The Best Female Characters In Star Wars Games

Key Takeaways

Kay Vess joins Star Wars gaming as a flawed protagonist, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption.
The grey morality of characters like Bastila Shan adds depth to Star Wars, showing Jedi can have human flaws.
Nightsister Merrin stands out as one of the more unique female characters in Star Wars games due to her unexpected story.

In this galaxy far, far away, it’s refreshing to see characters that defy stereotypes and challenge our preconceived notions about good and evil. Among these extraordinary individuals are Kay Delage, Iden Versio, Cere Junda, and Nightsister Merrin – each of whom has a heart as golden as the suns of Tatooine.

Players are now embarking on an adventure across the distant galaxy in the game called “Star Wars Outlaws“. The latest original character to be introduced is Kay Vess. In this vast cosmos teeming with iconic figures, such as Jedi Masters and expert bounty hunters, Kay stands out as one of the numerous female characters who have entered the Star Wars gaming realm.

Since 1977, women have made a significant mark in the Star Wars universe, starting with Princess Leia Organa. From leading roles to supporting characters and even villains, her influential persona has paved the way for numerous other female characters to shape the galaxy’s story, particularly within video games.

10 Juno Eclipse

From Imperial Pilot To Decorated Rebel Leader

First appeared in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Race: Human
Played by Nathalie Cox

In the game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Juno Eclipse served as Galen Marek, also known as Starkiller, his trusted pilot and partner in their mission to eliminate any surviving Jedi across diverse Star Wars planets. As Starkiller’s character evolves from an Imperial assassin into a Jedi Knight, Juno remains steadfastly loyal to him throughout this transformation.

In contrast to many Star Wars narratives, the depiction of Imperial officer Juno Eclipse was unexpectedly nuanced. While Imperials are typically presented as unwaveringly evil in movies, TV shows, and games, Juno is shown as a competent individual simply performing her duties. She plays a significant role in motivating Starkiller throughout his journey with her affection and camaraderie, making her an influential force after Darth Vader, who served as a toxic mentor for him.

9 Mara Jade

The First Original Female Protagonist

First appeared in Star Wars: Heir To The Empire
Race: Human
Played by Heidi Shannon, Edie Mirman, Samantha Bennett, Kath Soucie

Readers familiar with the Star Wars Legends series are well-acquainted with Mara Jade, a significant character in numerous novels and comics, even taking center stage in Star Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries Of The Sith, an extension of Dark Forces II. Yet, her game persona falls short of the emotional depth and growth that defines her in other media.

Regrettably, “Mysteries Of The Sith” is merely an expansion with a story that can be completed within two hours. This brevity unfortunately limits the opportunity to develop Mara Jade’s character and persona. However, it’s worth noting that she was the first female lead in any Star Wars game, and she was also the first to use a purple lightsaber, preceding Mace Windu in this aspect.

8 Rianna Saren

Allows Gamers To Play As A Twi’Lek Mercenary

First appeared in Star Wars: Lethal Alliance
Race: Twi’lek
Played by Julianne Buescher

Instead of being a Jedi or Sith, Rianna Saren from the “Star Wars: Lethal Alliance” is a mercenary character who battles against the wickedness of both the Empire and the criminal underworld. In some aspects, Rianna serves as a precursor to Kay Vess in “Star Wars Outlaws,” but she is slightly more relentless in her missions and prioritizes agile movement and navigation over other tactics.

In “Star Wars: Lethal Alliance”, the protagonist is a Twi’Lek for the first time, and that character is Rianna. Although she may seem progressive, particularly considering this game was exclusive to PSP, she isn’t richly complex in terms of character development. However, she still manages to give “Lethal Alliance” a distinct edge compared to many other “Star Wars” games.

7 Bastila Shan

Not A Typical Jedi, But For The Better

First Appeared in Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Race: Human
Played by Jennifer Hale

In “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic,” though not a playable character herself, Bastila Shan stands out as the game’s leading figure, owing to her complex moral standing and her contentious relationship with Darth Revan. Contrary to the expected virtuous and peaceful demeanor of Jedi, Bastila deviates from the norm; she is driven by her feelings, instincts, and fervor, which could be perceived as Sith-like traits, but she channels them for righteous purposes instead.

Bastila Shan and Revan are two sides of the same coin. Revan is a Sith, but he has better intentions and motivations than most Sith lords. It makes Bastila’s conflict with him more interesting, showing that the two factions were not so black and white, with the Jedi being capable of human flaws, similar to what The Acolyte presented.

6 Trilla Sunduri

In-Depth Look At The Life Of A Sith Inquisitor

First Appeared in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Race: Human
Played by Elizabeth Grullon

In the Star Wars universe, characters like The Second Sister in Jedi: Fallen Order carry out numerous acts of cruelty throughout the galaxy in their pursuit of Jedi and children with Force abilities. Yet, it’s essential to remember that these Sith Inquisitors are both victims and oppressors, as they have endured severe torment at the hands of the Empire – from psychological abuse to physical mutilation such as amputations.

