Top 12 Epic Games Where the Hero Is Labelled a Traitor

Summary

Protagonists face enemies from society due to twisted ideals, betrayal, and authority influence.
Joining the ‘enemy side’ may be necessary to confront corrupt power structures.
Immersive journeys can require purifying society’s twisted minds to clear one’s name.

Sometimes, heroes are not just embodiments of peace, but must confront a more formidable adversary: societal norms and prejudices. While advancements in ideas shape the world, it doesn’t always align perfectly with the hero’s perspective. Differences in values, distorted narratives, or powerful influences can create disconnect between society and the protagonist. In some instances, these characters may be compelled to carry out actions that were unforeseen, leading to higher losses.

In this scenario, an untrustworthy main character finds himself in a challenging predicament, as very few locations offer respite or ample resources. This odyssey is intense and engaging, demanding a creative resolution to untangle the corrupted minds of society and restore the protagonist’s sullied reputation.

Spoiler Warning: Major plot spoilers are discussed in the entries below.

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Malicious Luminary

In Dragon Quest XI, the narrative unfolds about a legendary hero being resurrected to safeguard the realm of Erdrea. The main character is revealed as the reborn hero, who has had the Luminary mark engraved on his hand since birth. As he matures into an adult, he embarks on his preordained quest by encountering the king of Heliodor, one of the most significant cities in Erdrea.

The scheme failed when the king labeled the returned Luminary as a malevolent entity known as Darkspawn, a grave danger threatening to annihilate the world. He confined the Luminary in dungeons, setting him up for an unfortunate end before he could break free. This action compelled the king to command his troops to pursue and capture the Darkspawn with the intention of eliminating it, thereby positioning our protagonist against the establishment.

Trials Of Mana

Broken Bonds

In the game Trials of Mana, the six main characters embark on a journey together, seeking resolutions for their individual struggles. Forced from their native lands, Kevin is one of the dissenters who left unwillingly. After losing his companion Karl and rejecting his kingdom’s invasion plan, the Beast King banished him. Now he has only his determination to become stronger as a weapon against the tyrannical Beast King.

Apart from Angela and Hawkeye, two other individuals found themselves compelled to depart. They encountered enigmatic forces that distorted the leaders’ principles, causing them to disavow recent changes in objectives. Subsequently, they were labeled as traitors upon their departure, seeking to regain clarity for their kingdoms.

Final Fantasy 12

Fractured Ties To Country

In Final Fantasy XII, the story revolves around several key characters, including Balthier. Initially, Balthier served as an Archadian Judge at a young age, living with his father. However, his father’s mental health began to decline, leading to drastic changes in his personality that proved unbearable for Balthier. This situation eventually prompted him to renounce his Judge title and flee, choosing instead to join the ranks of sky pirates.

In another turn of events, Basch, a once esteemed figure, saw his honor tarnished. He was entrusted with shielding his Dalmascan monarch from the advancing Archadian forces, but unfortunately, someone maliciously accused him of murdering the very king he had sworn to safeguard. Convicted of this act, Basch earned the title “King Slayer.” He was then imprisoned in a dungeon, anticipating his impending, harsh sentence.

Assassin’s Creed Rogue

Tainted Brotherhood

In “Assassin’s Creed Rogue,” we discover that an Assassin and a Templar share strikingly similar principles. The narrative unfolds as Cormac embarks on a mission to seize an artifact concealed in Lisbon. The successful extraction of this artifact triggers a devastating earthquake, reducing the bustling city to rubble. This catastrophic outcome was foreseen by the Assassins, who knowingly took the heavy risk of sacrificing innocents for their objectives.

Over time, a mix of increasing remorse and waning trust led Cormac to decide to steal the sacred manuscript from the Brotherhood and escape. This action effectively ended any further association with the Assassins when they pursued him, culminating in his being pushed off a cliff. Despite rumors of his death among his former peers, he was miraculously saved and chose to side with the Templars. Leveraging his Assassin abilities, he tracked down and eliminated his ex-Assassin associates for the Templars’ objectives.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Breaking The Link

As a gamer, I embarked on an unavoidable journey in Xenoblade Chronicles 3. The trio from Agnus and Keves were bound by destiny, and our three-person teams clashed in a fight to unravel the mystery surrounding a device. However, the battle took an unexpected turn when a colossal beast burst onto the scene. The situation grew increasingly complex as the device activated, merging our recon squads into towering beings reminiscent of the beast itself.

Before triggering a sign in the heavens, the monstrous entity understood the consequences of its action. This sign would transform the two groups into adversaries for all factions, regardless of where they originated. Consequently, this compels the liberated group to collaborate and destroy the Flame Clocks to free their companions from the grip of the Consuls’ authority.

