9 Games Where You're The Supporting Character

Video games often position you as the central figure, labeling you as the chosen one, the prophesied warrior, or the last bastion of hope for mankind. However, some of the most captivating narratives unfold when you’re not the primary protagonist.

Rather than taking center stage, these games allow you to become a minor yet significant element within a bigger narrative.

These games allow you to explore the world from a compact, slightly off-center viewpoint, assisting the main character on their adventure while also leaving a significant mark of your own.

Regardless of whether you’re assisting a character to achieve their fate or merely navigating through another person’s over-the-top journey, these games demonstrate that having a supporting role doesn’t equate to insignificance.

You may not play a starring role, but the story still wouldn’t be the same without you.

Some entries contain spoilers about who the real protagonist is.

9. Venba

A Mother’s Story, a Son’s Journey

Venba is a short but emotionally charged narrative cooking game set in the 1980s.

Initially, Venba appears to be a game that allows you to assume the role of its title character, immersing yourself in the experience of portraying an Indian mother who resides in Canada as an immigrant.

However, although the narrative might seem to be viewed from her perspective, it’s actually Kavin, her son, who plays the main character in this tale.

The storyline of the game centers on his journey, his battles, and ultimately his drift away from his cultural background.

As Venba, I’m always striving to steer him on the right path, helping him navigate through his growing-up years. In essence, I’ve become more of a beacon of guidance in his life, rather than the main protagonist.

By weaving tales and plenty of culinary experiences, you have the power to mold Kavin’s upbringing. However, ultimately, it’s the paths he chooses and the decisions he makes that determine the course of his journey.

Towards the end of the game, the focus shifts exclusively to Kavin, enabling players to experience the game through the eyes of the child they had been nurturing. This revelation unveils Kavin as the game’s main character.

8. Healer’s Quest

The Unsung Hero of Every RPG Party

In many role-playing games (RPGs), it’s common for healers to be underestimated or neglected – this is usually the case until the game’s team is at the point of near extinction.

As a devoted admirer, I cannot deny their significant role in our victories, yet it seems they often fade into the background once the dust settles, overshadowed by the brave soldiers who delivered the decisive blows and claimed the titles of conquerors.

In this role-playing game, the narrative takes a slightly unique twist (but not drastically). Here, you assume the role of an adept healer embarking on journeys with a group of bungling explorers, consistently rescuing them from precarious situations.

Regardless of your diligent efforts, they often hog the limelight, using their impressive arsenal and showy tactics to garner praise.

Or:

Your tireless labor is often overlooked as they claim all the glory, wielding eye-catching tools and putting on grand displays.

As I storm through battles, it’s my swift healing that keeps them standing, mending their hasty and gory blunders.

In simpler terms, rather than experiencing grandiest offensive moves or dramatic heroics, you’re tasked with managing resources like mana, devising healing strategies, and patiently dealing with continuous grumbling from a less-than-appreciative squad.

Despite this, the game’s comedic themes and twisted humor provide endless hours of entertainment.

This game cleverly reverses typical RPG character dynamics, demonstrating that a quest can’t truly exist without a healer. If you’ve ever felt overlooked playing the supportive role in an RPG, then you should definitely give this game a try!

7. Wandersong

The Apocalypse, Sung by a Bard

In most adventure games, it’s typical for players to assume the role of a powerful hero tasked with saving the world. However, in the game titled “Wandersong“, the heroic part is taken by someone else instead.

Instead, you portray a jovial, unassuming minstrel, quite distant from the prophesied hero. You’re essentially an ordinary individual who stumbled upon a challenge, and despite its magnitude, you found the resolve to assist in any way possible.

As the genuine hero pursues their fate through unconventional means, you traverse the globe, leveraging the power of music to tackle issues and foster unity among people.

Rather than engaging in battles with multitudes of adversaries or struggling against malevolent forces by brute force, you express yourself through melodies, demonstrating that valor isn’t solely about wielding a sword to confront challenges.

