The best forgotten PS1 female protagonists

Important 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 its lack of third-party restrictions compared to Nintendo's consoles, allowing a host of talented developers to take advantage 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 aimed at male audiences, given that this was the dominant demographic playing video games at the time. So it was nice to see an impressive number of female protagonists make their way into these games as well.

While it's true that the vast majority of these protagonists were designed to appease the male gaze, that shouldn't take anything away from their engaging personalities, serving as the heart of some great gaming experiences. It's a shame that some of these main characters aren't talked about as much, especially when they deserve the same popularity as some of the game's other heroines from this era, who have become enduring figures in pop culture.

5 Jennifer Simpson

An orphan trapped in the clock tower with the Scissorman chasing her

Belfry is a harrowing video game where players must find a way to escape a locked mansion while being pursued by the Scissorman. Seeing this degenerate monster chasing the player at any point during their exploration is unnerving, and players must either outrun this monster or find a way to trick it. This core gameplay loop adds a sense of excitement to a game that is mostly about puzzle solving and exploration.

The heroine at the heart of this game is Jennifer Simpson, a character who deserves much more love than she gets. She grew up as an orphan who never received love, which made her shy yet polite. Players can't help but sympathize with her character, forcing them to find a way to help her escape the clock tower while trying to save her friends and uncover a tantalizing mystery without being decapitated by the undefeated Scissorman.

4 Hana Tsu-Vachel

A hardy mercenary with a silver tongue that causes a lot of trouble

It's a shame more people aren't talking about it Fear Effect every so often. The game's cel-shaded art style, quirky story, and a collection of memorable characters ensure that players will remember this game long after they finish playing 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 game-over sequences found in a game that is full of charm.

One of the characters that players control in this game is Hana, a sassy merc who isn't afraid to get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. She can certainly make players laugh with her witty jokes as she goes about her missions, but there's more to this character than meets the eye. Despite having a cold exterior, Hana sometimes expresses a desire to leave her life of crime and pursue a normal life, even though she knows deep down that her circumstances prevent her from living out this fantasy.

3 Ayame

A dedicated Ninja Adept at Stealth, although her physical strength is not 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 is talking about. It's a shame because people who get over the title's dated presentation will love going through its imaginative levels. Players can control one of two main characters in the game, and players who want to be as stealthy as they come should control Ayame for most missions.

This ninja lacks enough physical strength to be competent in direct combat, but her skill in stealth is second to none. If players want to sneak into the shadows and find opportune moments to take out their enemies, then Ayame is the perfect playable character to control. It helps that Ayame's grace and sense of duty make her a naturally likable character and one of the best parts of the Tenchu ​​series.

2 Regina

A member of variety who keeps a cool head at all times

After the hit success of Resident Evilit was clear that Capcom would try to emulate this success in other titles. In an effort to create an action-packed title where players could battle their enemies, they developed Dino crisis. This action-packed game about shooting down dinosaurs was one of their most beloved projects at the time, and it's a shame that the company hasn't decided to revive this IP in modern times.

The main character in this game is Regina, a professional agent who has no problem mowing down the dinosaurs that stand in her way. Her collected demeanor grounds the plot of the game and helps players feel more in control as they slowly come to grips with an action-heavy twist on the game Resident Evil formula. Her ability to rationalize the situation and show moments of empathy make her a great protagonist and players would love to see her reimagined for a modern game.

1 Koudelka Iasant

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

Before The shadow heartthere was Koudelka. Players control the main character in 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 since then Koudelka has all the ingredients for a masterful horror experience that fans of PS1 games should check out for themselves. A big part of what makes this game so memorable is its protagonist.

Koudelka is a fascinating character, clearly beaten down by a dark and oppressive world to the point where she wants to take care of herself, even if it's at the expense of others. This puts her at odds with the other party members several times, but fans slowly get to see her character develop and become a bit more passionate over the course of the game.