Persona 5 Royal

Social Ideals

In essence, Persona 5 Royal revolves around standing up against societal corruption. The Phantom Thieves gradually garnered support by bringing down those in power who misused their positions for personal gain. As they confronted higher echelons of society, they received admiration from the masses.

In due course of the narrative, they found themselves in a grave dilemma. Though they focused on apprehending the mastermind and unmasking his wrongdoings, people continued to support the corrupt politician, perceiving him as innocent. As a result, the reputation and esteem that once surrounded the Phantom Thieves drastically plummeted as they were labeled fugitives in the public eye.

Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown

Immortal Betrayal

In the story titled “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” we follow one of the latest recruits among The Immortals, Sargon. Following a perilous assignment, they were compelled to act swiftly due to Prince Ghassan’s sudden arrest. Upon pursuing the kidnappers of the Prince, their group became divided as they approached the cursed Mount Qaf.

In the end, Sargon managed to meet Prince Ghassan, but then Vahram (the head of The Immortals) emerged to kill the Prince instead. Despite putting up a valiant struggle against his leader’s immense power, Sargon ultimately succumbed in defeat. After waking up and making his escape from Mount Qaf’s underground passages, he encountered The Immortals pursuing him, having been alerted that he was a traitor. They were instructed that he had killed the Prince of Persia for personal advantage, leading each Immortal to confront their previous comrade.

Asura’s Wrath

Framed

In the perspective of Asura, we follow events after a fateful moment when he was compelled to act. His encounter with Emperor Strada ends tragically, leaving the ruler dead and Asura’s hands stained with his blood. As a result of this incident, Asura is charged with murder and consequently loses his position as one of the Eight Guardian Generals.

Upon stirring from my endless slumber, I beheld a world still tainted by the malevolent Gohma. The landscape remained unchanged, but the rulers of this realm had rebranded themselves as the Seven Deities. Their expressions were less than welcoming when they encountered me, the enraged entity, as they countered my presence with their expanded forces and freshly acquired powers.

Final Fantasy 4

Justice Within Dark

In the realm of Baron Kingdom, Final Fantasy 4 unfolds, where Cecil carries out the king’s instructions to expand his rule globally. Performing these subjugation tasks began to alter Cecil’s perspective on the monarch, causing him to ponder whether his actions were justified. This fleeting hesitation ultimately led to a demotion, as the king assigned him a humble errand to Mist Village. To access the isolated village, he was tasked with vanquishing the Eidolon, a fearsome mist dragon, which stood in his way.

After completing his mission and arriving at his destination, the Carnelian Signet was triggered to destroy the village. This village possessed a guardian who could summon protective forces, but she succumbed when Eidolon fell. Cecil came to understand his own wrongdoings, deciding then to revolt against the Baron King. However, his past deeds have already tarnished his image in the eyes of others. The road to redemption would be a long one, as he builds a resistance movement against the Baron King.

Darksiders

Guilty Ride

In the storyline of Darksiders, the narrative unfolds on Earth, a place where Heaven and Hell have agreed upon a truce to prevent an apocalyptic battle until mankind is ready to confront them. During this period, the four horsemen will engage in the conflict. As War senses the Apocalyptic summons, he arrives on Earth to fulfill his destiny. However, he finds that his siblings are absent, with angels and demons already engaged in a fierce battle on the vulnerable human world. Consequently, War is compelled to confront adversaries from both Heaven and Hell amidst the chaotic tumult that ensues.

The Council of Char, upon War’s reappearance, severely reprimanded him for breaching the peace agreement by initiating the early Apocalypse. However, War argued that he hadn’t started the war; it had already begun before he showed up. Despite his explanation, he was still held accountable for humanity’s downfall, forcing him to return to Earth in search of proof to restore his reputation.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country

Burdened Blade

In the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country, we uncover the past that shaped Mythra and Jin for more than five centuries. Both were key players in the Aegis War, fighting against Malos’ catastrophic bid to destroy the world. Mythra was aware of her destructive potential, keeping a lid on her full strength until her emotions overwhelmed her. In their final confrontation, Malos unleashed Mythra’s full-blown fury and Siren power, leading to the devastating destruction of the Tornan titan, causing heavy casualties.

In the annals of gaming lore, this incident left a lasting mark as both Aegis were perceived as potential threats to our world. This ordeal left quite an impact on me, Mythra, while subtly altering Jin’s view of humanity. As I sought solace in hiding to manage my powers, Jin found himself side by side with Malos, embarking on a quest to free the blades from their accursed eternal destinies.

2025-02-02 09:35