A video game is nothing without its protagonists. These are the characters that are most affected by the world they live in and the stories you play through during their journeys. Some characters are instantly recognizable as classic heroes, while others have some darkness on the inside that needs to be confronted.
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It’s a good year to be a classic character with reboots and remakes as far as the eye can see. However, it is also a year to welcome fresh faces to the medium. From the darkest pits of the horror genre to the cuddliest of platformer experiences, these are the protagonists that made the most impact in 2024.
10
James Sunderland
A Classic Horror Legend Returns
Survival Horror
Horror
Adventure
Action
- Released
-
October 8, 2024
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
James Sunderland is no hero. In fact, he’s quite the opposite. This is what makes him fascinating to play as while you explore the foggy town of Silent Hill. Everything he encounters in the town is a dark reflection of his inner turmoil as he is forced to confront his guilt and take responsibility for his actions.
This is also one of the first characters that pops into a player’s mind when they hear the name Silent Hill. He is one of the most important characters in the franchise but also one of the most important in horror gaming history.
9
Astro Bot
The New Face Of PlayStation
- Released
-
September 6, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Team Asobi
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Interactive Entertainment
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence
Astro Bot doesn’t say much, but then again, some of the best protagonists in gaming never utter a coherent word. Astro Bot communicates with his surroundings through adorable squeals and eye expressions.
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Leave Astro Bot alone for a bit and his idle animations pay tribute to PlayStation’s history. This includes drawing the button symbols on the ground or playing on a PSP. Astro Bot is one of the friendliest characters of the year, and with multiple styles reminiscent of old PlayStation protagonists, he can be any of your favorite characters as well. Not bad for a silly little mascot.
8
Shadow The Hedgehog
A Return To The Past And A Hit Movie Deal
- Released
-
October 25, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Sonic Team
- ESRB
-
E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
2024 is a great year for Shadow the Hedgehog fans. Not only does he get some bonus content in Sonic X Shadow Generations, but he finally made his debut in the Sonic 3 Movie. So it’s safe to say that Shadow is a highlight of 2024.
Shadow the Hedgehog’s role in Sonic X Shadow Generations takes him back to his origins with a twist, as Shadow must confront his past. This means coming face to face with Maria once more as he tries to avert her fate.
7
Frank West
Frank West Is Back In The Game
- Released
-
September 19, 2024
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Use of Alcohol
Frank West has been through the loop since he first debuted in 2006. However, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings the character back in full form. Gone is the wisecracking, Deadpool-esque character from Dead Rising 4. Instead, his sarcastic and self-serving attitude is back as he does what it takes to get the story.
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As a journalist, Frank is accustomed to seeing the stories he covers as his next big scoop and nothing more. He detaches himself from the events happening until the zombie outbreak in Willamette forces him to take an active part in saving lives and making a difference.
6
Eve
Choosing Your Own Future
- Released
-
April 26, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Shift Up
- Publisher(s)
-
Sony Interactive Entertainment
- ESRB
-
M for Mature
Eve is the spiritual successor to 2B from Nier Automata. Eve finds herself being sent to Earth as a squad in charge of taking back the planet from monstrous beings known as Naytiba. While on this journey, she meets Adam and slowly begins to gain new knowledge that shapes her throughout the narrative.
Eve then starts to question everything she has ever known, leading to a revelation about the true nature of the Naytiba. It’s a classic journey of a hero questioning their beliefs and making the first true choices as to where their destiny takes them.
5
Cloud
Defying Fate
- Released
-
February 29, 2024
- ESRB
-
T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
What can you say about Cloud? He is one of the most influential characters in gaming history. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth follows up on the remake from 2020 by taking Cloud on a journey through time and space.
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Cloud has always been the cool, distant character wielding an iconic sword. While this instantly makes him recognizable, it is the journey that he goes through that elevates his standing among other JRPG characters. With Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth twisting Cloud’s Fate, seeing this familiar character go down a different route makes it the perfect year to be a fan of the franchise.
4
Princess Peach
A Protagonist With Style
- Platform(s)
-
Switch
- Released
-
March 22, 2024
- ESRB
-
e
Princess Peach is always an iconic part of any Mario game. However, in 2024, her presence is elevated with the release of her very own title, Princess Peach Showtime. Princess Peach takes center stage on her quest to save the Sparkle Theater.
Princess Peach has an amazing sense of style, with each level giving her a distinct look and new abilities. It’s this variety that makes her such an enjoyable protagonist to play as, making her one of the best protagonists of 2024 as well as the most stylish.
3
Melinoe
A Return To The Underworld
- Released
-
May 6, 2024
- ESRB
-
t
Melinoe is the princess of the underworld and the younger sister to the original protagonist of the original Hades, Zagreus. Trained to kill titans, Melinoe descends into the underworld on a mission to defeat Chronos who has taken over.
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Melinoe is not just iconic due to the flashiness of her animation in-game, but she is also kind despite having everything taken from her. She is also an animal lover, which is a trait the player can express by petting animals such as Cerberus and Toula during their journey.
2
Lara Croft
Impact In More Than One Medium
Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Starring Lara Croft
- Released
-
February 14, 2024
- Publisher(s)
-
Aspyr
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes
Lara Croft may not have had any brand-new games in 2024, but she got plenty of representation throughout the year. Her first three games were rereleased as Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered Starring Lara Croft. She also appeared in Dead By Daylight as a survivor.
Lara Croft also received an animated series on Netflix in 2024. Some characters get all the luck and Lara Croft proves that she isn’t just some relic collecting dust but a part of video game history that is always welcomed back.
1
The Destined One
A Classic Character Reimagined
- Released
-
August 20, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
Game Science
- Publisher(s)
-
Game Science
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
Black Myth Wukong is based on the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West. This is where we meet The Destined One, who is the reincarnation of Sun Wukong, The Monkey King. This is one of those protagonists that gets a lift for being associated with a familiar name, but also for the journey that he goes through in the game.
Tasked with collecting six relics, bringing them all together will allow The Destined One to take his role as the reincarnation. Even without a name, The Destined One is instantly recognizable due to the waves the game made upon release.
