TV game are incredible. Not only have they introduced audiences around the world to countless fantastic worlds and unique characters, but they stand out from other audiovisual media. They allow players to explore these worlds by either taking control of the characters or interacting directly with them (when they are NPCs).
The video game industry is home to some of the most iconic, impactful, well-written and popular 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
The literal face of the game
A list of the best video game characters can't be complete with Nintendo's very own Mariothe lovable mustachioed 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 actively puts a lot of care into ensuring that Mario's newer releases (such as Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Bros. Wonder) is of extremely high quality. But more than that, Mario himself is a simple but charming main character. He can effortlessly play in every possible video game genre, which has expanded his universal appeal.
Samus Aran (Metroid)
The best female lead in the business
Already in 1986 it revealed Samus Aranthe main character in Metroidwas actually a woman was both incredible and groundbreaking. But Samus' continued popularity and reputation over the past 39 years is not just because she's a woman, but because she's an interesting and complex character.
Modern Metroid games (eg Fear, Samus returns, and that Foremost trilogy) portrays Samus from the start as a tough and terrifying bounty hunter with few words. But they reveal that she doesn't eliminate dangerous aliens for pleasure, and that she cares about saving other people, which makes sense given her tragic background. 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.
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 mature 17+ due to blood and gore, suggestive themes, violence
In their first two matches, 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 made the leap to 3D with Metal Gear Solid. 3D graphics and voice acting allowed Hideo Kojima to showcase how charming and inspiring 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 gruff attitude, Snake can also be a goofy but lovable main character, as evidenced by his friendship with Otacon and his “will they, won't they” relationship with Meryl. His heartbreaking role as 'Old Snake' in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots cemented him as a video game legend. Although the cloned cells from Big Boss caused him to age at a faster rate, he still accepted one last mission to save the world. He was even able to make amends with his estranged father, before retiring to live out his final days in peace with his best friend.
Dante (Devil May Cry)
A Cocky 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 cocky, mocking his opponents before fighting them. He may sound annoying at first, but his witty dialogue is so well written and his many voice actors are so talented that he never feels like a real nuisance. From mocking Cerberus by treating him like a puppy to using Dr. Faust to dance like a Michael Jackson, Dante is a funny and exaggerated character.
Beneath his cocky facade, he hides a tragic background, making it clear that he uses humor to deal with his lifelong trauma. As a result, his dynamics with other characters – such as the fierce rivalry with his twin brother Vergil, or his complicated bond with his nephew Nero – are surprisingly complex, giving his character some much-needed nuance.
Master Chief (Halo)
He can convey a lot without saying much (or even showing his face)
Halo'pp Master Chief 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 nice and distinct look. But as Samus Aran, he proves to be a fascinating protagonist despite the audience never really seeing his face.
Also known as John-117, Master Chief overcame his horrible upbringing and has managed to save the entire universe on more than one occasion. His personality and motivations are explored more deeply in Halo books (most of which are solid reads). In the games, meanwhile, the more subtle side of his character can be seen in the impeccable 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 was a terrible protagonist in the original God of war game set in Greece. He was a ruthless, violent anti-hero who cared for no one but himself and was hell-bent on getting revenge on the Greek gods, no matter the cost. However, games like God of War 3 and Ascension planted the seed for his eventual character development and attempted atonement in the Norse mythology 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 grow up to be an honorable man. He still looks and acts like a formidable warrior when necessary, but now he thinks before he acts and his close bond with Atreus is incredibly touching as a result. On top of all this, the climactic scene where Kratos confronts his old self Ragnarökpp Valhalla The DLC is one of the most gritty and emotional in the series, and it proved that he has earned his redemption.
GLaDOS (portal)
Who doesn't love an unbeatable but funny villain?
Portal
- Released
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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, mocking and taunting Chell as she tries to overcome her dangerous test chambers. GlaDOS's brilliant comic writing kept players entertained for the duration of the game, cementing her as one of the best video game antagonists of all time.
She gets even better in the sequel, where her body is transferred into a potato, and she reluctantly becomes Chell's new ally. This not only gave her more opportunities for funny dialogue, but also allows her to interact directly with the game's new villain, Wheatley, in an entertaining rivalry. At the end of the game, when she decides to let Chell leave the Aperture Science facilities, it becomes apparent that, despite her cold and sadistic personality, GlaDOS seems to care for the heroine.
Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)
A hard-boiled outlaw with an immovable moral compass
Rockstar's games have introduced players to countless legendary characters, such as Trevor Philips and John Marston. But the main character in Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morganhas 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 that fate is sealed before his story even begins.
Like his colleagues, Arthur is a tough outlaw who often resorts to violence to solve his problems, but he also has strict principles that are almost impossible for him to break, making him a deeper and more intriguing anti-hero. Unlike most other Rockstar protagonists, Arthur is 100% aware that he is a flawed individual. He actively tries to improve as a person, although it is not always easy. Roger Clark's award-winning performance also contributed to Arthur Morgan's lasting impact and worldwide popularity.
Susie (Deltarune)
From nasty school bully to lovable heroine
Both Undertale and Delta rune are filled to the brim with wacky, memorable and iconic characters, as Toby Fox is gifted at both designing and writing lovable creatures. But the most fascinating character that he has created so far is Susiethe reluctant heroine of Delta rune. Her concept is very simple but very effective: she is introduced in Chapter 1 as Kris's school bully, but after venturing through the dark world together and meeting its many inhabitants, she becomes their best friend.
The best thing about Susie as a character is that, despite her development, she maintains everything that made her so exciting and special in the first place. She is still funny, strong and never afraid to fight for what she believes is right. All of her relationships are delightful, like her close bond with Kris, her contrasting friendship with Ralsei, and her adorable romance with Susie. The story of Delta rune isn't over yet, but Susie has already become this indie darling's most complex and best-written character.
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 introduce players to well-written characters on a regular basis, and Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy 16 is a notable example. At first glance, he seems 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 behind his mystical dominant powers, he began to use them for the greater good and continued Cid's mission to destroy the Mother Crystals. Despite his intimidating appearance, Clive is a caring and kind individual who forms close bonds with all of his friends and allies, such as his pet dog 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 didn't let his past define him.
