Pac-Man is often considered the first truly famous video game character from the 1980s. While there were recognizable game figures before him, Pac-Man revolutionized the industry. This led to many video game companies creating their own mascots throughout the 80s and early 90s. Over time, these mascots developed into more complex characters with detailed backstories.
These characters have become legendary through their incredible journeys. If they were real people, their achievements would be truly inspiring. While they might not be the absolute best characters ever created, they are definitely among the most famous and have overcome immense challenges time and time again. What matters isn’t whether they have a voice, but what they do.
Cloud Strife
Amnesia Can’t Hold Him Back
Cloud is arguably the most iconic character in the entire Final Fantasy series. He’s the protagonist of Final Fantasy 7, originally a highly-regarded soldier in the Shinra Electric Power Company’s elite SOLDIER program. He ultimately left Shinra due to disagreements with their practices and joined the AVALANCHE group, fighting to protect the planet.
Cloud is a memorable hero known for his spiky blonde hair, cool demeanor, and large sword. Though he’s troubled and carries a lot of baggage, he’s also a deeply kind person and a seasoned veteran. These are just a few of the many layers that make him such a compelling character.
Kratos
Killer Of Gods
In the God of War saga, Kratos was once a powerful warrior who fought for the Greek gods. But, like many characters in myths, he was betrayed. The gods tricked him into killing his own family – his wife and daughter. As a constant reminder of this tragedy and to fuel his desire for vengeance, he was cursed to carry their ashes with him.
Throughout the God of War series, Kratos consistently showed brutal force against the gods, determined to become a god himself and ultimately destroy the entire Olympian pantheon. It’s hard to imagine a more impressive figure than someone who defeats gods.
Master Chief
Finisher Of Fights
Master Chief is a key character in the Halo series. He’s a Spartan – a genetically enhanced super-soldier. Spartans are created through intense childhood training, performance-enhancing drugs, and advanced armor, making them the ultimate fighters.
Man, after Reach fell – that was brutal, seeing the Covenant just overwhelm the planet – Master Chief suddenly became humanity’s last hope. He was the only Spartan left! It was insane watching him fight, because every battle felt like he was on the verge of being wiped out, but he always managed to pull through and keep fighting. Seriously, he just wouldn’t quit.
Link
A Silent Hero
Link is usually the hero in The Legend of Zelda games. While some games tell a continuing story, with the same Link appearing in titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, most Zelda games feature different versions of the character.
These heroes share a lot in common – they’re all courageous and tend to be quiet, only speaking in short phrases. Link, equipped with different weapons and the Master Sword, is always prepared to defeat evil, and though he doesn’t talk much, his deeds demonstrate his heroism.
Mario
From Plumbing To Galaxy Running
Mario is arguably the most famous video game character ever created. He first appeared before 1985, but became a household name with the release of Super Mario Bros. He’s Nintendo’s main representative and most profitable character, and has starred as the hero in countless games, not including spin-offs like RPGs and sports titles.
Mario, often joined by his brother Luigi and other friends, is always chasing after Bowser, who is constantly either kidnapping Princess Peach or searching for items to increase his power. Despite being a plumber by trade, Mario never hesitates to jump into action when adventure calls.
Sonic The Hedgehog
Gotta Go Fast
Sonic is Sega’s answer to Mario, first appearing in the game Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. Unlike Mario, Sonic is naturally super fast – he doesn’t need any special items or power-ups to achieve incredible speed.
Sonic usually spends his time rescuing animals from the evil Dr. Robotnik, who turns them into robots. However, the specifics of that story can vary from game to game. While Sonic’s personality sometimes changes depending on whether it’s a cartoon, movie, or game, he’s consistently friendly to those he cares about and always fights for what’s right.
Samus Aran
A Galaxy-Wide Bounty Hunter
Like Master Chief, Samus is a strong, silent hero known for her powerful armor. However, instead of being a soldier, Samus works as a bounty hunter, tracking down dangerous alien pirates. Most Metroid games feature Samus exploring lonely, ancient ruins by herself as she pursues these targets.
Despite facing dangerous missions alone on far-off planets, Samus remains committed to protecting the galaxy from its greatest threats. It’s become common for her to start each new adventure weakened from her previous one, but she always pushes forward anyway – that’s part of what makes her such a compelling character.
Big Boss
The Legendary Soldier
So, in the Metal Gear series, everyone calls Big Boss the “Legendary Soldier,” and for good reason. I first really got to know him in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater – that’s where he went from being Naked Snake to Big Boss, earning that name through some seriously intense stuff. He worked with the US government for a while after that, taking on mission after mission. But eventually, he got tired of it all and decided to build his own place – Outer Heaven – a kind of safe haven where soldiers could just be, you know? He basically started a mercenary group to make it happen.
Big Boss had many sons created through cloning, all potentially destined to follow in his footsteps. However, Solid Snake ultimately became the most famous hero, surpassing even his father. It’s a complicated tale, typical of the Metal Gear series, but Big Boss experienced a truly remarkable life.
Leon S. Kennedy
From Rookie Beginnings
While Leon is a popular character in the Resident Evil series, he didn’t debut as a seasoned veteran. He first appeared as a new police officer in Resident Evil 2, arriving in Raccoon City just as a zombie outbreak began. He and Claire Redfield worked together to survive the chaos and rescue anyone they could.
Leon’s career takes a big step forward in Resident Evil 4, where he’s introduced as a special agent. This game is considered the best in the Resident Evil series and played a huge role in making Leon the most popular hero in the franchise. He’s faced everything from zombies to bizarre, tentacled creatures and always managed to survive.
Lara Croft
The Tomb Raider
Lara Croft became a hugely popular character during the original PlayStation era, serving as a role model for female characters in games. While Samus Aran came before her, Lara’s bold and playful personality really stood out. As the title of her game series, Tomb Raider, suggests, she’s an archaeologist and adventurer who embarks on exciting, *Indiana Jonesstyle quests to discover valuable artifacts.
Using her skills, tools, and signature dual pistols, Lara Croft has bravely explored dangerous ancient tombs and ruined cities, often working alone. Though her story has been retold, one thing always stays consistent: Lara is incredibly athletic and resourceful, and you shouldn’t underestimate her.
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2025-11-15 01:07