Twenty Sided has an article up on how have flawed main characters can be fun. The example used here is the lead character from BioWare’s Jade Empire. For those of you who have always wanted to play it but haven’t got around to it; you might want to skip this article. However for those gamers who understand the inside joke, this is a fun piece of truism.
Personal, I like a little roughness in both my NPCs and player characters. It makes them more realistic and easier to relate to. It also helps to build tension in a story. If everything single obstacle is too easily surmounted, I tend to lose interest quickly. This especially applies to RPGs and games with RPG elements.
The unstoppable Kratos retains a human touch as he mourns the loss of his family. Similarly, the new Viking: Battle for Asgard features a less than perfect main character as well. Not all player characters are as clueless as the lead character in Jade Empire, but it’s nice to have three dimensional characters that have some room for growth.
via Twenty Sided
4 Comments to Jade Empire Illustrates Fun with Flawed Main Characters
by: Thomas
On May 11, 2008 at 6:32 pm
by: Evismang
On May 11, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I actually really like the way that Bioware tricked the player in Jade Empire. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like a masterful storyteller told it. Same with Mass Effect.
Also, in case someone hasn’t seen it yet, check out Shamus Young’s DM of The Rings after you’re done reading the article. It’s pretty funny if you understand a few basic D&D concepts.
by: Bounce
On May 12, 2008 at 9:32 am
Jade was a horrible game, I expected so much more from Bioware.
by: Gauldar
On May 12, 2008 at 10:04 am
Jade Empire was enjoyable for me, it had it’s flaws but it was worth it. If Bioware does anything right it’s character personalities, and being able to influence them in their development (to some degree ofcourse).