- Jan 23, 2020
- 1,606
- 3,264
Evil person one vs Evil person two. While many are pontificating on why their choices are superior to those choosing the "other", let's break down their (Eric and Max) behavior in real terms.
Sociopathy (more accurately now known as Anti-Social Personality Disorder) has the following traits:
1. Lack of Empathy. (Particularly stemming from a lack of remorse for one's own actions.) In this game we're not given much insight into the mind of Eric, but suffice to say we can surmise he probably fits this criteria. Nevertheless, Max certainly does as the only times he feels anything akin to remorse is when it is self-directed and secondary to a failure to achieve a goal. Who's the winner here: I'll call it a tie.
2. Difficult relationships. (Their relationships are often unstable and in the ones they do have they will attempt to exploit those relationships for their own benefit via deceit, coercion and intimidation.) Again, both Eric and Max exhibit the same traits. One may think Eric is more intimidating, but he is simply manifesting it in a different way than Max. Who's the winner: Another tie.
3. Manipulation. (They tend to seduce and ingratiate themselves with the people around them for their own gain or entertainment.) Again, both are culpable in this regard but I'd give the edge to Max as he is using illegal methods (breaking informed consent, wiretapping and video surveillance laws -- at least here in the US) to achieve his ends. Winner: Max.
4. Deceitfulness. They feel comfortable lying to get their own way. Because he is supposedly family and it is morally and sociologically arguable he should place family above the welfare of himself, Max is the clear winner here as he using his family as he sees fit to achieve his own pleasure. Winner: Max
5. Callousness. A disregard for other people's feelings. Both exhibits these traits, but I'll give the nod to Eric on this one as his character is written to treat Max in a more abrasive manner. Winner: Eric.
6. Hostility. An expression similar to #5. Again, because of the way he's manifested in the story, Eric gets the nod. Winner: Eric.
7. Irresponsibility. A disregard for financial and social obligations. There is no doubt at all that Max is at the top of the heap in this category. At least Eric is able to leave the home and earn a wage. Winner: Max.
8. Impulsivity. Again, we're not given a look inside the mind of Eric so we're unsure of how much he relies on this trait versus careful planning. So let's call it a tie as we know Max exhibits this trait on occasion. Winner: tie.
9. Risky behavior. (Mostly a combination of some of the above.) This category also touches on criminal behavior of which both our fellows are guilty. Winner: tie.
In summation, for anyone attempting to call either Eric or Max more "evil" than the other, I would point out they are exhibiting a failure to objectively consider the facts of the story. Eric and Max both are disgusting and exhibit repugnant traits and behaviors. So, you're left with no moral high ground on which to stand if you try to elevate one over the other. My advice is to just play the freaking game and play all the routes as the dev team has put time and effort into creating those routes. Give people some space to play it as they see fit and stop trying to fight a battle when there is no battle to be fought.
Sociopathy (more accurately now known as Anti-Social Personality Disorder) has the following traits:
1. Lack of Empathy. (Particularly stemming from a lack of remorse for one's own actions.) In this game we're not given much insight into the mind of Eric, but suffice to say we can surmise he probably fits this criteria. Nevertheless, Max certainly does as the only times he feels anything akin to remorse is when it is self-directed and secondary to a failure to achieve a goal. Who's the winner here: I'll call it a tie.
2. Difficult relationships. (Their relationships are often unstable and in the ones they do have they will attempt to exploit those relationships for their own benefit via deceit, coercion and intimidation.) Again, both Eric and Max exhibit the same traits. One may think Eric is more intimidating, but he is simply manifesting it in a different way than Max. Who's the winner: Another tie.
3. Manipulation. (They tend to seduce and ingratiate themselves with the people around them for their own gain or entertainment.) Again, both are culpable in this regard but I'd give the edge to Max as he is using illegal methods (breaking informed consent, wiretapping and video surveillance laws -- at least here in the US) to achieve his ends. Winner: Max.
4. Deceitfulness. They feel comfortable lying to get their own way. Because he is supposedly family and it is morally and sociologically arguable he should place family above the welfare of himself, Max is the clear winner here as he using his family as he sees fit to achieve his own pleasure. Winner: Max
5. Callousness. A disregard for other people's feelings. Both exhibits these traits, but I'll give the nod to Eric on this one as his character is written to treat Max in a more abrasive manner. Winner: Eric.
6. Hostility. An expression similar to #5. Again, because of the way he's manifested in the story, Eric gets the nod. Winner: Eric.
7. Irresponsibility. A disregard for financial and social obligations. There is no doubt at all that Max is at the top of the heap in this category. At least Eric is able to leave the home and earn a wage. Winner: Max.
8. Impulsivity. Again, we're not given a look inside the mind of Eric so we're unsure of how much he relies on this trait versus careful planning. So let's call it a tie as we know Max exhibits this trait on occasion. Winner: tie.
9. Risky behavior. (Mostly a combination of some of the above.) This category also touches on criminal behavior of which both our fellows are guilty. Winner: tie.
In summation, for anyone attempting to call either Eric or Max more "evil" than the other, I would point out they are exhibiting a failure to objectively consider the facts of the story. Eric and Max both are disgusting and exhibit repugnant traits and behaviors. So, you're left with no moral high ground on which to stand if you try to elevate one over the other. My advice is to just play the freaking game and play all the routes as the dev team has put time and effort into creating those routes. Give people some space to play it as they see fit and stop trying to fight a battle when there is no battle to be fought.
