10 Best Games With Dual Protagonists

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In reality, people often see themselves as the main characters in their own lives’ tales. However, when it comes to fiction, where stories can exceed ordinary experiences, there might be occasions when multiple main characters are needed to manage all that happens.

As a gamer, I often find that in many video game sequels, the epic narrative can become too vast for a single hero to tackle alone. That’s why we sometimes see multiple protagonists sharing the responsibility, working together to conquer the challenges ahead.

In various scenarios, their interaction might unfold: they may collaborate closely, frequently meeting face-to-face, or they could be geographically apart, creating a physical distance between them. Alternatively, they might both be striving for shared goals, unaware that the other even exists.

Essentially, the key is that both main characters share significant importance in the narrative; it’s essentially their interwoven tales, rather than one dominating over the other. Keeping this perspective, here are some games that handled this balance exceptionally well.

We’re specifically sticking to games with just two protagonists for this one.

10.
Yakuza 0

Two Wild And Crazy Guys

In most instances throughout the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, the central character has primarily been Kazuma Kiryu. While he’s occasionally shared the limelight in some of the intermediate games, it’s still predominantly Kiryu’s narrative that we follow.

As I delve into Yakuza 0, it’s not just me leading the storyline; it’s a shared journey between me and another familiar face from the Yakuza universe, Goro Majima. In this game, we’re both stepping into our roles before our peak times in the ’80s.

In Yakuza 0’s narrative, an intriguing aspect is that it skillfully manages to keep Kiryu and Majima apart, as their paths never crossed in the later games like Yakuza 1 and beyond. Since they didn’t interact about these matters previously, it’s accurate to say they literally wouldn’t have met in this prequel setting.

I discovered, just like countless other fans, that Yakuza 0 is an exceptional starting point for the series due to its self-contained narrative. As a newcomer myself, it was this game that illuminated the appeal of characters like Kiryu and Majima, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for their enduring popularity.

9.
Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Just Missed Each Other

In the original Resident Evil 2, there was a unique gameplay feature called “zapping.” This allowed decisions and actions made during your initial gameplay with one character, either Leon or Claire, to influence the storyline of the second character in a subsequent playthrough. Essentially, it was a clever method to motivate players to experience both characters’ narratives.

2019’s Resident Evil 2 remake allows players to switch between the two main characters using a comparable, yet somewhat simplified mechanism.

In this reimagined version, a character’s tale is subtly altered based on whether you’ve previously experienced another character’s storyline. Generally speaking, the subsequent episodes are somewhat abridged and offer minor adjustments to the distribution of items.

To fully understand the true conclusion of the game, you’ll need to experience both perspectives since the complete narrative isn’t revealed until you’ve witnessed both sides of the story.

To set the record straight, even though I’m controlling Ada during Leon’s tale for a brief segment, it doesn’t make her a main character in the grand scheme of things. She’s more like a temporary ally in this specific part of the game.

8.
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

Dream A Little Dream Of Me

As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed in the captivating world of Kingdom Hearts on multiple occasions, where it delves into the concept of multiple protagonists to enrich the narrative experience. In Chain of Memories, I got the chance to step into Riku’s shoes after wrapping up Sora’s tale, and later in Birth By Sleep, I was treated to playing through the stories of Aqua, Terra, and Ventus one after another.

In Kingdom Hearts 3D, the most striking instance of two main characters, or dual protagonists, is undeniably when you alternately control Sora and Riku throughout the game.

In this game, since dreams have a slightly intangible quality, you frequently switch between Sora and Riku, and a depleting meter under your health serves as a constant reminder of this transition.

In some cases, speeding up the pace of the game may lead to being knocked out during a boss battle. While technically you can immediately return to the previous stage, the game motivates you to keep going in order to accumulate bonus points that can be used to acquire power-ups afterwards.

Initially, the gameplay and plot may seem a bit puzzling, but they eventually tie up nicely towards the end. The aspect that slightly annoyed me is that specific Dream Eater portals can only be discovered during either Sora’s or Riku’s versions of specific worlds.

7.
Devil May Cry 4

All In The Family

In my gaming world, Devil May Cry 4 caused quite a stir back then. You see, it felt like they weren’t giving Dante his due spotlight, as Nero seemed to take center stage instead – a twist that didn’t sit well with many of us devoted fans.

It’s fortunate that Dante remains involved throughout the story and gameplay, though he doesn’t take center stage until later in the game.

Initially, Nero serves as the central character in the game, introducing you to his unique battle strategies as he pursues Dante’s path across the countryside. Later on, the perspective changes and it becomes Dante’s turn to walk in Nero’s footsteps, leading him back to Fortuna for the remaining portion of the game.

In essence, Dante appears as an adversary during parts of Nero’s narrative, but this is due to his lack of knowledge about the fact that the head of The Order is under the influence of demonic substances.

Since I joined the Devil May Cry series later on, Devil May Cry 4 served as my initial game in the franchise. Having Nero’s less complicated mechanics to grasp first made it easier for me to eventually tackle Dante’s intricate style-changing techniques. It leaves me curious if this was their intention in the game design.

6.
Alan Wake 2

One In The Light, One In The Dark

In the original Alan Wake game, the tale primarily revolves around its main character, Alan Wake himself. But because of the peculiar metaphysical regulations governing the storyline within this series, we can’t just tell a standalone story about Alan while he’s stuck in the Dark Place. That would require showing the full extent of the Dark Presence, which isn’t feasible at that point in his predicament.

This is why, in Alan Wake 2, Alan shared his top billing with FBI agent Saga Anderson.

