The best forgotten PS1 female protagonist

Key takeaways

• PlayStation allowed talented developers to create iconic games.
• Female protagonists in PS1 games deserve more recognition.
• Characters like Jennifer Simpson and Koudelka are memorable and engaging.

The original PlayStation flexed the lack of third-party restrictions compared to Nintendo's consoles, allowing many talented developers to make full use of the PS1's impressive hardware to develop some of the most memorable video games fans can't get enough of. . For the most part, these games were directed at a male audience, as this was the main demographic that played video games at the time. So, it's nice to see an impressive number of female protagonists in these games as well.

While it's true that the vast majority of these heroes were designed to satisfy the male gaze, that shouldn't take anything away from their charming personalities, serving as the beating heart of some stellar gaming experiences. It's a shame that some of these heroes aren't talked about more highly, especially when they deserve the same level of popularity as other gaming heroines in this era, who have gone on to become enduring figures in pop culture.

5 Jennifer Simpson

Trapped in an orphaned clock tower, Scissorman pounces on him

clock tower It is an annoying video game where players must find a way to escape from a locked mansion while being hunted by Scissorman. It's nerve-wracking to see this fallen monster stalk the player at any point during their exploration, and players must either follow the monster or find a way to outwit it. This core gameplay loop adds a sense of tension to a game that is mostly about puzzle-solving and exploration.

At the heart of this game is the heroine Jennifer Simpson, a character who deserves more love than she gets. She grew up an orphan who never found love, making her shy but polite. Players can't help but empathize with his character, forcing him to find a way to help him escape the clock tower while trying to save his friends and uncover the mystery the unhinged Scissorman is holding.

4 Hana Su-Wachel

A harsh fare with a silver tongue that delivers plenty of quips

It's a shame more people aren't talking about it fear effect almost all. The game's cel-shaded art style, quirky story, and cast of memorable characters ensure that players will remember this game long after playing through this unique action-adventure game. The insta-death sections of the game can be a pain to get through at times, but the silver lining is that players will be able to appreciate the many unique play-over sequences present in a game full of charm.

One of the characters players control in this game is Hana, a spunky merc who isn't afraid to get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. She may make players laugh with her witty quips while completing her missions, but there's more to this character than meets the eye. Despite sporting a cold exterior, Hana occasionally expresses a desire to leave her life of crime behind and lead a normal life, though she knows deep in her heart that her circumstances prevent her from living out this fantasy.

3 Ayame

A dedicated ninja adept at stealth, even if his physical strength isn't all that impressive

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins Set the foundation for the stealth genre that future games would build on, making it one of the most innovative video games that no one talks about. It's a shame because people who approach the title's dated presentation love to exceed its imaginative standards. Players can control one of the two main protagonists in the game, and players who want to be as stealthy as they come should control Ayame for most of the missions.

This ninja lacks enough physical strength to be capable of direct combat, but his prowess at stealth is unmatched. If players want to slip into the shadows and find the perfect moments to take out their enemies, Ayame is the perfect playable character to control. It's Ayame's grace and sense of duty that help make her an inherently likable character and one of the best parts of the Tenchu ​​series.

2 Regina

A member of SORT who always keeps a cool head

After the hit success of Resident EvilIt was clear that Capcom would try to emulate this success in other titles. In a bid to create an action-packed title where players can gung-ho their enemies, they developed The dino crisis. This action-packed game about shooting dinosaurs was one of their most popular projects at the time, and it's a shame the company hasn't decided to revive this IP in the modern era.

The hero of this game is Regina, a professional agent who has no problem cutting down the dinosaurs that stand in her way. His composed demeanor grounds the game's action and helps players feel more in control as they gradually come to grips with an action-heavy twist. Resident Evil formula. His ability to rationalize situations and display moments of empathy make him a great hero and players love to see him reimagined for the modern game.

1 Koudelka Isant

Abandoned by his parents and forced to survive by any means necessary, developing a cold exterior in the process

before Shadow heartsthere was Koudelka. Players control the titular protagonist inside the Nemeton Monastery, serving as one of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. It's a shame that the game's combat is its weakest link Koudelka It has all the ingredients for a great horror experience that fans of PS1 games should check out for themselves. A big part of what makes this game memorable is its protagonist.

Koudelka is a fascinating character, clearly beaten by the dark and oppressive world in which she wants to see herself, even at the cost of others. This often puts him at odds with other party members, but fans gradually see his character develop and become a bit more emotional over the course of the game.