This year introduced video game lovers to exceptional storylines and main characters. From reimagined classics to sequels, game developers focused on crafting their stories through the crafting of integral protagonists.
While I may be the person who loves spending hours designing their perfect character in RPGs, I also appreciate playing a game where all of that is done for me. In a world of ever-growing character-creating games, sometimes having it done for you is all that you need.
Despite the hundreds we came across, some stand out among the others, whether it is through their charm, heroism, or determination. Here are five of the most memorable main characters we met throughout 2023.
Warning: There are spoilers for the plots of these characters and games ahead!
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Saga Anderson — Alan Wake 2
After 13 years, Remedy Entertainment gave us the sequel to its highly popular horror survival Alan Wake, which followed the titular main character trying to unravel the mystery of his wife’s death. In Alan Wake II, fans meet Saga Anderson, a telepathic FBI agent who discovers supernatural occurrences tied to Bright Falls, Washington.
Anderson is stoic, confident, and focused, all three qualities that stand firmly against Wake and the world around them. These qualities allow her to provide stability to the game. Alongside this, she is a devoted mother to her daughter Logan, whom she is truly making all of her decisions for.
Introducing Saga Anderson into the world of Alan Wake II was a big risk for Remedy Entertainment. Now, after being able to play as her, we can see how integral she is to the storyline. She was dragged into the story by Wake, who wrote her into his world-changing novel. For those who do not know the story of Alan Wake, trust me when I say this is the least confusing way of describing this complex and surreal plot.
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Also, Saga Anderson is the studio’s first Black protagonist, which brings a new layer to the game and its characters. “There are also multicultural aspects to the character as well,” Remedy Entertainment’s creative director Sam Lake told Game Developer in November.
“So these different aspects coming together to form a very unique and fresh character in that sense, that was a big part of this and very interesting to us. But we understand representation, and we take that very seriously,” Lake added in his interview with Game Developer.
Basim — Assassin’s Creed Mirage
From the creators of my favorite video game main characters, Ubisoft created Basim Ibn Ishaq, a charming thief-turned-assassin. He is the main character in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the latest iteration in the franchise, but he was actually introduced a game earlier, in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. While I did feel him to be obnoxious when we first met him, Basim’s qualities of loyalty, kindness, and passion quickly emerged when he was the focus of the game.
Set during the Islamic Golden Age in Baghdad, Basim’s cultural identity is interwoven into the interactions with all those that he comes across. This historical aspect of the Assassin’s Creed games has always been its most defining quality, but I felt it had been lacking in recent games. Basim and Baghdad — plus, the return of the database — changes that. Though he does turn out to be a villain in Valhalla, Basim’s origin is endearing and a story of perseverance.
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The best part about Basim is that was actually dedicated to the Brotherhood of Assassins. In the past 15 years, the vast majority of the main characters have been those who align with the creed but aren’t dedicated to it. That’s different for Basim, who actually follows the tradition of cutting off his own finger after years of training amongst other initiates. Overall, Basim is a wonderful character because he is actually an assassin.
Solomon Reed — Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
In the new Phantom Liberty DLC of Cyberpunk 2077, we meet mysterious FIA sleeper agent Solomon Reed. Soon after his first meeting with V, it becomes obvious that he’s one of the most important characters in the expansion. His value as an information officer is so prominent that the president of the NUSA, Rosalind Myers, tasks V with tracking him down to help with their mission.
Idris Elba serves as the actor for Reed, grabbing attention for the game similar to when Keanu Reaves was announced for the original story. During the storyline, he serves as your futuristic spy partner, bringing charm and charisma to Dogtown.
Despite his legendary reputation, Reed is still down-to-earth. He is always treating the player with respect and bantering with them as an equal. As much as I do love a gruff, sarcastic partner-in-crime, I appreciated the breath of fresh air we get from Reed. Learning about his backstory and complex relationship with Songbird made Phantom Liberty one of my favorite games of the year.
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Miles Morales — Spider-Man 2
How could anyone not love Miles Morales? After Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduced the average Marvel fan to the multiverse and to Morales, he quickly became a fan favorite. We get to play as him in Insomniac Video Game’s sequel, and his endearing devotion to helping others can’t make us help but love him.
Morales stands out on this list because of his relatability. While I can’t go around shooting spiderwebs out of my wrists, I do admire his passion for music and courage. Both his parents want to protect and take care of their son, which humanizes him. His mixed heritage as African-American and Puerto Rican enhances his identity and rounds him out as a true New Yorker.
He isn’t particularly well-versed in his responsibilities as Spider-Man, but he understands it and gives his all to help the people of New York City.
Though he isn’t the person most longtime Marvel fans initially thought of when we pictured the web-throwing superhero, he has earned his place. His positivity and passion make him a must-love character from 2023.
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Leon S. Kennedy — Resident Evil 4 Remake
Any video gamers from this century know about Leon Scott Kennedy. We first meet him in Resident Evil 2 as a rookie police officer, and by Resident Evil 4, he is a seasoned federal agent. In this iteration of the series, he is sent to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult. Even though this game came out in 2005 — and was Game of the Year when in initially released — its remastered edition this year earns Leon a place on this list.
Again, the introverted soldier wins over the hearts of fans through his spontaneity and sarcastic attitude. By the events of Resident Evil 4, Leon is an experienced fighter against the biohazard threat he stumbled into years prior. He has trained as a government agent and is not afraid to cockily display them. Simultaneously, we also see his kindness in Resident Evil 4, vulnerable in his desire to save the president’s daughter, Ashley.
Leon is the standard for a moral protagonist in modern games. While he certainly has his flaws, his protectiveness of Ashley and dedication to the Division of Security Operations put him on this year’s best character list, once again winning the hearts of new and old Resident Evil fans alike.
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