30 Day Video Game Challenge - Day 18

Day 18 - Favorite protagonist.

This is much harder than choosing a favorite antagonist because there are so many protagonists I like equally well… I’m going to do a top 5 instead, because of it. In no particular order:

Elena Fisher (Uncharted)

I’ve already gone on and on about how awesome Elena is, but she really is one of the best female character in a video game, ever. Well-rounded, not there for male viewing pleasure, doesn’t need constant rescuing by the male lead, she doesn’t just accept the male lead as a romantic interest flaws and all (a partnership is about mutual concessions and changes after all) and she doesn’t need a man to complete her. She’s strong, highly clever, and independent, a while she is mature she still keeps a sense of humor about her. She more like the “unsung” protagonist of Uncharted.

John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)

A classic anti-hero, he’s technically a bad guy (he’s robbed and killed and committed a number of other crimes during his life as an outlaw), but he’s the good guy of bad guys. Also - he’s made an effort to change in order to provide a better life for his wife and son, and in order to be a better role model for his son… meaning, he’s fully aware of right and wrong, and while he’s willing to do wrong, he knows that’s not a good decision, and while he won’t go down without a fight, at the same time he understands there are consequences for his actions. He’s a wonderfully fleshed out character who can both earn sympathy and contempt - within the span of a few minutes haha And, as a woman, I’d by lying if I said there wasn’t something… attractive, about his cowboy lifestyle. haha

Ezio Auditore da Firenze (Assassin’s Creed)

An immensely charming protagonist that you can help feeling for (it helps that he has a number of games following his story haha). He’s one of the few protagonists whose life is followed from near birth to near (or at?) death. You play him for decades of his life, and go through so much of him, watching him grow from a womanizing, immature, smart-alec of a teenager, into a great leader and a strong person. It’s an amazing journey and a character needs to be well-done and incredibly likable in order to be the main character over the course of several games!

Batman (Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Asylum)

As anyone who is a fan of both comics and video games can tell you, a good game based on a comics character is sadly uncommon. But playing as Batman in these games (amazing games btw) really, truly, makes you feel as if you ARE Batman. He’s everything you know about him, and more, since you get to be in his shoes. His dialogue isn’t much - it’s really the gameplay that makes him so awesome. To instill fear in your enemies as you take them down one by one, using the most awesome gadgets, and in clever ways. Oh my gosh, he’s just so much fun to play! And the BEST video game superhero ever imo

(jesus why is it so difficult to find GOOD gifs of the lead character of a major game like the Batman games? Near impossible! My god. )

Commander Shepherd (Mass Effect)

My favorite thing about Commander Shepherd is - while the character is a total badass no matter what - who the Commander really is, depends on the player. My Commander Shepherd is a woman, more good than bad, but she’s not afraid to cross the line when necessary, she lost her first love (Kaidan Alenko), but then fell for an alien (Thane Krios)! And saved the world, and the galaxy, multiple times. Can’t wait for 3 to really flesh out the character. I love Commander Shepherd because he/she is a total self-insert for who you want to be. I love it. Plus there’s inspiring speeches, incredible gadgets, fun powers, a great line-up of sidekicks, and an epic adventure that you get to experience through your Commander Shepherd, all of which involves choices you have to make to further shape your Commander.

30 Day Video Game Challenge - Day 17

Day 17 - Favorite antagonist.

I really like Joker in Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. He’s both dangerous and funny, and he’s a classic villain done really well for the game. He remains true to the character and proved an fun and interesting opponent! Ooh, and now I’m reminded of Scarecrow from Batman: Arkham Asylum - a surprising and terrifying boss! OK, I’m torn… so, both!

If you haven’t play the game, I don’t want to spoil too much of it for you - but you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already! (Or if you don’t mind being spoiled, check out the videos on youtube haha).