So reading through that thread about video game tropes people hate, I still stand by my opinion of the hero not killing the ruthless, soulless, murderous villain because he would be just like him is a terrible trope. I mean really, the hero is chasing after a dude who in a course of in game time of whatever, razes the hero's village, overthrows a kingdom, kills the ruler, who is secondary character's father, kills hundreds of people, ruins the earth and kicks puppies because why not. And when the hero has that asshole dead to rights, the hero or secondary character in the party says something like "I can't kill you, I'll become just like you!"
....
Really? Really? Just like him? Wow...uh how about no? I'm already better than him because I'm trying to fucking end his ass for destroying the village, taking over a kingdom with a hostile takeover, ruining the earth, killing hundreds and kicking puppies. I'm gonna end that punk bitch, end of discussion. But some games go through with the trope because morals and shit. I'm as kindhearted as they come, but if I was in that situation, I would realize what is at stake and do what needs to be done.