User:Ooterness
I'll just put some quotes here until I think of something better:
"The checks and balances of democratic governments were invented because human beings realized how unfit they were to govern themselves. They needed a system, yes, an industrial-age machine" -Helios, a intelligent supercomputer from Deus_Ex
I think Deus_Ex is quite possibly the best game ever, partly because it is filled with political commentary. In terms of this particular quote, I agree that the system-like nature of such constructions (and the timing of their widespread emergence) are probably not a coincidence in terms of the revolutionary new ways of looking at the world and how it ought to function. That an AI would seize upon this idea is, of course, a bit narcisistic, but that's Helios. I'm definitely looking forward to Deus Ex 2, which supposedly will allow players to choose nearly any allegiance based on their preferred ideologies.
"I'll bet ye've got all *sorts* o' barmy questions! 'Can you tell me about this place? Who's the Lady o' Pain? I'm lookin' fer the magic Girdle o' Swank Iron, have ye seen it? Do ye know where the Holy Flamin' Frost-Brand Gronk-Slayin' Vorpal Hammer o' Woundin' an' Returnin' an' Shootin'-Lightnin'-Out-Yer-Bum is?'" -Old lady, Planescape_Torment
It's funny because it's true; most "characters" in RPGs are only looking for items and XP.