9 Meaningful Video Game Choices That Didn’t Actually Mean Anything
3. Xenoblade Chronicles X - Joining The Blades
Builders of the Legacy After the Destruction of Earth, or BLADE, is a private military organization in Xenoblade Chronicles X. BLADE explores the alien planet of Mira, gathering resources, and aims to find and secure the Lifehold Core - a massive supercomputer built to protect Earth life after the alien war that destroyed the planet.
Cross was awakened at the start of the game by one of the BLADES, Elma, essentially owing her his life. The two journey together to the city and head towards the BLADES headquarters. Once inside, Nagi - secretary of Defense for the city's government - encourages Cross to join the very organisation that he owes his life to.
The thing is, we don't really know anything about this organisation. They could be evil for all we know, aiming to take over the planet and use us as a means to do it. So perhaps we don't agree right away, and politely refuse the offer of joining up.
Cue the guilt show. Remember that person who saved you from stasis? She works for BLADES. Without BLADES, you would have been asleep for eternity, good thing the handy dandy BLADES were there to save you. Wouldn't you like to pay it forward and save people too?
You wouldn't want to refuse the people who saved your life, would you, friend?
Refuse once again and suddenly 'not refusing' turns your negative into a positive and forces you into a corner where the only option is to accept, lest the scene play out again and again with the same question.
The "choice" was more of a formality. Honestly, you have no choice at all, in the end.