On your journey, you’ll encounter a character who seems unlikely to be the hero we’d expect. She may resort to force and questionable motivations in an attempt to save the world, but it will be your task to guide her towards enlightenment. Your goal is to help her transform into the genuine chosen one before it’s too late, revealing her true heroic potential along the way.

6. Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor

Lost in the Background of a Busy Galaxy

If you have experience with science fiction video games, it’s likely that you’re accustomed to their stories set in a bleak future where you are often cast as the lone hero destined to save humanity.

In the book titled “Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor“, contrary to popular space characters, you’re not an adventurous astronaut or a brave bounty hunter. Instead, you’re merely a janitor, cleaning up after the true heroes who make their messes.

Each day finds you tidying up litter, battling financial hardships, and maneuvering through the bustling, indifferent labyrinth of a foreign metropolis that seems oblivious to your presence.

Life doesn’t offer any great predetermined fate for you, nor significant cosmic decisions to resolve – merely the humble, at times tiresome routine of everyday existence.

As a fellow thrill-seeker, I can’t help but share my current reality: For the moment, my adventures are confined to exploring hidden corners like bathrooms and back alleys, on a quest for discarded treasures.

In a more casual and engaging manner: Known as an “anti-adventure game,” Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor stands out as one of the most enjoyable RPGs you could play, regardless of whether or not you’re the main character in the narrative.

5. What Remains of Edith Finch

Twisted Stories Shown Through Another’s Eyes

What Remains of Edith Finch” is an engaging adventure story that delves into the peculiar and unfortunate past of the Finch family, who have been afflicted with untimely deaths for generations.

In these narratives, we delve into the experiences of Edith Finch, one of the remaining relatives from her lineage.

Initially, it may appear that Edith takes the central role in What Remains of Ed Finch, as you traverse what was once her family’s residence and experience their final moments recounted primarily through her point of view.

Actually, it’s not her who will ultimately receive or read this story, nor is she the only remaining Finch. Instead, that role belongs to her son. The account of events was written in a journal intended for him to discover and read at some point in the future.

The tales unfurl as if seen through his perspective, making him the authentic central character, the valiant figure whose legacy lives on within his family in the game.

Delving into the history of the Finch family, you’ll find yourself immersed in Edith’s recollections and reflections. However, it’s when you realize she’s penning these experiences for another person that the true emotional resonance unfolds.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to point out that it isn’t Edith’s son who takes center stage in this tale, but rather the young man who bears the heavy burden of his lineage’s tragic past. He is the one destined to carry on.

4. Pokémon Sun & Moon

Lillie’s Journey, Your Support

In most Pokemon games, it’s clear that the main character is the player, battling evil teams, rescuing the world from decay, and so on. However, in Pokemon Sun & Moon, the role of the hero is actually assumed by Lillie.

Lillie appears to be Professor Kukui’s enigmatic aid, often demonstrating knowledge beyond what one might expect given her role throughout most of the game.

As I journey through this virtual world, it’s not just about winning battles or grabbing badges; it’s all about Lillie’s courageous fight against the Aether Foundation. They’re using Ultra Beasts in ways that go beyond ethical boundaries, and Lillie is standing up to them – making her story the core of this game for me.

As a gaming companion, I’m always by her side, ready to back her up in her pursuit of justice. When the time comes for a fight, I stand with her, but it’s her who takes charge, making the difficult calls that propel our adventure forward. She’s the storyteller here, leading us through this journey together.

Lillie’s path, unlike striving to be unparalleled, revolves around individuality, bravery, and championing justice.

3. FINAL FANTASY X/X-2 HD Remaster

She’s Everything… And He’s Just Tidas.

Despite focusing primarily on Final Fantasy X, it’s essential to note that this entry encompasses two games because the most accessible method to experience the original version of Final Fantasy X is by acquiring the 2016 HD remaster of both Final Fantasy X and its sequel, X-2.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can confirm that X-2 indeed falls into the category of games where you play a secondary character. However, for this discussion, let’s zero in on Final Fantasy X, which aligns more closely with the theme at hand.

