Most games put players in control of a hero, or at least someone with a heroic mission. There’s a much smaller market for games where you play as the monster, but who knew playing the villain was so much fun?
If you want to trade your courage for claws, here are some fantastic games where you’re able to do precisely that.
10Prototype
Superpowers Are A Blessing And A Curse
Prototypeis a fun, open-world adventure where you play Alex Mercer, a man with remarkablesupernatural powers. While you look like a human, you’re actually infected by the Blacklight Virus, which has consumed any humanity you may think you have.
The Blacklight Virus gives Alex shapeshifting abilities, like his fist, which can turn into a blade-like appendage. In many ways,Prototypefeels like a “Venom” simulator, and it’s just as fun as it sounds. You can get away with some ridiculous feats with your powers and take on small armies with a bit of practice.
Alex also has crazy traversal abilities, making getting around New York City a breeze.
Prototypeis a refreshing take on open-world gameplay, although the story is sometimes a little cringey.
I Wish I Could Shove Like That
Ape Outis a stylish indie title where you play as anApe trying to escape captivity. The screenshot may look a little strange, but that’s becauseApe Outis played from a top-down perspective.
You can avoid the gun-toting guards or pay back their hospitality with a well-deserved shove. Oddly enough,enemies explode against the wallsif you hit them hard enough. You can even take guards hostage and use them as shields.
All this carnage is backed by a bouncy Jazz soundtrack, which fits the scene far better than it should.Ape Outis a bizarre mish-mash of ideas, but it works well and offers a unique take on playing as the monster.
The game also proves, once again, that Devolver Digital is one of the best publishers of unique,high-quality indie games.
8Aliens Vs Predator
Whoever Wins, We Lose
Aliens vs. Predator (2010)
Say what you like about the movies, but the premise ofAlien Vs Predatormakes for some incredible games.
Aliens Vs Predatorby Rebellion Developments boaststhree campaigns, one for each character. We don’t care about the humans so much for this list, but there’s a decent sci-fi shooter to enjoy here. You can also play as the iconic Alien and Predator, each with entirely different controls and abilities.
The Alien is far more agile, requiring a busy playstyle to close in on your prey. On the other hand, the Predator is far more sluggish but has cutting-edge weaponry to lean on.
I’m a big fan ofold-school Boomer Shootersand retro titles, so I have a soft spot for the ’90s Aliens Vs Predator game. That said,the 2010 version is graphically superiorand more accessible.
7Skul the Hero Slayer
An Adorable Anti-Hero
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Skul: The Hero Slayeris a solidRoguelitewith a unique premise. You play as Skul, and you’re demon kind’s last hope as heroes storm your home.
AsSkul: The Hero Slayeris a Roguelite, there’s meta progression andprocedurally generatedlevels.No two runs are the same, and you always get stronger with each defeat.
Unfortunately, Skul is as feeble as he looks but has a neat trick up his sleeve. Skul can swap his head for others he finds in the world, and each bestows unique powers.
There areplenty of not-so-subtle pop culture references, like a Ghost Rider helmet that gives Skul a motorcycle.
Don’t feel bad about taking down the heroes. Many of them are insufferable show boaters, so it’s only fitting that a lowly minion teaches them a lesson.
They Grow Up So Fast!
Maneatertells a simple revenge story that’s hard not to become invested in. You play as a baby shark who witnesses the death of its mother at the hands of a particularly nasty ship captain.
Life is tough as a shark pupand even big fish can bully you. Toughen up, and you’ll eventually be dangerous enough to take down other sharks and even people!
Maneateris addictive as you become more deadly with every kill. Locales are surprisingly varied, and Tripwire Interactive really leans into the story’s absurdity.
Honestly, the captain is so evil he’s undoubtedly the real monster in the story. Still,you’re the genocidal one with teeth, hence the inclusion on this list.
10 Best 2D Souls-Likes, Ranked
From the right perspective, everything can be like Dark Souls.
A “Reverse” Horror Game
Most games on this list have you controlling a humanoid creature or something that exists in the real world.Carrionis boldly different, as you play as a non-descript, tentacled monstrosity.
Carrionis a gorgeous 2D adventure game with healthy servings ofpuzzle-solving, blood, and violence. You are a new breed of predator and can fling helpless humans around without a care in the world.
Carrionis surprisingly nuanced in this department, and it’s addictive, effortlessly laying waste to groups of armed soldiers.
You may think playing as a fleshy mass would be awkward, but Phobia Game Studio nails the fluid movement.You almost feel octopus-likeas you explore the world, and this is doubly true for the puzzle sections that break up combat.
Carrionis an exceptional game where you control the monster and a shiny example of the premise done right.
4Destroy All Humans!
A Sci-Fi Classic
Destroy All Humans!
Destroy All Humans!Is a beloved open-world adventure game from 2005. You play as an Alien called Crypto, tasked with saving your species from extinction.You need human DNA for your mission, and thus, the genocide begins.
Crypto is more than equipped for the task with some fantastic sci-fi weaponry. you’re able to toss people and objects miles into the sky or just cook things with your laser gun. You can always rely on your jetpack and UFO if all else fails.
Laying waste to crowds of civilians is far more enjoyable than it should be, and the ridiculous story islight-hearted and downright funnyat times.
Fortunately, the 2020 remake by Black Forest Games is excellent. There’s even a sequel,Destroy All Humans! 2 - Reprobed, to dive into afterward if you still have a taste for brain stems.
A Multiplayer Masterpiece
Dead by Daylight
Isometric PvP games are a nightmare to balance. It’s even more impressive, then, thatDead by Daylighthas managed the task and has held a loyal fanbase for many years.
Dead by Daylightis an atmospheric4v1 multiplayer game. The solo player is the monster, and the team are survivors who must try to escape.
There are multiple monsters, all with unique play styles and abilities. Survivors aren’t completely worthless either, but they must work together to clutch a win. You can evenplay as Lara Croft!
Dead by Daylightisbest enjoyed with a similarly skilled group. The learning curve is steep vs randoms, but there’s a reason the game constantly boasts impressive player numbers.
2Bioshock 2
A Gentle Giant
BioShock 2
Bioshock 2is a bold departure from the original game. Rapture is known for its terrifying, drill-armed Big Daddies. InBioshock 2, you play as one yourself, offering a captivating glimpse at life in their rusty shoes.
Combat shifts from an agile FPS to a slower-paced shooter withtower defense elements. Your job as a Big Daddy is to protect the Little Sisters as they go about their business, and it’s a unique concept executed perfectly.
I wrote this one off when it first came out and waited until the remasters to try it.Don’t make the same mistake as me.Bioshock 2is a superb game where you play as the monster and a stellar shooter in its own right.
Valve Does It Again
Left 4 Dead 2
Left 4 Dead 2is an incredible multiplayer horror game where players try to withstand an onslaught of zombies and mutants.
Valve’s masterpiece makes the list becauseyou can also play as the Infected. As it turns out, it’s pretty fun hunting armed survivors, and you have plenty of options on the Infected team.
You can play as most Infected units, from Tanks to Smokers, each offering a unique playstyle and skillset. Sadly, you can’t play as the iconic Witch, although a smart Infected player can still shepherd unwitting survivors into her grasp.
Left for Dead 2 is perfectly playable with randoms, but you will have anabsolute blast if you drag a few friends alongfor the ride.
