In many video games, the player often takes on the role of the protagonist who drives the main story. After all, most games strive to provide players with a sense of agency and empowerment, allowing them to shape the game world and narrative through their actions. Players typically experience the story from the perspective of the main character, making decisions that impact the plot and interacting with other characters to progress the storyline. This approach immerses players in the game's world, giving them a sense of control and ownership over the narrative, which can be a compelling and satisfying gameplay experience.
However, some games subvert this expectation by letting players play as side characters instead of the protagonist. These games offer a fresh perspective and challenge players to see the story from a different angle. Players may be tasked with supporting the main character, providing assistance or being a companion, rather than driving the narrative themselves. Games that subvert the expectation of the player as the protagonist can provide a refreshing experience, and the best examples in this regard are mentioned below.
10 VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
With indie gaming becoming more and more mainstream, many titles take creative risks which end up paying off quite a bit. Such is the case with VA-11 Hall-A, where players take on the role of a bartender in a cyberpunk dystopia.
By mixing drinks for patrons, players uncover their stories and learn about the world around them, with their choices affecting the narrative's outcome. That being said, the player amounts to nothing more than just another person living in this world, with the characters they interact with clearly leading more interesting lives.
9 Final Fantasy 12
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Final Fantasy 12 boasts a richly detailed world with complex political intrigue. Players embark on a grand adventure filled with epic battles, unique characters, and an innovative "gambit" system that allows the customization of every party member's AI behaviors in combat.
While Vaan may be the main character, his motivations for being a sky pirate take a huge backseat to the Star Wars-esque plotline. If anything, most people argue that Ashe is the main protagonist, given how a major chunk of the game's story revolves around a civil war to help her regain her throne.
8 Viscera Cleanup Detail
In this quirky simulation game, players become space janitors tasked with cleaning up after gruesome alien battles. With meticulous attention to detail, players must scrub, mop, and dispose of the aftermath, making for a unique and strangely satisfying gameplay experience.
Clearly, Viscera Cleanup Detail is a game where players have a pretty unremarkable job... which is precisely what makes the game so satisfying. The heroes and villains have already duked it out, and cleaning up their mess is genuinely engrossing and downright hypnotic at times.
7 Coffee Talk
Coffee Talk is a cozy narrative-driven game where players assume the normal and unremarkable role of a late-night barista in a unique fantasy setting. They brew beverages and listen to the stories of a diverse cast of characters who frequent the coffee shop, offering advice and insights into their lives.
The game's relaxed pace and relatable characters create a soothing and immersive experience. In many ways, the game is like VA-11 Hall-A, with a major difference being the change of setting to a modern fantasy one.
6 Spiritfarer
This heartwarming indie game follows the journey of guiding spirits to the afterlife. Players assume the role of the eponymous Spiritfarer, Stella, exploring a beautifully hand-drawn world as they build relationships with passing spirits and help them come to terms with their past before passing on.
The playable character doesn't say a word and is mostly just there as a stand-in for the player. It's the many spirits that players keep comfortable on their barge who are wildly interesting in their own right. Players can also enjoy this game with a friend in co-op, with the second player assuming control over the protagonist's cute feline companion, Daffodil.
5 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
In this superhero action-adventure game, players step into the shoes of a young Miles Morales. With high-flying acrobatics and thrilling combat, players swing through New York City, facing challenges and navigating the responsibilities of being a superhero.
While Miles is a great character, it's pretty evident that he's still playing second fiddle to Peter Parker. Players can only wait and see how Miles develops in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which is bound to be a great experience. Insomniac has clearly learned a lot from their work on the first Spider-Man game, and the improvements in the sequel are bound to be quite satisfying to experience first-hand.
4 Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
As a standalone entry in the popular Uncharted series, The Lost Legacy offers dynamic gameplay and stunning visuals. Players join the treasure hunters Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross on an action-packed adventure in India, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and uncovering ancient secrets.
The duo may be side characters in the grand scheme of things, but Uncharted's writing ensures that these characters are all fleshed-out and entertaining in their own way. The action-packed nature of Uncharted's gameplay is on full display here, making it one of the best PlayStation exclusives around.
3 Luigi's Mansion 3
Luigi is perhaps the most iconic side character of all time. Mario's brother is slightly taller and wears a bright green outfit to make him visually distinct and different from his brother despite sharing the same genetics, and players get to enjoy this character and his personality in the iconic Luigi's Mansion series.
The third game is a great entry in the series, featuring spooky and humorous adventure as Luigi captures ghosts in a haunted hotel and strives to rescue his friends. Players use unique gadgets to defeat ghosts, solve puzzles, and explore the hotel's floors, which are absolutely brimming with creative and charmingly eerie environments.
2 Gotham Knights
Gotham Knights lets players step into the roles of Batman's many sidekicks as they protect Gotham City from threats. The game was supposed to be an excellent continuation of Arkham's legacy but ended up being one of the most disappointing video game releases of all time.
It doesn't help that the main cast feels pretty threadbare, with their personalities being far from engaging despite the story's direction being halfway decent. All in all, Gotham Knights is a mediocre open-world action game where the playable heroes feel like side characters in the worst way possible.
1 WarioWare: Get It Together!
Known for its fast-paced and zany microgames, the WarioWare series offers players a collection of bite-sized challenges that test their reflexes and wits. As the name suggests, the game features Wario in a major role, one of Mario's enemies who shares many of the same design traits but with a villainous edge.
With its unique and quirky art style, players can expect a frenetic and hilarious gameplay experience as they race against the clock to complete each bizarre mini-game. The latest game, WarioWare: Get It Together!, is another excellent addition to the series and lets this side character and his companions take center stage once again!