I guess the huge discrepancies between people’s opinion on these two games, in relation to “badassery”, are caused by the fact the MCs of these games are very capable and/or strong, and the games have very epic moments, but at the same time these protagonists are extremely damaged and can be self-deprecating and/or depressed. So depending on not only the playstyle of each person but also on the aspects they focus on, it can be an empowering and badass experience, or one that can make feel miserable, weak and nihillistic. I think it’s part of the charm of these games.
I pretty much always focus on the negative emotions with MCs/plots like that. It’s the same for, let’s say, “Mind Blind” or “I, The Forgotten One”.
Interestingly, impressive strenght or powers are not what necessarily makes me feel the “badassery”.
I forgot to mention that one before, but “The One Chosen” always makes me feel badass, especially the big fight (if you’ve played, you know which one!). Having a “weak” MC be able to be “so strong despite their weakness” is one of the things that makes me feel badass when I play.
Because of that, “Samurai of Hyuga” and “Fallen Hero” MAY actually make me feel badass in the future, if the MCs have the opportunity to actually get better and have a positive ending. Then for sure, the feeling of “badassery” will be very strong, as they’d have overcome their misery / percieved weakness.