10 Games Where You Play As The Monster

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 can do precisely that.

10 Prototype

Superpowers Are A Blessing And A Curse

Prototype is a fun, open-world adventure where you play Alex Mercer, a man with remarkable supernatural 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, Prototype feels 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.

Prototype is a refreshing take on open-world gameplay, although the story is sometimes a little cringey.

9 Ape Out

I Wish I Could Shove Like That

Systems

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

February 28, 2019

Developer(s)

Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy, Matt Boch

Engine

Unity

ESRB

t

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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Ape Out is a stylish indie title where you play as an Ape trying to escape captivity. The screenshot may look a little strange, but that’s because Ape Out is 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 walls if 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 Out is 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.

8 Aliens Vs Predator

Whoever Wins, We Lose

Say what you like about the movies, but the premise of Alien Vs Predator makes for some incredible games.

Aliens Vs Predator by Rebellion Developments boasts three 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 of old-school Boomer Shooters and retro titles, so I have a soft spot for the ’90s Aliens Vs Predator game. That said, the 2010 version is graphically superior and more accessible.

7 Skul the Hero Slayer

An Adorable Anti-Hero

Skul: The Hero Slayer is a solid Roguelite with a unique premise. You play as Skul, and you’re demon kind’s last hope as heroes storm your home.

As Skul: The Hero Slayer is a Roguelite, there’s meta progression and procedurally generated levels. 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 are plenty 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.

6 Maneater

They Grow Up So Fast!

Maneater tells 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 pup and even big fish can bully you. Toughen up, and you’ll eventually be dangerous enough to take down other sharks and even people!

Maneater is 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.

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5 Carrion

A “Reverse” Horror Game

Most games on this list have you controlling a humanoid creature or something that exists in the real world. Carrion is boldly different, as you play as a non-descript, tentacled monstrosity.

Carrion is a gorgeous 2D adventure game with healthy servings of puzzle-solving, blood, and violence. You are a new breed of predator and can fling helpless humans around without a care in the world.

Carrion is 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-like as you explore the world, and this is doubly true for the puzzle sections that break up combat.

Carrion is an exceptional game where you control the monster and a shiny example of the premise done right.

4 Destroy All Humans!

A Sci-Fi Classic

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 can 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 is light-hearted and downright funny at 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.

3 Dead by Daylight

A Multiplayer Masterpiece

Isometric PvP games are a nightmare to balance. It’s even more impressive, then, that Dead by Daylight has managed the task and has held a loyal fanbase for many years.

Dead by Daylight is an atmospheric 4v1 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 even play as Lara Croft!

Dead by Daylight is best 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.

2 Bioshock 2

A Gentle Giant

Bioshock 2 is a bold departure from the original game. Rapture is known for its terrifying, drill-armed Big Daddies. In Bioshock 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 with tower 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 2 is a superb game where you play as the monster and a stellar shooter in its own right.

1 Left 4 Dead 2

Valve Does It Again

Systems

Franchise

Left 4 Dead

Released

November 17, 2009

Engine

Source

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language

Metascore

89

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical Or Horizontal

Number of Players

2 (Local Co-Op), 4 (Online Co-Op)

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

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Left 4 Dead 2 is an incredible multiplayer horror game where players try to withstand an onslaught of zombies and mutants.

Valve’s masterpiece makes the list because you 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 an absolute blast if you drag a few friends along for the ride.

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