2014 has been a year of some great games, surprises, and let-downs, but overall had many outstanding titles with excellent characters. This list is my personal favorite characters from all of the best games of 2014. Not only did I look for characters who I thought were cool, funny or badass, I also took into consideration how much they contributed to the story and gameplay (if applicable). So without further adieu, here are my top 10 video game characters of 2014:
10. Arno Dorian – Assassin’s Creed: Unity
Many fans of the Assassin’s Creed series will argue that Ezio Auditore is, and always will be, the best character of the franchise. Protagonists featured in AC since have been fairly different from our charming Italian, and almost none have received the praise that he has. But with the release of Assasin’s Creed: Unity, it seems like Arno Dorian is Ubisoft’s response to this unanimous opinion. Arno is a highborn, mischief seeking, suave man who finds himself stumbling into the life of an assassin after the death of his father. Though not the most fascinating or emotionally compelling character, he brought most of the charm and quick-wittedness that we love back into Assassin’s Creed.
9. Pagan Min – Far Cry 4
Far Cry is a series that is held to a high expectation for its strong villains; you tend to want to see them more than you want to see the good guys. Far Cry 4 is no exception to this rule. Though not as strong as Vaas of Far Cry 3, this sick and twisted psychopath will be sure to hold your attention whenever he’s on screen. Being a tyrannical king, he does what he wants, but hardly takes things too seriously, and that’s what I love about him. His flamboyant and unpredictable behavior is a joy to witness. Far Cry 4 really hit the nail on the head this time around with Pagan Min.
8. Rhys – Tales From the Borderlands
Though only starring in a single episode of Telltales’ Tales From the Borderlands so far, Rhys stole the show for me. He’s a very well written character who’s charming and sharp-witted. It’s a joy to watch him plan out a sting or weasel out of a situation, but it’s also refreshing to see that he’s a character with flaws. He and Olivia make a hilarious duo, but Rhys was just the more interesting member of this cast for me.
7. Riley Abel – The Last Of Us: Left Behind
It’s no secret that every character in The Last Of Us is excellently written and acted, and Riley is no exception. Her role as Ellie’s best friend in the DLC prequel to The Last of Us was very welcomed. The friendship between Riley and Ellie was incredibly touching. Watching the two of them run around the mall together warms your heart and brings a dynamic of friendship of fun into the dark, bleak world of The Last Of Us. Much like with any other Naughty Dog game, I found myself emotionally attached to this character within the first hour. I wish Riley was a character I saw more of in TLOU, because she brought something very special to it.
6. Iron Bull – Dragon Age: Inquisition
Out of the new characters introduced Dragon Age: Inquisition, it’s clear that Iron Bull is the fan favorite. This gigantic Qunari gets turned on by death, danger, and dragons – what’s not to love? Iron Bull is a hilarious addition to your squad in DA:I and is a character you absolutely don’t want to miss out on getting to know. His backstory is fascinating and unique, and his dialogue and banter is absolutely hilarious. And as a two-handed weapon-user with incredible strength, he can provide a lot of help to your squad depending on your character. Oh, and if you’re character is a human, romance him. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
5. Delsin Rowe – Infamous: Second Son
Overall, Delsin seems to be a character both loved and hated by fans and critics. Regardless, he was a character I loved in both good and evil. He’s rebellious, funny, and is brought to life excellently by Troy Baker. When choosing to be Heroic, he’s noble and genuine. When choosing to be Evil, you want to hate him, but he still remains a compelling character nonetheless. On top of this, Delsin is easily the most powerful conduit in the InFamous series, and as a result is the most fun to play as. He also offers an interesting contrast to Cole, the protagonist of the first two InFamous games, by showing the players a conduit who loves his powers instead of feeling burdened by them.
4. Bloody Mary – The Wolf Among Us
Telltale’s use of the fable, Bloody Mary, intrigued me right from the moment she walked on screen. Everything about her was so sinister and evil but yet, so cool. She seemed to be the one bad guy in Fabletown who didn’t fear the Big Bad Wolf in the slightest, and that’s what made her an such an awesome character to watch go up against Bigby. I can easily say that any scene in TWAU with Bloody Mary in it were among my favorites, and that’s how you know you’ve created a memorable villain for your game.
3. Talion – Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Talion was a character that not only fit the world of Middle Earth perfectly, but was able to expand past the established lore and still keep the series’ integrity. Talion has a touching back story, emotional depth, and a badass wraith companion to guide him. He takes what seems to be a classic “revenge story”, and pushes it to the next level. His arsenal of incredibly satisfying and unique abilities also makes him the most fun protagonists I’ve played as this year.
2. Varric Tethras – Dragon Age: Inquisition
There’s something about sarcastic and quick-witted dwarves that everyone seems to love. As someone who found themselves disappointed with the cast of Dragon Age 2, I was beyond glad to see the only two characters I loved from that game make his return in Dragon Age: Inquisition. I’m of course referring to Varric and his crossbow, Bianca (sorry, Cassandra). Varric not only proves to be a useful member to your squad, but also offers up some of the best banter in the game. Conversations with Varric are always entertaining and interesting. He has a deep, mysterious background and is filled with stories to tell.
1. Bigby Wolf – The Wolf Among Us
It is undeniable that Bigby Wolf carried The Wolf Among Us through thick and thin. Credit goes to TWAU’s incredible array of fairy tale and fables characters, but Bigby Wolf was the most consistently interesting, cool, and emotional characters in the entire game series. No matter what choices the player chooses to make as Bigby, he shapes and develops so perfectly, that you become attached to him like no other character. Every one of his choices are your choices, and as such you feel his responsibility to Fabletown. He’s a realistically written and excellently voiced character that absolutely deserves this spot at the top.
