Best Characters Voiced by Neil Newbon

Highlights

Neil Newbon’s portrayal of Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3 captivated fans, showcasing his ability to bring authenticity and sincerity to his performances.
From the flippant vampire Astarion to the antagonist Alonso in Beyond A Steel Sky, Newbon’s range as an actor shines through in every role he plays.
While Astarion may be Newbon’s best character performance to date, his work in games like Deliver Us Mars and Resident Evil 3 also highlights his talent.

I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Neil Newbon’s extraordinary talent firsthand through his voice acting performances in various video games. Among all his captivating characters, Astarion from Baldur’s Gate 3 has left an indelible mark on me. As a player, I resonated deeply with Astarion’s complexities and Neil’s vocal portrayal of him added another layer to the character’s charm.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the captivating elf character Astarion with his fair complexion drew in fans from all over, and this attraction wasn’t just limited to his appearance in the game. A significant credit for bringing Astarion to life goes to Neil Newbon, the talented actor and motion capture artist behind the role. Known as a rising star in the game, Newbon has been an active performer in the video game industry for quite some time, lending his voice and motion capture skills to various projects. Among these accomplishments is his work on the film “Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV.”

How does Newbon make his characters stand out? Actors who excel often find relatable aspects within their roles, allowing them to deliver genuine and heartfelt performances. Newbon showcases this ability in each of his parts, regardless of the role’s magnitude or moral stance.

I’m an avid gamer, and this article is filled with intriguing insights about several games I’ve recently discovered or plan to explore soon. However, be warned, there are tiny spoilers tucked within the text for the following titles: Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier, Beyond A Steel Sky, Detroit: Become Human, We Happy Few: Lightbearer, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Resident Evil 3, Deliver Us Mars, Warframe, Resident Evil: Village, and Baldur’s Gate 3. If you’re dead set against any spoilers whatsoever, you might want to steer clear or read with caution. For the rest of us eager gamers, let’s dive in!

10 Beyond A Steel Sky – Alonso

Proto-Astarion Or Just Your Average Bureaucrat?

Revolution Software released the game in 2020 and it is set ten years after the original game
Newbon’s role isn’t as meaty here as other roles, pushing it lower on the list of performances

In 2020, there came out a new installation in the series that started with “Beneath a Steel Sky” in 1994. This game is set in a far-off future Earth where colossal cities exist amidst the ruins of nuclear disasters. The gameplay is reminiscent of Telltale games, offering 3D exploration, intriguing dialogues, numerous puzzles, and excellent storytelling. In this production, Newbon’s character, Mentor Alonso, seems to have a complex dynamic with the player-controlled character named Graham Grundy.

As someone who has spent hours immersed in the intricacies of role-playing games, I can’t help but be intrigued by the character of Alonso in “BG3.” At first glance, he is tasked with identifying potential issues within the game world, a seemingly benign role. Yet, his demeanor strikes me as more akin to an interrogator than a counselor. His stern tone and unwavering gaze leave little room for ambiguity – this man means business.

9 Planet Of The Apes: Last Frontier – Bryn

An Overlooked Performance Due To External Factors

The Imaginati Studios released the game in 2017
Newbon would go on to perform for the VR game Crisis on the Planet of the Apes in 2018

Neil gave a memorable portrayal of the character Bryn in this widely-played game, which is definitely worth rewatching. He not only spoke English for the role but also used grunts and other non-verbal sounds. This was one of his initial major projects where he did both motion capture and voice acting for a character. From a purely performance standpoint, Neil’s vocal transformations for Bryn are distinct and commendable. His portrayal of Bryn contrasts greatly with his more recent role as Astarion in “Baldur’s Gate 3”.

Sadly, the game did not gain much popularity among players because of several reasons. These included limited opportunities for player involvement, insignificant decision-making power, a brief playtime, and a rather narrow portrayal of ape society.

8 Detroit: Become Human – Elijah Kamski

Like A Sparkler: Powerful, But Short-Lived

A 2018 release from Quantic Dream
The star-studded cast included well-known actors, as well as voice actors like Newbon

Detroit: Become Human, an incredibly realistic game, serves as a thought-provoking reflection on what it truly signifies to be human, similar to works like Blade Runner. In this production, Newborn depicts Elijah Kamski, the inventor and former CEO of Cyberlife, a company he established at sixteen. Notably, he contributed his actual face to the portrayal of the antagonist in the game. Kamski is an egotistic genius who harbors conflicting opinions regarding androids, deviance, and the significance of human freedom in machine ethics.

