
In the vast and varied world of video games, players often find themselves cast as the hero, the savior, or the protagonist who must overcome insurmountable odds to achieve victory. However, there is a unique and increasingly popular 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. In this article, we will delve into the appeal of these games, the psychological impact they have on players, and some notable examples that have left a lasting impression on the gaming community.
The Appeal of Playing as the Monster
1. Breaking the Mold
One of the primary reasons games where you play as the monster are so appealing is that they break away from traditional gaming tropes. Instead of following the well-worn path of the hero’s journey, these games allow players to step into the shoes of the antagonist, or at least a character who is not traditionally seen as “good.” This shift in perspective can be refreshing and offers a new way to engage with the game’s world and mechanics.
2. Exploring Morality
Playing as a monster often forces players to confront complex moral dilemmas. In many of these games, the line between right and wrong is blurred, and players must make decisions that challenge their own ethical beliefs. This can lead to a deeper, more introspective gaming experience, as players are forced to consider the consequences of their actions in a way that traditional hero-centric games might not.
3. Power Fantasy
There’s an undeniable thrill in wielding immense power, and games where you play as the monster often capitalize on this. Whether it’s rampaging through a city as a giant kaiju or stalking prey as a fearsome predator, these games allow players to indulge in a power fantasy that is both exhilarating and liberating. The sense of dominance and control can be incredibly satisfying, especially when contrasted with the more constrained roles typically found in other games.
4. Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Games where you play as the monster often come with unique gameplay mechanics that set them apart from more traditional titles. For example, in Carrion, players control a amorphous, tentacled creature that can grow in size and strength as it consumes its victims. This mechanic not only makes the game feel fresh and innovative but also reinforces the player’s role as a monstrous entity. Similarly, in Dead by Daylight, the asymmetrical multiplayer gameplay pits one player as the killer against a group of survivors, creating a tense and unpredictable experience.
Psychological Impact of Playing as the Monster
1. Empathy and Understanding
Interestingly, playing as the monster can sometimes lead to a greater sense of empathy and understanding. By stepping into the shoes of a character who is typically vilified, players may gain a new perspective on the motivations and struggles of those who are often seen as “evil.” This can lead to a more nuanced understanding of morality and the complexities of human (or non-human) behavior.
2. Catharsis and Release
For some players, taking on the role of a monster can be a form of catharsis. In a controlled environment, they can explore darker impulses and emotions without real-world consequences. This can be a healthy way to release pent-up frustration or aggression, providing a safe outlet for feelings that might otherwise be difficult to express.
3. Fear and Tension
On the flip side, playing as the monster can also evoke feelings of fear and tension. In games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent or Outlast, where the player is often the one being hunted, the tables are turned when you become the hunter. This reversal can create a unique sense of unease, as players must grapple with the knowledge that they are now the source of fear for others.
Notable Examples of Games Where You Play as the Monster
1. Carrion (2020)
In Carrion, players take control of a grotesque, amorphous creature that escapes from a laboratory and wreaks havoc on its surroundings. The game’s reverse-horror mechanics allow players to experience the thrill of being the monster, as they consume scientists, soldiers, and anyone else who stands in their way. The game’s pixel art style and fluid animations make the experience both visually striking and deeply unsettling.
2. Dead by Daylight (2016)
Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical multiplayer horror game where one player takes on the role of the killer, while the others play as survivors trying to escape. The game features a variety of iconic horror movie killers, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The tension and unpredictability of the gameplay make it a standout title in the genre.
3. Prototype (2009)
In Prototype, players control Alex Mercer, a man who gains superhuman abilities after being infected with a mysterious virus. As Alex, players can shapeshift, consume enemies to gain their memories, and unleash devastating attacks on the city of New York. The game’s open-world environment and sandbox-style gameplay allow players to fully embrace their monstrous nature.
4. The Darkness (2007)
The Darkness follows Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman who becomes possessed by a demonic entity known as The Darkness. As Jackie, players can summon dark tendrils to attack enemies, create black holes, and even control demonic minions. The game’s dark, gritty atmosphere and morally ambiguous storyline make it a compelling entry in the genre.
5. Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse (2005)
In Stubbs the Zombie, players take on the role of a zombie who is out for revenge in a retro-futuristic city. The game’s humor and unique premise set it apart from other zombie games, as players can infect humans, create zombie hordes, and even use their own detachable body parts as weapons.
Conclusion
Games where you play as the monster offer a unique and often thrilling experience that challenges traditional gaming norms. By allowing players to explore the darker side of storytelling and gameplay, these games provide a fresh perspective on morality, power, and the human (or monstrous) condition. Whether it’s through the cathartic release of unleashing chaos or the introspective exploration of complex moral dilemmas, these games have carved out a niche in the gaming world that continues to captivate and intrigue players.
Related Q&A
Q: Why do players enjoy games where they play as the monster? A: Players enjoy these games because they offer a break from traditional hero-centric narratives, allowing them to explore darker, more chaotic roles. The unique gameplay mechanics and the thrill of wielding immense power also contribute to the appeal.
Q: Can playing as the monster have a psychological impact on players? A: Yes, playing as the monster can lead to increased empathy, catharsis, and even fear. It allows players to explore complex moral dilemmas and experience a sense of dominance and control that they might not get from other types of games.
Q: What are some notable examples of games where you play as the monster? A: Some notable examples include Carrion, Dead by Daylight, Prototype, The Darkness, and Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse. Each of these games offers a unique take on the concept of playing as the monster, with different gameplay mechanics and narrative styles.
Q: Are there any benefits to playing games where you play as the monster? A: Yes, these games can offer a healthy outlet for expressing darker emotions and impulses in a controlled environment. They can also encourage players to think more deeply about morality and the complexities of human behavior.