In the bizarre world of the Dark Place, it’s tricky to figure out if my story intertwines with Saga’s, as time seems to bend here. However, I can tell you that the choices I make in piecing together my own tale have a real impact on Saga’s investigation. They provide her with hints about where to go next and what steps to take, helping her unravel her own mystery.

In their initial encounters, these interactions mostly occur as fleeting glimpses within thin lines separating our world and the mysterious realm known as the Dark Place. This arrangement lends an air of mystery to the narrative.

The majority of their early exchanges happen as quick peeks in the narrow divide between our reality and the enigmatic domain called the Dark Place, which adds a layer of intrigue to the storyline.

I found it fascinating that while Alan’s Writer’s Room and Saga’s Mind Place share a resemblance, they each have their own individual quirks. Notably, Alan’s Writer’s Room impacts the realm of the Dark Place, whereas Saga’s Mind Place is solely utilized for investigative purposes. They both manage idea and people boards, but in different ways.

5.
A Way Out

You Knew It Was Gonna Be Here

Absolutely, it would have been unthinkable to compile a list about dual protagonists without including a game from Hazelight Studios, given that they are renowned for their two-character games. Among their offerings, A Way Out seems to be the most suitable choice for this list.

The partnership between Leo and Vincent in A Way Out is primarily for mutual benefit. Initially, Leo was plotting an escape, and Vincent sought a travel companion. They’re collaborating because it simplifies the task, and they aren’t intending to maintain this alliance indefinitely.

The temporary partnership and the multiplayer aspect of this game contribute significantly to its intense resolution, making it feel substantial. It’s not always necessary for games featuring two main characters to have them on the same side in a conflict.

In our playthrough of A Way Out, my friend and I found ourselves engaged in a lengthy discussion over who should claim the final outcome, as we couldn’t decide which character we favored more.

4.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

A Pair Of Arachnids

In most cases, Spider-Man prefers to work alone due to his commitment to great responsibility. However, after Miles Morales acquired similar powers and demonstrated his capabilities in his individual game, it left him little option but to form a team with Spider-Man in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

Similar to the last game, Spider-Man 2 follows the story of Peter’s ongoing discovery of his responsibilities as the guardian of Manhattan, while also delving into Miles’ experience as a new and inexperienced superhero.

During most of the game, they collaborate closely, but you’ll primarily control just one character at a time, switching as the narrative requires or whenever there’s a pause in significant story events.

Following two distinct versions of Spider-Man at the same time was intriguing for me, not only from the story standpoint but also because of the gameplay aspects. While I enjoy delving into the Symbiote shenanigans with Peter, the electrical and stealth abilities of Miles always provide an exciting twist that keeps things interesting.

3.
Halo 2

Two Sides, One Common Enemy

In the first Halo game, the Covenant is depicted as a complex and vague organization, offering a general understanding of their objectives and beliefs, but not much more than what the game chooses to reveal. However, in Halo 2, we get a more detailed look into their inner workings, primarily through its dual protagonist, the Arbiter.

As Master Chief battles against a new Covenant assault on Earth, the Arbiter is dealing with an uprising within their ranks and retrieving crucial resources.

Initially, he remains a Covenant soldier, yet when the conflict transitions to the freshly found second Halo, and he encounters the Chief, circumstances compel the Arbiter to confront the reality that the foundation of most of his beliefs is based on deception.

In the classic Halo game, I found it quite clever that Master Chief’s protective shield resembled the one used by Covenant Elites. This design choice means that when playing as the Arbiter in Halo 2, you share the same health and shield system with him since he too is an Elite.

2.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Across Time And Space

Despite the fatigue surrounding multiverse tales in recent times, they continue to offer intriguing possibilities for storytelling and ideas. For instance, in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Ratchet encounters Rivet, who isn’t just a counterpart from another dimension, but one of the very few Lombaxes he has ever had the chance to interact with.

In essence, Ratchet and Rivet have similar roles in the game, and they both collaborate with Ms. Zurkon on exchanging weapons and enhancements. What makes this setup intriguing is observing how each of them interacts with Kit and Clank individually.

In essence, Ratchet, having had a similar journey with Clank, understands Kit’s potential and endeavors to motivate her. On the other hand, Rivet initially harbors mistrust towards Clank due to her personal experiences, but over time, she begins to grow fond of him in a way that echoes Ratchet’s transformation.

It was quite endearing to witness Ratchet and Rivet’s initial encounter; it had a feeling reminiscent of two estranged relatives finally meeting again. After all, while they may appear as separate entities, they share the same origin, making them practically siblings in a unique sense.

1.
American Arcadia

A Runner And A Leaker

Behind the scenes of every great television show are not only actors, but a multitude of crew members who work diligently off-camera as well. Both those in front of the camera and those behind it play essential roles in ensuring the final product is polished and well-executed. This principle holds true for reality TV, even including shows where the stars may not be fully aware they’re part of it.

As a devoted admirer, let me share my take: In the enchanting American Arcadia, I find myself dwelling in the retro-futuristic metropolis of Arcadia, where I, Trevor, appear to be just an ordinary guy. However, when the intriguing Angela contacts me, it becomes alarmingly clear that my everyday life and even this city itself are nothing more than a grand reality show, reminiscent of The Truman Show.

Certainly, he won’t be able to elude such a large-scale operation on his own, so it’s essential that Angela secretly manipulates cameras and computers to pave a secure route for him.

I find it refreshing when gameplay switches from Trevor’s platforming and stealth sequences to puzzle-like scenarios as Angela. Not only does this provide a welcome change, but it also underscores the extent to which the people of Arcadia are manipulated, adding depth to the game’s atmosphere.

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2025-05-19 18:10