’t help but marvel at the exhilarating overhaul in Crypto’s capabilities and arsenal, not to mention the refined control system for the UFO in Destroy All Humans! 2. This transformation has paved the way for an unending spree of mayhem and turmoil throughout the 1960s. The remake maintains the original game’s offbeat charm, giving players ample opportunities to wreak havoc, from the heartlands of America to the bustling streets of Japan. And let’s not forget the barrage of hilarious, irreverent humor that keeps us laughing all the way!

7 Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

Being A Viking Warlord Can Be As Combative As It Is Peaceful

In the game Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, a significant aspect involves growing your Viking horde for raids, plunder, and territorial conquest. But if the player prefers, they can do more than simply slaughter foes as a warlord. They have the chance to forge alliances, whose aid can be crucial in capturing specific camps, and even entire cities.

In addition to basic growls and lieutenants, there are also influential figures who need to be won over and aligned with Eivor’s cause in the struggle. This makes the game, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, lean more towards a Role-Playing Game (RPG), but it still offers possibilities for stealth, sneaking, and strategic combat rather than just having Eivor fight their enemies head-on.

6 Stardew Valley

Every Character In The Valley Has Their Own Lives

Stardew Valley, created by ConcernedApe, builds upon the structure found in games like Harvest Moon, but adds a unique twist. Rather than every character revolving solely around the player’s character, the townsfolk of Pelican Town have their own independent lives that progress over time. Some characters even form relationships with each other and can get married, adding depth to the game’s narrative.

Apart from romantic relationships, forming friendships with NPCs in Stardew Valley carries additional benefits. These friendships can evolve over time and lead to new scenes, presents, and chances for you to aid or complicate others’ lives based on your decisions. This is just one of the many factors that sets Stardew Valley apart from the Harvest Moon series.

5 Batman: Arkham Knight

Players Can Experience Gotham City As It Constantly Evolves

In the game Batman: Arkham Knight, Rocksteady has meticulously included numerous intricate details, such as references to the DC universe and the varied appearances of Batman across his multiple suits. Moreover, the characters in Gotham City are handled with great attention to detail, particularly the Joker’s ghostly presence that cleverly breaks the fourth wall and the way villains interact with each other when imprisoned, offering a vast array of evolving dialogue options.

In the game “Arkham Knight”, revealing Batman’s identity before or after capturing the villains alters all subsequent interactions with them. Moreover, the numerous thugs and mercenaries offer engaging dialogue that humanizes them further. Additionally, players have the liberty to pursue any villain at their convenience, enabling them to design their own unique Batman storyline.

4 Vampyr

All Humans In London Are Expendable At The Sacrifice Of Story

Typically, eliminating crucial Non-Player Characters (NPCs) early in a game would lead to the player losing, but that’s not the case with Vampyr. Instead, this game offers numerous choices that significantly shape its progression, such as deciding whether to feed on people as a vampire character named Jonathan Reid. Feeding on more individuals enhances Jonathan’s power, enabling players to drain blood from anyone they encounter throughout the game.

In a more valiant context, the City of London is teeming with characters (NPCs) who have mysteries to unravel. For those seeking to maintain their heroic status, solving cases within the game Vampyr will not only add to your character’s experience, but at a considerably slower pace compared to other activities. Furthermore, Vampyr offers sick NPCs that provide opportunities for players to perform Jonathan’s role as a doctor, thereby gaining extra influence in specific missions.

3 Bowser’s Fury

Everything Good And Bad Revolves Around A Godzilla-Sized Bowser

Bowser’s Fury marked the first authentic open-world adventure for Mario, and it introduced a persistent menace in the form of Raging Bowser, arguably the most terrifying version of him to date. Unlike traditional boss encounters at the end, Bowser’s Fury presents a unique case of a colossal boss battle that recurs throughout the gameplay.

Approximately every five to ten minutes, Bowser will appear in his dark, corrupted kaiju form, altering the entire game map into a stormy, dangerous version with increased hazards. During this time, the usually friendly cats become aggressive, and certain collectibles called Cat Shines can only be obtained when Fury Bowser is present. This means players must strategically plan some objectives and move cautiously when navigating through Bowser’s Fury world.

2 Watch Dogs: Legion

Anyone Can Fight For The Future Of London

In Watch Dogs: Legion, instead of a fixed group of characters, you find yourself in a futuristic cyberpunk London where virtually everyone you encounter on the streets can be enlisted to join DeadSec. This ranges from construction workers to elderly individuals, making it possible for anyone to become a freedom-fighting hacker, battling against Albion, Zero Day, and criminal organizations.

In addition to the multitude of Non-Player Character (NPC) recruits available in Watch Dogs: Legion , once they become part of DeadSec, they can be personalized to suit your playstyle. Their civilian occupations influence their skills and benefits; for instance, spies have access to superior weapons and devices, while Albion officers can infiltrate locations undetected. This allows you to selectively choose who joins your team.

1 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

No Playthrough Is Ever The Same Thanks To The Nemesis System

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but applaud Monolith Productions for crafting an engaging narrative in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, but what truly sets it apart is their innovative creation – the Nemesis System. This groundbreaking mechanic was first introduced in one of their earlier Middle-earth games, but Shadow of War elevated it to extraordinary heights. The system for generating Uruk-Hai, Ologs, and Gongs became more diverse than ever before, offering an unparalleled experience in the world of Middle-earth.

In each new gameplay session, the central plot remains consistent, but the process of constructing an army and waging war varies. Each Orc has a unique character and may develop a personal connection with the main character, thanks to the Nemesis system. This groundbreaking feature made such a lasting impression in Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War that Monolith Productions is reintroducing it in their upcoming Wonder Woman video game for DC.

2024-11-19 04:35