In role-playing games, the storyline is one of the most important elements. Besides the classic tales of heroes rescuing kidnapped princesses and the main character chosen to achieve the highest noble goals, we also have another classic motif: betrayal by the protagonist.
Some games create twists that hit players right in the face, while others slowly build the story until the climax reveals the betrayer, shocking players. Here are the top 10 characters with famous betrayals that have become “legendary” in the gaming world.
Mercer Frey – Elder Scrolls: Oblivion
When talking about the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood in the Elder Scrolls game, players inherently know not to trust anyone too much. To be blunt, when you collaborate with thieves or assassins, you must always stay alert. Otherwise, you could become a victim yourself. However, Mercer Frey is a special case.
He hails from the Thieves Guild, and due to the “prestige” of the guild leader, many players have trusted Mercer. However, as time goes on, you will realize his true nature – a cunning and scheming individual, ready to betray and kill anyone who dares to stand in his way. Fortunately, this character doesn’t live long, as you have to eventually end Mercer’s life.
Riku – Kingdom Hearts
Facing Riku on Destiny Islands, racing and trying to defeat him in combat practice will make players feel like this character will follow them to the ends of the earth. That is true until the Heartless appear and Maleficent transforms Riku’s heart, causing Riku to betray Sora throughout the journey.
When this character reappears at Hollow Bastion, he takes the Keyblade, along with capturing Donald and Goofy. At this point, players feel helpless without a weapon and without friends by their side. Although Sora eventually forgives Riku, and Riku returns to Sora’s side in Chain of Memories, the betrayal in the first game is hard to forget.
Seymour Guado – Final Fantasy X
Seymour Guado appears from the start as a villain in Final Fantasy X. Although the game doesn’t explicitly say so, every detail about this unpleasant character, from camera angles, background music, to character design, showcases him as someone not to be trusted. To put it simply, he looks evil.
And his proposal to Yuna doesn’t make him any less evil. The only redeeming quality of Seymour Guado is that he does help a little during the short time he is on the same team as the “good guys”.
Seymour Guado ultimately reveals his treacherous nature when he kills his own father. He even tries to kill the group (of course, leaving Yuna out) and kidnaps Yuna to force her to marry him. Not only is he detestable, but he also seems to have a knack for survival.
Every time he is defeated, he somehow reappears. While his betrayal might not shock players too much since it’s evident from the start, it is still annoying to have someone who was once a teammate turn against you.
Arthas Menethil – Warcraft 3
This is one of the most memorable betrayals in the history of the gaming industry. Arthas Menethil is memorable not only for his turncoat moment but also for his sheer power.
He was once a hero of mankind but became insane after having to slaughter an entire city to prevent a plague. Any remaining humanity in Arthas completely vanished after he took Frostmourne and killed his own father.
Becoming a Death Knight and returning to Northrend, Arthas Menethil crowns himself the Lich King to command the scourge army he once vowed to destroy. Although nowadays, the association of Arthas with the Lich King is well-known among fans, for those who played Warcraft 3 for the first time, Arthas’ betrayal will definitely leave a deep impression.
Delita Heiral – Final Fantasy Tactics
As the close brother of Ramza, the hero and main character of Final Fantasy Tactics, Delita has made a name for himself in the history of the series by stabbing his comrades in the back. He is willing to ruin the reputation and legacy of his friend for his own gain.
When Delita’s sister is killed, he blames Ramza for not protecting her properly and harbors hatred. From then on, Delita swears to never be a pawn for anyone and never trust anyone again.
Delita helps Ramza a few times throughout the rest of the game, but every time he “helps,” Ramza finds himself in an even worse situation. Ultimately, Ramza is turned against by the world and seen as a heretic, while the treacherous Delita becomes the king of Ivalice. At this point, he has fulfilled his lifelong dream in the most ostentatious way. But Ramza, once his closest friend, has been erased from history.
And when Delita’s wife (Princess Ovelia, now the queen) questions him about this, he deals with her as well. There is nothing more cruel!
Source: The Gamer, translated by gearvn