Be honest and answer this question – what first comes to your mind when you think of video games? There is an 80% chance that you will end up saying ‘characters’. Thrills and shrills are the common factors of any video game, but its characters make it unique.
We get to see some of the most loved figures on cards, stickers, t-shirts, or even posters. But, have you ever asked yourself why a particular character is so loved? Well, they are relatable to most players. Despite belonging to an extreme situation or environment, we tend to relate to their emotions.
Thus, this time we moved over listing the best games of the decade and instead stuck with this one. After all, characters are the ones bringing video games to life. Unfortunately, countless video games launched in the past decade and made it tough to pick a few from them. However, here we are, pulling together a list of the most iconic and legendary video games character of all time.
If you take character designing into account, this decade should be labelled as legendary. Everyone has put in their hard work and character, from voice actors to actors, to build vivid characters. Writing games, most notably the dialogues and characterization, have enhanced. Video game writers are dedicated to establishing convincing characters. The characters are so beautifully and carefully created that we end up empathizing with them. We gradually start to feel an unidentified bond with the characters, making any game a huge hit.
This list consists of famous to not-so-famous video game characters from this decade. So let us dive into the list without wasting another second.
Top 15 Video Game Characters of All-time
1. Gomez
Can you believe someone exists without a single enemy? Well, know you should, even if not in the real world. Gomez is the leading player character of the indie puzzle-platform game known as Fez. He has no enemy in the universe but still has rough days. He receives a fez upon a huge revelation. He eventually witnesses his 2D world transforming into 3D.
Cuteness and adorability are some of the many things that will keep you hooked to the game. It is delightful to see him jump around the treasure-packed of Fez. But, the best part is yet to come. He never rebukes you to let him die. Once you complete a golden cube, you can witness him leaping in the air with a smile and a little fez. This scene alone can lift your mood and put a smile across your face. Even if you find it hard to relate to him, he will surely make you grin.
2. The Traveler
For anyone who has played the game – Journey must be well acquainted with this character. This one character here goes by multiple names, including The Traveler, Wayfarers, and Robbed Figure. It is the leading and playable character of the game. You will be travelling and wandering around the world of Journey as this character. There is not much background to this character, but yet it became a symbol. Unfortunately, the writers did not offer any name, let alone a story, to this character.
The adventure this character faces is thrilling and leads up to the actual destination, i.e., the mountain. Moreover, the climax of the game allows you to interpret it from your perspective. One of the best parts of the game is that it lets players communicate in a soothing chiming sound. At the end of the game, you realize an essential notion – the Journey is a reward in itself.
3. Freddy Fazbear
Bears hardly have any excellent motive in games, whether it is fuzzy a bear or a torn-out shabby-looking one. With Freddy Fazbear, it was the same. Freddy Fazbear, who made his first appearance in 2014’s edition of Five Nights At Freddy’s, was an in and out horrific encounter. It is safe to say he was far from being adorable. Instead, with a no-so innocent face, Freddy was a living example of fighting the horror.
It would help if you did not trust his last name, especially when struggling to survive. You will be playing Mike Schmidt’s security guard when Freddy’s followers are on a mission to kill you. These followers might be cute, but you should not fall for their innocence. In simpler words, it is better to be careful while you are near Freddy.
4. The Bloody Baron
It would be a sin to pen down the best characters of the decade without including any character from Witcher. After all, it is one of the best role-playing games of the decade. Almost all the characters from the game are hands down excellent, but there is a reason for choosing The Blood Baron. His questline has to be the standout moment from the last instalment of the series. He initially happens to be a charming lad but gradually reveals his true self. Baron turns out to be a reckless brute over time.
It is his trials that give us a glimpse into the other side of Geralt. His encounter with Baron shows us that Geralt is not only a reserved, stone-cold, and introverted witcher. Baron’s trials let us look into the heart of Geralt, which otherwise would have been impossible. Thus, Baron can undoubtedly be one of the best characters in the series.
