RPGs Where the World Is Afraid of You

Being a hero isn’t always easy; people don’t always appreciate those who do the right thing. The article “10 RPGs Where You’re Treated Like the Monster” looks at games – like those in The Witcher series, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – where players experience what it’s like to be seen as the villain, even while trying to be the good guy.

Although other games could fit this theme, we’ll focus on some fresh options instead. These games feature heroes who are often feared, whether because of their appearance or what they symbolize. We won’t reveal any major plot points or gameplay details – this list will stick to general concepts and ideas.

Final Fantasy 4

Cecil The Mighty

I recently started playing Final Fantasy 4, and it’s really grabbed me! You play as Cecil, a Dark Knight who’s a total powerhouse for the Kingdom of Baron. The kingdom is always trying to take over the world, and Cecil’s been their enforcer, which is pretty intimidating. But the cool thing is, he starts to wonder if fighting for Baron is actually the right thing to do. That inner conflict drives a lot of the first half of the game, and it’s fascinating to watch him grapple with it.

No matter where he travels, Cecil can’t escape a persistent curse, despite his efforts to improve his life. The world only begins to treat him kindly after he becomes a Paladin. This is a well-developed character journey for a Final Fantasy hero, and the 3D remake – first appearing on the DS – vividly portrays this compelling story.

Fallout: New Vegas

Beware This Courier

In Fallout: New Vegas, you have a lot of freedom in creating and playing your character, known as The Courier. You can customize their appearance, skills, and how they talk to others. Your choices and actions throughout the game will influence your character’s reputation, affecting how other characters and enemies react to you.

In Fallout: New Vegas, players can choose to become feared by making ruthless decisions, like killing others and siding with groups like Caesar’s Legion. The game allows for a lot of freedom, and some players enjoy exploring these darker paths, even if it means prioritizing their own survival above all else.

Dragon’s Dogma

The Arisen’s Curse

The game Dragon’s Dogma starts with a dramatic event: a dragon devours the player character’s heart. This act transforms the player into the Arisen – a chosen hero revived by dragons and marked with a distinctive scar on their chest.

Although players don’t speak in Dragon’s Dogma, NPCs will react with fear or respect based on what they perceive the player character – the Arisen – to be, seeing them as either cursed or even godlike. The game focuses on uncovering the truth about the Arisen and the dragons themselves, as both remain shrouded in mystery within a dangerous and unforgiving fantasy world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Yar Har Har, A Viking’s Life For Me

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you take on the role of a Viking leader around the year 880. During this period, Vikings were known and feared as ruthless raiders who invaded lands, pillaging and killing without mercy.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla delves into the complexities of history. Players take on the role of Eivor – who can be played as either male or female – and lead Viking raids into the lands of Britain, seeking to build a reputation. Many consider it the most accurate and engaging game ever made about Viking life and culture.

EarthBound

A Cool Leveling Mechanic

EarthBound is a famously quirky role-playing game for the SNES, and many consider it one of the strangest of all time. The game follows a young boy who gathers companions to collect sounds, all in an effort to thwart an alien invasion. As players explore different locations, they’ll encounter enemies and engage in turn-based battles.

A neat feature in the game is that monsters will attempt to flee if players become strong enough in an area. Plus, players automatically gain experience just by touching these scared monsters! While not unique to this game, EarthBound was one of the first RPGs to implement this mechanic.

Valkyrie Profile

Ragnarok Draws Near

I first played Valkyrie Profile on the PS1, but it’s been released on other consoles too, and the story is awesome no matter which one you play. It’s based on Norse mythology, all about Ragnarok – basically, the end of the world. You play as Lenneth, a Valkyrie, and your job is to go down to Midgard and recruit warriors to try and prevent this huge disaster.

In the game Valkyrie Profile, Valkyries are powerful warriors who select fallen heroes to join Valhalla. Seeing one can be a welcome sight or frightening, depending on the character. Battles are turn-based, but the game feels fast-paced because each character is linked to a single button, letting you quickly perform actions in 2D combat.

Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne

Not Like Other Humans

At the start of Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne, you’re a typical Japanese teenager. But after a catastrophic event, you awaken transformed – with mysterious markings and as a being known as the Demi-Fiend. As the Demi-Fiend, you can forge alliances with demons and build a team to fight in classic turn-based battles.

As a longtime fan, what really gets me about this game is the sense of unease. Everyone who’s lived through the events is either terrified of what the Demi-Fiend could become, or they’re trying to use him for their own purposes. It’s classic Shin Megami Tensei – you’re thrown into a world where you’re kept guessing, surrounded by strange people and demons, and you quickly realize everyone has a hidden motive. It’s brilliantly unsettling!

Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten

A Softened Tyrant

Before the story of Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten begins, Valvatorez was a terrifying ruler of the underworld, known for dominating even powerful demons. But after falling in love and making a promise, he changed his ways, giving up his bloodthirsty habits and developing a fondness for sardines instead.

The game begins with Valvatorez trying to change his ways, but many people still deeply fear him. This often leads to conflicts that start with simple misunderstandings. Valvatorez attempts to resolve these situations peacefully, but is frequently forced to fight in strategic battles.

Dark Half

Two Halves Of The Same Coin

Developer: West One
Publisher: Enix
Released: May 31, 1996 (Japan Version)
Platform: SNES

Dark Half is an obscure SNES game that was never released outside of Japan. The game features two separate storylines: one where you play as the hero, Falco, and another where you control Rukyu, the villain he’s trying to defeat. Players switch between these two campaigns.

In Rukyu, a particularly interesting game, players command monsters in strategic, turn-based battles. It’s satisfying to wield such power, and the game’s unique idea makes it worth checking out. An English translation patch is available for those who want to play it.

Final Fantasy 9

Black Mage Injustice

In Final Fantasy 9, Vivi is a tiny Black Mage with a hidden history. He doesn’t remember his origins, but a kind old man took him in and raised him, teaching him the importance of compassion.

The game introduces other Black Mages, revealing they are artificially created and raised specifically for combat. Because Vivi resembles those who have caused destruction, people often mistakenly believe he is a monster, despite being a young, innocent character. Though not the protagonist of Final Fantasy 9, Vivi is a key member of the team and faces a deeply moving and thought-provoking personal quest.

2026-01-25 11:35