Top 10 Video Games Where You Play as the Bad Guy

VOICE OVER: Peter DeGiglio WRITTEN BY: Ty Richardson

Sometimes, it's good to take a break from heroism in the name of villainy! For this list, we're taking a look at games that give you a break from your goody two-shoes duties and allow you to control the bad guy. Our countdown includes “Sonic Adventure 2” (2001), “Doom Eternal” (2020), “Crash Twinsanity” (2004), “Lego DC Super-Villains” (2018), “Super Mario Odyssey” (2017) and more!

Script written by Ty Richardson

Top 10 Games Where You Play as the Villain

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#10: “SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab” (2006)

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While it isn't as exceptional as other "SpongeBob" games, "Creature from the Krusty Krab" still had some redeeming qualities. One of them was the fact that players could experience levels as the classic "SpongeBob" villain Sheldon J. Plankton. The minimized menace had a few levels of the game dedicated to him, tasking players to run away from monstrous Krabby Patties or destroy Bikini Bottom. These segments would become the game's claim to fame, and even though we named it one of the five worst SpongeBob games, we can see why some may disagree. Really, how many of us were saying "ZAP" whenever we unleashed the eye laser?

#9: “Sonic Adventure 2” (2001)

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Why is "Sonic Adventure 2" one of the most cherished Sonic games? Some may say it's the improved visuals or varied gameplay, but others may say it was the inclusion of the Dark Story. In this half of the game, players can experience the story from the perspective of Dr. Eggman, Rouge the Bat, and Sonic's newest rival, Shadow the Hedgehog. At the time, there weren't many games that allowed us to play as the villains. So imagine how excited kids were to play as the new edgelord and battle against the Blue Blur for a change.

#8: “Twisted Metal 4” (1999)

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Calypso has been the main baddie of the "Twisted Metal" series since its inception in 1995. Some may point to Sweet Tooth, but hey, he isn't the one twisting words to kill countless contestants! However, the possible incarnation of Satan was overthrown as ruler of the "Twisted Metal" tournament after Sweet Tooth wished to take his place at the end of the third game. And so, Calypso became a playable character in "Twisted Metal 4" for the first and only time in the franchise's history. While his mobile nuke launcher was a tad clunky to control, it didn't matter to us. Why? Well...you had a nuke at your disposal! Destroy all who oppose you and take back your throne!!

#7: “Doom Eternal” (2020)

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"DOOM Eternal" held a lot of cool moments in its single-player campaign. Among them was the segment where the Slayer has to retrieve the legendary Super Shotgun. Typical formula dictates that you fight demons, grab a new weapon, and fight more demons before leaving. This time, it was find a demon, take control of it to kill other demons, THEN retrieve the new weapon. Yes, in the Cultist Base level, there is a segment where you get to control Revenant and rain down missiles upon your fellow demons. It was fun, unique, and made us wish the game exercised the idea a bit more in later levels. Nothing like making a hellspawn do your dirty work and off them afterwards!

#6: “Crash Twinsanity” (2004)

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While "Crash 4" includes the evil Doctor Cortex as a playable character, this is not the first time players could control the mad scientist. No, we're not talking about the racing and party games. "Crash Twinsanity" allowed players to use Cortex to solve puzzles and blast enemies. Not only that, but we also got to play as his equally devious niece - Nina Cortex! Yeah, these moments were brief - VERY brief, but this hero-villain team-up proved to be one of Crash's (and Cortex's) funniest outings...even if the game came out unfinished and buggy.

#5: “Dead by Daylight” (2016)

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If you're more into horror movie villains, then this is the game for you. "Dead By Daylight" sees a group of players trying to escape an enclosed environment while also trying to avoid being captured by the lone serial killer player. What makes this title so special is how the roster is. In addition to classic horror villains like Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Ghostface, players can take control of Pyramid Head from the "Silent Hill" franchise and the Demogorgon from the Netflix series "Stranger Things". In other words, it's a buffet of baddies that'll get you hooked on this asymmetrical multiplayer title.

#4: “Lego DC Super-Villains” (2018)

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Obviously, this had to be on the list because...well, it's an entire game that sees you playing DC's most notorious villains. Don't be quick to dismiss it as "another LEGO game" - it's actually pretty entertaining! In addition to Joker, Harley Quinn, and Lex Luthor, you'll also get to play as your own supervillain and earn new powers throughout the main story. As you explore the open world, you'll encounter many other villains both well-known and obscure. From the intimidating Killer Croc to the goofy Condiment King, the massive roster of criminal masterminds made "LEGO DC Super Villains" one of the best Lego games you can get right now.

#3: “The Last of Us Part II” (2020)

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For the first half of "The Last of Us: Part II", you play as Ellie and watch her revenge story unfold for a dozen hours or so. Afterwards, you sit through another dozen hours, but as the game's antagonist, Abby Anderson. We don't want to get too deep into it, but this sudden shift of perspective caused quite a stir. Whether you loved it for its storytelling or hated it for its poor pacing, one cannot deny the impact this segment had on the gaming community...for better or for worse.

#2: “Super Mario Odyssey” (2017)

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"Super Mario Odyssey" was such a thrilling Mario adventure, and it managed to reignite that sense of wonder we had in "Super Mario 64", "Sunshine", and "Galaxy". However, we were not prepared for such an epic ending! Upon defeating Bowser, his lair begins to crumble, and there's only one way out - take control of the Koopa King! Yes, we've gotten to play as Bowser in titles like "Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story", but this was different. The abilities we had at our disposal made it feel like we were the tyrant we've been fighting for decades. Needless to say, this was a hell of a way to cap off an exhilarating experience! Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions…