Today we live in a world with great games to play. There are thousands of games offered on different platforms. Isn’t this the best time to live? Having said this, I missed those characters I played a few years ago, and some were truly remarkable. They made my childhood gaming experience awesome! With these, I’d like to present the 15 past video game protagonists you missed playing today.
Since there are just way too many characters nowadays, we filtered the selection by:
- Appearance: Appearance in recent games or remastered is okay as long as the character appeared in the PS3 era or earlier.
- No superhero games: Sorry, but they’re so awesome that we must exclude them from the list! We will create another post just for them.
- One character per game only: Since there are remarkable characters in some games, we need to pick one to give a chance to others.
I also asked for help in our online community, and I’m amazed by their responses! I’ve listed them in any order, so… Here it goes!
Dante – Devil May Cry
Dante is the iconic video game protagonist of the “Devil May Cry” series. As a half-human, half-demon hybrid, Dante is a mighty demon hunter who operates a demon-hunting business called Devil May Cry. With his signature long, white hair and a penchant for devilishly funny one-liners, Dante exudes a charismatic and cocky persona.
Dante battles against demonic forces and otherworldly threats, often in pursuit of revenge or to protect innocent lives. He wields various weapons, including his iconic sword Rebellion, and dual handguns, Ebony and Ivory, enabling him to unleash lightning-fast and acrobatic combat moves.
Dante’s combat style emphasizes stylish combos, fluid movement, and a devil trigger ability that grants him enhanced strength and agility. Behind his devil-may-care attitude lies a deep sense of justice and a dedication to saving humanity from evil. Dante’s charisma, incredible skills, and unwavering determination have made him one of gaming’s most beloved and enduring characters.
Playing as Dante is fun because I get to do different combos and variations of his skills. I also feel sorry for the bosses in this game because they receive the punishment for Dante’s sword and gun skills!
Sam Fisher – Splinter Cell
Sam Fisher is the iconic character in this great game, Splinter Cell. This game is known for its gameplay that is based on stealth action-adventure. Whenever you see a green light at the head of a video game character, you’ll immediately say – that’s “Splinter Cell’s trademark of his night vision goggles!”
Unfortunately, as of writing this article, there are no new developments for this game, but who knows? They might want to create a remake, or someone continues where Ubisoft left off.
This is one of the games I really wanted to replay, and I also look forward to the remake of this freakin’ awesome game! Come on, Ubisoft! This is a hidden gem waiting to be revived! The new generation of gamers must be introduced to this game! 🙂
Commander Shepard – Mass Effect
Whenever I think of games related to “outer space,” the first thing that comes to my mind is undoubtedly – this one, the Mass Effect series!
Mass Effect occurs in a distant future where technology has advanced dramatically, and alien civilizations have colonized. The iconic character in the trilogy is the famous human character, Commander Shepard – who rallies all the alien races to fight against the most significant threat, Reapers.
Commander Shepard etched a memory in my childhood because the story of this game is just really freakin’ good! It’s good that the Legendary Edition has been released on PS4 and PS5 so that we can replay this epic game.
Many gamers say the second installment, Mass Effect 2, is the best in the series. But for me, the third was the best! I love the story’s plot, and among the past video game protagonists, Command Shepard is very different because he’s a badass leader who rallied all the races to fight against their arch-enemy, the Reapers!
Oh, and bonus tip – if you want to enjoy more, choose renegade mode (red answers) to experience a funny yet savage version of Commander Shepard. I was also surprised to see Shepard smacking down the council! Here’s a glimpse of what I’m talking about. Please do me a favor and try not to laugh!
Welltall – Xenogears
Xenogears was one of the early games in the PSOne era. This game features a turn-based “Active Time Battle” where the players’ attack based on the buttons they press. What I liked about this game is how the story unfolds and the battle system where the players fight on foot and when inside their gears!
Welltall is the name of Fei’s robot or so-called “gears.” Imagine a robot doing martial arts, beating enemies, and later evolving into a more powerful robot with unlocked skills. It is amazing!
I’d love to experience the Triangle Square X and O combo and turn-based combat!
This game has dramatically influenced the JRPGs available today. Still can’t visualize? Watch these two short clips! First is man-to-man combat, and the second clip is gears battle!
Rumor says there is a remake under development for Xenogears. If that is true, a great move for this game will be re-introduced to the younger generation!
Hey Square! Make this game available on Nintendo Switch, and the gamers will go crazy!
Jim Raynor – Starcraft II
This game is also way too ahead of its time. Starcraft has one of the best stories out there. This game was released in 2010 and is only available on PC. I was only hearing about this game but haven’t played until 2022, and man – I missed a lot! I really should have played it earlier!
The Human Campaign is my favorite. Its story is about a bitter mercenary captain, Jim Raynor, about finding and turning the love of his life, Sarah, into a human again. Sharing it here would be an understatement. I urge you to play the campaign to unfold the story!
Another tip: Play in hard mode for the extreme challenge! The enemies are more aggressive and have bigger HP, but it’s bearable and thrilling! You’ll understand what I’m saying when you play the last mission of the Human campaign!🙂
This is one of the games that I will not uninstall on my pc! If you haven’t played this yet, give it a shot!
