For decades, video games have captivated audiences with immersive worlds, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable characters. These digital personas have become cultural icons, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming landscape and popular culture at large.
From plucky plumbers to battle-hardened soldiers, each character brings a unique flavour to the virtual world of gaming.
There have been some wonderful characters over the years, but some have had a bigger impact than others. So I wanted to create a list of the crème de la crème of video game protagonists, examining their origins, impact, and enduring legacy.
Prepare for a nostalgic journey through gaming history as I countdown the 25 undisputed greatest video game characters of all time. How many of these guys have you played over the years?
Mario
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Nintendo’s mustachioed mascot needs no introduction. Since his humble beginnings as “Jumpman” in Donkey Kong, Mario has become the face of gaming itself. This Italian plumber’s adventures through the Mushroom Kingdom have spanned decades, with each new title pushing the boundaries of platforming excellence. Mario’s cheerful demeanour and iconic red cap have made him instantly recognisable to gamers and non-gamers alike, cementing his status as the undisputed king of video game characters.
Link
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
The hero of Hyrule has been saving Princess Zelda and thwarting Ganon’s nefarious schemes for over 35 years. Link’s silent determination and unwavering courage have made him a beloved figure in gaming lore. From wielding the Master Sword to donning the iconic green tunic, Link’s adventures across time and space have captivated players with their perfect blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
Lara Croft
Tomb Raider (1996)
Lara Croft burst onto the scene as a groundbreaking female protagonist in a male-dominated industry. This intrepid archaeologist has evolved from her polygonal origins into a nuanced and complex character, thanks to the 2013 reboot. Lara’s wit, resourcefulness, and dual-wielding pistols have made her an enduring icon of girl power in gaming.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Sega’s speedy blue blur was created as a direct rival to Mario, and he certainly gave the plumber a run for his money. Sonic’s attitude, speed, and colourful cast of animal friends made him the epitome of ’90s cool. While his 3D outings have been hit-or-miss, Sonic remains a beloved mascot and a testament to the enduring appeal of classic 2D platforming.
Master Chief
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The faceless super-soldier known as John-117 has been the backbone of the Xbox brand since its inception. Master Chief’s stoic demeanour and unwavering dedication to humanity’s survival have made him an icon of the first-person shooter genre. His relationship with AI companion Cortana adds depth to this otherwise silent protagonist, creating a compelling narrative that spans multiple games.
Pikachu
Pokémon Red and Green (1996)
The adorable electric mouse has become the face of the Pokémon franchise, appearing in countless games, anime episodes, and merchandise. Pikachu’s cute design and memorable cry have made it a global phenomenon, transcending cultural and language barriers. As Ash Ketchum’s loyal companion, Pikachu embodies the spirit of friendship and adventure that defines the Pokémon series.
Kratos
God of War (2005)
The Ghost of Sparta began as a rage-fueled engine of destruction, tearing through the Greek pantheon with brutal efficiency. However, 2018’s God of War reinvented Kratos as a more nuanced character, exploring themes of fatherhood and redemption. This evolution has cemented Kratos as one of gaming’s most complex and compelling protagonists.
Cloud Strife
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
The spiky-haired mercenary with the oversized sword has become synonymous with JRPGs. Cloud’s journey from cocky ex-SOLDIER to vulnerable hero resonated with players worldwide, making Final Fantasy VII a landmark title in gaming history. His iconic design and memorable limit breaks have ensured Cloud’s place in the pantheon of gaming greats.
Solid Snake
Metal Gear (1987)
Hideo Kojima’s stealth action hero has been sneaking his way into gamers’ hearts for decades. Snake’s gruff voice, tactical prowess, and penchant for hiding in cardboard boxes have made him an enduring icon of espionage gaming. The complex narrative of the Metal Gear series, with its twists and turns, has only added to Snake’s mystique.
Samus Aran
Metroid (1986)
When Samus removed her helmet at the end of the original Metroid, it was a groundbreaking moment in gaming history. This bounty hunter’s sci-fi adventures laid the groundwork for the Metroidvania genre, while her stoic demeanour and powerful arsenal made her a fan favourite. Samus continues to inspire players with her strength and determination.
Gordon Freeman
Half-Life (1998)
The silent scientist turned resistance fighter has left an indelible mark on the FPS genre. Gordon’s journey through the alien-infested Black Mesa facility and beyond showcased the potential for storytelling in first-person games. Armed with nothing but a crowbar and his wits, Freeman became an unlikely hero and a symbol of player agency in gaming narratives.
Nathan Drake
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
The charming treasure hunter brought cinematic action-adventure to the forefront of gaming. Drake’s witty quips, death-defying stunts, and globe-trotting escapades have drawn comparisons to Indiana Jones. His relatability and everyman charm make him a more grounded protagonist than many of his contemporaries, endearing him to players worldwide.
