Video games are incredible. Not only have they introduced audiences around the world to countless fictional worlds and unique characters, but they stand apart from other audiovisual mediums. They allow players to explore those worlds themselves by taking control of those characters, or by directly interacting with them (when they are NPCs).
The video game industry is home to some of the most iconic, influential, well-written, and popular fictional characters of all time. Among them, the following are often considered the best in the history of the medium. It's important to point out that this is a relatively short list in the grand scheme of things, and as a result, it may not include every great video game character ever created.
was killed
The literal face of gaming
A list of the best video game characters cannot be complete with Nintendo's own was killedThe adorable Musacchio plumber who single-handedly saved console gaming in the 80s. He is the Mickey Mouse of video games but, unlike Disney's iconic mascot, Mario is still loved and respected by audiences of all ages around the world.
Nintendo has actively promoted recent releases of Mario (eg Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder) are of extremely high quality. But more than that, Mario himself is an all-around simple yet charming main character. He can easily star in all kinds of video game genres, which has expanded his universal appeal.
Samus Aran (Metroid)
Best female lead in the industry
Back in 1986, that revelation Samus Aranhero of MetroidIndeed, one woman was both mind-blowing and groundbreaking. However, Samus' continued popularity and reputation over the past 39 years is not just because she is a woman, but because she is an interesting and complex character.
modern Metroid Games (eg fear, Samus Returns, and Prime trilogy) initially portrays Samus as a tough and fearsome bounty hunter of few words. However, they reveal that she doesn't remove dangerous aliens for fun, and that she cares about saving other people, which makes sense considering her tragic backstory. Her intense rivalry with Ridley and her endearing relationship with Baby Metroid highlight how she's always been a deep and compelling character, even in her older 2D titles.
Saved the world on more than one occasion
Metal Gear Solid
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October 20, 1998
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M For mature 17+ due to blood and gore, suggestive themes, violence
In his first two games solid snake (real name: David) seemed like a typical main character, especially for a stealth game with a military setting. However, everything changed when the franchise made the jump to 3D Metal Gear Solid. 3D graphics and voice acting allowed Hideo Kojima to show how fascinating and inspiring the snake is. For starters, he's a brave soldier with one goal in mind: to save the world from the nuclear threat of the titular Metal Gears.
Despite his heroic aspirations and his rude attitude, Snake can also be a goofy but likable main character, as seen in his friendship with Otakon and his “yes, no” relationship with Meryl. His heartbreaking role as “Old Snake”. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots He was cemented as a video game legend. Even though Bigg Boss's cloned cells age him rapidly, he still accepts the ultimate mission to save the world. He was able to make amends with his estranged father before retiring to spend his final days in peace with his best friend.
Dante (Devil May Cry)
An aunt half-demon with a heart of gold
Dante from cried the devil One of the funniest video game heroes ever created. This half-demon, half-human demon hunter is arrogant and arrogant, and taunts his opponents before fighting them. He may seem annoying at first, but his witty dialogue is so well written and so many of his voice actors are so talented that he never feels like a real nuisance. From treating Cerberus like a puppy to using Doctor Faustus to dance like Michael Jackson, Dante is a fun and over the top character.
Beneath his shy facade, he hides a tragic backstory, making it clear that he uses humor to deal with his lifelong trauma. As a result, his dynamics with other characters – such as his fierce rivalry with his twin brother Virgil, or his complex bond with his nephew, Nero – are surprisingly complex, giving his character some much-needed nuance.
master chief (hello)
He can convey a lot without saying too much (or even showing his face).
hello's Master Chief What Mario is to Nintendo is to Microsoft: a seemingly mundane mascot that has had a huge impact on the video game industry. Of course, he looks absolutely gorgeous, as his green Mjölnir armor gives him a sleek and distinct look. But, like Samus Aran, he proves to be a compelling protagonist even though the audience never gets to see his face.
Also known as John-117, Master Chief has overcome his horrific upbringing and managed to save the entire universe on more than one occasion. His personality and motivations are explored more deeply hello Books (most of which are solid reading). In the games, meanwhile, a more nuanced side of his character can be seen in the flawed chemistry he shares with his AI companion, Cortana, which is considered one of the best and most tragic relationships in all of gaming.