This character, Kamski, portrayed by Newbon with an American accent, stands out for being more than just a spoken thought experiment. He’s charismatic like many of Newbon’s other characters, but his actions lack real stakes. He persistently asks people about their identity and allegiance, yet himself doesn’t seem invested. Newbon’s rendition is engaging, but Kamski’s depth isn’t as rich as some of his other creations. Additionally, Kamski appears less frequently on screen than others, making this performance rank lower in comparison.

7 Deliver Us Mars – Isaac Johanson

Ted Faro Would Be So Proud

The game released in 2023 by Dutch studio KeokeN Interactive
Set as a sequel story to another game, players see Isaac’s character more fleshed out and revealed to be one significantly bad guy

For those unfamiliar with the “Horizon” series, here’s a simplified explanation: In the game “Deliver Us Mars,” set for release in 2023, Earth has become uninhabitable due to ecological catastrophe. This is a continuation of the story told in “Deliver Us the Moon.” The protagonist, Isaac Johanson, portrayed by Neil Newbon, could be the culprit behind Earth’s destruction. Throughout the game, he expresses conflicting feelings about his role in this calamity. Newbon’s dedicated performance adds depth to a complex character, making Isaac’s guilt feel authentic.

Some people found Isaac’s limited complexity infuriating, while others saw him as dishearteningly spineless and self-centered – almost too authentic. Despite finding it challenging to empathize with Isaac, his depth is not diminished, and Newbon’s portrayal brings him to life in a captivating way. For Newbon personally, as expressed in an interview with ScreenRant, he shares a strong bond with the character due to their shared role as single fathers to daughters.

6 We Happy Few: Lightbearer – Nick Lightbearer

Party Or Die

Compulsion Games fully released the game in 2018 after two years of Early Access on PC
The DLC follows the rock idol Nick Lightbearer on a drug-fueled adventure mirroring the works of Dante

The fictional universe of “We Happy Few” takes cues from the absurdist dystopian literature and films, including “Brave New World,” “Brazil,” and others. In the expansion pack called “Lightbearer DLC,” the role of hallucinogenic drugs used to maintain order in the oppressive regime is brought to the forefront. Yet, it’s not merely about suppressing the populace; instead, the protagonist, Nick (alias Norbert Pickles), becomes heavily reliant on these substances and experiences intense drug-induced trips filled with vivid hallucinations reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland.” The narrative also incorporates numerous literary references such as an agent named Virgil and a character called Morrie Memento.

In simpler terms, Newbon requires minimal voice adjustment since his natural voice is so compelling. However, his 60s British rockstar persona fluctuates rapidly within just a few lines due to the game world’s unpredictable nature and the influence of certain substances. The combination of mania, sincerity, hedonism, and fear makes it challenging to distinguish reality from exaggeration or fabrication. Among all characters, this one is most similar to Astarion in terms of personality.

5 Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Zeon

More Than Just Hair Wings & Eyeliner

The game released in 2022 by Monolith Soft
Acts as a conclusion to the three-game narrative set in a world with long-warring kingdoms in which Zeon (and everyone else) is caught

As a huge fan of Newbon’s acting, it’s always thrilling to see him take on new roles. In Xenoblade Chronicles 3, he brings Zeon to life in a way that’s both unexpected and delightful. At the helm of an entire colony at a young age, his performance expertly balances the idealized aspects of leadership with the heavy burden of responsibility. Eunie puts it best when she says, “You’re not the type to mock people when they’re giving their all. Instead, you lend a helping hand.” This depiction of leadership showcases two distinct paths: the nurturing, encouraging route or the tougher, seemingly unyielding one. Zeon’s character evolves throughout the story, revealing his softer side and embracing the power of compassion and support.

In a surprising turn, Zeon appears to have a softer side, preferring a peaceful life with a beautiful garden. This gentler aspect of his personality surfaces when he leads, as he values preserving life and putting the welfare of his soldiers first. The narrative reveals that Zeon’s perspective on good and evil becomes more adaptable over time. Newbon’s portrayal beautifully captures this romantic side while retaining the sense of Zeon’s formidable power, creating a compelling Studio Ghibli-esque character.

