The Best Narrators In Video Games

Key Takeaways

Narrators guide players through video game worlds & set tones effectively.
Narration can be used as a core gameplay mechanic in games like
The Stanley Parable
and
Disco Elysium.
Legendary narrators like

Ron Pearlman, Logan Cunningham, & Bruce Campbell

enhance games.

As a seasoned gamer and enthusiast of narrative-driven experiences, I find the role of the in-game narrator to be a captivating and integral aspect of many games. The way these characters are written and voiced can greatly enhance the immersion and overall enjoyment of a game.

In many video games, storytelling has been a recurring element for quite some time now. As players delve into uncharted territories within a novel gaming environment, having someone lead them through their actions and offer an understanding of the game’s overarching plot – even if they may not be entirely reliable – can prove beneficial.

Game narrators significantly shape the game’s atmosphere and narrative flow, guiding players through the outcomes of their actions in post-game scenes or assisting them in mastering the intricacies of playing iconic characters like Spider-Man. Many acclaimed video games are celebrated for their compelling narratives, so here is a list showcasing outstanding voice actors who have brought life to unforgettable game narratives.

10 Ron Pearlman

The Fallout Franchise

The phrase “War never changes” is a line that longtime enthusiasts of Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic universe will instantly recognize. Known for his distinctive gravelly and aged voice, Ron Pearlman contributes to every installment within the Fallout series.

Nevertheless, his voice is audible only during the game’s opening and closing segments. He skillfully establishes the atmosphere of the weathered universe of Fallout, spanning from the Mojave Desert to the Commonwealth; even in recounting the extent of the player’s potentially wicked deeds. If Fallout could speak, one might imagine it resonating similarly to Ron Pearlman.

9 Rucks

Bastion

In a harmonious mix, Logan Cunningham’s pleasantly smooth yet gravelly voice complements flawlessly the highly-styled isometric action game by Supergiant Games – ‘Bastion’s Rucks’ echoes alongside the player throughout their entire adventure.

Through the lens of Rucks, a deeply emotional and introspective narrator, players are subtly guided through the game’s pivotal moments and encounters with memorable characters. As Rucks becomes more personally entwined in the story, his unique perspective adds layers of complexity and intrigue, making him an even more compelling storyteller.

8 Handsome Jack

Borderlands 2

Despite being the primary adversary in the game, Handsome Jack’s disembodied voice persistently echoes throughout the universe of Gearbox’s Pandora, frequently taunting the player and undermining their accomplishments at every turn.

As a gamer, I’ve got to give it up to Dameon Clarke for his unstoppable wit and madman soliloquies in Borderlands 2. They’re like the perfect soundtrack to the game’s chaotic rhythm. When he’s not dreaming up names for his latest Diamond Pony, Handsome Jack is the president of Hyperion Corporation. Burdened by guilt, wealth, and a mask over his face, this narrator has every intention of using all his resources to eliminate those pesky Vault Hunters from the world.

7 Silas Greaves

Call Of Juarez: Gunslinger

Narrating a personal cowboy-western tale inevitably introduces some inconsistencies. However, what makes “Call of Juarez: Gunslinger” stand out is its deliberate use of an untrustworthy storyteller.

Occasionally throughout the tale, Silas Greaves would abruptly stop and embellish the narrative, causing the player to revisit certain parts with extra details. The character’s aged voice, once spoken by the late John Cygan, carries a timeless charm that could easily fit behind the doors of an old-western saloon, guiding the game gracefully towards its ending.

6 Bruce Campbell

Spider-Man (2002-2007)

In each Activision game based on Spider-Man movies, it was Bruce Campbell who provided the tutorials with his instructional comments, laced with wit and humor in the form of sarcastic and ironic remarks. However, there’s simply no more effective way to grasp the basics than learning from him.

It’s not surprising at all that Bruce Campbell, who played significant roles in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films, also appeared in Marvel video games. His quick, humorous lines and light-hearted style made learning the game not only possible but enjoyable too.

5 Max Payne Himself

Max Payne

In the course of the Max Payne series, we follow a detective named Max, who’s grappling with grief and appears to be slipping mentally as the story unfolds. Unusually, he tackles problems by frequently leaping from one side to another while blasting away with his weapons – a behavior that may not immediately strike us as endearing for a narrator.

Max’s troubled mind lends a unique edge to the series, giving it an intensely realistic grittiness. The world of Max Payne is vividly portrayed from the perspective of its hardened hero, who grapples with his own conflicting thoughts, vices, and a rapidly deteriorating mental condition.

4 GLaDOS

Portal 2

Similar to Borderlands 2, the main storyline in Portal is primarily narrated by one of gaming’s most memorable antagonists, with Ellen McLain lending her distinctive, robotic voice to Valve’s renowned puzzle-based platformer. This unique delivery method allows for some of the industry’s most iconic and darkly humorous lines to be shared.

GlLaDOS, without a doubt, is the beloved character of the maniacal, murderous robot among the audience. Even the slightest indication of the protagonist’s triumph often triggers dismay, bitterness, and the deep-seated anger that a self-aware machine can harbor. She is consistently present, ever-vigilant, and always ready to voice her thoughts.

3 The Subconscious

Disco Elysium

Harry Du Bois, the charming yet chaotic character from Disco Elysium, is a personification of an internal narrator. During each in-game dialogue, the protagonist’s actions are described as if being recounted by different parts of his own unconscious mind.

In Disco Elysium, narration takes center stage. It could be Harry’s blunt assembly of facts using Logic, or the incredibly uplifting affirmations from Volition that help him through his struggles. The narration is not just a part of the game, but it’s also a key mechanic where each thought process of the protagonist serves as a skill to be improved. This unique feature often results in humorous situations and, at times, more somber moments as different voices vie for control to impact the player’s decisions.

2 The Dungeon Master

Baldur’s Gate 3

In a soothing and crystal-clear manner reminiscent of a bedtime story, Amelia Tyler’s voice echoes, creating an atmosphere that feels like someone reading aloud while you drift off to sleep. The character in Larian Studios’ acclaimed RPG assumes the role of a guide or facilitator, much like the Dungeon Master, in this adaptation of the beloved Dungeons and Dragons series. Their voice is constantly present, describing each action taken by the player.

The narration in Baldur’s Gate 3 was crucial to get it just right, and Amelia Tyler’s performance certainly delivers. She breathes life into the magic and mystery of Dungeons & Dragons, making every word captivating enough for players to lean in closer as they journey through the enchanting Sword Coast.

1 The Narrator

The Stanley Parable

In “The Stanley Parable,” the central figure is none other than the narrator, often referred to as “The Narrator.” The game presents a scenario where the player must decide whether to follow the narrator’s guidance and revert back to a routine office life, or defy his instructions and explore the unexpected outcomes.

Kevan Brighting delivers every line in a perfectly balanced deadpan manner. The chilling way he delivers some of the game’s most absurd lines adds an extra layer of amusement to his character as he defies the escalating irritation of the narrative voice.

2024-09-20 09:04