Geralt of Rivia
The Witcher (2007)
The White Wolf’s journey from niche PC RPG to global phenomenon is a testament to the character’s enduring appeal. Geralt’s gruff exterior belies a complex moral code, making his choices in a morally grey world all the more compelling. His monster-hunting exploits and dry wit have made him a favourite among fantasy fans and gamers alike.
Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
The charismatic Italian assassin brought new life to the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Ezio’s journey from vengeful youth to master assassin spans three games, allowing players to form a deep connection with the character. His charm, skill, and tragic backstory make him the standout protagonist in a series filled with memorable characters.
Commander Shepard
Mass Effect (2007)
The customizable hero of the Mass Effect trilogy allowed players to shape their own galactic legend. Whether played as a paragon of virtue or a ruthless renegade, Shepard’s choices had far-reaching consequences in a richly detailed sci-fi universe. The commander’s relationships with crew members and pivotal role in galactic politics made for an unforgettable RPG experience.
Ellie
The Last of Us (2013)
The young survivor of a post-apocalyptic world captured players’ hearts with her resilience and wit. Ellie’s journey from vulnerable teen to hardened survivor is a masterclass in character development. Her complex relationship with Joel and struggle to maintain her humanity in a brutal world make her one of gaming’s most nuanced and relatable protagonists.
Pac-Man
Pac-Man (1980)
The yellow pellet-muncher may be simple in design, but his impact on gaming cannot be overstated. Pac-Man’s addictive gameplay and instantly recognisable appearance made him the first true gaming mascot. His popularity transcended the arcade, spawning merchandise, TV shows, and even hit songs. Pac-Man remains a symbol of gaming’s earliest days and enduring appeal.
Mega Man
Mega Man (1987)
The Blue Bomber has been blasting his way through robot masters for over three decades. Mega Man’s challenging gameplay, unique weapon-copying mechanic, and charming 8-bit design have made him a beloved figure in gaming history. His numerous spin-offs and adaptations showcase the character’s versatility and enduring popularity.
Ryu
Street Fighter (1987)
The wandering warrior has been hadoukening his way through the fighting game scene since the arcade era. Ryu’s stoic demeanour, iconic moves, and quest for self-improvement have made him the face of the Street Fighter franchise. His rivalry with Ken and struggles against the dark power of Satsui no Hado add depth to this seemingly simple fighter.
Aloy
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
The flame-haired huntress of a post-apocalyptic world quickly established herself as one of gaming’s most compelling new characters. Aloy’s determination, curiosity, and skill with a bow make her a formidable protagonist. Her journey of self-discovery in a world of machine beasts and ancient mysteries captivated players and critics alike.
Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot (1996)
The wacky marsupial was PlayStation’s answer to Mario and Sonic in the 1990s. Crash’s zany antics, colourful world, and challenging platforming made him an instant hit. While his popularity has waxed and waned over the years, recent remakes and new entries have proven that this spinning, jean-clad bandicoot still has plenty of fans.
Agent 47
Hitman: Codename 47 (2000)
The barcoded assassin has been eliminating targets with cold efficiency for over two decades. Agent 47’s methodical approach to assassination and dark sense of humour have made him a unique protagonist in the stealth genre. His ability to blend in anywhere and eliminate targets in increasingly creative ways keeps players coming back for more.
Chun-Li
Street Fighter II (1991)
The First Lady of Fighting Games kicked her way into players’ hearts with her lightning-fast kicks and iconic outfit. Chun-Li broke new ground as one of the first playable female characters in a fighting game. Her strength, determination, and quest for justice have made her a role model for female gamers and a fan favourite in the Street Fighter series.
Arthur Morgan
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
The gruff outlaw with a heart of gold quickly became one of gaming’s most beloved anti-heroes. Arthur’s journey of redemption in the dying days of the Wild West is a masterclass in character development. His complex relationships, inner struggles, and ultimate fate left a lasting impact on players, cementing his place among gaming’s greatest protagonists.
Jill Valentine
Resident Evil (1996)
The master of unlocking has been a staple of the survival horror genre since its inception. Jill’s resourcefulness, combat skills, and determination in the face of zombie hordes have made her a fan favourite. Her ongoing battles against the Umbrella Corporation and its bioweapons showcase her resilience and unwavering sense of justice.
Why I Picked These Guys
In conclusion, these 25 characters represent the pinnacle of video game design and storytelling.
From iconic mascots to complex anti-heroes, each has left a mark not only on the game or franchise they are from, but on the world of gaming and on gamers themselves.
Who can forget Arthur Morgan’s sacrifice, Ellie’s struggles to maintain her humanity… or Mario’s unquenchable thirst for karting? I’m only half joking. Mario Kart was a bonding experience for groups of friends, families and others for many years, lots of us still play it today.
These characters may not all be the most famous, but they have had the biggest impact as a whole. That’s why I have picked them.
As technology advances and storytelling techniques evolve, we can only imagine what unforgettable characters await us in the future of gaming. Whether you’re a long-time gamer or new to the medium, these legendary figures serve as a testament to the power of interactive storytelling and the enduring appeal of well-crafted digital personas.
