With a large majority of games taking on elements of successful RPG and single-player narrative-driven titles, there is one element in particular that has become more common and effective. Morality systems have appeared in many different forms and styles over the years, with some of them ensuring players tailor toward a specific play style depending on the manner in which they wish the story to go.
Whether this is through dialogue and choices within them or free-roaming gameplay actions, it has stood as a prominent aspect of storytelling in gaming, introducing a level of uniqueness to each player's experience. As well as there are a plethora of titles that may be more engaging and less consequential for going down a more savage and evil path, there are ones that are far more satisfying for the climax of their stories.
Warning: Spoilers for all titles
5 Infamous 2
One of the most satisfying endings in gaming is the hero ending for Infamous 2's Cole MacGrath, who sacrifices himself for the survival and betterment of humanity. While both endings may not lead to Cole acting out of character, the hero ending is the most suitable as it fulfills the purpose right from the start of the game, where Cole tries to defeat The Beast for taking many lives previously and taking away his powers.
Cole's sacrifice for humanity as opposed to joining hands with The Beast, killing Zeke, creating new conduits, and ultimately becoming The Beast, feels much more of a reward and brings the entire story and plot to a full circle rather than tragedy. Given the strong relationship between Cole and his best friend Zeke, it would be difficult for players to come to terms with the evil karma choice in this aspect.
4 Red Dead Redemption 2
Considering the dramatic turn in character development for Arthur Morgan after learning of his tuberculosis disease and his impending death, an evil morality path is out of place. Besides playing as the worst outlaw possible and players having the freedom to do whatever they want in a savage aspect, it does not fit Arthur's personality change and leads to one of the most painful and brutal endings. Micah Bell, who is at the center of the gang's fallout, kills Arthur either by stabbing or shooting him dead, leaving many who chose an evil honor path angry and frustrated.
While the good honor ending does not prevent Arthur's inevitable death, it very much coincides with his regret and attempts of atonement for his past actions within the main story. Not only is this befitting of the main story path, but it also leads to more rewards for players through discounts at stores, gifts from helping NPCs, and new outfits available to purchase. It may be hard for some to stray off of the outlaw path once into it, but for the sake of the story and Arthur's end, a good honor path is the most rewarding.
3 The Walking Dead Telltale Season 1
Despite the game's heartbreaking and harsh ending with Lee succumbing to his infection, ultimately leading to Clementine putting him out of misery, the good and human-like choices are far more important. Given the cruel world and environment of The Walking Dead, it leaves civilization wild and desperate, meaning players had to do anything for survival.
There are numerous choices to make both good and bad, and depending on which of the two players stick with, it may affect Clementine's growth and actions later down the line in season one depending on what she witnesses. While this does not have a massive impact on Clementine for the rest of the seasons, it serves well for players to know that Lee fulfilled his duty of protecting her and laying down particular morals and mindsets before his own demise.
2 The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt
While players' decisions and choices toward other characters may lead to outcomes they may not particularly like, the most important of all is Geralt's behavior and choices with Ciri. Given the overarching plot of the story of Geralt finding Ciri and protecting her from the 'Wild Hunt' in their search for elder blood, if players attempt to dictate Ciri's decisions and fail to lift her spirits up, it could very well result in her death.
The dialogue choices between Geralt and Ciri are absolutely vital to the plot, with the game's multiple endings available with no option of return. Ensuring Ciri is happy and sure of herself and taking a stance as a positive surrogate father rather than a negative and pessimistic one, will lead to a rewarding and satisfying end to the game's main story.
1 Detroit Become Human
With Detriot Become Human standing as a title that is solely dependent on player choices and actions, it is a greater incentive for players to stick to a good path. Any wrong action, decision, or line of dialogue could very well lead to the death of one of the player's characters, as they each have their own story paths which align toward the ending.
The battle between androids and humans in this title is the main plot, and most especially the dynamic between Connor and Hank is the most engaging. The choices players make can either define a toxic and fatal relationship between the pair, or one which is much more positive and hopeful, fulfilling the purpose of the story.