Bit of an explanation as to what prompted me to make this post: I recently played through Sniper Ghost Warrior: Contracts 1 and 2 and I just felt off. I’ve slaughtered hundreds of innocents for my amusement in games like Fallout and TES, I play through No Russian with a grin, but for some reason, I refrain from killing bad guys in SGW? The first one has you hunt down Russian oligarchs and war criminals, while the second one is about Middle Eastern terrorists and this is the game where I feel bad about killing? There’s just something about the soldiers talking about their daily problems like making no money, uncomfortable boots and sweating too much, or showing eachother pictures of their dogs, not to mention the absolute horror when you’ve got a knife against their throat or when they find a body. I hope this isn’t weird, but I’ve never experienced remorse for killing a video game enemy, and I’ve played a lot of different games. I’d like to hear about your experiences, and which games do a good job humanising common enemies, the concept intrigues me.

    • Joorpunch@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      What a special game that is emotional impactful in such a unique and personal way. Are there games that “play” and “feel” better? Sure. But Shadow of the Colossus is really special and accomplishes things few others have in the medium. It’s still held near the top of my personal favorites of all time.

    • Saneless@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I don’t think I ever killed more than one in a gaming session. Too weighty, I had to stop after each one

    • XenoRyet@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Way back in the day, I had to stop playing. I think I quit at the flying Colossus. I just couldn’t keep doing this, and I considered that a valid ending to the game.

      I did go back many years later and force my way through it just to see what happens, and I’ve got to say it only validated my original decision for me.

      • danteslacie@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        I played this on PS3 and remember feeling just off when it came to killing the first one. I think it’s because it seemed like it wasn’t just some typical monster thrashing while dying?

        I don’t remember if I fought the second one but I didn’t really get back to it right away. Then I was watching some YouTube video and it spoiled me about the ending lol. I couldn’t get back after that. I want to, but I can’t.

        • canicomethrough@alien.topBEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          Monster hunter did the same for me. I remember there was a free trial or something and I wanted to check it out and there was one creature I had to go hunt and find them in their nest or something and it just felt wrong to me. Not sure what the reason or story is behind killing these beasts but I didn’t enjoy killing it.

      • Spram2@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        There should be an ending where you can give up and throw the girl down a ravine or something.

        • XenoRyet@alien.topBEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          I mean, I think it would ruin the art of the thing a bit, but you kind of should be able to just walk back across the bridge and go back home.

    • SendTheCheeks@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I watched my sister play it recently, after playing it myself. It was different, I couldn’t feel happy for her for beating the boss.

    • jlmckelvey91@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I didn’t fully understand what I was doing the first time. The ending was shocking and somewhat upsetting. Replaying it feels different…

    • Tookitty@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I have never played it and never will, I have seen enough videos to know it is not for me. My Gamestop guys agree and don’t recommend I play this one.