Video games they are incredible. Not only have they introduced countless fantastical worlds and unique characters to audiences around the world, they set themselves apart from other audiovisual media. They allow players to explore these worlds firsthand by either taking control of said characters or directly interacting with them (if they are NPCs).
The video game industry is home to some of the most famous, impressive, well-written, and beloved fictional characters of all time. Among them, the following are often considered the best in the history of this medium. It's important to point out that this is a relatively short list in the grand scheme of things, and as a result may not include every great video game character ever created.
Mario
Literal Face of the Game
A list of the best video game characters can't be complete with Nintendo's own Mariothe lovable mustachioed plumber who single-handedly saved console gaming in the 1980s. 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 actively takes great care to ensure that Mario's newer releases (eg Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder) are of exceptional quality. But more than that, Mario himself is an all-around simple yet charming protagonist. It can effortlessly play in every possible video game genre, which has broadened its universal appeal.
Samus Aran (Metroid)
Best Female Lead in the Industry
In 1986, they revealed it Samus Aranthe main character Metroidshe was, in fact, a woman who was stunning and pioneering. However, Samus' continued popularity and reputation over the past thirty-nine 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 Primary trilogy) initially portray Samus as a gruff and intimidating bounty hunter of few words. However, she reveals that she doesn't kill dangerous aliens just for fun and that she cares about saving other people, which makes sense given her tragic backstory. Her intense rivalry with Ridley and her adorable relationship with Baby Metroid also highlight how she's always been a deep and compelling character, even in her older 2D titles.
He has saved the world on more than one occasion
Metal Gear Solid
- Released
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October 20, 1998
- ESRB
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M For adults 17+ due to blood and gore, sexual themes, violence
In his first two games Solid snake (real name: David) seemed like a generic main character, especially for a stealth game with a military setting. However, that all changed when the franchise went 3D with Metal Gear Solid. The 3D graphics and dubbing allowed Hideo Kojima to showcase how charming and inspiring Snake is. For starters, he's a brave soldier with one goal: to save the world from the nuclear threat of the titular Metal Gears.
Despite his heroic aspirations and gruff attitude, Snake can also be a goofy but lovable main character, as seen in his friendship with Otacon and his will-they-won't they relationship with Meryl. His heartbreaking role as “The Old Snake” in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots cemented him as a video game legend. Even though Big Boss's cloned cells caused him to age at an accelerated rate, he still accepted one last mission to save the world. He even managed to make amends with his estranged father before retiring to live out his final days in peace by his best friend's side.
Dante (Devil May Cry)
Conceited Half-Demon With A Heart Of Gold
Dante from Devil May Cry is one of the funniest video game protagonists ever created. This half-demon, half-human demon hunter is arrogant and conceited, mocking his opponents before engaging them in battle. He may sound annoying at first, but his witty dialogue is so well written and his numerous voice actors are so talented that he never feels like a real annoyance. From mocking Cerberus by treating him like a puppy to using Dr. Fausta to dance like Michael Jackson, Dante is a cheerful and exaggerated character.
Beneath his cocky facade, he hides a tragic story that makes it clear that he is dealing with his lifelong trauma with humor. As a result, his dynamics with other characters—such as his fierce rivalry with his twin brother Vergil or his complicated bond with his nephew Nero—are surprisingly complex, adding much-needed nuance to his character.
Master Chief (Halo)
Can convey a lot without saying much (or even showing his face)
Halo'with Master Chief he is to Microsoft what Mario is to Nintendo: a seemingly mundane mascot that has had a huge impact on the video game industry. Of course, he looks very cool as his green Mjölnir armor gives him a sleek and distinctive look. But like Samus Aran, he proves to be a fascinating main character despite the fact that the audience never sees his face.
Master Chief, also known as John-117, overcame his horrible upbringing and managed to save the entire universe more than once. His personality and motivations are explored further in Halo books (most of them are solid reads). In the games, meanwhile, a softer side of his character can be seen in the perfect 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 she was a terrible main character in the original God of War games set in Greece. He was a ruthless, violent anti-hero who cared for no one but himself and was dead set on getting revenge on the Greek gods, no matter the cost. However, games like God of War 3 and Ascension he planted the seeds for his eventual character development and attempted atonement in the Norse mythology sagas.
