Best RPGs Where Being Good Is difficult

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades under my belt, I must say that these games have truly pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay mechanics. The moral choices they present are not just black and white, but a complex tapestry of consequences, sacrifices, and rewards.

Roleplaying games offer exceptional video game experiences, setting them apart in the realm of entertainment. Unlike other forms of entertainment, these games have a unique ability to immerse players deeply into a world that mirrors reality while also feeling completely alien. The top roleplaying games, even those set in worlds far removed from our own, must still reflect elements that are familiar to us.

In just about every role-playing game I dive into, there’s a consistent thread of moral compass. Whether it’s an enchanting fantasy world or a mirror image of our own reality, the good characters usually embody virtues and the bad ones sin in familiar, archetypal ways. When it comes to these RPGs, being good often means making tough sacrifices, and choosing right doesn’t always mean taking the easy path.

8 Fable 3

Ruling A Kingdom is Only Easy For Tyrants

Fable‘s distinctive approach to gameplay and ethical structure within the series stands out as a fascinating exploration of morality in video games, albeit appearing initially straightforward and primarily humorous in nature.

In Fable 3, you’ll find yourself in a pivotal role as the ruler of Albion’s kingdom, where every decision carries significant moral weight. Making virtuous choices may bring prosperity to your people, but they come at a price and could potentially lead to catastrophe when a formidable threat looms over the realm. On the other hand, unscrupulous decisions are no longer merely for self-interest, but serve as precautions to safeguard the kingdom’s resources during the preparations for the impending final battle.

7 Suzerain

Life Is Hard For An Incorruptible Politician

As a dedicated admirer of the captivating world of Suzerain, I can attest that its text-based allure lies in the complexities of non-binary decisions. Rather than being faced with straightforward choices, we’re often presented with intricate dilemmas, such as deciding between constructing a high-speed railway or a multi-lane highway. These are not moral absolutes, but rather nuanced considerations that sometimes necessitate difficult compromises on our principles. This challenging game mirrors the real-world complexities we often face, making each choice feel significant and impactful.

As a gamer, I find myself offered an enticing deal by a powerful media tycoon early in the game. This deal promises favorable coverage for me, but it’s clear that refusing this offer, particularly if my character is aiming for government nationalization, could significantly hamper any publicity I might receive.

6 Frostpunk

How Do You Stay Moral During The Apocalypse?

The remarkable “Frostpunk 2” has left a trail of excitement among city-building enthusiasts, or perhaps even a snowstorm-level impact? Yet, if there’s one aspect that the initial game in the series emphasizes more profoundly, it’s the delicate balance between adhering to moral principles and surviving through whatever means possible.

In an easier-to-understand manner, Instead of allowing civilians to resort to cannibalism due to lack of food supplies, and avoiding mass graves by providing proper burials, these actions are ethically righteous. However, maintaining such practices becomes increasingly challenging as the cold weather sets in, leading one to question what sacrifices players might make when survival is at stake.

5 InFamous 2

Evil Actions Warrant Carefree Powers

The InFamous video game series often serves as a popular topic when debating morality in video games. While the moral system isn’t intricate, it forms a strong foundation in a captivating universe filled with numerous compelling aspects that deepen the overall ominous atmosphere. Whether Cole adds to or opposes this darkness, his actions significantly contribute to this pervasive sense of gloom.

In this game, the strength of powers is influenced by morality, with evil powers typically having a broader reach and capable of defeating multiple enemies simultaneously. However, this comes at a price as innocent civilians may unintentionally get caught in the crossfire. On the other hand, being good in this game doesn’t impair your combat abilities, but it does require players to be more conscious about managing their energy resources and minimizing collateral damage during battles.

4 Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows

The Symbiote Speeds Things Up In This Title

In the game “Web of Shadows”, elements have been introduced that later Spider-Man games have not fully utilized. The most notable feature is a moral system, which adds depth to the superhero narrative and is highly appreciated by fans. While it might not be ideal for every Spider-Man game, there’s a strong desire among fans for one or two more titles to delve into these aspects of the character as this game has done.

In this game, choices that are detrimental or self-focused provide players extended access to the powerful and hard-hitting symbiote suit, making the game progress more swiftly. However, being virtuous sometimes requires relinquishing advantages or benefits in order to safeguard others, reflecting the idea that Spider-Man’s immense power carries a moral responsibility towards others.

3 Dishonored

Keeping The World From Chaos Is A Struggle

In the game Dishonored, Corvo’s morality and the actions he takes, particularly the lives he ends, have a significant impact on the world around him, not just in terms of reactions but also in shaping the narrative. The progression of the ongoing plague within the game serves as an effective gauge for how players have been choosing to navigate through their experience in Dishonored.

It’s quicker and safer for Corvo to eliminate people rather than render them unconscious throughout all missions, however, this choice results in more corpses that can potentially spread disease, making the city an even more unpleasant environment to inhabit.

2 Vampyr

If Drinking Blood Is Bad, I Don’t Want To Be Good

Title “Vampyr” showcases a distinctive and captivating game about vampires that invites players to question their own beliefs. In an unexpected twist to traditional vampire lore, the power derived from an innocent’s blood is proportional to how intimately acquainted the vampire is with them.

To play this game, you must familiarize yourself with various characters, learn their preferences, aspirations, and even dislikes, all before satisfying your vampiric craving for their blood. Abstaining from drinking their blood will make players significantly weaker in combat, as they’ll essentially be less experienced or underleveled.

1 Tyranny

This Game Doesn’t Make It Easy For Good Guys

In many games that present multiple moral choices, the ‘evil’ path often deviates from the main narrative. In some games, choosing the ‘evil’ option can feel like finding a hidden bonus feature rather than a genuine choice with consequences. However, in the game “Tyranny“, every path is thoughtfully developed, and the evil routes, instead of being exceptions, are presented as the norm, setting it apart from traditional RPGs.

Mastering this game involves a challenging role-playing experience where you must forsake the protagonist’s deeply held beliefs and lead a small rebellion against an oppressive, empire-building force. It’s a tough choice, but fighting against the forces of darkness seems necessary, doesn’t it?

2024-11-01 14:34