Best Clancy Brown Voiced Game Characters, Ranked

As a fan with a deep appreciation for the craft of voice acting, I must say that Clancy Brown is undeniably one of the greatest in the business. His distinctive voice has breathed life into some of the most iconic villains in pop culture, from the unhinged Doctor Neo Cortex to the menacing Baron Praxis.

Over time, Clancy Brown has played numerous unforgettable villain roles, with lines that stick in fans’ minds worldwide. From clearly terrifying monsters to humorous, unfortunate supervillains, Brown’s acting talent has made an indelible impact on both pop and gaming culture. Few voice actors possess a voice as unique as his.

Brown might not be the most frequently seen or productive actor, nor does he often grab headlines, but his presence always adds depth to any scene. Brown’s voice, with its smooth, deep, and at times ominous tone, is reminiscent of a dungeon master crafting a villain’s chilling monologue, yet Brown brings that imagery to life.

5 Rhombus – Fallout

The Brotherhood Of Steel’s Original Patriarch

In the initial encounter with the Brotherhood of Steel in the original Fallout, it was the two jesters at the entrance who set the tone. If the Vault Dweller succeeds in carrying out their dangerous mission (in a game already challenging) without being affected by radiation sickness, they will eventually be granted an audience with Rhombus, the leader of this technology-obsessed group, who is famously voiced by Clancy Brown.

The chief knight of Lost Hills, Rhombus, is as rigid and block-like as his name implies, being stern and succinct. He values only the might of the Brotherhood, keeping interactions with the Vault Dweller brief and offering training in Brotherhood ways if they can vanquish the Master’s army. Yet, despite fulfilling this mission, Rhombus will dismissively wave off any requests to uphold his promise.

4 Montros – Star Wars Bounty Hunter

The Unambiguously Evil Bounty Hunter Counterpart

Platform(s): PlayStation 2, PC
Released: 2002-11-22
Developed: LucasArts, Aspyr
Genre(s): Action-adventure

In the Star Wars universe, when Jango Fett, the main character of the Bounty Hunter series known for his unmatched grayscale demeanor, required an undeniably villainous counterpart, it would have been an intuitive choice to cast Clancy Brown as Montros, a fellow bounty hunter and fierce adversary. Montros enjoys the turmoil and violence inherent in his profession and is willing to forgo a payment just to fuel more conflict across the galaxy.

In the name of his relentless pursuit for power, Montros is prepared to carry out atrocious deeds against the innocent beings across the galaxy, regardless of any financial gain. The chilling portrayal of Montros’ wickedness by Brown gives an authentic and sinister feel to the character. His icy, authoritative speeches create a striking contrast with Jango’s deep, intimidating performances each time they clash.

3 Lieutenant Hank Anderson – Detroit: Become Human

The Jaded, Self-Abusive Detective With A Good Man Beneath The Pain

Clancy Brown seldom plays characters who are heroes or antiheroes, but in the game Detroit: Become Human, his character Lieutenant Hank Anderson can transform into one of the game’s most empathetic characters depending on your actions. By fostering a deep bond with his android partner and helping Anderson overcome his prejudices and self-destructive behavior, he reveals his long-hidden heroic and compassionate traits.

Brown delivered a remarkably nuanced act, both vocally and subtly through his physical performance, which is quite impressive given the extensive technology needed to record such delicate performances scene by scene. Brown’s acting experience in film, television, and theater is vast, but it was his skill at expressing subtle emotions through facial expressions and body language that truly brought Become Human to life as a cinematic and character-driven game. This was particularly impressive because the game could have easily fallen flat with less convincing performances from its cast members.

2 Baron Praxis – Jak 2

Haven City’s Supreme Ironsided Tyrant

As Naughty Dog transitioned from the playful Crash Bandicoot’s cartoon mascot aesthetic to the world of Jak and Daxter, they were striving for a slightly more mature tone. This evolved even further in Jak 2, where Jak and Daxter found themselves in a grim, dystopian city under the iron-fisted rule of Baron Praxis. In this role, Baron Praxis showcases his most menacing and merciless side, portraying a war-torn leader embroiled in a desperate struggle against an enemy that appears invincible.

Only Clancy Brown could have masterfully portrayed Praxis’ complex persona, blending cunning manipulation with overt charm, all while maintaining an air of weighty seriousness and intensity. As he engages in his war against the external danger and the internal rebellion within Haven’s confines, he seamlessly assumes the role of a multidimensional antagonist. His brutal tendencies and power-driven strategies could potentially be the sole factor preventing the city from succumbing to the onslaught of the metalhead army.

1 Doctor Neo Cortex & Uka Uka – Crash Bandicoot: Warped (PS1)

The Simpering Scientist And The Shadowy Spirit

In essence, if Crash Bandicoot is considered one of PlayStation’s most recognized symbols, then Doctor Neo Cortex undoubtedly stands as one of the most well-known and endearing antagonists from that time period. It was Clancy Brown who began voicing the eccentric mad scientist from “Cortex Strikes Back” onwards. His portrayal of the character, alternating between threatening and adorably awkward, managed to strike a remarkable balance between menace and humor, thereby adding intriguing complexity to the character that was perhaps more than expected for a 90s platformer.

In Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Brown started giving voice to Uka Uka, Aku-Aku’s wicked counterpart. While Cortex’s repeated losses added a touch of frustration, cowardice, and paranoia to his menace, Uka Uka reintroduced ominous, malevolent villainy with his deep, resonant voice and relentless pursuit of total destruction. Brown’s double performance created an intriguing dynamic between the two antagonists, heightening both the comedic and dark elements within the game.

2024-09-20 10:04