
In the vast and diverse world of video games, players often find themselves cast as the hero, the savior, or the protagonist who fights against evil. However, there is a unique and intriguing subgenre that flips this narrative on its head: games where you play as the monster. These games offer a fresh perspective, allowing players to explore the darker, more chaotic side of storytelling and gameplay. Whether it’s wreaking havoc as a giant beast, manipulating minds as a supernatural entity, or simply embracing the role of the villain, these games challenge our moral compass and provide a thrilling experience that is both unsettling and exhilarating.
The Appeal of Playing as the Monster
1. Breaking the Mold of Traditional Storytelling
One of the most compelling aspects of playing as the monster is the opportunity to break away from traditional hero-centric narratives. In most games, the player is tasked with saving the world, rescuing the princess, or defeating the evil overlord. However, when you step into the shoes of the monster, the story takes on a different tone. You are no longer the savior; instead, you are the force of destruction, the antagonist, or even the misunderstood creature. This shift in perspective can be refreshing and thought-provoking, as it forces players to question the nature of good and evil.
2. Exploring the Psychology of the Monster
Playing as the monster often delves into the psychology of the character, offering a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions. Games like Carrion, where you control a grotesque, amorphous creature, allow players to experience the primal instincts of a being driven by hunger and survival. Similarly, in Prototype, you play as Alex Mercer, a man-turned-monster who grapples with his newfound powers and the moral implications of using them. These games provide a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of a monster’s mind, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
3. The Thrill of Unrestrained Power
There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with wielding immense power, and games where you play as the monster often deliver this in spades. Whether it’s tearing through cities as a kaiju in Rampage or unleashing devastating attacks as a dragon in Drakengard, these games allow players to indulge in the fantasy of being an unstoppable force. The sheer scale of destruction and chaos that can be unleashed is both exhilarating and cathartic, offering a sense of freedom that is rarely found in more traditional games.
4. Moral Ambiguity and Player Choice
Many monster-centric games incorporate elements of moral ambiguity, giving players the freedom to choose their path. In Overlord, for example, you can decide whether to rule with an iron fist or show mercy to your subjects. Similarly, in The Darkness, you can embrace the dark powers at your disposal or resist them, leading to different outcomes. These choices add depth to the gameplay, as players must weigh the consequences of their actions and decide what kind of monster they want to be.
5. The Subversion of Expectations
Playing as the monster often subverts the expectations of both the player and the game world. In Undertale, for instance, the game initially presents itself as a traditional RPG where you play as a human child. However, as the story unfolds, you realize that your actions have a profound impact on the world and its inhabitants. The game challenges you to consider the consequences of your choices, even if you are playing as the “monster.” This subversion of expectations can lead to surprising and emotionally resonant moments that stay with players long after the game is over.
Notable Games Where You Play as the Monster
1. Carrion (2020)
In Carrion, you take on the role of a terrifying, amorphous creature that escapes from a laboratory and wreaks havoc on its captors. The game is a reverse horror experience, where you are the monster stalking and devouring humans. The gameplay is fast-paced and visceral, with a focus on stealth, strategy, and brutal combat. Carrion is a prime example of how playing as the monster can be both thrilling and unsettling.
2. Prototype (2009)
Prototype puts you in the shoes of Alex Mercer, a man who gains extraordinary powers after being infected with a mysterious virus. As Alex, you can shapeshift, consume enemies to gain their memories, and unleash devastating attacks on the city of New York. The game explores themes of identity, power, and morality, as Alex struggles to understand his new abilities and the consequences of using them.
3. Overlord (2007)
In Overlord, you play as a dark lord who commands an army of minions to do your bidding. The game combines elements of action, strategy, and humor, as you rebuild your evil empire and decide how to rule over your subjects. The game’s moral choices add depth to the gameplay, as you can choose to be a ruthless tyrant or a more benevolent ruler.
4. The Darkness (2007)
The Darkness is a first-person shooter where you play as Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman who becomes possessed by a demonic entity known as The Darkness. The game explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption, as Jackie struggles to control the dark forces within him. The game’s unique mechanics, such as the ability to summon dark creatures and manipulate the environment, make it a standout title in the genre.
5. Drakengard (2003)
Drakengard is an action RPG where you play as Caim, a warrior who forms a pact with a dragon to gain immense power. The game is known for its dark and twisted story, as well as its intense combat sequences. Playing as Caim and his dragon companion, you must fight against an army of enemies and make difficult choices that will shape the fate of the world.
Conclusion
Games where you play as the monster offer a unique and often unsettling perspective on storytelling and gameplay. By stepping into the shoes of the antagonist, players are given the opportunity to explore the darker side of human nature, challenge their moral beliefs, and experience the thrill of unrestrained power. Whether it’s through the visceral action of Carrion, the moral choices of Overlord, or the psychological depth of The Darkness, these games provide a fresh and thought-provoking experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Related Q&A
Q: What makes playing as the monster different from playing as a traditional hero? A: Playing as the monster often involves a shift in perspective, where the player is no longer the hero but the antagonist or a force of destruction. This can lead to more morally ambiguous storytelling and gameplay, as players are forced to consider the consequences of their actions from a different angle.
Q: Are there any games where you play as a sympathetic monster? A: Yes, many games explore the idea of the “sympathetic monster,” where the player character is a monster but is also portrayed as misunderstood or tragic. Games like Undertale and The Darkness delve into the psychological and emotional struggles of the monster, making them more relatable and complex.
Q: What are some common themes in games where you play as the monster? A: Common themes include moral ambiguity, the nature of good and evil, the psychology of the monster, and the consequences of wielding immense power. These themes are often explored through the gameplay and narrative, providing a deeper and more thought-provoking experience for the player.
Q: Can playing as the monster be cathartic? A: Absolutely. Playing as the monster can be a cathartic experience, as it allows players to indulge in the fantasy of unrestrained power and destruction. This can be a way to release pent-up frustration or stress, as well as a means of exploring darker aspects of human nature in a safe and controlled environment.