10 Best Video Game Character Introductions That Will Live Forever in Players' Minds (2024)

The gaming industry is filled with iconic characters, each of which has made themselves memorable to their fans in one way or another. From Sonic the Hedgehog's bold personality and witty humor to Master Chief's gritty and down-to-earth lifestyle, fans have been treated to a variety of fun and well-written characters over the years. Unfortunately, not every character is memorable and some of gaming's more obscure characters have been forgotten for years. Therefore, developers need to provide their characters with a great first impression.

In the modern era of gaming, video games have become more story-oriented, as developers try to entice players with not only their well-designed gameplay but also their rich narratives. A story cannot be great without its enticing heroes and villains, and their best moments are often the first time that players see them in a game. While these characters may fall off after their amazing intros, their first impressions are great and remain in the minds of fans for years after the credits roll.

10 The Yakuza Franchise's Dynamic Intros Are Some of Gaming's Best Cutscenes

Yakuza (2005) to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (2024)

Few games match the level of style and flair that the Yakuza franchise has, and its characters are a big part of the success of the franchise. The Yakuza games are structured like retro crime dramas, filled with amazing action sequences and intriguing dilemmas for the characters to deal with. Furthermore, the games are known for their fantastic minigames, as karaoke is a repeated addition in several of the games in the franchise. However, the most iconic part of the Yakuza franchise by far is its dynamic intros.

Before each significant boss encounter in the Yakuza franchise, the two characters will monologue with each other before leaping into a dramatic battle. These battle sequences are punctuated by the opponent's name appearing in stylized text on the screen, along with their title. These moments help introduce players to some of the series' most important characters, and these boss fight cutscenes are often the most interesting parts of this iconic action role-playing franchise.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Ichiban Kasuga, a low-ranking grunt of a low-ranking yakuza family in Tokyo, faces an 18-year prison sentence after taking the fall for a crime he didn't commit. Never losing faith, he loyally serves his time and returns to society to discover that no one was waiting for him on the outside, and his clan has been destroyed by the man he respected most.

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:86/100 Critics Recommend:91%

Franchise

Yakuza

Platform(s)

PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

November 10, 2020

Developer(s)

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Publisher(s)

Sega

Engine

Dragon Engine

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol

How Long To Beat

45 Hours

X|S Enhanced

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

39 GB (November 2023)

Metascore

86

PS Plus Availability

N/A

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

Konami's Metal Gear franchise is one of the most iconic gaming franchises of all time, as it has several amazing entries and even a massively popular character-action spinoff. Each of these games is filled with integral characters, including Solid Snake and Raiden. However, there is perhaps no more stylish character in the franchise than Revolver Ocelot in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and his introduction scene proves this.

Early in the game, Snake is surrounded by enemies, and before he is defeated, Revolver Ocelot stylishly takes them all down with his revolvers. While Ocelot is a stern and quiet character, his style and efficiency are shown both in his intro scene and the famous scene where he spins his revolvers. Overall, Revolver Ocelot is one Metal Gear's most intriguing characters and his intro cemented him in video game history.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Discover the origin story of iconic military operative Snake and begin to unravel the plot of the legendary METAL GEAR series. METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER brings unprecedented new graphics, immersive stealth action gameplay and sounds to its riveting story as players once again return to the world of METAL GEAR.

Stealth

Franchise

Metal Gear

Platform(s)

PS2 , PS3 , PS Vita , Xbox 360 , 3DS

Released

November 17, 2004

Developer(s)

Konami

Publisher(s)

Konami

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Sexual Themes

How Long To Beat

16 Hours

8 Bayonetta is One of Gaming's Most Iconic Femme Fatales

Bayonetta (2009)

The character-action genre has given gaming some of its most iconic characters. From Kratos in God of War to Travis Touchdown in the No More Heroes franchise, these characters are often the most stylish that gaming has to offer, and their combat stands head and shoulders above the rest. One of the genre's most instrumental characters, Bayonetta, also has one of gaming's best intro cutscenes.

At the beginning of the first Bayonetta game, players first encounter Enzo as he is talking at a cemetery. Before he is attacked by angels, Bayonetta appears, basking in the moonlight before taking them all down. This not only shows how heroic Bayonetta is, but how stylish she is as well, as every combat encounter that she takes part in looks like second nature for the Umbral Witch. While Bayonetta 3 was not the most well-received by the community, there is no doubt that every fan enjoyed the introduction to one of gaming's most important character-action heroes.

Bayonetta

Bayonetta takes place in Vigrid, a fictional city in Europe. The game stars the eponymous character, a witch who is capable of shapeshifting and using various firearms. She possesses magical attacks and she can use her hair to summon demons to dispatch her foes.

