Games Where You Play as the Monster: A Dive into the Dark Side of Gaming

In the vast and varied world of video games, players often find themselves cast as the hero, the savior, or the chosen one. But what happens when the roles are reversed? What happens when you, the player, are no longer the protagonist but the antagonist? This is the realm of “games where you play as the monster,” a niche yet fascinating subgenre that challenges traditional gaming norms and offers a unique perspective on morality, power, and identity.

The Allure of the Monster

The concept of playing as a monster is inherently intriguing. It taps into our primal fears and desires, allowing us to explore the darker aspects of human nature in a controlled environment. Games like Carrion, where you control a grotesque, amorphous creature, or Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse, where you play as a zombie wreaking havoc in a 1950s town, offer a cathartic release from the constraints of societal norms. These games allow players to indulge in their most destructive fantasies without real-world consequences.

The Psychology of Playing the Monster

From a psychological standpoint, playing as a monster can be both liberating and unsettling. It forces players to confront their own capacity for evil, challenging them to empathize with characters they would typically fear or despise. This shift in perspective can lead to a deeper understanding of the complexities of morality and the blurred lines between good and evil.

In Prototype, for example, players take on the role of Alex Mercer, a man transformed into a bio-weapon with the ability to consume and mimic others. The game’s narrative forces players to grapple with questions of identity and humanity, as Mercer struggles to retain his sense of self amidst the chaos of his transformation. Similarly, Overlord places players in the role of a dark lord commanding an army of minions, challenging them to balance their desire for power with the moral implications of their actions.

The Evolution of Monster Games

The concept of playing as the monster is not new. Early examples can be found in games like Rampage (1986), where players controlled giant monsters destroying cities, or Dungeon Keeper (1997), which allowed players to build and manage a dungeon filled with monsters. However, as technology has advanced, so too has the complexity and depth of these games.

Modern monster games often feature intricate narratives, detailed world-building, and complex gameplay mechanics. The Darkness (2007), for instance, combines first-person shooter gameplay with supernatural elements, as players control Jackie Estacado, a mob hitman possessed by a demonic entity. The game explores themes of revenge, power, and corruption, offering a nuanced portrayal of its monstrous protagonist.

The Role of Empathy in Monster Games

One of the most compelling aspects of monster games is their ability to foster empathy for characters traditionally viewed as villains. By placing players in the shoes of the monster, these games challenge preconceived notions of right and wrong, encouraging players to see the world from a different perspective.

In Undertale (2015), players have the option to either befriend or destroy the monsters they encounter. The game’s pacifist route, which encourages players to spare their enemies, highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, even in the face of adversity. Similarly, A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019) tells the story of two siblings navigating a world ravaged by the Black Death, with players controlling Amicia, a young girl who must protect her brother Hugo, who is infected with a mysterious illness. The game’s narrative blurs the lines between hero and monster, as players are forced to make difficult moral choices in order to survive.

The Impact of Monster Games on the Gaming Industry

The rise of monster games has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, pushing developers to explore new narrative and gameplay possibilities. These games often challenge traditional gaming conventions, offering players a fresh and innovative experience.

One notable example is Shadow of the Colossus (2005), which tasks players with defeating massive, ancient creatures known as colossi. The game’s minimalist narrative and haunting atmosphere have made it a cult classic, influencing countless other games in the process. Similarly, Bloodborne (2015) combines gothic horror with fast-paced combat, creating a dark and immersive world that has captivated players worldwide.

The Future of Monster Games

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the potential for monster games is virtually limitless. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, could allow for even more immersive and realistic experiences. Imagine a game where players can fully embody a monster, using VR to experience the world from a completely different perspective. Or a game where the monsters themselves are driven by advanced AI, creating a dynamic and unpredictable gameplay experience.

Moreover, the increasing popularity of indie games has opened the door for more experimental and unconventional monster games. Titles like LISA: The Painful (2014) and Darkest Dungeon (2016) have already pushed the boundaries of what monster games can be, offering players unique and thought-provoking experiences.

Conclusion

Games where you play as the monster offer a unique and often unsettling perspective on the world of video games. By challenging traditional notions of heroism and morality, these games force players to confront their own fears and desires, creating a deeply personal and immersive experience. Whether you’re wreaking havoc as a zombie, commanding an army of minions, or battling ancient colossi, monster games provide a thrilling and thought-provoking escape from the ordinary.

Q: What are some popular games where you play as the monster? A: Some popular games include Carrion, Prototype, Overlord, The Darkness, Undertale, A Plague Tale: Innocence, Shadow of the Colossus, and Bloodborne.

Q: Why do people enjoy playing as the monster in video games? A: Playing as the monster allows players to explore darker aspects of human nature, indulge in destructive fantasies, and experience a shift in perspective that challenges traditional notions of morality.

Q: How have monster games evolved over time? A: Monster games have evolved from simple, arcade-style games like Rampage to complex, narrative-driven experiences like The Darkness and A Plague Tale: Innocence. Advances in technology have allowed for more immersive and realistic gameplay.

Q: What impact have monster games had on the gaming industry? A: Monster games have pushed developers to explore new narrative and gameplay possibilities, challenging traditional gaming conventions and offering players fresh and innovative experiences.

Q: What is the future of monster games? A: The future of monster games is likely to involve advances in technology such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, allowing for even more immersive and realistic experiences. The rise of indie games also opens the door for more experimental and unconventional monster games.