The main character in Sunset Overdrive — simply named Player — captures the hip, in-your-face attitude of the late ’90s, which is impressive for a game released in 2014. What if we shattered the reality of the game and worked in direct conflict with the whole concept of the game itself? If you have an asshole friend, then you can probably relate to Mira. Although Allie comes from the well-worn tradition of tragic moms, she’s outlined with great tenderness by developer Level-5, working in tandem with Studio Ghibli. Delilah was once a sweet princess, craving her father’s attention. The ability to mimic the powers and traits of video game characters. In the early moments of the game, the player is given some powerful background information on protagonist BJ Blazkowicz: growing up as a half-Jewish boy to an abusive father and a poor immigrant mother, BJ suffered through a childhood filled with fear and domestic abuse. While Aloy seemingly falls into the same category of “strong female protagonists” as Bayonetta and early Lara Croft, the narrative world that Guerrilla Games builds around her in Horizon Zero Dawn prevents her from being a one-dimensional character. Voice actor Dameon Clarke sells even the most sophomoric dialogue and makes it likable, no matter how cruel the content. The quality of writing in games, in terms of dialogue, characterization, and plot, has improved immensely. Florence is a game about connections, whether those are in friendship, in love, or with family. He feels like he’s “stuck in some miserable abyss” and worries that he’ll fail at trying anything. She dies of heart failure after saving her son (the game’s protagonist) from drowning. Ultimate. And Paarthurnax has certainly committed horrible crimes in his blood-soaked past. She’s at turns brash, gregarious, and tender. Though Sam never actually appears in Gone Home (apart from a family photograph), she is the driving force behind the game. Ellie is a tough teenage girl, living through the nightmare of a global pandemic. Josh is a troubled young man, emotionally untethered by the loss of his sisters. It’s the story of Scarlett, a teenage girl, and her troublesome younger brother Finn. Handsome Jack doesn’t have an arc or a greater point — he’s just a smug, theatrical jackass, and while he’s fun to hate, part of me cheered for him until the end. EA DICE’s World War I shooter opted for a series of human stories that offered various perspectives on the carnage. The Far Cry series has always been good at churning out psychotic, charismatic villains. (That’s not to mention her flirty delivery when Kassandra romances NPCs — it makes me blush every time.) ... who either didn’t have their own personality, or suffered from one that was based entirely around cringe-worthy stereotypes. Shovel Knight, created by Yacht Club Games, is a lovely symbol of indie successes for the decade. In his past incarnation, he took his cues from ancient myths, displaying bone-headed violence and amorality. Catherine’s thing is spying on her enemies and waving a glass of Champagne, imperiously, at her foolish foes. We have only allowed one character (or duo) per franchise, but it’s worth mentioning that many of the games listed below have more than one memorable character. Senua’s significance transcends the world of pop culture and gaming, taking root in the collective unconscious as one of the best female video game characters of all time, a brave character written with true depth, and brilliantly brought to life by Melina Juergens. If you’ve been the asshole friend and been lucky enough to have a friend like Mira, take a moment to let them know you appreciate them. While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is full of unique, memorable characters, none seemed to capture the internet’s heart more than Prince Sidon, one of the fishy Zora people. Like the people in all great dramatic friendships, Max and Chloe are completely unalike; one is shy and studious, the other brash and rebellious. In a match against Aston Villa, I took a perfect through ball in stride down the wing, and I could have easily driven on and dusted the keeper. As the story’s peril ramps up, Henry begins to suspect that Delilah is hiding something. Eventually, he turns his talents to running an orphanage and being a dad. But suffice it to say, he’s terrific in the PS4 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man, where he got his first excellent video game in quite some time, capturing all of the magic and sass that makes Peter Parker the true King of Queens. Lily Bowen is one of the most tragic companions players will find in the Fallout series. Badass. His life is a series of closing doors, and Dutch can’t stop making compromises. What Remains of Edith Finch is a retelling of a cursed family’s stories, filtered through Finch’s eyes. Geary is a type-A corporate perfectionist, which is interesting enough, but on top of that she’s genuinely hilarious. Even in defeat, she manages to look down her nose at we barbarians who dare to cross her path. Technique of Video Game Manipulation. The writing from Rocksteady for these moments is some of gaming’s best, enhanced by Mark Hamill’s and Kevin Conroy’s performances as Joker and Batman. First appeared in: Planescape: Torment (1999) If you're looking for the one of … Riley is a formidable presence, but also a free spirit who confronts the world as she finds it. An investigation of her lookout and an inspection of her belongings reveals more of her quirky, slightly tragic personality. If you don’t already know that Spider-Man is a great character, it’s pretty hard to make the case in a short blurb. He’s a reminder of the real world outside of this unsustainable crime spree, and gets some of the game’s best bon mots to boot. Oxenfree is a superb narrative game in which the player helps to shape Alex’s personality through her responses. He’s a handsome, modern-day buccaneer whose sangfroid in the face of mortal danger puts James Bond to shame. Don’t miss the rest of Polygon’s end-of-decade coverage. Real icon feel both true and touching and uncertain futures, Lester is a fitting end, manages... Action man Joel but one stands out as the real Big Boss character lost lot. Poverty in Dishonored’s gritty underworld human is Alex that inhabiting her life is is! Witt is a troubled young man, emotionally untethered by the loss of his sisters, Aiden Pearce a! It’S been an incredible decade for character design, in terms of dialogue, characterization and! 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