Action

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:85/100 Critics Recommend:92%

Franchise

Bayonetta

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , Switch , Wii U , PC

Released

October 29, 2009

Developer(s)

Platinum Games

Publisher(s)

Sega

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

7 Sonic's Most Abstract Game Features His Best Introduction

Sonic and the Black Knight (2009)

Few characters in gaming history have as storied of a legacy as Sonic the Hedgehog. While his franchise has not always been the most successful, he has some of the most iconic intros in gaming history. Fans may know his heart-pumping introduction in Sonic Adventure 2, but his most fun intro is in one of Sonic the Hedgehog's most poorly received efforts.

Sonic and the Black Knight is an odd title, as it poorly utilizes the Nintendo Wii's motion controls and squanders an interesting story with its mediocre gameplay. However, the intro of its title character is one of the most memorable in the series, as the Blue Blur races in to save the princess while catching a chili dog in midair. This subtle nod appeals to fans of all Sonic media, as it has been confirmed by writers of the series that the heroic hedgehog's favorite food is chili dogs, and this is the first appearance of one in the game franchise. While the game itself may have done poorly, the Blue Blur's intro in Sonic and the Black Knight is a fun and lighthearted introduction to the game's main character.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Get ready to unleash your inner speed demon with the iconic blue blur, Sonic the Hedgehog! This electrifying franchise, spanning video games, comics, animation, and even live-action films, has captivated audiences for over three decades with its thrilling adventures, memorable characters, and infectious sense of fun.

Created by

Yuji Naka , Naoto Ohshima , Hirokazu Yasuhara

First Film

Sonic the Hedgehog

Latest Film

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

First TV Show

The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

Latest TV Show

Sonic Prime

Upcoming TV Shows

Knuckles

TV Show(s)

The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog , sonic the Hedgehog , Sonic Boom , Sonic Prime , Knuckles

6 Ezio Auditore da Firenze Begins His Trilogy with a Bang

Assassin's Creed II (2009)

The Assassin's Creed franchise is the most beloved history-inspired game franchise of all time, and its characters are a major part of why the series is still renowned to this day. Some of the series' protagonists are not as memorable as others, while others are major faces of the gaming industry. One of these iconic protagonists was introduced phenomenally in Assassin's Creed II.

Ezio Auditore da Firenze is by far the most influential figure in the Assassin's Creed franchise, and his trilogy of games features some of the best character development that the series has to offer. Ezio is introduced as a suave young man who flirts with the women of his hometown. His race with his brother to the top of a building, and their subsequent poignant dialogue help to make this character's intro one of the most iconic in gaming history.

Assassin's Creed 2

Assassin's Creed II introduces you to Ezio, a new assassin carrying on the deadly lineage of his forebears. Confront an epic tale of power and corruption as you hone your Assassin's art, wielding weapons and instruments designed by the legendary Leonardo Da Vinci himself in this gripping and deadly sequel.

Action

Adventure

Systems

Franchise

Assassin's Creed

Platform(s)

macOS , Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One

Released

November 7, 2009

Developer(s)

Ubisoft

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Engine

havok, anvil

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language

How Long To Beat

19 Hours

Metascore

91

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

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5 Doom Guy is One of Gaming's Most Iconic Silent Heroes

Doom (2016)

Some of gaming's most recognizable characters don't even need to speak for fans to become intrigued by their design and character development. Some silent protagonists can be quite boring, while others are so awesome that fans remember them across many console generations. One of these amazing quiet characters is Doom Guy and his introduction in the 2016 remake of Doom is one of gaming's best.

Doom tasks players with taking control of the aptly named Doom Guy as he attempts to stop hordes of demons from escaping Mars and making their way to Earth. In the intro to Doom (2016), players stand waiting on an elevator cracking their knuckles before battle as they listen to a monologue by Dr. Samuel Hayden, one of the game's central characters. Doom Guy's subtle movements in the segment of the game prepare players for the exciting action to come, which makes this intro a perfect example of Doom Guy's personality.

DOOM (2016)

FPS

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:86/100 Critics Recommend:92%

Franchise

DOOM

Platform(s)

PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One

Released

May 13, 2016

Developer(s)

id Software

Publisher(s)

Bethesda Softworks

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

How Long To Beat

12 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

60 GB (November 2023)

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

See at Playstation Store

4 Pagin Min is Far Cry's Most Sinister Antagonist

Far Cry 4 (2014)

The Far Cry series is full of entertaining antagonists, as characters like Vaas Montenegro (voiced by Michael Mando) and Antón Castillo (voiced by Giancarlo Esposito) are both iconic faces in gaming. However, the franchise's most evil and intriguing antagonist is Pagan Min (voiced by Troy Baker).

Pagan Min's introduction starts with him talking in a calm voice about a situation that has gone wrong. When his subordinate does not give him the answer that he wants, he takes out a knife and shows why he is in charge and should not be messed with. Far Cry fans might enjoy Vaas more than Pagan Min, but the Far Cry 4 main villain shows off his cold and perfectly calculating nature during the game's stellar introduction.

