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

The concept of playing as a monster in video games has always been a fascinating one. It flips the traditional hero narrative on its head, allowing players to explore the darker, more primal aspects of gaming. Whether it’s wreaking havoc as a giant kaiju, stalking prey as a mythical creature, or simply causing chaos as a misunderstood beast, these games offer a unique perspective that challenges our moral compass and immerses us in worlds where the line between good and evil is blurred.
The Appeal of Playing as a Monster
1. Power Fantasy
One of the most immediate appeals of playing as a monster is the sheer power fantasy it offers. In many games, you’re not just a character; you’re a force of nature. Games like Rampage and Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee allow players to embody towering creatures that can level cities with a single swipe. This sense of overwhelming power is intoxicating, offering a break from the often restrictive rules of playing as a human or hero.
2. Moral Ambiguity
Playing as a monster often forces players to confront moral ambiguity. In games like Carrion, you’re not just a monster; you’re a predator. The game doesn’t ask you to justify your actions; it simply lets you revel in the chaos. This lack of moral constraints can be liberating, allowing players to explore darker impulses without the guilt that might come from similar actions in a more traditional game.
3. Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Monster games often come with unique gameplay mechanics that set them apart from other genres. For example, in Evolve, players can take on the role of a monster that evolves and grows stronger as the match progresses. This creates a dynamic gameplay experience where the monster’s abilities and strategies change over time, keeping both the monster player and the human hunters on their toes.
4. Exploration of the “Other”
Playing as a monster allows players to explore what it means to be the “other.” In games like The Beast Inside or Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood, you’re not just a monster; you’re something fundamentally different from the humans around you. This can lead to interesting narrative explorations of identity, alienation, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world that fears and rejects you.
The Evolution of Monster Games
1. Early Monster Games
The concept of playing as a monster isn’t new. Early games like Rampage (1986) allowed players to control giant monsters that destroyed cities. These games were simple in their mechanics but offered a unique experience that was hard to find elsewhere. The focus was on destruction and chaos, with little regard for narrative or moral complexity.
2. The Rise of Narrative-Driven Monster Games
As gaming technology advanced, so did the complexity of monster games. Titles like Shadow of the Colossus (2005) and Ico (2001) introduced more nuanced narratives where the player’s actions as a monster (or a character controlling a monster) had deeper emotional and moral implications. These games blurred the line between hero and villain, forcing players to question their actions and the consequences of their choices.
3. Modern Monster Games
In recent years, monster games have continued to evolve, incorporating more sophisticated gameplay mechanics and deeper narratives. Games like Carrion (2020) and The Sinking City (2019) offer players the chance to experience life from the perspective of a monster, with all the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with it. These games often explore themes of survival, identity, and the nature of evil, providing a rich and immersive experience that goes beyond simple destruction.
The Future of Monster Games
1. Virtual Reality and Immersion
As virtual reality technology continues to advance, the potential for immersive monster games grows. Imagine stepping into the shoes (or claws) of a monster in a fully realized VR world, where every roar, swipe, and stomp feels real. The level of immersion offered by VR could take the monster game experience to new heights, making players feel truly connected to their monstrous alter egos.
2. AI and Procedural Generation
The integration of AI and procedural generation could lead to more dynamic and unpredictable monster games. Imagine a game where the monster’s behavior evolves based on the player’s actions, creating a unique experience every time. This could add a new layer of complexity to monster games, making them more replayable and engaging.
3. Cross-Genre Experimentation
The future of monster games may also lie in cross-genre experimentation. Combining elements of horror, action, and even strategy could lead to new and exciting gameplay experiences. For example, a monster game that incorporates base-building and resource management could offer a fresh take on the genre, allowing players to not only control a monster but also manage its environment and ecosystem.
Conclusion
Games where you play as a monster offer a unique and often thrilling experience that challenges traditional gaming norms. They allow players to explore power fantasies, moral ambiguity, and the concept of the “other” in ways that few other genres can. As technology continues to advance, the potential for even more immersive and complex monster games grows, promising a future where players can fully embrace their inner beast.
Related Q&A
Q: What are some of the best monster games available today? A: Some of the best monster games include Carrion, Evolve, Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee, and Shadow of the Colossus. Each of these games offers a unique take on the monster genre, from pure destruction to more nuanced narratives.
Q: Are there any monster games that focus on survival rather than destruction? A: Yes, games like The Forest and Subnautica allow players to take on the role of a creature (or a character controlling a creature) in a survival setting. These games focus on resource management, exploration, and survival rather than outright destruction.
Q: How do monster games handle the moral implications of playing as a monster? A: This varies from game to game. Some games, like Carrion, embrace the chaos and allow players to revel in their monstrous actions without moral consequences. Others, like Shadow of the Colossus, present more complex narratives where the player’s actions have deeper moral and emotional implications.
Q: What makes monster games appealing to players? A: Monster games appeal to players for a variety of reasons, including the power fantasy of controlling a powerful creature, the moral ambiguity of playing as the “bad guy,” and the unique gameplay mechanics that often come with these types of games. Additionally, the exploration of the “other” and the chance to experience life from a completely different perspective can be deeply engaging.