As a seasoned gaming enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that 2024 was a truly remarkable year for video games, and it’s not just because I finally mastered those pesky boss battles from my youth! The characters that graced our screens this year were nothing short of extraordinary.
SPOILERS AHEAD
2024 was brimming with unforgettable characters that ranged from noble heroes to cunning villains, loyal canines to grumbly boars, and even the most endearing shark in gaming history. In the world of Final Fantasy 7, Aerith stood tall amidst her heart-wrenching demise, while Melinoe from Hades 2 and Kril from Another Crab’s Treasure embarked on their grand adventures. As for Kiryu in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, he reached the culmination of his epic journey.
As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I’ve found that each character on this list touched players uniquely – through laughter, tears, empathy, relatability, and more. From humans, droids, Qunari, sharks, and beyond, here are the top video game characters of 2024, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order by their respective video game titles.
Iris Kwan / ALLMOTHER (1000xresist)
1000xresist, an intriguing indie sci-fi title, introduces us to Iris Kwan, a character brimming with depth and complexity. Initially an ordinary teenager struggling with feelings of exclusion due to her race, Iris’s life takes an extraordinary turn as she ascends to the role of ALLMOTHER, a divine figure governing a society primarily comprised of her own clones. Despite her godlike status, Iris remains a character we can relate to on a human level, and the game fearlessly delves into every facet of her story, highlighting both her virtues and weaknesses equally. Iris is the soul that pulsates through 1000xresist’s moving and captivating narrative.
Kril (Another Crab’s Treasure)
Read Game Rant’s Another Crab’s Treasure Review
In the tale titled “Another Crab’s Treasure“, we meet Kril, a timid crustacean yearning to reclaim his stolen shell. As he ventures through his odyssey, he transforms from a cowardly critter into an ocean-saving hero. Despite encountering adversaries far larger than himself, Kril never wavers in his appeal and determination. He’s a joy to watch, regardless of the shell he sports – and when armed with a powerful weapon capable of vanquishing foes with a single blast, he truly lives up to the saying “small but mighty.” Kril is a relatable crab who doesn’t aspire to be a hero, but rises to the occasion when the situation demands it. Despite his diminutive size, Kril’s heart, wit, and character are as vast as the sea itself.
Zhu Bajie (Black Myth: Wukong)
Read Game Rant’s Black Myth: Wukong Review
One notable strength of Black Myth: Wukong lies in its examination of how the epic Journey to the West impacted its characters. This is particularly evident in Zhu Bajie, a boar who was initially one of Sun Wukong’s companions. While he retains his initial gruff and flirtatious nature, which led to his exile from a high-ranking position, he has evolved into a strategic thinker with a hidden gentleness beneath his tough facade. The battle against Bajie, who is controlled by a cursed needle, stands out for its challenging gameplay and eerie, ominous mood – a fitting trait for such a powerful and experienced commander.
Taash (Dragon Age: The Veilguard)
Read Game Rant’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review
Shokra toh ebra – through struggle, you find what you are. This simple phrase is at the heart of Taash’s story in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as the Qunari dragon hunter struggles with their identity and place in the world. Torn between pleasing their mother and embracing their newfound realization that they are nonbinary, following the Qun or embracing the Rivaini culture in which they were raised, Taash’s journey is filled with conflict – but also with triumph, as they come to understand who they truly are. And that’s not even getting into their flirty, spicy, romance with Rook or the epic dragon battles during their personal quests. There are also implications for Qunari lore that Taash introduces to players, giving them just a little tease about the decay in Qunari blood, and if nothing else, it seems players probably haven’t seen the last of Taash (unless they died, of course). Veilguard is filled with fantastic characters, but Taash is definitely a standout.
Igon (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Check Out Shadow of the Erdtree on OpenCritic
In the realm of Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, an array of extraordinary characters reside – gods, beasts, talking jars, and merchant crustaceans among them. However, Igon, with his boisterous introductions about Bayle the Dread, stands out as one of the most impactful characters ever crafted in Elden Ring. A personification of zeal, Igon’s relentless pursuit transcends even death. Similar to Captain Ahab from Moby Dick, Igon is an unyielding warrior, and his quest for retribution is undeniably one of the most captivating narratives in Shadow of the Erdtree.
Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)
Read Game Rant’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review
The ensemble of characters in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth truly excels, evolving from a group bound by fate into a tight-knit family determined to defeat Sephiroth and Shinra. Aerith Gainsborough serves as the emotional core, maintaining her optimism and resilience even in the bleakest of situations. She’s the bond that keeps these diverse individuals united, and it’s no wonder that Sephiroth aims to disrupt them by targeting her. Her selfless act is a heart-wrenching and poignant one, all the more affecting because players have spent so much time developing affection for this gentle, spirited, brave, and incredibly kind woman, only to witness her being taken away from them in the end.
