Who are The Most Iconic Video Game Characters in the 21st Century?

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Today, video games are enjoying unprecedented popularity compared to any time in the past. This surge in popularity has led many novices to buy the newest and most acclaimed game releases. It’s only natural that beginners to a hobby would gravitate towards what’s currently trending.

When searching for the most renowned video game characters online, you’ll find they mostly originated in the 20th century. Characters like Mario, Sonic the Hedgehog, Link, and Samus Aran are the cornerstones that have shaped the gaming industry as we know it today.

However, contemporary readers might find a greater appeal in more contemporary figures. This piece aims to explore the most memorable video game characters hailing from the 21st century. We’ll delve into their intrigue factors and the reasons behind their longevity.

Heavy Weapons Guy – TF2

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In the opinion of many, Team Fortress 2 served as the pioneer for multiplayer online first-person shooter games. Although it wasn’t the very first, its impact on this genre is undeniable. It significantly boosted the popularity of online multiplayer FPS games and has been a major inspiration behind modern hits such as Overwatch and Fortnite.

In Team Fortress 2, the characters are generally unnamed, recognized instead by their preferred weapon or gameplay style. Among these options, none are more renowned and adored than the Heavy Weapons Guy. Despite a tank role appearing less entertaining to some, the sheer firepower and damage he inflicts have earned him immense affection from players. Moreover, the numerous memes dedicated to him have significantly boosted his popularity.

Back in the day, I was such a crowd-pleaser that I made it into the initial lineup of the “Night at the Inventory” series – an epic crossover game where iconic video game characters team up for a friendly poker night. Fast forward to 2024, and online casinos like BetFIRST are taking the world by storm, offering massive Drops & Wins with real cash prizes. Yet, despite not being able to match the excitement those games bring, my little corner of the gaming universe still manages to pique curiosity in poker and “Team Fortress 2”.

Internet casinos, for those unfamiliar, serve as digital platforms that offer simulations of well-liked gambling games. These platforms allow you to play a variety of games such as poker, slots, blackjack, baccarat, and many others. What’s more, they are particularly welcoming to beginners, providing numerous attractive welcome bonuses and promotional codes.

Vaas Montenegro – Far Cry 3

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Occasionally, it’s not the protagonist who becomes the focus, but rather the antagonist. Video games boast a plethora of legendary villains, such as Dracula in Castlevania and Bowser from Super Mario, with Link’s long-time adversary, Ganondorf, being another notable example. However, it is undeniable that in the modern era, one of the most memorable villains within the gaming world is the gun-wielding, quick-tongued, philosophical drug lord, Vaas Montenegro.

Far Cry 3 is often praised as one of the top entries in the Far Cry franchise, though it may not be as legendary as games such as Street Fighter, Super Mario, or The Legend of Zelda. However, the series maintains a dedicated fanbase to this day. A significant factor contributing to this is the unforgettable antagonist, Vaas Montenegro, from Far Cry 3. He consistently instills fear in the game’s protagonist (and therefore the player), and is captured or defeated multiple times throughout the game.

As Jason Brody advances to his ultimate showdown with Vaas, the antagonist’s mental state has deteriorated so much that he can no longer command himself. The drug-infused climactic fight between them stands as one of the high points in the Far Cry series, a testament to the extraordinary creativity that video game developers can display when given creative freedom.

Freddy Fazbear – FNAF

5 years ago, the indie game “Five Nights at Freddy’s” made its debut in 2014. Since then, it has risen to become a titan within the gaming industry, demonstrating that with enough determination, skill, and fortune, even the most ambitious dreams can come true. In the year 2023, we experienced a live-action film adaptation of “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which, although panned by critics, was generally well-received by its enthusiastic fanbase.

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Absolutely, the title of this game takes inspiration from its primary villain, Freddy Fazbear – a mechanized bear that’s controlled by an avenging ghost. The objective in this game is to endure five consecutive nights at the pizzeria where Freddy Fazbear used to entertain kids. During these nights, you must evade capture from the terrifying animatronic and its friends who are out to get you.

The Dovahkiin – Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

It can be challenging to feature an iconic character as the lead in a Role-Playing Game (RPG), since the beauty lies in molding your protagonist to fit your own vision. However, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is no exception; it’s both similar and unlike other cases. When you envision the Dragonborn, or Dovahkiin as they say in dragon language, a particular image often comes to mind.

A solitary Viking warrior perches atop a mountain, surrounded by whirling winds. His helmet, adorned with horns, sits on his head, and he wears a mid-length armor. Despite the fact that this image might seem unusual for a character the player customizes themselves, it’s the powerful symbol of the Dovahkiin that has become synonymous with gaming. This enduring image is one reason why Skyrim stands out as the most successful title in The Elder Scrolls series.

Kratos – The God of War

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the fierce warrior from Sparta, Kratos, who earned his reputation by slaying gods, not just Greek but Nordic ones too. War was all he knew. Devoted to Ares, he vowed loyalty as long as he had a family to return to.

Nevertheless, Ares treacherously marked the warrior with a crimson scar and pallid complexion. In pursuit of vengeance, Kratos ruthlessly slaughtered the deities of Olympus, eventually finding peace in Scandinavia. Decades passed until the God of War was summoned once more to thwart Ragnarok.

In this version, I’ve tried to use simpler language and a more conversational tone while maintaining the original meaning.

Kratos, recognized for his prominent role across five games, includes the initial series (or “Greek” trilogy) and the pair known as the “Ragnarok” duology. His distinctive features – pale-white complexion, red mark, and dual blades – have left indelible impressions in contemporary gaming, ensuring that his heroic persona will linger for a considerable duration.

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2025-02-04 22:28