5. The Joker
Even if you are not a gamer in any sense, you do not need anyone to introduce you to Joker from Batman. He is infamous, but it does not stop him from getting empathy. He has been known for over 80 years, yet there is no end to the mysteries surrounding him. In the Arkham trilogy, we get a close look at him, not to mention along with the comics. From his evil motives and the reason behind it, everything compels you to relate and empathize with this infamous antagonist.
Even after he dies in Arkham Knight, the Joker keeps on lingering around Batman’s mind. He stays alive by tormenting Batman with dark visions and thoughts. If you have not played it yet, you are missing out on a lot. The moments where Batman gets visions are some of the best in gaming history. You can never expect a dull moment when the Joker is present.
6. Clementine
Yes, we know that it is no surprise she had to be on the list. Any player who isn’t a fan of Walking Dead would also agree. She is the protagonist of the game. Most of her associates call her by the name ‘Clem.’ She first starred in the game at the age of 8 and is finally 17. There is hardly any player who didn’t feel emotional at the game’s finale that included her. Yes, she is young, but that is not the only reason players love her. It is her loving character that brings her close to your heart. Moreover, the relationship between her and Lee is unforgettable as well.
Lee cares for this young and vulnerable girl, Clementine. Eventually, Lee becomes an earnest mentor to Clementine. The seasons show how much Clementine owes to Lee. Fans unconditionally love not just Clem but Lee too.
7. Delilah
Players love a detailed, layered, and, most importantly, mysterious character. Many of the time, we tend to love characters other than the main protagonist. Delilah is the ideal example of such a situation. Henry might be the protagonist of Firewatch, but it is Delilah who is more likely to win hearts. Thanks to the layered writing of the character of Delilah. She and Henry are the two custodians of the fire watchtowers in the wilds of Wyoming. Henry is a rookie and reports any updates to Delilah via radio.
The conversations with Delilah prove her to be intelligent, sarcastic, and spiky. But she has a drinking problem. At a point, Henry suspects Delilah of keeping secrets. This is when he goes into investigating her. This investigation reveals more of her tragic and quirky personality. All in all, she is a brilliantly written character and has earned her place on this list.
Read: Call of Duty: Vanguard – Review for You to Check Before You Play
8. Dutch van der Linde
Character developments are one of the many things that give life to any game. Rockstar North and Rockstar San Diego took that seriously and delivered us a legendary character. The character of Dutch can der Linde portrays a proud man quite close to the real world. This guy started as a folk hero to revolutionary only to end up as a broken and depressed man. You can label him as a proud man without any hint of doubt. His main aim is to tread water. He tries to accomplish his motto in a world which does not have any place for him.
He cannot stop making compromises, and his life happens to be full of closed doors. No matter how much of him is worn out by society and time, he never lacks performance or drama. He is also not free from patriarchal pressure. You will feel for this guy while playing the game.
9. Dovahkiin
Dovahkiin, one of Tamriel’s most leading slayers, possesses much strength that led him to cement his name on this list. He also goes by the name the Last Dragonborn. It is the Iron Helmet that makes him the elite slayer of Tamriel. Dovahkiin is a part of the game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is his unique headgear that makes him stand out. Many even tend to fear him. This is a playable character, which means you can be behind the headgear and possess enormous strength.
The traits are alchemy, mesmerizing and configurable of this game. But, you get to witness a complete evolution of your Dragonborn. From the first time you shout as Dragonborn to unleashing your powers, it is iconic. Thanks to the dark and grim surroundings, to make the character feel even more muscular.
10. Marguerite Baker
Little insight into the past life and nature of zombies never hurts anyone. Nevertheless, it makes the game even more enjoyable. There are times when we start feeling for them as well. It makes them even more memorable when you add a bit of their history. Such is the case with Marguerite Baker. She and her husband add spice to the story with their warm and human-like nature. Marguerite is the one offering you hospitality, whereas her husband Jack acts as the protective head of their twisted family.
