[LISTENING]
One of the main in-game antagonists is Robert Darden, the Radioman. Throughout the course of the game the player must frequently listen to the dark messages he gives to the characters over most of the game. The messages usually pertain to some of the horrible actions the player has unwillingly committed creating a type of
selective listening where the player may choose not to listen to some of his deranged ramblings. Later on in the game, the player develops some defensive listening in that the characters take everything he says as a personal attack which ultimately leads to his death. Darden is based directly off of the radio personality from Apocalypse Now and he shares the same taste in music and dark humor as the character. Some of his more noteworthy quotes include: "I know there's a lot of you asking the same question right now: why? There was no reason for any of this." and "What are the eight scariest words in the English language? "We're Delta Force and we're here to save you."
selective listening where the player may choose not to listen to some of his deranged ramblings. Later on in the game, the player develops some defensive listening in that the characters take everything he says as a personal attack which ultimately leads to his death. Darden is based directly off of the radio personality from Apocalypse Now and he shares the same taste in music and dark humor as the character. Some of his more noteworthy quotes include: "I know there's a lot of you asking the same question right now: why? There was no reason for any of this." and "What are the eight scariest words in the English language? "We're Delta Force and we're here to save you."
The main "antagonist" of the game, John Konrad (a tribute to Joseph Conrad, the author of Heart of Darkness), also critiques the player's choices despite some questionable decisions of his own. This lengthy line of dialog is aimed at both the character and the player: "It takes a strong man to deny what's right in front of him. And if the truth is undeniable, you create your own. The truth, Walker, is that you're here because you wanted to feel like something you're not: A hero. I'm here because you can't accept what you've done. It broke you. You needed someone to blame, so you cast it on me. A dead man. I know the truth is hard to hear Walker, but it's time. You're all that's left and we can't live this lie forever. I'm going to count to five, then I'm pulling the trigger." Even though Walker has done terrible things, he refuses to listen to Konrad's exposition.
The video below shows Konrad's speech to Walker. Notice how Walker tries to shift the blame onto Konrad despite the circumstances. This successfully shows Walker's refusal to listen to whatever Konrad says. (WARNING: This video contains mature language.)