Kratos (God of War)
The most inspiring redemption arc in gaming
truth be told, Kratos The original had a terrible main character god of war Game set in Greece. He was a ruthless, violent anti-hero who cared about no one but himself and was dead set on getting revenge on the Greek gods, no matter the cost. However, like games God of War 3 and climbing Norse mythology planted the seeds for his eventual character development and attempt at atonement in the saga.
in both god of war (2018) and God of War RagnarokKratos was forced to face the consequences of his actions and become a better man. This was not only to redeem himself and prevent his conflict with Asgard from ending in chaos, but also to inspire his son, Atreus, to become an honorable man. He still looks and acts like a mighty warrior whenever it's necessary, but now he thinks before he acts and his close relationship with Atreus is incredibly touching as a result. To top it all off, the climactic scene of Kratos confronting his old self Ragnarokwho blah blah blah The DLC is one of the most bone-chilling and emotional in the series, and it proved that he had earned his redemption.
GLaDOS (Portal)
Who doesn't love an unhinged but hilarious villain?
Portal
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October 10, 2007
GlaDOS (which stands for “Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System”), is the heart and soul of Portal duology. She is the only character with spoken dialogue in the first game, in which she berates and berates Chael as he tries to conquer his dangerous test cells. GlaDOS' excellent comedic writing kept players entertained for the duration of the game, cementing her as one of the greatest video game antagonists of all time.
She gets even better in the sequel, where her body is transferred to a potato, and she reluctantly becomes Chael's new ally. This not only gives them more opportunities for funny dialogue, but also allows them to directly interact with the game's new villain, Wheatley, in an entertaining rivalry. At the end of the game, when she decides to leave Chell the facilities of Aperture Science, it becomes clear that, despite her cold and sad personality, Glados seems to care for the heroine.
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
A hard-boiled gangster with an unwavering moral compass
Rockstar's games have introduced players to countless legendary characters such as Trevor Phillips and John Marston. But the hero Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur MorganEarned his place as the studio's best written and most beloved character. The audience can't help but fall in love with him and want to see him win, even though this game is a prequel and that fate is sealed before his story begins.
Like his peers, Arthur is a hardened criminal who often resorts to violence to solve his problems, but he also has rigid principles that are nearly impossible to break, making him a deeper and more interesting anti-hero. Unlike many other rockstar heroes, Arthur is 100% aware that he is a flawed person. He is actively trying to improve as a person, although it is not always easy. Roger Clarke's award-winning performance also contributed to Arthur Morgan's enduring influence and worldwide popularity.
Susie (Deltarun)
From unlikeable school bully to lovable heroine
Both Undertale and Deltarun Toby Fox is a genius at both designing and writing cute creatures, filled to the brim with quirky, memorable, and iconic characters. However, he is the most fascinating character he has ever created SusieThe Reluctant Heroine Deltarun. Her concept is very simple but very effective: she is introduced as Chris's school bully in chapter 1 but, after working together in the dark world and meeting many of its inhabitants, she becomes their best friend.
The best part about Susie as a character is that, despite her evolution, she retains everything that made her so interesting and special in the first place. She's still funny, strong, and never afraid to fight for what she believes is right. All of her relationships are fascinating, such as her close relationship with Chris, her contrasting friendship with Ralsey, and her endearing romance with Susie. the story of Deltarun Not finished yet, but Susie has already become this indie darling's most complex and well-written character.
Clive Rosefield (Final Fantasy 16)
A brave freedom fighter who accepted the truth of who he was
Contrary to popular belief, modern AAA games still regularly introduce players to well-written characters, and Clive Rosefield from Final Fantasy 16 A notable example is At first glance, he seems like an ordinary swordsman, but his story is incredibly emotional and powerful. After losing his younger brother and being betrayed by his own mother, Clive spends most of his life as a slave until he is saved by the Cid, who makes him his own supporter/heir.
Once Clive accepts the truth behind his mysterious dominant powers, he begins to use them for greater good and advances Syd's mission to destroy the Mother Crystals. Although he appears intimidating, Clive is a caring and kind person who forms close bonds with all his friends and associates, such as his pet dog Torgal, his mentor Sid, his close friend Gav, and his romantic interest Jill. At the end of the day, Clive Rosefield is a true hero who didn't let his past define him.