Solid Snake – Metal Gear Solid
If you don’t know Solid Snake, you missed the fun, amazement, and great experience this game series, Metal Gear Solid, has to offer! Snake has been an icon to gamers like me, and Metal Gear shaped our childhood!
Metal Gear is a series of games developed by world-renowned creator Hideo Kojima. Developed by Konami and has been a worldwide hit! The player controls a legendary soldier, Solid Snake (or sometimes Big Boss). He is on a one-man mission to infiltrate enemy bases and territory to stop the terrorist attacks.
This past video game protagonist, Snake, is one of my favorites. Snake has been etched into the hearts of gamers. Good thing this 2023, the remaster of the game will be available on PS5, so the Metal Gear games 1-3 will be available to younger audiences. Get ready to get hooked and entertained with this legendary game!
The remarkable scenes that I wanted to replay in Metal Gear Solid are:
- Epic boss fight with Revolver Ocelot, and Cyborg Ninja chops off Ocelot’s hand!
- The brutal hallway before the boss fights with the Cyborg Ninja
- Psycho Mantis! If you’re fighting him now, how the heck will you beat this freak?
- Snake is tortured – and no continues, my friend!
- Epic fight with the Metal Gear Rex!
Wei Shen – Sleeping Dogs
Wei Shen… who? You might not have heard of his name, and whenever you hear a game with “dogs,” you automatically think of Watch Dogs, which is another excellent game but different from this one.
Sleeping Dogs is an open-world, action-adventure set in Hong Kong. The protagonist is a Chinese-American martial artist and undercover police officer named Wei Shen, and his ultimate goal is to take down the Sun On Yee Triad organization. This game was released on PS3 as well as PS4. This is action-packed and violent, and please don’t play it when your kids are around because there are too many bad words and gruesome actions here.
Watch this short movie clip, and you’ll appreciate that Wei Shen is one of those past badass video game protagonists!
Imagine Batman’s melee combat but in a martial arts setting. Isn’t that amazing? It feels like you’re watching a movie while playing this game. Pick this game up if you’re looking for brutally awesome and fun!
And a gentle warning: This game is brutal. Literally. You’ve been warned!🙂
Sam Gideon – Vanquish
Sam Gideon is a highly skilled soldier and the main playable character in the game, Vanquish. He is a member of an advanced task force called Bravo Company, tasked with defending Earth from a hostile invasion by a powerful and technologically advanced enemy known as the Order of the Russian Star.
Sam also wears a state-of-the-art Augmented Reaction Suit (ARS) that grants him enhanced speed, agility, and strength. He embarks on a mission to stop the Order of the Russian Star and their devastating plans.
Other games could have better received this game, but for me – playing this game is quite an experience. True, their characters and storyline aren’t as solid and memorable as the others, but this is still a great game for me!
Nathan Drake – Uncharted Series
Who doesn’t know this guy? Every gamer from the PlayStation has heard the name Nathan Drake. Nathan is the protagonist of the game, Uncharted. He is a treasure hunter and professional thief who embarks on thrilling quests searching for ancient artifacts and lost civilizations. With his rugged charm, quick wit, and a combination of physical prowess and intellectual acumen.
Drake is known for his resourcefulness and ability to navigate dangerous situations with agility and cunning. Whether scaling ancient ruins, engaging in intense gunfights, or solving intricate puzzles, Nathan always finds a way to prevail. Nathan even finds a way to defeat choppers, survive a train wreck, and even a falling cargo from tens of thousands of feet above the ground!
Regina – Dino Crisis
When talking about dinosaurs, this game automatically comes to mind! And, of course, the story’s pretty and skillful main character – Regina. She is the main protagonist of the survival horror video game “Dino Crisis.” She is a skilled and capable special agent working for a top-secret government organization known as S.O.R.T. (Secret Operation Raid Team). Regina is sent on a mission to a remote research facility, where a catastrophic event has unleashed dangerous dinosaurs.
Many gamers of this generation don’t know Dino Crisis. That’s why many from the decade-older gamers demand a remake of this iconic game! I want to relive the survival horror type of this game and let those who didn’t play the classic experience this one!
It’s like Resident Evil, but the enemies are dinos of all sizes!
Aya Brea – Parasite Eve
Aya is an NYPD officer involved in a supernatural crisis when a mysterious organism called “Eve” awakens within her own mitochondria, granting her unique powers. Aya’s journey unfolds as she battles Eve and her monstrous creations to save humanity from destruction. In Parasite Eve 2, Aya is tasked with investigating mysterious occurrences in a remote desert town called Dryfield.
What I liked about this game is that Aya has developed unique abilities like healing, fire, and telekinesis.
Should they remake Parasite Eve?
Yes, definitely! Many gamers will follow the story. With the current-gen console’s performance improvements, it would be great to see Aya Brea in action and the continuation of the Parasite Eve series.
