10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

As a seasoned gamer with over 30 years of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of love-to-hate characters. But recently, some new faces have made their way into the gaming world that have left me scratching my head and muttering under my breath.

Video games provide players with entry into extraordinary realms, captivating narratives, and high-stakes struggles. Typically, our initiation into this form of entertainment is by assuming the role of a main character, offering us a chance to live out these fictitious adventures.

Most players tend to form a close connection with the main characters in games, either rooting for them during their victories against obstacles or identifying with them through their hardships. Yet, not all video games effectively make their protagonists appealing to the players, sometimes due to deliberate choices or unintentional oversights.

Occasionally, it could be due to their subpar construction, ethical grey areas, challenging gameplay, or grating dialogue. However, they do manage to stand out, though perhaps not in a favorable manner.

“We’ve compiled a roster of video game heroes who often left players with a rather unfavorable impression.

10 Abby

The Last of Us Part 2

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

In the heat of debate, I must confess that Abby from “The Last of Us Part 2” is a character who strikes a chord deep within. She’s a complex emotional tapestry, and her entry into the game sparked quite a stir among players. Her actions, particularly those of revenge, ignite a chain reaction of brutal events that leave many questioning her motives. By the end, it’s challenging not to feel a sense of disdain towards her very presence.

In contrast, “The Last of Us Part 2” frequently requires you to control her character for extended periods throughout the game, as Naughty Dog aimed to make her more relatable. Her strong connections and adventures with Lev and Yara significantly contributed to her transformation from a disliked adversary into an anti-hero.

Many players drew comparisons between Abby and Ellie, noting their shared actions driven by a vengeful spirit. Yet, what left many gamers unsettled was the moment Abby took out one of gaming’s most beloved characters, making it difficult for some to see any redemption in her character.

9 Aidan Pearce

Watch Dogs

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

Initially, when I was younger and first experienced playing “Watch Dogs”, I thought Aidan Pearce was an exciting character. However, as I matured and revisited the game, I came to realize that he was surprisingly dull.

As I delved into the gritty world of Watch_Dogs, taking on the role of Aiden Pearce, I could feel Ubisoft’s relentless effort to portray him as a rough-around-the-edges vigilante hacker seeking vengeance. However, this intense character development seemed to nudge him towards the edge lord territory, which explains why the game has a divided reception among gamers.

Despite finding the game enjoyable, I must admit that his character lacks complexity beyond portraying a threat to society, and he seems rather unemotional.

Even though you do pull off some cool tricks with your hacking and parkour skills, there’s only so much you can find interesting in a protagonist who is constantly monotone.

8 Lo Wang

Shadow Warrior

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

Boy oh boy, I had a tough time making it through the revamped Shadow Warrior game without wincing every now and then. The credit for all that discomfort goes to the main character, Lo Wang – this brash, wisecracking ninja!

Experiencing the swift gameplay comes at a cost of countless corny jokes from the players. At times, it seems like muting the game and enjoying a peaceful session without his persistent voice might be a better option.

Let me clarify, Lo Wang is indeed an accomplished ninja, yet his persistent stream of jokes that seem to lack humor could potentially dissuade you from continuing with the game.

7 Postal Dude

Postal

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

As a fellow gamer, if you find yourself drawn to the enigmatic Postal Dude from the game Postal, I can’t help but wonder if we share a twisted sense of humor. This character is unlike any other, crafted with the sole purpose of offending, and boy does he deliver! He embodies the role of a chaotic killer on a rampage through the fictional town of Paradise, Arizona, leaving behind a trail of disturbance in his wake.

There’s something about him that makes you think you could always enjoy giving him a playful smack, perhaps because of his distinctive features: flaming red hair, a trench coat, and his trademark shades.

Initially, you may laugh at his antics due to a darkly humorous approach. However, it doesn’t take long for players to realize just how far he is prepared to push things in the pursuit of chaos.

He even possesses a weird set of powers that almost make him invincible, and a disturbing skill for manipulating his urine. If that last bit doesn’t turn you off to him, then I think you might need some help.

6 Trevor

GTA V

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

From one psychopath to another, Trevor is undoubtedly a highly entertaining and wild personality, but don’t get it twisted; he is still a deeply unlikeable protagonist.

Stepping into the realm of Grand Theft Auto V, he personifies mayhem, and his mischievous actions will undoubtedly give you the creeps.

From torture to harassment to dark personal jokes with every character he interacts with, his ugly nature is enough to make a grown adult sick to their stomach. His characterization seems to personify the players who only seek to destroy once they seep into the world of GTA.

Yet, Trevor isn’t solely defined by chaos; rather, there’s a tortured soul hidden beneath his violent and frequently harsh facade, a man who carries the weight of his past. Despite performing heinous deeds that make one flinch, he also exhibits tender moments of empathy. Consequently, despite disliking him, you find yourself intrigued by his captivating universe.

