Iconic Left-Handed Characters in Video Games, Ranked

As a left-handed gamer myself, I must say it’s refreshing to see such a diverse representation of dominant hands in video games! From the fearsome Aatrox wreaking havoc in League of Legends with his left paw, to Sephiroth, that menacing villain from Final Fantasy 7, slicing through enemies with his Masamune, it’s clear that left-handers can be just as formidable.

Crafting an enduring character requires attention to multiple details like their look, tools, and temperament, which players can identify with as they engage in the narrative. Furthermore, the character’s voyage and obstacles they encounter foster a stronger emotional connection between players and the character.

However, a frequently overlooked detail is the character’s dominant hand. While most games feature right-handed characters, some titles stand out by including left-handed characters, offering unique approaches. This distinctiveness often makes these characters even more iconic, providing players with a new way to connect with them.

10 Johnny Silverhand (Cyberpunk 2077)

Left-Handed Abilities Are Limited By The Game

In an unusual twist, the character Johnny Silverhand, as portrayed by CD Projekt Red in cutscenes and promotional materials, is suggested to be left-handed based on his use of his distinctive robotic arm pistol. However, in the game, when the player, V, views his memories or allows him to take control, Johnny appears to be right-handed.

It seems that the developers deliberately made V, the main character, right-handed to make him feel more relatable to players. Since Johnny Silverhand’s scenes as the primary character are limited, it might not have been important for them to create animations for left-handed attacks. In the game’s universe, he could potentially be ambidextrous.

9 Nero (Devil May Cry 5)

The Right Hand Is Occupied

It’s possible that Nero isn’t left-handed because he was introduced in the Devil May Cry universe without this trait. Intriguingly, Dante’s nephew, who is playable in both the fourth and fifth games of the series, exhibits some unusual qualities. He employs his right arm to summon demonic power.

Similar to how some people who are left-handed learn to use their right hand due to societal norms, Nero chose to master the art of warfare with his left arm. This allowed him to keep his right side unoccupied, enabling him to harness and exploit magical abilities in combat, thereby enhancing his overall battle potential.

8 Sans (Undertale)

Gives Several Indications Of Being Left-Handed

One of the key figures in the video game Undertale is Sans. From the start of the adventure, he travels alongside players and significantly impacts numerous events within the game. Besides his captivating charm, Sans is also notable for being a left-handed character, which is emphasized throughout the game in various instances.

Right from when Sans addresses the player with his left hand, it’s quite clear that he favors this side, suggesting his dominance. In other instances, such as the dinner at Grillby’s, he handles and drinks from the ketchup bottle using his left hand, underscoring him as a symbol of left-handed people.

7 Goro Akechi (Persona 5 Royal)

A Potentially Major Narrative Cliché

Persona 5 Royal, crafted by Atlus, is undeniably one of the finest Japanese Role Playing Games ever made, further boosting the franchise’s popularity among its dedicated fanbase. In this stellar ensemble of characters, Goro Akechi truly shines, not only for his captivating personality but also as a rare left-handed character in the roster.

In some stories, a character’s dominant hand can provide hints about their role in the plot. For instance, if a character is typically portrayed as right-handed but uses their left hand for an important action, it might suggest they’re a traitor or have hidden intentions. This is true for Akechi, a common story trope that offers insight to observant players about his possible motives.

6 Mega Man

The Left-Handed Hero Who Conquered Generations

In Japan, Mega Man is called Rock Man, and he’s the hero of an adored franchise from the late ’80s and ’90s. He appears in numerous games, and despite aesthetic changes, his left-handedness is a constant feature across different iterations.

While he is ambidextrous in the games, typically portrayed imagery tends to link him more with his left side. For example, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, his Final Smash, which combines multiple Mega Man iterations, shows them all as left-handed.

5 Artorias (Dark Souls)

His Sword Reveals An Interesting Detail

FromSoftware excels at crafting intricate and nuanced storylines within their video games. One illustration of this is the character Artorias, who is left-handed. Players pick up on this detail through his gear, demonstrating how the studio weaves narrative elements into the tiniest aspects of their games.

In the sequel to the trilogy, titled Dark Souls 2, players have the opportunity to acquire the Majestic Greatsword, a blade previously owned by Artorias. Wielding it in the Bearer of the Curse’s left hand enhances damage and grants access to powerful new attacks. Additionally, the weapon’s lore suggests that many of its past users were left-handed, further emphasizing its link to Artorias.

4 Aatrox (League of Legends)

The Darkin Blade Is Left-Handed

In League of Legends, several champions favored by players are predominantly left-handed, like Dr. Mundo and Lulu. Yet, Aatrox sets himself apart not just for being a lefty but also for being exceptionally powerful within the game. His story places him as one of the key warriors in the Darkin War, renowned for his remarkable achievements and the devastation he unleashes.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Aatrox. Known throughout the League of Legends universe for coming close to vanquishing Pantheon, the Aspect of War, in an epic battle that will forever be etched in memory. His tale is one steeped in sorrow and unyielding power, mirroring the devastation he leaves behind wherever he treads. Ever-present is his grasp of death’s might, wielded with a chilling proficiency, always in his left hand.

3 Sephiroth (Final Fantasy 7)

The Villain Wields Masamune With His Left Hand

Among the most renowned antagonists in the Final Fantasy universe, Sephiroth stands out due to his exceptional fighting abilities and his significant role in one of the saddest moments in Final Fantasy 7. What makes him unique among other series villains is that he is left-handed.

Using his left hand deftly with the legendary Masamune, a remarkably long sword that seems almost unmanageable for anyone else, Sephiroth’s power and menacing presence are underscored, not just for Cloud, but for the entire game world as well. This unique trait, along with other aspects of his character, solidifies him as one of the most memorable characters in Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs).

2 Crono (Chrono Trigger)

Protagonist Of One Of The Most Important JRPGs Ever Released

Originating on the SNES back in 1995, Chrono Trigger stands out as one of the greatest Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPG) ever produced, thanks largely to an exceptional production crew that counted the acclaimed artist Akira Toriyama among its members. Despite Crono, the game’s protagonist, remaining silent throughout the story, his ability to wield a katana with his left hand gives him a distinct edge in this timeless classic.

In the course of the game, Crono predominantly strikes enemies with his left hand, while his right hand offers support less frequently. This characteristic is echoed in the original artworks, where he is consistently portrayed as a left-handed character, thereby highlighting his distinctiveness within the realm of Japanese Role-Playing Games.

1 Link (The Legend of Zelda)

One Of The Most Prominent Left-Handed Representatives

In the Legend of Zelda series, the main character, Link, has a rather entertaining backstory. From the initial games, he has consistently been portrayed as left-handed. However, with the advent of the Nintendo Wii era, this characteristic was altered because of the motion controllers. Given that the majority of people are right-handed, Link’s dominant hand was switched so that he wielded his sword in the same hand that most Wii players used their remote.

In the duology of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom on the Nintendo Switch, developers opted to maintain Link as right-handed, which could be seen as a slight against left-handers since this is one of his defining traits. Conversely, in the remake of the classic Game Boy game, Link’s Awakening, Nintendo preserved Link’s original dominant hand.

2024-08-24 05:54