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Summary

  • Dying Light 2 portrays a complex plot with Reverse Villains like Hakon and Lawan.
  • Fallout: New Vegas emphasizes players themselves becoming the Reverse Villain.
  • Far Cry 4 showcases a main antagonist and a deceptive resistance, blurring the lines of good and evil.

In many open-world games, you’ll encounter a diverse array of captivating characters, some of whom are among the most memorable Villains ever created within the gaming realm. However, there are unique instances where an intricate antagonist steps into the limelight as a “Reverse Protagonist” or “Anti-Hero”. These characters can switch sides, appearing as allies and later revealing their villainous nature, or they could be genuine Villains who stray from their path due to misguided intentions of doing good.

In these games, appearances can be deceiving. What may initially appear as villains could turn out to be heroes, while seemingly righteous characters might reveal hidden agendas. Be aware that, in the highlighted open-world games featuring reversed roles (found in this list of Open-World Games with Antiheroes), players may unintentionally take on the role of the antagonist.

The following list contains spoilers. Readers are advised to exercise caution.

6. Dying Light 2

Hakon, Rais, The Peacekeepers, Nobody Is A Saint

Upon reaching Old Villedor, the players immediately sense they’ve stumbled into the worst of situations. They’re bitten by infected, forced out in the open to slow down the contagion, and given a string of perilous tasks for the Survivor group. Amidst the chaos, Hakon appears as the players’ lone ally, proving quite helpful in navigating their new life in this zombie-infested metropolis. However, he wasn’t as virtuous as they thought. In due time, they’ll encounter a formidable woman named Lawan, who aims to eliminate Hakon and attempts to assassinate Aiden upon first sight. But be patient, for she will later become an ally, while Hakon transforms into the enemy you must pursue.

In Dying Light 2, the storyline is intricate, presenting a moral dilemma for players: They must pick between two questionable factions – the Peacekeepers, who seek order despite their corruption, or the Survivors, whose higher-ups are equally corrupt and jeopardize the safety of humanity in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. Trust is scarce, making it a challenge to determine who’s truly on the side of good.

5. Fallout: New Vegas

You Might End Up As The Bad Guy

In the world of Fallout and New Vegas, it’s a consistent truth that those with noble intentions rarely last. Goodsprings, upon the arrival of Courier Six, seems to prove this rule beyond doubt. Initially, they are wounded and abandoned, only to recover and find out their valuable cargo has been swiped. From there, a harrowing journey across Nevada’s contaminated wastelands ensues, with no reliable allies and little sympathy for the unfortunate Courier Six.

As a gamer immersed in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, I’ve learned that even when I form alliances with characters like Benny, they might ultimately turn on me and leave me for dead, time and again. The most intriguing twist, though, is that the villain in this game can sometimes be the player itself. Courier Six, my character, has the potential to get corrupted – say, by aligning with the Caesar Legion and transforming into a cold-blooded killer – which could lead to some of the darkest endings the Fallout Series has to offer.

4. Far Cry 4

When The Allies Are So Shady, The Villain Starts To Make Sense

As I dive into the world of Far Cry 4, two elements truly bring the antihero narrative to life: firstly, a ruthless dictator with a semblance of logic, guiding his troops effectively, and secondly, a resistance that, despite their claims, isn’t as pristine as it seems. From the moment Pagan Min parachutes into the game, players are immediately drawn in by the intrigue.

Initially, the seemingly antagonistic character’s cruel behavior is juxtaposed with his attempts at self-control, suggesting a hidden sanity amidst chaos. This duality in his actions leaves players wondering about his past and how he became a psychopath. The occasional glimpses of reason during his violent outbursts hint at his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, implying that his rise to power was not part of his original plan.

On the other hand, the Golden Path’s secrecy towards AJ (the main character) creates suspicion among players, making them suspect betrayal at any moment. The presence of potential anti-heroes throughout the game adds an element of suspense and intrigue, keeping players engaged and on the edge of their seats. This blend of elements makes “Far Cry 4” one of the standout games in the series.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

In A World As Broken As This, Nobody Is Free Of Sin

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in the gritty world of The Witcher franchise, where even the rulers can be monstrous. It’s a place where the lines between good and evil blur, and you never truly know who to trust. Unlike other open-world dark fantasy RPGs, The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt doesn’t shy away from this concept, making it a cornerstone of its gripping narrative.

Throughout Hearts of Stone, this trope is woven into the storyline beautifully, creating a gripping saga about love, heartache, deceit, and a deal with the devil. Meanwhile, in Blood and Wine, gameplay and narrative are skillfully intertwined, offering another breathtaking yarn filled with valor, camaraderie, and villains who defy expectations within the series.

2. Prototype

Public Enemy Number 1, But Still Manages To Save The World

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that Prototype stands as one of the most remarkable open-world games ever crafted, boasting an intricate plot twist that ranks among the most pulse-pounding in Survival Horror genre history. In this game, instead of playing a typical hero, you embody the Monster itself – a unique perspective that sets it apart from many other titles. While not strictly a Survival Horror game, Prototype blends elements of action RPG, open-world, hack & slash, and action games seamlessly, all while maintaining a compelling narrative centered around the concept of a Reverse Villain.

As Alex Mercer, I find myself in a world overrun by the Blacklight virus, a variant that’s taken my past and left me with only this violent, monster-infested Manhattan as my home. Each day, the city becomes more vicious as the virus mutates its inhabitants into grotesque creatures. With no recollection of who I was before, I’m forced to confront reality and search for answers about myself.

In this struggle, I discover and harness my mutant abilities, using them to fight against the authorities and the clandestine organization known as Blackwatch. They see me as a threat, branding me public enemy number one, but deep down, I remain a man driven by human emotions. I’m not your typical villain; rather, I’m a reverse villain, a hero in my own twisted way, battling against those who seek to use the virus for nefarious purposes.

1. Dragon’s Dogma

A Never-Ending Cycle Of Destruction, A Hero Chasing His Own Tail

In the fantastical realm of Gransis, the video games “Dragon’s Dogma I & II (including Dark Arisen)” whisk players into an enormous journey aimed at retrieving a precious artifact: The hero’s heart, which was pilfered by an evil dragon. This theft is designed to provoke a recurring battle that has echoed through the ages. A Dragon selects a Hero who transforms into the Arisen, and they embark on a pursuit of the Dragon, eventually defeating him, but in an ironic twist, the victory leads to their own transformation into a dragon.

In much the same way that the story of the Ouroboros mirrors the Prodigal Son tale, this narrative embodies the concept of the Reverse Villain character type. The franchise’s three captivating games offer a vast open-world to traverse, teeming with perils, excitement, and indelible characters. This trio of games represents an exceptional achievement in game design, blending contemporary storytelling methods with ancient folklore, resulting in an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

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2025-05-25 05:35