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- Many games can make you care about their characters.
- This feeling is very precious to me, and I will never get tired of it.
- Some of my favourite games in this aspect are Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Witcher 3, and more.
Gaming isn’t just about having fun or killing time. It’s way more than that for me, as it has been part of my life since childhood. You’ll often notice how, in a movie, a TV Series, or an anime, you start caring about certain characters and want to see what the plot has in store for them.
Gaming is no different. You don’t have to play hundreds of games to experience this feeling since modern titles have such well-written narratives that it’s hard not to get attached to certain characters.
I love how certain games make you care about their characters, and this feeling will never get old for me.
Why it matters: While gameplay is always king, gaming stories have gotten to a point where they are now integral to the overall experience.
Caring About Fictional Characters
Having played many games, I have often cared about many central characters. However, nothing can match the feeling of playing Red Dead Redemption 2 for the first time.
The story is practically unmatched, and Arthur Morgan’s character arc is unforgettable. Contrasting his development is the mighty Dutch and his grand downfall. Red Dead Redemption 2 is about Arthur’s journey to becoming a better man, one who goes from a murdering outlaw to a genuinely good person by the end.
Sure, this is a very simple progression, but Rockstar’s execution is so exceptional that it elevates the whole experience. I experienced a similar attachment to the characters when playing Cyberpunk 2077.
If you are playing this RPG for the story, you are in for one hell of an experience. I mean that a nightmare awaits you, and you have to make painful choices in the RPG. These decisions will constantly stay with you and become even more heartbreaking if you care for the characters. Don’t worry; the expansion, Phantom Liberty, is even worse in this aspect.
This Feeling Never Gets Old
After playing Elden Ring thoroughly and understanding the lore, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mohg. That poor demi god didn’t deserve whatever happened to him.
Now, with the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, more lore has been revealed, and it blew me away. The way Marika treated Messmer was so unfair. Meanwhile, a character I despised, as he was portrayed as the worst character, was actually a good guy.
Miquella used Mohg, and the new lore made me care about him as a character. Similarly, I will never forget how well-written Jhonny Silverhand is in Cyberpunk 2077. His deep monologues were mesmerizing and impacted me on a much deeper level than I could have ever imagined.
That is how much caring about a certain character can affect you. I love how developers brilliantly curate characters that make us care about them. If you have played Witcher 3, you would know about the saddest ending. Ciri dies and leaves Geralt alone, which is extremely sad. Very few gaming stories can leave such a lasting impact on you.
Such Moments Are Always Welcome
I still remember gaming moments that left a lasting impression. This is only possible when developers pour their heart and soul into a story, bringing nothing but the best writing and stories to the table.
I’m sure you’ve been sad when your favorite character died in a game. Perhaps you didn’t even want to proceed with the story after such an event. For instance, when Joel dies in The Last of Us Part 2, you might not have found the game worth playing anymore.
Similarly, Arthur’s death in Red Dead Redemption 2 may have discouraged you from playing as John Marston in the final parts of the story.
I think this feeling is a testament to the writing of modern gaming stories and characters. Even a character like Kratos has come a long way in the past decades, transitioning into a wise god and a responsible father compared to his vengeance-fueled past self.
In my opinion, this is the biggest strength of gaming stories today and should never be taken for granted.
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[News Reporter]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree, while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over a year because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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