For the most part, the protagonists of RPGs are treated as normal people. They may be lower rungs of society, or perhaps they start off with high nobility before they gain perspective, but either way, the RPG archetype is mostly set in stone. That is, except for the following examples from both the East and West.
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These RPG heroes are treated like second-class citizens for almost the entirety of their runtime. It’s interesting to play characters from a different perspective like this, as it’s not fun playing the same archetypes again and again. The surface-level premises will be explained for the following games, so there are no spoilers ahead.
Attack On Titan
Distrusting The Titans
In the Attack on Titan anime, large humanoids attack and consume humans who are confined to the last city, presumably on the planet. Early in the anime, the main character, Eren, discovers that he can transform into a Titan, which is beneficial for defending the city.
However, people don’t trust him since their fear of Titans in general is so high. This action-based video game roughly follows the first season and a half, with players mostly controlling cadets to swing around and attack titans with blades in the air. There are sections where Eren, in his Titan form, is playable as well.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Toss A Coin To Your Witcher
In the universe of The Witcher, the titular Witchers are humans who purposely undergo trials to mutate their bodies to become stronger and gain the ability to use magic. They are mercenaries by trade who go around to try to help people for coin, and most folks fear them because they are sort of monsters.
Also, many aren’t kind and just do it for the money, regardless of whether they save people. So, in the latest action entry, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players have to confront NPCs who hold stereotypes against the hero, Geralt, who players can choose to be kindhearted or aggressive to play into their fears.
Undertale
A Monster By Monster Standards
Undertale is a reverse of most turn-based RPGs in many ways. Instead of a human traversing the surface world and fighting monsters who are invading, players go underground to where monsters live.
Because there is an established fear of humans, as most tend to slay monsters, the underground NPCs either cower before the hero or actively try to stop him, thinking he is there as a vanquisher. The trick is, players can decide to buck the trend and instead talk their way out of every battle, sparing monsters, and thus building a reputation as someone kindhearted.
Final Fantasy 13
The Cursed l’Cie
In most Final Fantasy games, magic is a gift for warriors who can use it. In Final Fantasy 13, a turn-based RPG, magic is a curse bestowed upon robotic enemies called the fal’Cie. Cursed humans bear a mark and are labelled l’Cie, which every party member becomes.
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While they gain great power, it’s also a mark of death as l’Cie eventually meet terrible fates. Because the power of the fal’Cie is so mysterious, most tend to treat l’Cie like the curse is contagious. Even though the party is trying to do good things, that doesn’t stop the hate from spreading.
Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
The King Of Koopas
Bowser has been the villain of the Mario franchise since Super Mario Bros. dropped on the NES. Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story is a turn-based RPG that is split between players controlling Bowser on the surface as he stomps around and tries to defend his turf, while Mario and Luigi are stuck inside Bowser and have to navigate it like a Metroidvania.
It’s one of the best representations of Bowser in a video game, who is equal parts terrifying and silly because he’s not the brightest bulb in the pack. Watching the Mushroom Kingdom cower before him is like a power fantasy.
Sand Land
Demons Vs Humans
In Sand Land, the Earth has become a vast desert as water sources have dried up. Demons and humans fight for territory and water, but to solve this war, an unlikely alliance is struck between Beelzebub, who represents the demons as their Prince, and humans, who Rao stands in for as an authority figure.
Together, along with other comrades, Beelzebub and Rao try to find a mystical water source, and along the way, both human and demon parties tend to hold prejudices against them based on a few bad eggs. Through action combat, players can resist the hate.
Valkyria Chronicles 3
Suicide Squad
Valkyria Chronicles 3 is a game in the tactical RPG series that the West never got on the PSP, but thanks to dedicated fans, there is an English patch. The game follows Squad 422, who the military treats as the worst of the worst. It’s best to think of them like the Suicide Squad from DC comics, as they are sent in to do the dirty work, and no one cares if they live or die.
Thankfully, players can connect with them because they are a close-knit family who will do anything to keep each other alive, no matter what, and they also follow orders without question, as loyalty is sacred.
Yakuza 0
The 80s Were Powerful
The Yakuza are the Japanese equivalent of the Mafia, who are feared by most and can be identified by their elaborate tattoos. In fact, in the real world, there are still certain establishments that ban people with tattoos, like bath houses, for fear that they once had an association with the Yakuza.
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The height of the Yakuza was in the 80s, when the Yen was booming, and Yakuza 0 is when this game takes place. As a younger Kazuma, players will rise through the ranks and start to gain a reputation around town. Through his words and actions during combat, all will learn soon enough not to mess with Kazuma or the Yakuza family he represents.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
Sins Of The Father
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a prequel to the events of Dragon Quest 4: Chapters of the Chosen. That game’s villain, Psaro, is younger in this game, and he is grappling with his own troubles against his father.
Even though he’s not destroying the world, he is feared by most since he can befriend monsters and use them in turn-based combat. Players can think of this Dragon Quest spinoff like a darker version of the Pokemon games, and while fun, players do need to remember they are playing a villain, albeit a misunderstood one.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Your Choice
Finally, a lesser example is Baldur’s Gate 3 because it’s up to players whether or not they want to be feared. The game has a great character customization menu with visual choices, classes, and races.
If players want to strike fear in the hearts of most NPCs, then they can be a Drow, as they are often associated with evil deeds. Players can decide to lean into these prejudices, or they can flip the script by being a good Drow. Because Baldur’s Gate 3 is so open, there are many options like this that can close or open up pathways.
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