4 Resident Evil 3 – Nicholai Ginovaef

Also Known As Nikolai Zinoviev, Silver Wolf, & Sergeant

The remake debuted in 2020 from Capcom and Nicholai (as voiced by Newbon) also appears in Resident Evil Resistance
Stands out in Newbon’s catalog as a less emotional yet still evocative performance

The Resident Evil series consistently features zombies or monsters serving as primary antagonists. However, there are human characters who exhibit monstrous behaviors as well. One such character is Nicholai, who in the remake, plays the role of a spy intent on thwarting the protagonists and eliminating anyone in his path. His menacing portrayal marks one of Newborn’s most notable performances, delivered in a Russian accent. Throughout the game, he taunts Jill Valentine relentlessly and makes ruthless choices such as shooting individuals without verifying their infection status.

Though Newbon’s portrayal of Nicholas, the ex-Russian Spetsnaz and mercenary, may seem clichéd, it authentically reflects the character. The core of his being is driven by cold, hard practicality – getting paid, finishing tasks, and surviving. This unyielding pragmatism resonates in Newbon’s gritty voice delivery.

3 Warframe – Fibonacci

A Potential Ally Or An Albrecht Supplicant?

The character debuted in Warframe: Whispers in the Walls chapter in 2023
The “fish with the big brain” represents perhaps the older-sounding character Newbon has voiced so far

In simpler terms, “Fishtarion,” a nickname given to this character by some gamers, emerged as the head of the Cavia faction – a band of flawed projects created by Albrecht Entrati. There isn’t much backstory for this figure yet in Warframe, leaving ample opportunity for expansion. Newbon portrays Fishtarion distinctly compared to Astarion, with his ongoing witty banter towards the players remaining a constant trait.

In simpler terms, Fib is funnier with a refined, older British accent compared to Astarion’s playful tone. Newbon’s previous breathy deliveries add to this sophisticated demeanor, leaving it uncertain if Fib himself understands the character’s true intentions. The humor in Newbon’s portrayal of Fib distracts from any attempts to figure them out.

2 Resident Evil: Village – Karl Heisenberg

Metal Bender & Miranda Manipulator

Capcom released the game in 2021 and the DLC Winters’ Expansion in 2022
He’s the only one of the four lieutenants not fully brainwashed by Miranda and plans on a rebellion

Heisenberg’s backstory involves being forcibly taken and subjected to manipulation, making him a complex character with a harrowing past. Additionally, he is an engineering prodigy and the inheritor of his family’s factory, providing motivation for Miranda to utilize his skills. Newbon masterfully brought Heisenberg to life through dialogue and mannerisms, adding depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Rarely does Newbon adopt an American accent as skillfully as he did in this role.

In moments of dispute, the rough exterior and cruelty toward Heisenberg subtly give way to more tender and exposed line readings. This vulnerability hints at the suppressed inner child and personal aspirations that Heisenberg set aside due to Mother Miranda. When conversing with Ethan alone, Heisenberg’s voice loses some of its aggressive bravado, exuding a softer, more appealing demeanor. However, when Ethan refuses Heisenberg’s plan for revenge against Miranda, the calm facade cracks, revealing a hint of malice in Heisenberg’s tone. Despite this, Heisenberg never directly threatens Ethan with violence but instead advises him not to return. Newbon masterfully adds depth to a character who could have been stereotypically portrayed as a one-dimensional villain.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3 – Astarion

Not God’s Favorite Princess, But The Internet’s Most Beloved Brat

The game fully launched in 2023 by Larian Studios
This performance earned Newbon many deserved awards and nominations as many players resonated with Astarion’s story and Newbon’s voice-acting choices

Although the excitement surrounding Baldur’s Gate 3 has diminished somewhat, the character of Astarion, portrayed by Newbon, continues to make a significant impact on video game storytelling. Newbon’s captivating performance and dedication to the role have solidified his position as a skilled artist in the industry. With his portrayal of Ascended Astarion’s debatable morals and the tender vulnerability of a romanced Astarion, Newbon demonstrated an impressive range for this multifaceted character. Furthermore, he showcased his exceptional motion capture abilities throughout the game, as evidenced in the image on the left from Newbon’s X account.

Up until now, Astarion played by Neil, has been his finest acting role in video games. However, we’ll see if this will still hold true as he voices Barry the Boat in the “Fallout: London” mod. Newbon’s abilities are certain to expand further, leaving fans wondering if they have seen the last of that charming vampire character.

2024-07-19 06:05