The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: - Investment Policy

Summary

Games with meaningful moral decision-making are rare, but some open-world titles focus heavily on complex choices and consequences.
Skyrim allows for various moral decisions but lacks significant consequences, impacting how decisions affect the game world.
In games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2, moral decisions shape character interactions and outcomes, contributing to immersive gameplay.

Many video games strive diligently to create an experience where our choices truly impact the gameplay. Yet, only a handful succeed in achieving this, and quite frequently, the choices presented in games appear insignificant or shallow instead.

Exceptional games where your choices significantly impact the gameplay, and these moments aren’t overly frequent. However, there are exceptions. Certain open-world games prioritize offering complex ethical dilemmas for players to navigate, with the outcomes of their decisions being a key part of the game. All the games on this list are genuinely open-world (not just divided into sections) and have been arranged based on both their overall quality and the emphasis they place on player moral choices.

10. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Lots Of Choices To Make But Fewer Consequences

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating world of Skyrim, one of the most successful and beloved action RPGs ever crafted. This masterpiece, brainchild of Bethesda, has sold millions upon millions, gracing an impressive array of contemporary gaming platforms. The game offers a colossal, open-ended sandbox, inviting players to chart their own course and act at their leisure. Furthermore, the numerous quests within this realm are intricately designed, presenting diverse outcomes that reflect the player’s choices, underscoring its emphasis on freedom and immersion. Truly, Skyrim is an open-world gem that places player autonomy at its core.

Here’s my take: In this ranking, Skyrim finds itself at the lower end due to a single aspect that I find quite noteworthy as a devoted fan. Despite the game’s emphasis on moral choices, it seems there’s less attention given to the impact of these decisions. For instance, in the Dark Brotherhood quest line, players can either ally with or eradicate this band of assassins, but the rest of Skyrim seems remarkably indifferent to our actions outside the immediate context of the quest itself. Similarly, joining the Thieves Guild doesn’t seem to make much of a ripple beyond the occasional sarcastic comment from a guard. Essentially, Skyrim grants us the freedom to be either an upstanding hero or a ruthless killer, but the citizens of Skyrim appear not to care much about our actions beyond the guards and their bounty hunts.

9. STALKER: Heart Of Chernobyl

Morals Are A Luxury Few Can Afford In The Wasteland

As a devoted fan, I must admit that ranking Stalker 2 is quite the challenge. On one side, it was undeniably one of the most anticipated games of 2024, boasting an expansive open-world reminiscent of its predecessors and, after numerous updates, offering a thrilling gaming experience. However, its world can be mercilessly harsh to navigate, and it doesn’t shy away from making the player grapple with challenging moral dilemmas at every turn.

In the world of Stalker 2, there’s a blur between right and wrong. To keep things spoiler-free for this fresh release, let’s just say that the choices you make aren’t typically black and white. The outcomes of these choices can have lasting effects that might not be immediately apparent, much like in real life. However, it seems that the game prioritizes survival over moral dilemmas. It can be challenging to feel emotionally invested in the decisions we’re presented with (and their consequences) during gameplay, especially since the game sometimes doesn’t provide enough information about these choices, particularly for those who haven’t played the earlier games. This lack of clarity might contribute to a lower rating for Stalker 2.

8. Infamous 2

Turn Cole Into The Ultimate Superhero Or Villain

I can’t help but miss the thrilling world of Infamous games, it’s been a while since we’ve had a new installment in this series. What sets these games apart is their unique focus on player morality, a dimension seldom explored in other titles to the same extent. The beauty of Infamous lies in the fact that as a player, I got to shape my character’s destiny: I could choose to embody a noble superhero or a menacing supervillain, not just through the decisions I made, but also by how I chose to play.

Through rash actions, slaughtering foes, and inflicting excessive damage on innocents, the player’s path darkened during gameplay. Conversely, playing with caution and valor transformed them into a hero. This behavior was reflected in the game’s progression system, which rewarded both styles of play. The first two installments, in particular, unfolded as one continuous tale with various, world-altering conclusions contingent on our choices. Despite being less nuanced than contemporary games, the Infamous series remains one of the finest open-world superhero games ever created.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

No One Cares About Morality In A Place Like Night City

Initially, Cyberpunk may have had a bumpy debut, but now it stands out as one of the top open-world first-person shooter games ever created. The latest release, Cyberpunk 2077, is an open-world game where nearly every mission presents a moral conundrum. One of the most compelling examples of this is the Sinnerman quest, a deeply morally ambiguous mission that often challenges the player’s personal ethics in ways few other missions do.

Much like Stalker 2, Cyberpunk 2077 offers choices that lean towards moral dilemmas, but morality isn’t necessarily at the forefront. Just like any other resident of Night City, V is primarily focused on staying alive. The main storyline presents numerous branching decisions, yet few of them are truly “moral”. Instead, it’s the side quests and jobs that offer moral choices, but their effects are often confined to receiving a specific message or an alternative reward. These moral choices have minimal impact on the game’s various endings or V’s character development.

6. Vampyr

Dr. Reid Must Choose Between His Bloodlust And Duty As A Doctor

Vampyr might be classified as semi-open rather than fully open-world, which slightly affects its ranking but doesn’t diminish its value. The game’s strong focus on morality is what qualifies it for this list. In the story, we follow Dr. Jonathan E. Reid, a respected blood specialist who becomes a vampire after coming back to London following the First World War’s horrors. Initially unwilling as a vampire, the game skillfully explores the moral quandary that arises from his need to feed on blood and his ethical obligations as a doctor. This internal struggle makes Dr. Reid one of the most compelling vampire characters in gaming.

