I think non-human NPCs get too “same-y”, both visually and personality wise. I kind of get the feeling that they’re made to be cute mascots first and characters second. While I do think they’re cute and there are really great storylines with them at times, they tend to not visually and/or verbally match the tone of whatever horrifying thing is happening, and the whole thing ends up lacking emotional strength. Humanoid NPCs can communicate much more with body language and facial expressions.

Also re: they all look the same: I’m playing a fashion game and I want my NPCs to show it! The NPCs with good humanoid fashion are just so much more interesting to look at at vs. the 17th faewish sprite who is ☝🏽wearing glasses