10 Annoying Narrative Video Game Clichés That Need To Die

4. Betrayal

For every one-time enemy who turns and joins your quest, there are a hundred solid mates who will lure you into a false sense of security and then (sometimes quite literally, in-game) stab you in the back. Or knock you unconscious, drag you into a cell, tie you to a chair and steal all of your gear. See how these things all weave into one big mega-cliche as we go along? It's the slightly evil-looking wizard who secretly wanted the Orb of Whatever for himself all along, the crafty girl with the (always bulging) breasts who's shacked up with your arch nemesis (yes, women in games are still pretty much resigned to "breasts and love-interest" status), sometimes it's the evil corporation you've been working for which turns on you when you're no longer useful for them. The most stale form of betrayal comes from your supposed BFF, the charming and instantly likeable guy who the writers have groomed all along to become your confidant and the one person you can rely on "in a world gone mad". Usually it's some ridiculously sorry tale of blackmail, your usual "They didn't leave me any other choice!" sob story, or perhaps an implausible tale of greed where the antagonist has bought your buddy's allegiance. It always takes the player completely by surprise. Except that it doesn't. Ever.