Trilla Sunduri emerged as a product of profound trauma, manifesting into a ruthless and sadistic figure whose compassionate instincts were buried so deeply that all she prioritized was her assignment and personal vendettas. Among the rare few who attempted to break free from this sinister pattern, Trilla met her end at the hands of Vader, underscoring the grim reality that there is no true escape from the Inquisition other than death – not even if one chooses to forgive past transgressions, as was the case with Cere.

5 Jan Ors

The Iconic Pilot Who Inspired The Creation Of Hera Syndulla

First appeared in Star Wars: Dark Forces
Race: Human
Played by Angela Harry, Vanessa Marshall

In the Kyle Katarn trilogy, which begins with Star Wars: Dark Forces, Jan Ors serves as his most trusted ally. She isn’t just a pilot but also a fellow intelligence operative for both the Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. Much like Juno Eclipse, Jan plays an indispensable role in Kyle’s narrative, developing romantic feelings towards him in the course of events depicted in Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast.

Jan often finds herself dealing with one of gaming’s most moody Jedi, Kyle Katarn. To keep up with his temperament, she employs quick-witted retorts and a captivating charm. This character proved so popular that she was paid tribute to through Hera Syndulla in the animated series, Star Wars: Rebels. Interestingly, both characters were voiced by Vanessa Marshall.

4 Kay Vess

Shows The Flawed Life Of A Star Wars Scoundrel

First appeared in Star Wars Outlaws
Race: Human
Played by Humberly González

In the latest installment, “Star Wars Outlaws”, we meet the newest character in the Star Wars protagonist lineup named Kay Vess. Living amidst the gritty criminal underworld, Kay Vess, unsurprisingly, is not a paragon of virtue. There are several points of comparison with the “Red Dead Redemption” series, as Kay Vess finds herself compelled to carry out morally dubious tasks in order to complete missions and fulfill contracts effectively.

Nevertheless, “Star Wars Outlaws” portrays Kay as someone who surpasses others in terms of willingness to assist those in distress (for a suitable fee) and thwart more heinous criminals from causing harm to the innocent. Moreover, her camaraderie with her team members like ND-5, Waka, and her lovable pet, Nix, underscores that beneath her actions lies a heart as warm as gold.

3 Iden Versio

The Redemption Story Of An Imperial Commander

First appeared in Star Wars Battlefront II (2017)
Race: Human
Played by Janina Gavankar

In Star Wars: Battlefront 2, there’s an instance demonstrating that Imperials can transcend their stereotype of being villains – Iden Versio heads Inferno Squad. Initially, she and her Stormtrooper comrades are steadfastly loyal to the Empire, even as it crumbles. However, over time, Iden comes to realize the Empire’s true nature of evil, and ultimately chooses to switch allegiances and join the Rebellion.

In a compelling turn of events, Iden stands out as a brave and noble Imperial Commando. This trait continues even during her tenure as an Imperial soldier, making her transformation into a hero for the New Republic particularly intriguing to observe. Her tale becomes significant within the Star Wars saga, leading her to form friendships with established characters from the original series. Ultimately, Iden’s story concludes with her retrieving crucial information that is later utilized in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

2 Cere Junda

She Lived And Died As A True Jedi Master

First appeared in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Race: Human
Played by Debra Wilson

In Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi series, Cere Junda plays a crucial role alongside the main character, Cal Kestis. When Cal was at his lowest points in life, Cere provided guidance that steered him towards a more promising future. The fact that Cere couldn’t protect Trilla resulted in her becoming an even stronger and wiser Jedi master for Cal, as she battled her own inner demons to create a brighter tomorrow.

In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Cere’s character arc deepens significantly as she guides a band of Anchorites in safeguarding Jedi wisdom. Despite being compelled to engage Darth Vader in combat, she remains resilient and prioritizes the protection of her adopted family above all else. In the twilight of her life, she imparts crucial Jedi teachings to Cal, even continuing to do so in the spirit realm after her death.

1 Nightsister Merrin

The Most Interesting Witch In The Galaxy

First appeared in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Race: Dathomiran
Played by Tina Ivlev

Delightfully challenging stereotypes, I encountered Nightsister Merrin in my Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order adventure, initially suspecting she’d be an adversary. However, Cal, through his noble demeanor and unwavering determination, demonstrated the essence of a true Jedi Knight. He illuminated a more virtuous path for her, inviting her to journey alongside him across the cosmos. This encounter served as a testament that not every Nightsider embraces the dark side.

In a new twist, Merrin not only demonstrates potent Nightsister sorcery but also showcases traditional Force abilities akin to Asajj Ventress in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Moreover, Merrin has transformed into a valiant champion of justice and Cal Kestis’ partner. She courageously defies the strict Jedi code for the greater good, which has sparked enthusiasm among fans, who either desire a standalone story or her inclusion as a playable character in the sequel.

2024-09-23 16:34