All too often, taking the “evil” path in RPGs just locks content. Most of the NPCs end up against you and you lose side quests rather than getting additional ones to compensate.

I think the Elder Scrolls games did well with the Thieves’ Guild and Assassins. There was a fair amount of content that was unlocked, and depending on your playstyle (and how much you roleplay in single player RPGs) you could still do major quest lines.

It’s just that, after decades of playing computer RPGs, I will tend to default to an paladin type character until I get the lay of the land.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Yeah, pretty much.

Good guy mission rewards: 2000xp, Defender of the People title (+6 to all fellowship roles), Defender's Longsword, Defender's Armour set, Magnathrop the Undying as party member, 3 hours of additional side quests.

Bad guy mission rewards: 2000xp. Hated title (-20 to all NPC interactions). A stick.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago

I mean do love playing out the fantasy of being a goodie two-shoes and being lauded over and rewarded for it, but your criticism is valid

[–] [email protected] 13 points 8 months ago (1 children)

On the other hand, in Skyrim the "good" path locks you out of content, as the dark brotherhood and thieves guild don't have any real alternative questline (DB have but it's an afterthought).

[–] Shadowedcross 2 points 8 months ago

One of my favourite mods for Skyrim is one that lets you turn the thieves guild into a force of good, a la Robin Hood

[–] Phoenix3875 6 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Being a jerk in Obsidian games is fun. I used to do every small errand to please everyone, mainly for the rewards, but then found out as long as you can figure out the main mechanism, most tasks are optional.

Being more assertive really amps up the role playing aspect. Sadly not every RPG is this open and well-written.