In simpler terms, “Final Fantasy X” is about Tidus, an accomplished blitzball player, embarking on a voyage alongside a captivating summoner named Yuna.

Yuna embarks on a heroic journey aiming to free the realm of Spira from an endless loop of calamity and devastation caused by the enormous threat, Sin. Fittingly, she’s called Yuna indeed.

Although she’s blazing with the fierce passion of justice, you seem more like a bystander in this situation. You play an essential role in the story and it’s undeniable that she wouldn’t have been able to save the world without your help, but you’re somewhat like a stray dog that she found on her journey towards preventing Armageddon.

In a different perspective, it might seem like Tidus is the character you control, but upon reflection, it becomes apparent that Yuna is actually the true protagonist of this story. She’s the one who shoulders the heavy responsibility of saving Spira, fully aware that her quest could very well lead to self-sacrifice.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to express that though Tidus stands by her side, it’s not him who shoulders the toughest decisions or carries the burden of a world’s hopes and dreams.

Ultimately, his goal is to assist Yuna, safeguard her, and eventually contribute to halting the impending doom of Spira.

2. Wytchwood

Among all the games available, if there’s one that consistently nudges you to remember that you’re not the star, it’s undoubtedly Wytchwood.

In Wytchwood, you journey through a whimsical realm teeming with fairy tale figures, from mischievous Little Red Riding Hoods to menacing Big Bad Wolves. However, unlike them, you find yourself as a cranky old witch who enjoys stirring up trouble.

As these beloved storybook characters embark on their destined journeys, it seems impossible to resist jumping into the action. Lucky for you, more than a handful of characters find themselves in trouble, and as a skilled swamp witch, you’re perfectly equipped to help them!

As a dedicated enthusiast, I find myself darting about, attending to tasks, rectifying blunders, and untangling predicaments for an intriguing ensemble of personalities. Simultaneously, I’m on a quest to gather the required set of malevolent spirits, which are said to hold the key to rousing a mystical slumbering maiden.

In this game, you might not play the heroic knight, but you’re the vital force that keeps things going smoothly.

As a devoted player, I find myself stepping into roles that range from aiding (or even berating) villagers, leading wandering spirits towards their next journey, or exposing scandalous secrets – but it’s not about me becoming the hero, it’s more about creating opportunities and setting events in motion for others.

1. The Last of Us – Part 1

As a gamer, I must say that nothing compares to the experience of being the sidekick in the first installment of “The Last of Us”. It’s truly remarkable!

In the initial segment, you take on the role of Joel, a seasoned survivor with a heavy heart, tasked with escorting a 14-year-old girl named Ellie out of a restricted military zone.

Originally intended as a swift yet perilous task, it morphed into a prolonged ordeal across vast lands, with legions of the undead dogging your every step.

In this tale, you could assume that Joel is the central figure, but surprisingly enough, it’s Ellie who takes on the role of the main hero throughout the series.

Joel’s main goal is always to keep Ellie safe from danger and ensure she reaches her destination securely, regardless of what it takes.

While you predominantly experience the gameplay as Joel, there are instances where you briefly see things from Ellie’s point of view during specific events. This hints at “The Last of Us Part 2”, where it becomes clear that Ellie is the central figure in the storyline.

In “The Last of Us Part 2”, it comes to light that Ellie possesses immunity to the infectious zombie disease, making her humanity’s potential savior. Despite Joel’s steadfast and devoted protection in the initial game, which enabled her survival, it is Ellie who emerges as the central figure throughout the narrative.

Reflecting upon both games, I can’t help but notice that The Last of Us Part 1 set the stage for Ellie’s epic adventure all along. In hindsight, Joel takes a backseat as more of a companion to Ellie on her journey rather than the main hero of the story.

2025-02-10 21:11

9 Games Where You’re The Supporting Character