Far Cry 4

To fulfil his mother's dying wish, Ajay Ghale travels to Kyrat to scatter her ashes. Before he can accomplish this, though, he must end a civil war between the Golden Path and Min's forces.

FPS

Open-World

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:84/100 Critics Recommend:88%

Franchise

Far Cry

Platform(s)

PS4 , PS3 , Xbox One , Xbox 360 , PC

Released

November 18, 2014

Developer(s)

Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher(s)

Ubisoft

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer , Local Multiplayer

Engine

cryengine

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

3 Cloud Strife's First Mission is His Most Famous

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Final Fantasy VII is one of the most influential video games of all time, and its protagonist, Cloud Strife, is the franchise's most recognizable main character. While Sephiroth might be a more well-designed and well-written character, Cloud's intro in the franchise is one of the best introductions to a hero in gaming history.

At the beginning of Final Fantasy VII, Cloud works as a mercenary to help the revolutionary group Avalanche take down the Shinra Electric Power Company. In one of the most iconic shots in gaming history, Cloud flips off of the train and poses dramatically before leaping into battle against Shinra's soldiers. The Final Fantasy franchise is filled with amazing character intros, but Cloud's introduction is by far the best in gaming history.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remakeis the first in a planned trilogy of gamesremakingthe 1997PlayStationgameFinal Fantasy VII. Set in thedystopiancyberpunkmetropolis ofMidgar, players control the mercenaryCloud Strife. He joinsAVALANCHE, aneco-terroristgroup trying to stop the powerfulmegacorporationShinra from using the planet's life essence as an energy source

Action RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:88/100 Critics Recommend:95%

Franchise

Final Fantasy

Platform(s)

PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , PC

Released

April 10, 2020

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Engine

Unreal Engine 4

ESRB

Teen // Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence

How Long To Beat

32.5 hours

PS Plus Availability

Premium, Extra

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

How Long To Beat (Completionist Runs)

86 hours

2 Dante is Gaming's Most Stylish Demon Hunter

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (2005)

Fans are always looking for the most stylish games to play, and the Devil May Cry franchise is one of the best of the bunch. Some entries in the franchise were critically panned (Devil May Cry 2 and DMC: Devil May Cry) while others are considered as some of the best character-action games of all time (Devil May Cry 3 and Devil May Cry 5). The biggest part of the franchise's success is its main character, Dante.

The Devil May Cry franchise is in an awkward chronological order, where the 3rd title is the first title in the franchise's story. Dante's intro is one of the most exciting character introductions in gaming history. When Dante's shop is attacked by demons, he is impaled by a scythe but shrugs off the injuries to take down all the demons in a stylish manner that includes pool balls and skateboarding on his enemies. To this day, the Devil May Cry franchise routinely features some of gaming's most exciting cutscenes, and it all began with Devil May Cry 3's epic intro.

Devil May Cry 3

Hack and Slash

Action-Adventure

Beat 'Em Up

Systems

Platform(s)

PS2 , PS3 , PS4 , PC , Xbox One , Xbox 360

Released

February 17, 2005

Developer(s)

Capcom

Publisher(s)

Capcom , Ubisoft

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

mt framework

ESRB

m

How Long To Beat

12 hours

1 Joel Miller's Introduction is Gaming's Most Tragic Character Moment

The Last of Us (2013)

The Last of Us features one of the best stories in gaming history, and one of the best parts of its narrative is the game's poignant introduction. The game's intro perfectly introduces players to the world of the game while also adding tension that prepares fans for the difficult journey ahead. Furthermore, it also does a great job of introducing one of gaming's best protagonists, Joel Miller.

At the beginning of the game, Joel and his daughter are celebrating his birthday with a flawed, late-night, celebration. This shows Joel as a caring father, but also some of his flaws as a person. When his daughter dies in the game's introduction, Joel is shown to be a caring man with a soft side. His personality is directly expressed later on by his adopted daughter, Ellie. Overall, The Last of Us' introduction of Joel Miller is the best character introduction in gaming history and does a perfect job of endearing players to its protagonist.

6 Images

6 Images

The Last of Us

Action

Adventure

Franchise

The Last of Us

Platform(s)

PS3 , PS4

Released

June 14, 2013

Developer(s)

Naughty Dog

Publisher(s)

Sony

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary (overall), Havok (physics)

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language

Expansions

The Last of Us: Left Behind

How Long To Beat

15 Hours

X|S Enhanced

n/a

Metascore

95

Steam Deck Compatibility

Yes, The Last of Us is Steam Deck compatible

Cross Save

no

Cross-Platform Play

No, The Last of Us Part 1 does not have crossplay

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