This loving duo has turned into a boiling pit of rage and keeps on pretending as your parents. With them, you will never see the end of horror. You will feel your heart pound even when you are having a delicious dinner with them. The scenes where Marguerite stabs frantically and Jack recklessly hunt is enough to frighten you.
11. Herschel Biggs
Well-written characters are a necessity when it comes to detective games. Herschel Biggs is an example of one such character from the detective game L.A Noire. He is a detective himself in this game. Biggs starts to believe that all the mundane fires are connected and part of a larger conspiracy. He knows this will all lead to enormous paperwork. But right after that, he finds out the mortal remains of a family. This is where he promises to fight for justice. However, the case ends up being much more significant than all of that. It instigates Biggs to become a crime fighter.
The noble and straightforward ethics of this character helps you relate to him. He happens to be the only optimistic mind of the case. His only motto is to catch the bad guys and serve justice to those who deserve it. What else do you need to feel for the character?
12. Lara Croft
This character is famous among non-gamers as well. If you are in search of a well-transformed character, Lara Croft must be on your list. She happens to be the main character of the game Tomb Raider. She might be better known for her athletic activities, but she is a brilliant English archaeologist. Lara goes on ventures in ancient tombs all over the planet. With all the reboots, she lastly appeared as an actual person.
This is where she wrestles with her past only to find out it shapes her world. The way she fights her enemies, you cannot tell a male creates her. Her past life helps us sympathize with her and understand her world better. It shows us she is more than an athletic tomb raider. This character has transformed dramatically and deserves to be critically acclaimed.
13. Kratos
The God of War series is legendary, and what is even more legendary is Kratos. He may seem to be monotonous and boring at first. But the more you spend time with him. You will get to know why he is among the greatest characters. There is not just savagery in Kratos but much more. He is a tragic man who was a respected general in Sparta. Unfortunately, it was the time when he sold his soul to Ares, the Greek war god. In return, he was given torment and slavery.
Wait till you know that Ares tricked Kratos to murder his daughter and wife. However, he still keeps on carrying out the jobs of the gods in the hope that one day they will rid him of it. This is when you will start feeling sorry for Kratos. This brutal villain has a compelling story that is sure to break your heart.
14. Vernon Roche
This is another fantastic character from The Witcher series that people quite often fall in love with. However, you need to wait till the second instalment. This is where he becomes a loving and loyal brother to Geralt. There is no harm in admitting that you will start hating him and then gradually feel for him in The Witcher 2. He is the one to save the life of Geralt. You might want to keep an eye on this guy when he is yet to become loyal to Geralt. Observe his nature and notice his unique characteristics.
One of the many elements of his character is his loyalty to his team and country. Vernon does not have a very long story. But, his short-lived storey is invaluable and adds to the actual plot. If you observe closely, you might find Geralt supporting Vernon in one way or another.
15. Aloy
Anyone in search of playing a game with a determined female protagonist might give Horizon Zero Dawn a go. Aloy is a robust character that is sure to quench your thirst to play an unforgettable female protagonist. The world around her is detailed, and so is her personality. You can never be less amazed by her versatile potentials. This character is on a mission to find who she is. She was outcasted from her tribe, and that somehow embedded a sense of moral clarity in her.
She is a compassionate and broad-minded character with endless bravery. Aloy is determined to write her destiny herself. She refuses anyone else to dictate her way of life. Aloy tries to fight the gender-based taboos as well. This adds an edge to the character and makes the player explore Aloy even more.
Conclusion
Whether it is an adorable white minor character or a horrifying zombie in the video games, they all have the potential to be your favourite. These brilliantly written and designed characters do not become the symbol of their franchise but the era. Just like Sonic and Mario are still considered the symbol of the video games world even after decades of their launch.
One common thing among all the favourite video games characters is that they touch our hearts in one way or another. This list is not the end. There are undoubtedly many other characters. More than 100s characters have been considered before curating this list. Let us keep in mind that this list is subjective.
Yet the best part is both antagonists and protagonists rule this list. This is mainly because both of the groups have some compelling characters with even more detailed backgrounds.