In both God of War (2018) a God of War RagnarokKratos was forced to face the consequences of his actions and become a better man. This was to not only redeem himself and prevent his conflict with Asgard from ending in chaos, but also inspire his son Atreus to grow up to be an honorable man. He still looks and acts like a formidable warrior whenever necessary, but now he thinks before he acts, and his close bond with Atreus is incredibly touching as a result. To top it all off, the climactic scene where Kratos confronts his old self Ragnarok'with Valhalla The DLC is one of the most chilling and emotional in the series, and it proved that it deserved its redemption.
GLaDOS (portal)
Who doesn't love clumsy but hilarious mischief?
Portal
- Released
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October 10, 2007
GlaDOS (which stands for “Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System”), is the heart and soul Portal duology. He is the only character with spoken dialogue in the first game, in which he taunts and berates Chell as she tries to overcome her dangerous test chambers. GlaDOS's brilliant comedic writing kept players engaged throughout the game's duration, cementing her as one of the best video game antagonists of all time.
It's even better in the sequel, where her body is transferred to a potato and she reluctantly becomes Chella's new ally. This not only gave her more options for witty dialogue, but also allows her to directly interact with the game's new villain, Wheatley, in a fun rivalry. At the end of the game, when he decides to let Chell leave the Aperture Science facility, it becomes clear that despite her cold and sadistic personality, GlaDOS seems to care about the heroine.
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
A hard-boiled outlaw with an immovable moral compass
Rockstar games have introduced players to countless legendary characters such as Trevor Philips and John Marston. But the main character Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morganhe's earned 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 his fate is sealed before his story even begins.
Like his peers, Arthur is a tough outlaw who often resorts to violence to solve his problems, but he also has strict principles that are nearly impossible for him to break, making him a deeper and more engaging anti-hero. Unlike most other Rockstar protagonists, Arthur is 100% aware that he is a flawed individual. He actively tries to improve himself as a person, even if it is not always easy. Roger Clarke's award-winning performance also contributed to Arthur Morgan's lasting impact and worldwide popularity.
Susie (Deltarune)
From unsympathetic school bully to lovable heroine
Both Undertale and Deltarune are filled to the brim with wacky, memorable and iconic characters because Toby Fox is talented at both designing and writing lovable creatures. However, the most fascinating character he has created so far is Susiereluctant heroine Deltarune. Her concept is very simple but very effective: she is introduced as Kris's school bully in chapter 1, but after they travel together through the Dark World and meet many of its inhabitants, she becomes their best friend.
The best thing about Susie as a character is that despite her development, she retains everything that made her so interesting and special. She is still funny, strong and never afraid to fight for what she believes is right. All of her relationships are cute, like her tight bond with Kris, her contrasting friendship with Ralsei, and her adorable romance with Susie. The story of Deltarune it's not over yet, but Susie has already become the most complex and well-written character in this indie darling.
Clive Rosfield (Final Fantasy 16)
A brave freedom fighter who accepted the truth of who he is
Contrary to popular belief, modern AAA games still regularly introduce players to well-written characters and Clive Rossfield from Final Fantasy 16 is a remarkable example. At first glance, he looks like a generic swordsman, but his story is incredibly emotional and powerful. After losing his younger brother and being betrayed by his own mother, Clive spent most of his life as a slave until he was rescued by Cid, who made him his own protégé/successor.
Once Clive accepted the truth about his mysterious Dominant powers, he began to use them for the greater good and continued Cid's mission to destroy the Mother Crystals. Despite his menacing appearance, Clive is a caring and kind individual who forms close bonds with all of his friends and allies, such as his pet Torgal, his mentor Cid, his close friend Gav, and his romantic interest Jill. At the end of the day, Clive Rosfield is a true hero who has not let his past define him.