5 Duke Nukem

Duke Nukem Series

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

If you’re familiar with the world of video gaming, chances are you’re acquainted with Duke Nukem. And though we may not openly admit it, I think it’s safe to say most of us have a love-hate relationship with this character.

The super-macho, wise-cracking action-hero archetype has been done to death and seems quite outdated now, and Duke Nukem embodies that character obnoxiously well.

Since the ’90s, the hypermasculine, blond-haired character has faced controversy due to his exaggerated personality and offensive quips. Originally designed as a satire of early Arnold Schwarzenegger, he quickly became an iconic figure following his debut in 1991.

Despite the notoriously prolonged release of Duke Nukem Forever, some were left wondering if the character would reappear. Yet upon its launch, it seemed evident to many that this character would be better off left behind in the past.

The frequent, often crass or misogynistic humor from this character was hard to endure and gave the impression that he was an outdated relic of the past. Regrettably, Duke Nukem failed to escape being turned into an awkward figure instead of a bold action hero, a stark contrast to his initial fame.

4 Raiden

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

Indeed, it’s widely recognized that the designers made Raiden the main character in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, as part of a clever trick or prank, right? We were all taken aback by this twist, finding ourselves playing as a youthful-looking J-pop idol rather than the hardened and experienced Solid Snake for much of the game.

Introducing Raiden instead of reprising the role of Solid Snake was a daring decision by Hideo Kojima, yet it left numerous fans disappointed who had hoped to once more take control of Solid Snake.

As a player, I couldn’t help but feel enraged by the bait-and-switch tactics in the latest game installment, which was already pushing my patience. But what truly soured my experience was his whiny demeanor and overly dramatic storyline in the sequel. It’s safe to say I’m not a fan of this character anymore.

It’s important to mention that Raiden, who transitioned into a cybernetic ninja with a penchant for combat, is often recognized as one of the most outstanding character redesigns in video game history.

Initially, most players found Raiden rather unimpressive, with many believing he was added primarily to disrupt enjoyment.

3 Kane and Lynch

Kane & Lynch Series

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

These characters exhibit such abhorrent behavior that one might question if even their mother could find affection for them; players certainly struggle with it. It’s often thought to be challenging to create a game featuring main characters you actively dislike, but the Kane and Lynch series manages to do so effectively.

These two video game characters, despite being disliked, have a unique charm that makes fans love to hate them. Their creators deliberately made them morally questionable, leading them to ultimately become the villains.

You’ve been entrusted with managing these characters; your role involves guiding them as they navigate a world where they must engage in acts such as killing, stealing, and betraying others to progress through the storyline.

If I were in the shoes of the ruthless bank robbers from a Michael Mann film, with no moral compass or heroic traits, my gaming experience would mirror their dark and unapologetic nature. The games themselves would bear the same divisive quality, reflecting the raw, grimy realism that could tarnish the series’ reputation, making it a topic of both admiration and controversy.

2 Frey

Forspoken

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

As a gamer immersed in the world of Forspoken, I must admit, Frey fell short in one crucial aspect – her character felt rather unremarkable and lacked depth, which is disappointing for a main character.

An attempt is made to develop her personality through frequent witty remarks and cultural allusions, yet it seems like she’s vying for popularity in a high school clique.

A significant number of gamers looked forward to the title with its blend of magic and parkour, yet found their initial enthusiasm dampened upon playing as her. Regrettably, her character failed to resonate favorably due to being perceived as arrogant and grating by many.

Additionally, it didn’t bolster her argument that the magical, pun-cracking bracelet on her wrist often elicited discomfort from those around them. Moreover, the dialogue between them aimed to be sharp and humorous, but unfortunately, fell flat as if listening to a novice comedian’s first attempt at stand-up comedy.

1 P-3

Atomic Heart

10 Video Game Protagonists Everyone Hates

I found this one particularly disappointing given my eagerness to play Atomic Heart last year. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Major Sergey Alekseyevich Nechaye (or P-3), was so poorly executed that he frequently marred an otherwise engaging first-person shooter game.

In this fascinating 1955 alternative Soviet Union depicted in P-3, I found myself captivated by the meticulously crafted world. Yet, the harsh and unyielding protagonist left me, and perhaps others, feeling a bit disconnected, making it difficult for some fans to finish the game.

It’s understandable that characters don’t have to constantly radiate optimism, bravery, and enthusiasm, as they can also display negative emotions like grumpiness. However, it’s becoming increasingly tiresome for players when such cranky characters dominate the gameplay experience.

He’s also rapidly earning a name as one of the most irritating characters in contemporary gaming. In fact, he’s among the initial heroes who have caused me to pause a game for quite a while because his constant whining became unbearable and I couldn’t stand any more of it.

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2024-11-29 16:39