Lee

There is little argument that Joseph Campbell's breakdown of the stages a hero goes through in a typical science fiction or fantasy tale is a great tool for both fans and writers alike. What may be less recognized or, at least, discussed is how Campbell's The Hero With a Thousand Faces manifests itself in video games.

Due to the achievements of technology and an understanding by gaming publishers that there is a market for a story-driven video adventure, applying the prescribed stages of a hero's quest is becoming easier by the year. For example, the recently released Final Fantasy XII often reflects a Star Wars (original trilogy, mind you) influence. Perhaps, it could be argued that a comparison between Final Fantasy XII and Star Wars is only relevant because of both media's inherent ties to an archetypal hero's journey.

These tie-ins got me wondering. What are some great examples of games that seem to utilize Campbell's thesis? Below is the basic outline for a hero's quest from The Hero With a Thousand Faces:

A.) The Departure

-The call to adventure
-Refusal of the call
-Supernatural Aid
-Crossing the first threshold
-The Belly of the Beast

B.) Initiation

-The Road of Trials
-The meeting with the goddess
-Temptation away from the true path
-Atonement with The Father
-Apotheosis (i.e.: becoming god-like)
-The ultimate boon

C.) The Return

-Refusal of the return
-The magic flight
-Rescue from without
-Crossing the return threshold
-Master of the two worlds
-Freedom to live

I found Campbell's outline posted at SpookyBug, which provides examples via Star Wars and the Matrix if anyone should need clarification in regards to what any of these elements above may be referring to.

Can anyone plug a story from a video game into the outline?

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