Video games offer players the chance to embody a vast array of characters and scenarios. From time travel adventures to epic struggles against the forces of good, the possibilities are endless. Yet, a significant number of these games position us as the quintessential hero, adhering to moral codes and defending the innocent. While some titles give us a choice between right and wrong, few are bold enough to let us step into the shoes of a character who fully embraces villainy.
The concept of playing a purely evil character may feel unsettling or even uncomfortable. Nonetheless, these games stand out for their unique narratives and offer an interesting twist to traditional gameplay. If you’re yearning to ditch the hero’s mantle and fully dive into the dark side, consider exploring the following titles where you can revel in villainy without the temptation to choose an alternate heroic path.
8 Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain
Retake Nosgoth By Force
We begin with a classic from the vampire genre: Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. Familiar fans of the series recognize Kain as a character who exhibits little regard for morality; instead, his singular ambition is absolute power. Resurrected with newfound vampiric abilities, Kain is driven by vengeance as he wreaks havoc to reclaim Nosgoth from those who betrayed him.
Throughout the game, Kain shows minimal emotion. In fact, the closest players come to redemption is perhaps at the very end, where he can sacrifice himself to restore Nosgoth. However, true canon aligns with the narrative of Soul Reaver; Kain chooses to claim Nosgoth as his domain, ruling as its Vampire Overlord—a potent symbol of darkness.
Essentially, this game is a vehement exploration of revenge and chaos, solidifying Kain’s role as a quintessential villain in the gaming landscape.
7 Carrion
An Experiment Gone Wrong
In Carrion, players assume the role of a grotesque creature—an experiment gone awry, encompassing all the horror tropes associated with secret military experiments. As the monstrous entity, your singular focus is blood and destruction.
This unique metroidvania game features you as a shapeless red blob, fiercely navigating tight corridors and utilizing your appendages to violently dispatch military personnel. While one might argue the military is culpable for unleashing such horror, your character’s actions ultimately reveal a complete embrace of malevolence, as you ascend to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting city above.
The experience is both thrilling and wicked as you revel in the sheer delight of destruction.
6 Manhunt
Kill or Be Killed
In Manhunt, players find themselves in agraphic survival scenario where moral constraints are tossed aside. As a condemned inmate caught in a chilling game of life and death, you’re pushed to kill fellow inmates to survive an online snuff film’s brutal agenda.
While your character’s background paints you as a deeply flawed individual, the context allows for a fleeting moment of decency; you can choose not to harm innocent civilians. Yet, on the broader moral spectrum, such choices do little to prevent your ultimate descent into darkness.
5 Prototype
I’m Not a Monster, I’m Something Different
Prototype unfolds as a seemingly traditional superhero saga, yet protagonist Alex Mercer veers sharply from the altruistic path typically associated with these tales. Instead, Mercer opts to embrace his dark side, seeking revenge while becoming a weapon of mass devastation.
As he absorbs the life force of innocents to increase his powers, the allure of chaos intensifies, incentivizing players to engage in relentless acts of destruction. Mercer paints his vicious path as one of justice, but with every violent act, he unveils the grim reality of his villainous existence.
4 Shadow of the Colossus
Evil by Proxy
Shadow of the Colossus illustrates how good intentions can transform into villainy through one’s actions. You play as a young boy attempting to resurrect his beloved through a shadowy figure’s promise. In pursuit of hope, he embarks on a quest to eliminate the Colossi—giant beings that appear more guardian than foe.
As players progress, feelings of guilt may emerge, challenging the hero’s journey. Ultimately, the revelation hits hard: your quest has inadvertently unleashed a powerful evil upon the world, effectively casting you into the role of an unwitting villain.
3 Hatred
The World Is Ugly
Hatred is perhaps one of the most polarizing games available, devoid of any semblance of moral gray areas. This title invites players into a world where mass murder is the only objective, making it a chilling yet attention-grabbing experience.
With minimal character backstory, the protagonist’s only driving factor is the explicit hatred for society, leading to a relentless spree of violence and chaos. It serves primarily as a cultural touchstone, pushing the boundaries of gameplay into territories of horror rather than meaningful fun.
2 The Darkness
Welcome to the Family
Assuming the role of Jackie Estacado, a Mafia hitman, inherently suggests a departure from lawful conduct. However, the depths of Jackie’s darkness run even deeper, as he plays host to a demonic force—The Darkness—which compels him to indulge in unforgiving brutality.
As the game unfolds, players find themselves spiraling into a world filled with gruesome violence, with no opportunity to seek redemption. The focus lies on nurturing this dark entity, leading to a loss of self as the drive for revenge overtakes all layers of morality.
1 Succubus
Hell Hath No Fury
For fans of horror games, Succubus delivers a narrative rich with unrestrained brutality. Building upon the world established in Agony, players take on the role of a demonized ruler aiming to reclaim their throne, which requires a relentless commitment to violence.
Unlike its predecessor, where players were victims of a sinister environment, Succubus fully embraces the vile aspects of hell, with no option to diverge from the bloodshed and horror inherent in its gameplay. The depiction of brutality raises questions of morality, sure, but ultimately serves to engage players in an unrepentant tale of rage and revenge.
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