In this game, Reid’s advancement is linked to his bloodthirsty nature. By completing quests with major NPCs, he can build a relationship with them, and their blood becomes more valuable for him to consume. Indulging in this bloodlust makes Reid incredibly powerful, but abstaining from it significantly limits his abilities and progression. The game presents moral dilemmas similar to many others, but uniquely, the choices you make can greatly impact London’s fate and directly affect your character’s growth. Few games create such a stark contrast between morality and power as this one does.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Crime And Punishment In The Medieval World

Similar to how Stalker 2 is new, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 remains relatively fresh, so we’ll steer clear of story revelations. It’s also important to note that the games on this list share a high degree of similarity when it comes to the caliber of their moral choices. What sets Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 apart is its exceptional Crime and Punishment system.

In various open-world RPGs, we’ve often outrun dim-witted town guards without much consequence. However, in this game, Henry’s actions won’t be easily forgotten. If he commits a crime, even a minor one, he may face a fine or time in the stocks. More serious crimes could lead to being branded or even executed. Being marked will alter how non-player characters respond to Henry, and some might choose not to interact with him at all. Henry’s moral standing influences dialogue options and can halt quests before they start. Additionally, many quests involve complex ethical dilemmas, similar to this genre, where seemingly insignificant decisions could trigger catastrophic events, such as the annihilation of entire villages or the loss of significant NPC lives.

4. Fallout: New Vegas

An Old School Morality System With Plenty Of Consequences

In a simpler and more conversational manner: Both “Fallout 3” and “New Vegas” had comparable moral systems (a point of debate in “Fallout 4”), but “New Vegas” further developed this system by emphasizing reputation within factions. Choosing to favor one faction can lead to strained relationships with others, as some factions lean towards the morally gray area, while others are clearly good or evil.

In this game, players are consistently faced with difficult moral dilemmas, as they strive to maintain their integrity while also managing relationships within various groups. It can be challenging to act morally when collaborating with the oppressive Caesar’s Legion, for instance. This game presents a gray moral landscape, which is evident in its numerous conclusions. What one person might consider a “bad” ending, another may view as a “good” one. Furthermore, the game excels at making players emotionally invested in the repercussions of their choices, whether they involve selling a loyal companion into slavery or falsely accusing someone of murder. It’s no surprise that it is frequently hailed as the best Fallout game by fans of the franchise.

3. Fable 3

Leading Can Mean Sacrificing Morals For The Greater Good

The Fable series, known for its intricate past filled with complications, is set to release a reboot shortly. The latest game in the series that fans received was Fable 3 in 2010. Similar to the initial installments of the franchise, it placed significant importance on the moral choices made by players, not only in their decisions but also in their playstyle. What sets Fable 3’s morality system apart is its concentration on striking a balance between making moral judgements and serving the greater good.

In the game ‘Fable 3’, you’re tasked with governing a kingdom. Making ethical choices, such as establishing schools and prohibiting child labor, often incur significant costs. Overindulge in moral decisions, and your kingdom could face ruin. On the other hand, ruling like a ruthless tax collector might spark rebellion among your subjects. These choices not only influence the game’s narrative but also shape both the character and the appearance of your kingdom. While strategic decision-making and wealth accumulation can soften some of the practical consequences of being moral, they don’t eliminate them all. Despite its flaws, ‘Fable 3’ stands out due to its unique system, earning it a high rating.

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

High Honor Or Low Honor, Your Actions Decide

In simpler terms, “Red Dead Redemption 2” stands out for its intricate detail, and this extends to its moral structure and the way it handles repercussions. Unlike some games that prompt major decisions or offer a multi-path narrative, “Red Dead Redemption 2” is more about evaluating Arthur’s actions through its honor system.

Performing kind actions such as assisting distressed individuals, diffusing conflicts during duels, and contributing funds to the less fortunate enhances Arthur’s reputation. Even simple gestures like greeting passersby can make a difference. Conversely, behaving rudely, neglecting those in need, and stealing from innocents diminishes his reputation. Arthur’s reputation can influence his actions in cut scenes, impact the way non-player characters interact with him, and potentially grant discounts in shops or prevent side missions from being completed. Crucially, it significantly alters the game’s final outcome, ensuring that the player receives an ending commensurate with their choices. This more intricate system enriches the game’s already remarkable sense of immersion.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Geralt Lives In A Morally Gray World Full Of Monsters

It’s likely that readers anticipated this, but The Witcher 3 has consistently stood out in its approach to moral choices and their repercussions while weaving a captivating tale with multiple branches. Crafting stories that effectively conclude is challenging, as demonstrated by the outcome of Mass Effect 3.

In “The Witcher 3”, players encounter numerous decisions with significant long-term impacts, ranging from minor to major events. For instance, storylines like the Bloody Baron offer multiple conclusions based on player choices. These outcomes not only influence other side quests but also shape the main game’s conclusion. Frequently, these choices involve morally ambiguous situations, where players must choose between two unfavorable results. It is rare for games to manage moral repercussions as effectively as “The Witcher 3”. Geralt’s actions affect not only his and Ciri’s destiny but also the political climate, world status, and the fates of many cherished characters. The game encourages multiple playthroughs due to its intricate moral depth, a complexity that few other games have successfully achieved.

2025-03-01 10:08