Many games place players in the role of a chosen one, burdened by immense responsibilities. However, there’s a certain charm and depth that comes from assuming the role of an average individual, whose destiny remains unwritten. These engaging titles offer a refreshing perspective by allowing you to explore rich, immersive worlds without the heavy weight of predetermined fate on your shoulders.
Games featuring ordinary characters encourage you to carve your own path right from the beginning. From the harsh realities of post-apocalyptic landscapes in Kenshi to navigating the infected zones in The Last of Us, these games remind us that heroism can arise from the most unexpected places.
10 Outward
Challenging Survival in the World of Aurai
Outward is an open-world RPG that thrusts you into a grueling environment where survival is key. Your character starts with minimal skills, setting the stage for a challenging journey.
Throughout the game, your character can experience various ailments, from fatigue to severe weather conditions. To endure, you’ll need to manage your health by sourcing food, healing injuries with bandages, and navigating the unpredictability of survival.
If your health reaches zero, the consequences can be dire, including the risk of permadeath if you opt for Hardcore mode. Adding to the realism, the absence of fast travel and manual saving amplifies the stakes, making every decision critical.
Despite its awkward combat mechanics, Outward stands out as an exceptional RPG, rewarding players for persevering through its survival challenges.
9 Gothic
Are You Ready for a Prison Break?
In Gothic, players step into the shoes of the Nameless Hero, an individual with no grand destiny, merely a convict forced to mine for the kingdom amidst an orc invasion.
This haunting fantasy RPG emphasizes player interactivity, immersing you in a world that reacts dynamically to your actions. For instance, if you’re ambushed and knocked out, NPCs might seize your possessions.
Character customization is a standout feature, allowing players to earn skill points through interactions, honing abilities like stealth and melee combat—much like Skyrim. With a remake on the horizon, revisiting the original is a must for its unparalleled immersion and world-building.
8 Project Zomboid
Battle to Survive Endless Zombies as an Ordinary Survivor
Project Zomboid offers a uniquely realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse, casting you as an unremarkable survivor in Knox County, rather than a well-armed hero.
Your character earns diverse traits through choices made during gameplay, mirroring the mechanics seen in Darkest Dungeon. This system facilitates character evolution as the game progresses.
Your ultimate aim? To survive as long as possible against hordes of the undead. This involves strategic resource management, scavenging for supplies, and dealing with stress as you navigate uncertain environments.
The unpredictable looting system adds a layer of excitement; each location could either provide vital resources or be your last stand.
7 Outer Wilds
Unravel the Mysteries of the Planetary System and Beyond
In Outer Wilds, players control the unnamed Hatchling—a character devoid of superpowers and destined for greatness. Instead, they are motivated by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the universe’s secrets.
Set against a captivating backdrop, you will explore a dying planetary system while navigating a 22-minute time loop. This innovative design invites exploration and problem-solving rather than traditional combat.
The game’s unique art style, evocative music, and intricate lore create an atmosphere unlike any other indie title, allowing players to chart their own course through the narrative.
6. Kenshi
An Open-World Sandbox Title with Brutal Combat
Set in a grim, post-apocalyptic landscape, Kenshi offers players complete freedom in both narrative and gameplay. You can form alliances or betray factions as you fight against various foes.
Eschewing traditional level scaling, this squad-based RPG presents formidable challenges, particularly at the game’s outset. Players can recruit multiple characters, adding layers to strategy and combat.
The game employs a highly realistic damage system; combat can result in permanent limb loss, requiring players to adapt and even use prosthetics, enriching the overall gaming experience.
5 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Ah, Here We Go Again
Carl Johnson (CJ) is a household name among gamers, but his journey in Los Santos is far from that of a typical hero. Instead, it’s a tale of an ordinary man rising from the streets through grit and determination.
Set against a backdrop of crime and corruption, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas allows players to engage in various activities to relieve the stress of their chaotic environment.
Without a compelling character like CJ to guide the narrative, this iconic title might have lacked the emotional depth and realism that has captivated players for years.
4 Dead Space
An Ordinary Engineer Battling with Extraordinary Horrors
Initially, Isaac Clarke was a silent protagonist, adding an element of isolation and vulnerability in the original Dead Space. With no superhuman abilities, he is just an engineer thrust into a terrifying fight against the Necromorphs on the USG Ishimura.
Isaac must utilize his engineering tools to fend off grotesque creatures, relying on ingenuity rather than firepower. This grounded approach makes for a gripping horror experience.
3 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Forge Your Path from Scratch in This Unforgiving Action RPG
In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, players control Henry, an everyman whose life spirals into chaos following the murder of his parents by invaders. Stripped of any warrior training, Henry’s struggles add depth to the narrative.
This RPG allows for complete character development, making Henry a blank slate with the potential for growth. The journey to mastering combat is challenging but ultimately rewarding.
As players progress, they witness Henry evolve from a novice to a capable fighter, providing a sense of accomplishment that few games can achieve.
2 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
A Chaotic JRPG Starring a Goofy Ex-Yakuza
Freshly released from prison, Ichiban Kasuga serves as the protagonist of Yakuza: Like A Dragon, where he embodies the humor and heart of the series. His impulsive nature often leads to chaotic situations, yet his kindness and sense of justice shine through.
With turn-based combat reminiscent of classic JRPGs, Ichiban’s love for Dragon Quest infuses the gameplay with personality and relatability. The game features a rich narrative filled with vibrant characters, making it an essential title for fans of the genre.
1 The Last of Us Part I
Brace Yourself for Tough Choices and Ellie’s Book of Puns
Unlike traditional video game heroes, Joel Miller from The Last of Us Part I is defined not by superhuman powers but by his fierce determination to protect Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world. His choices are often morally ambiguous, especially when he eliminates members of the Fireflies to safeguard Ellie’s future.
This intricate character development, complemented by Ellie’s clever humor, brings a unique emotional depth to the game. With its atmospheric storytelling, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack, this title has solidified its status as a masterpiece in gaming history.
Leave a Reply ▼