6. Knights Of The Old Republic - The Abuse Of Power
As a game that revolutionised the art of personalisation and the multiplicity of paths, Knights Of The Old Republic offers a moral progression across the spectrum. Although the light side of the force is fairly one-dimensional in offering to help every Ewok and every trash can droid you find, the dark side offers more interesting possibilities; and the choice to compel Zaalbar's murder of his best friend is certainly most prominent. Having saved the Wookie Zaalbar's life, he agrees a 'life debt' to you, of which you may command him to do as you please. Of the choices available, you may command the murder of his best friend, Mission Vao. Subsequently, Zaalbar will apologise to his friend before gunning him down in service to his new master. Psychological Effect What is startling about this sequence of events is the anti-climactic aftermath. Having seen Zaalbar and Mission Vao joust and jibe through the course of the game, the player cannot help but grow fond of their brotherly, cute relationship. Subsequently, the player will inevitably feel egret, often like they have abused their omnipotent powers. It is natural to have fun and perform silly acts in video games, but the nature of the close friends' relationship, Zaalbar's apology and the jedi's leverage over the Wookie can't help but leave a sour aftertaste, questioning the value of the decision.