We've had a set list of heroes in gaming that hasn't changed in quite some time. With many of the household names dating back to the '80s and '90s, it's time to start recognizing some of our current headliners. It can't all be Mario and Sonic until the end of days.
The 2010s have brought us some intense characters, with the new wave of immersive storytelling players, get these days it's no wonder. Cinematic graphics and smooth controls fall short when you don't have a roster of characters to invest in. From the brash and cocky all the way down to the silent heroes, it takes all kinds to make a strong character.
10 Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)
Being left on the outside looking in is where a lot of great characters are born, no matter the medium. Aloy is no exception as players join her on the wildly complex journey to find her own identity. Hunting the machines that have seemingly overrun any natural life shows you both her physical and mental fortitude.
As you progress through the story with her it becomes increasingly more obvious how logical her mind is, while still remaining sensitive to others. The thin line she walks in most situations is impressive, to say the least. An example of heroism that is full of great subtleties and grand gestures.
9 Joshua Graham (Fallout: New Vegas)
The man is the walking embodiment of survivor, if he were any more impressive they would have thrown him in The Revenant. From missionary to fully certified folk hero, Joshua Graham has lived a full and illustrious life.
The ability to speak many languages comes in handy when you're commanding an army of Blackfoot warrior. To then be tossed off the Grand Canyon while on fire and still survive to seek your revenge? Leonardo, eat your heart out.
8 Handsome Jack (Borderlands)
Handsome Jack is by no means heroic, or even particularly kind. The charismatic villain who's often in your ear couldn't have been created in so many games, something that makes the Borderland match feel just right.
While you do go through the game seeing Handsome Jack as an obnoxious villain, which he is, when players start to uncover his back story is when the layers come into play. An abusive childhood combined with the heavy heart of a widow can really change a guy.
7 Delilah Copperson (Dishonoured Series)
The embodiment of the age-old lesson '' Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'' Delilah Copperson was raised as the illegitimate child of the emperor, never getting the recognition of a full princess and being treated as second best.
Made worse when she and her mother were kicked out to fend for themselves, a seed of revenge was planted. Delilah's lengthy return to power, although not the best way, does carry a satisfying feeling with it. Impressive leadership and unmatched drive, Copperson stands tall among the rest.
6 The Bloody Baron (The Witcher 3)
Phillip Strenger aka The Red Baron is one of the most up and down personalities that players will meet. Charming and affable in his sensibilities, initially players will gravitate towards him and see the good side of ol' Phil. Only to discover just how twisted life can be.
A former soldier, Phillip became a bit of a drunk as a way to remedy his aching heart and missing his wife. It's only when he returned to settle down that his dark tale begins. Every choice you make with this character will greatly impact the end of his life's story.
5 Joker (Persona 5)
Being the main character is a lot of weight to carry, especially when you talk as little as Joker does. Luckily he more than makes up for it with his flashy fight style and dramatic actions when he so chooses. It's not often we get a quiet kid with a bit of confidence in gaming.
Despite his sometimes reckless attitude, Joker's belief in freedom is something that clings to. Believing that strict systems and old beliefs are used to keep society down, it's his goal to free the hearts of those most afflicted by their mental prisons.
4 Joel (The Last Of Us)
Joel's story is one of redemption. Meeting him at the lowest point of his life, a black market smuggler that doesn't have much to live for. The death of everyone he held dear when the virus initially broke shut down the remaining emotions rattling around his head.
It's only many years later that Joel is forced to reopen those wounds when he's confronted with the young girl Ellie. Protecting his job but at the same time creating a much-resisted bond with the girl, we see the light in his eyes return in brief glimmers.
3 Kratos (God Of War)
Though Kratos is admittedly one of the most brutal and merciless characters to come out of the gaming world, his deep pain is the reason fans give him a semi-pass. He's fallen victim to so many tricks by every form of being that when he loses it, it's either justified or understandable.
The things he tends to lash out on are rarely an innocent party, though his heart is cold we see rare moments that prove it hasn't frozen over just yet. We have seen Kratos through many stages of life and death, and every time he delivers a sweet taste of revenge to the evildoers of the world.
2 Bayonetta (Bayonetta)
Having one of the more complicated childhoods to date, Bayonetta remains one of the most resilient characters to grace a game. Constantly showing the ability to remain cool in pressure situations and keeping a semblance of humour while she does it.
It's not all hair whips and demon summons though. She was brought up a proud outcast and never paid any mind to the clans of witches who looked down on her. Bayonetta is a result of a strong will and large amounts of confidence that push her forward through challenges.
1 Miranda Lawson (Mass Effect 2)
Far from just a pretty face, Miranda Lawson is a great example of a steady moral compass. Being developed to be the perfect human specimen it's not too hard to see what makes her so amazing. Yet, it isn't her many talents that make her a great character but the ability to stick to her guns.
Being a Cerberus operative with all the skills she had, it was only a sense of loyalty that leads her to run off. Leaving behind an entire career of contacts and the life she'd known. The successful rescue of her sister is another in a long list of heroic acts.