Video games are populated by diverse characters and perhaps the most interesting one is the anti-hero. These are main characters who, for the most part, are not heroes and antiheroes with some black-and-white shades in their personalities but who make decisions that come back to punish both them and the audience. On PC, these games do not only provide us with intricate and living-in-the-shades of gray stories but put our and our character’s morality to the test, or ask us to be brave. Here are the ten PC anti-hero games that create feelings, which will be relevant even after the end credits.
Haunted by Your Choices: 10 PC Anti-Hero Games That Will Stay With You
1. Spec Ops: The Line
From the outset, Spec Ops: The Line takes us on edge into a dark scenario that happens during the conflict in Dubai. Taking the role of Captain Martin Walker, the player navigates through the city with their squad; however, as the character makes increasingly terrible choices, the concepts of good and evil become unclear. Every decision we make evokes guilt and asks whether we are moral beings and what our actions are worth. It’s a fact that the rawness of this game and the solidity of the story make us think about the game even after its ending.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While playing as Geralt of Rivia, a dark and somber monster slayer in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, gamers move in a territory of gray moral choices. Each choice has consequences for Geralt and everyone and everything in his immediate environment. Be it voting for the second option in lesser evil options or deciding the destiny of kingdoms, we always are left with consequences. The story in this game is complex, and you play as one of the most flawed characters I have ever come across in computer games.
3. Dishonored
In Dishonored, as we move through the corridors with Corvo Attano in our boots, we act solely on revenge and redemption. Dunwall is a grim steampunk city where every assassination and moral decision makes a difference. The fact that those actions are performed using supernatural strength means that we act as the city’s mold –for the better or the worse. The game’s setting and the fact that our actions are often in the gray area keep the path as eerie as it is exciting.
4. Max Payne 3
Descending into the life of Max Payne in Max Payne 3, we experience a gripping tale of loss and vengeance. Through grim environments and bullet-ridden gameplay, Max’s journey for retribution unfolds against a backdrop of noir storytelling. Each decision and every gunshot carry emotional weight, echoing the pain and darkness of Max’s conflict-ridden psyche. This raw, emotional journey is one that we won’t easily forget.
5. Red Dead Redemption 2
Arthur Morgan’s world in Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of complexity and evolving morality. As a member of the Van der Linde gang, Arthur grapples with loyalty, survival, and redemption. Every interaction, every choice we make, molds Arthur’s character and the world around him. The game’s expansive narrative and rich character development ensure that our moral dilemmas are as vast as the open world we explore.
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6. Far Cry 3
In Far Cry 3, we transform from a carefree tourist to a hardened survivor, Jason Brody. Stranded on a pirate-infested island, our descent into violence and madness is both thrilling and disturbing. Each choice affects our integrity and survival. As Jason’s sanity unravels, we’re forced to confront the darkness within ourselves. This gripping narrative ensures our journey stays etched in our memory.
7. L.A. Noire
Stepping into the shoes of Detective Cole Phelps in L.A. Noire, we navigate a post-war Los Angeles filled with crime and corruption. As we solve cases and pursue justice, our choices often reflect the murky waters of morality. The game’s noir-inspired storytelling and ethical dilemmas create a haunting experience that constantly questions our sense of right and wrong. Each solved case leaves us pondering deeper truths about justice and morality.
8. Bioshock Infinite
In Bioshock Infinite, we become Booker DeWitt, tasked with rescuing Elizabeth in a floating city rife with ideological extremism. Every choice we make and every action we take carries heavy moral implications. The game’s exploration of themes like redemption and personal cost ensures that our decisions linger in our thoughts. The hauntingly beautiful world of Columbia, combined with its thought-provoking narrative, sticks with us long after the game ends.
9. Dark Souls III
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In Dark Souls III, the role of an unkindled champion burdened with an uncertain destiny awaits us. The dark, unforgiving world of Lothric tests our resilience and courage. Each choice, from how we face formidable foes to which covenants we join, carves our path through despair. The richly atmospheric lore and punishing gameplay ensure that our journey through darkness is etched into our gaming psyche.
10. Mass Effect 2
As Commander Shepard in Mass Effect 2, we navigate a complex galaxy fraught with choices that can unify or destroy. Our decisions affect the fate of our crew and the galaxy itself. Balancing loyalty missions, moral choices, and galactic politics tests our ethical compass. The game’s richly woven narrative and intricate character relationships mean that every decision stays with us, defining our legacy in the cosmos.
11. Fallout: New Vegas
Delving into the desolate expanses of the Mojave Wasteland in Fallout: New Vegas, we don the role of the Courier, a character whose alliances and decisions shape the post-apocalyptic world around them. Balancing between various factions, our choices determine the fate of New Vegas and its inhabitants. The game’s branching storylines and complex moral dilemmas engross us deeply, leaving us questioning the repercussions of our actions. Every mission, every dialogue, and every choice intertwine, creating a haunting and memorable journey.
12. This War of Mine
In This War of Mine, we are thrust into the lives of civilians trying to survive in a war-torn city. The game’s brutal realism and focus on survival decisions create a stark, emotional experience. As we scavenge for supplies and make difficult moral choices, we grapple with the harsh realities of conflict. Each character’s fate is in our hands, and the weight of our decisions lingers long after we’ve put the game down. It’s a haunting narrative that forces us to confront the true cost of survival.
13. Vampyr
Becoming Dr. Jonathan Reid in Vampyr, we navigate 1918 London as a newly turned vampire. Balancing our thirst for blood against our oath to save lives presents a deep moral conflict. Each decision affects the health and fate of the city, and the consequences of our actions are tangible and haunting. The game’s moody atmosphere and complex character interactions immerse us in a world where every choice matters, making it an unforgettable experience that stays with us.
14. The Sinking City
Exploring the flooded, supernatural city of Oakmont in The Sinking City, we step into the shoes of private investigator Charles Reed. The game combines detective work with Lovecraftian horror, challenging us to solve cases while battling our sanity. Every investigation takes us deeper into the eerie and unsettling narrative, where moral ambiguity reigns. Each choice we make impacts the city and its inhabitants, crafting a unique, haunted path that lingers long after we leave Oakmont’s shores.
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15. Hitman 3
Taking on the role of Agent 47 in Hitman 3, we infiltrate exotic locales to execute high-stakes assassinations. The game’s intricate level design and myriads of choices on how to approach each target create endless possibilities. As we meticulously plan and execute our missions, the ethical implications of our deeds become increasingly significant. The game’s blend of stealth, strategy, and moral complexity ensures that each mission feels like a personal triumph or failure, haunting us with the weight of our decisions.
Conclusion
These ten PC games plunge us into the profound and often troubling lives of anti-heroes. Through their stories, we confront our morality and courage, making choices that linger long after the final scenes. Each game offers an unforgettable journey, immersing us in narratives where every decision matters.
Embark on these gripping journeys and discover just how profound and haunting the lives of these anti-heroes can be.
Are these games suitable for all age groups?
Most of these games are rated for mature audiences due to their themes and content. It’s important to check individual ratings before playing.
Do choices in these games significantly impact the endings?
Yes, many of these games feature branching narratives where choices greatly influence the story’s progression and endings.
Are there any sequels or related games?
Several of these titles, like The Witcher 3 and Mass Effect 2, are part of a larger series, offering even more depth and narrative continuity.