Nathan Hale – Resistance 1 & 2
Nathan Hale is a former U.S. Army Ranger who becomes humanity’s last hope in the fight against an alien race called the Chimera. His story began when the Chimeran virus infected him during a European mission. Still, instead of succumbing to its effects, he gained enhanced abilities, which he used against the invading forces.
What I love about this game is the story of humanity losing to alien invasion. Having a slim chance of winning and surviving is engaging and makes you want to discover how the story unfolds. Let’s just put this scenario in video games, not real life, right?
Whew! After watching this trailer, I feel like getting my Resistance 2 DVD game on my shelf and popping it inside my PS3 console! This game has one of the great past video game protagonists and must replay!
Lightning – Final Fantasy XIII Series
Claire Farron, or Lightning, is the main protagonist in the game Final Fantasy XIII. Lightning is a former soldier of the Guardian Corps in the city of Cocoon and becomes an unwilling l’Cie, a chosen individual with magical powers and a mission to fulfill. She is a determined and skilled warrior, initially driven by a desire to save her younger sister, Serah.
Her character, fighting styles, and weapons make this game want to be replayed by many. I was surprised at the PS3’s capabilities when I first played this! Apart from a little confusing story of the l’Cie and Pulse l’Cie, this series is fantastic! My favorite is the XIII-2 because it has expanded the game further!
I also discovered that some of my gamer peers in PlayStation Philippines bought their PS3 console because they wanted to play the Final Fantasy XIII series! Despite the so-so reviews and feedback from many, this game is still one of the masterpieces that Square Enix released!
Gabriel Belmont – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Gabriel is a member of a group of holy knights dedicated to fighting evil, the Brotherhood of Light. He started on a journey to save the world from the evil Lords of Shadow, who had plunged the land into darkness and threatened to resurrect an ancient evil. He wields the Combat Cross, which is incredible because that weapon can be used as melee and has magical abilities!
Unfortunately, In the second game, Lords of Shadow 2, Gabriel became the vampire lord known as Dracula – and the member of the Brotherhood of Light has now turned into an enemy and is being hunted by his former group!
Driven by a complex mix of sorrow, anger, and regret, Dracula must confront his inner demons and make choices that will determine the world’s fate.
Should developers remake Castlevania: Lords of Shadow?
This game really has a great plot and is a must-play! Many gamers nowadays need to see how great the storyline is. And in addition to that, many people would want to witness vampire and monster-slaying games!
Please make it easier than Soulsgame! 😄
Dante – Dante’s Inferno
Now we’re talking about a masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” turned into a game! Dante is a skilled and brutal warrior who embarks on a perilous journey through the nine circles of hell to save his wife, Beatrice, from the clutches of Lucifer.
Fueled by love and vengeance, Dante battles hordes of demons and grotesque monsters using his scythe and holy cross, gaining new abilities and weapons as he progresses.
Dante’s Inferno is interesting because you must travel to a place almost everyone wouldn’t dare, the nine circles of hell! I enjoyed playing and beating those monsters from hell, and I want to play this again!
Still not feeling enough about the past video game protagonists?
Here’s a bonus! We’ve added more past video game protagonists to see and rediscover! These past video game protagonists really hook us and want us to play these games again, even if it’s launched after so many years. Don’t you think? Here’s another batch, get ready!
Garrett Hawke – Dragon Age 2
Garrett Hawke is the protagonist in the game Dragon Age 2. He is also a versatile character, with the player able to choose their class and customize their appearance, skills, and personality. Throughout the game, Hawke becomes involved in the political and social conflicts of Kirkwall, navigating the tensions between mages and templars and facing off against various threats, including monsters, bandits, and powerful adversaries.
The choices and Garrett’s funny dialogue are so engaging that you will love and enjoy the cutscenes! I frequently selected “renegade mode” or the bottom option and lol’d his ridiculous responses. Surely, you’ll enjoy this underrated but hidden gem in the PS3!
Raiden – Metal Gear Solid Revengeance
Raiden, also known as Jack, is the main protagonist of “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.” He is a cyborg ninja and a former private military company Maverick Security member. Raiden has undergone extensive cybernetic enhancements in the game that grant him incredible speed, agility, and combat prowess.
This cyborg ninja also appeared as a playable character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and played a massive role in helping Solid Snake solve the crisis. But we’re focusing on his solo game, MGS Revengeance. In this game, Raiden showcases his swordsmanship, and what’s epic is his use of his high-frequency blade.
The intro scene and boss fight in this game are epic! The final boss, Senator Armstrong, is one of my most challenging battles so far! So you should try playing this game if you haven’t yet! Argh!
Max Payne – Max Payne 3
This guy is known for his proficiency in bullet time, a gameplay mechanic that allows him to slow down time during intense shootouts. In this game, Max works as a private security contractor for a wealthy family.
Despite not being child-friendly, this game is still great with a deep and dark storyline. I love it when I play as Max and use his bullet time skill to beat multiple hostile enemies in one go!
Final Thoughts
Watching these trailers excites me! Video games have significantly evolved over the years, and too many great games have been developed and forgotten. Which past video game protagonists should you know and play today? Write these comments down in the comments section and discuss them!