Wuk Lamat (Final Fantasy 14)
Check Out Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail on OpenCritic
In the 2024 expansion of Final Fantasy 14 named Dawntrail, a warrior princess named Wuk Lamat hails as a potential leader for the nation of Tural. While she portrays a bold and spirited exterior, Wuk Lamat struggles privately with self-doubt about her position within the royal family, conflicts with her siblings, and uncertainties regarding Tural’s future. This narrative in Dawntrail beautifully unfolds as Wuk Lamat evolves into a strong leader who preserves her innate compassion and allure, demonstrating that she can confidently guide her nation without compromising its essence.
Melinoe (Hades 2)
Hades 2 is in Early Access But Already Has Great Scores on OpenCritic
Stepping into the shadow of my brother Zagreus, son of Hades, was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. As a fervent nature-loving sorceress, I am determined to vanquish Chronos and rescue my kin, no obstacle too great, be it deity or beast.
Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)
Read Game Rant’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review
Initially brought to life on the big screen, Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones Jr. has also made appearances in various video games over time. The upcoming 2024 title, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle“, offers a meticulous reenactment of the classic adventure using footage from Harrison Ford’s earlier Indiana Jones films. In this latest installment, the portrayal of Indiana Jones remains authentic – showcasing his love for history, his commitment to justice, his obliviousness to flirtation, and his signature use of the whip. This thrilling adventure featuring Indiana Jones in his prime serves as an excellent introduction for new fans while also allowing long-time enthusiasts to immerse themselves once more in this timeless character.
Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom)
Check Out Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on OpenCritic
For many years, Princess Zelda has largely remained in the shadows, but in “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” she steps boldly into the spotlight. It’s delightful to witness her use her Triforce of Wisdom abilities, particularly her innovative combat style that involves creating echoes of monsters and objects. Throughout the game, Zelda demonstrates her competence and confidence as a ruler, resolving conflicts between rival Zora tribes, helping her people rebuild after their homes are destroyed, and much more. It’s about time we saw Zelda taking charge in saving Link for once, and she does it with elegance and flair.
Kazuma Kiryu (Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth)
Read Game Rant’s Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Review
Over time, followers of the Yakuza series have witnessed the Dragon of Dojima transform from a reckless, hot-headed youth to a composed, mature individual capable of delivering a beating when necessary. In the game Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, this iconic character embarks on a new and somber journey. Faced with the harsh reality of his own mortality, Kiryu must acknowledge that he can’t fix every issue in the world and that Ichiban Kasuga is the one who should carry the future, not him. If Infinite Wealth really is the Dragon of Dojima’s final stand, it is a dignified and heartfelt farewell that serves as a reminder to fans of all the ground they’ve covered with Kiryu.
Jeff the Land Shark (Marvel Rivals)
Read Game Rant’s Marvel Rivals Interview
In the Marvel universe, Jeff the Land Shark was previously known among heroes as their pet. However, it was the game “Marvel Rivals” that brought this lovable creature to the public eye. Escaped from a theme park where he was captive, Jeff made his debut as a playable hero. He combines his cute appearance with ferocious teeth in combat. Jeff can heal allies and catch enemies off guard with his cuteness, but he can also swallow foes whole using the seemingly innocent ability “It’s Jeff.” Furthermore, Jeff has an alternate skin that dresses him up in a cuddly dolphin onesie – making this little land shark one of the cutest characters expected in 2024.
Louis Guiabern (Metaphor: ReFantazio)
Read Game Rant’s Metaphor: ReFantazio Review
A compelling fantasy tale often requires a formidable antagonist, and in the case of ReFantazio’s Louis Guiabern, this rule holds true. The game doesn’t hesitate to portray him as thoroughly evil, yet his captivating charm makes it clear how he amassed such a devoted following. Louis is an expert at manipulating others, persuading them to follow him, even when the cause he champions may not serve their best interests. To the player, Louis appears like an almost unbeatable foe due to his vast power, allure, and sway – making defeating him all the more rewarding.
Neva (Neva)
Read Game Rant’s Neva Review
2024 was an exceptional year for canine characters in video games, featuring Koromaru from “Persona 3 Reload” and Chesley from “Farewell North”. Among these, Neva, the white wolf from the platformer “Neva”, left a lasting impression. Neva’s design is magnificent and evokes images straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. The bond between Neva and her human co-protagonist Alba is deeply moving; players witness their initial encounter when Neva is still a cub, and the lifelong friendship that develops as they embark on their journey together. What makes Neva especially endearing is that she, rather than Alba, gains new powers and abilities throughout the game. This wolf goes to great lengths for her cherished human companion and for the future generation, which adds a heartwarming touch to the game.
ND-5 (Star Wars Outlaws)
Read Game Rant’s Star Wars Outlaws Review
In the expansive Star Wars universe, droids have been present since the initial movie, yet none have boasted a narrative as deep and emotionally impactful as ND-5 from Star Wars Outlaws. Designed solely for combat and eliminating specific targets, ND-5 gains the ability to evolve, thanks to protagonist Kay Vess. He learns that he’s not just a mere fighting machine, but can transcend his role. In an extraordinary twist, ND-5 transforms his life by saving and helping the individual he was originally meant to terminate – all while retaining his battlefield prowess and strategic skills on the field.
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2024-12-13 17:50