The 1990s marked a turning point in the entertainment world. It was a time when the glow of a CRT monitor and the beeps of 16-bit tunes lit up living rooms across the globe. Back then, video game characters weren’t just pixels on a screen—they were heroes, sidekicks, and villains we rooted for or against.
In this blog, we’ll cover 10 video game characters that have made a lasting impact on the industry and continue to be beloved by fans.
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Mario (Super Mario Bros.)
It’s impossible to talk about video game characters without mentioning Mario. This iconic plumber from Nintendo has been a gaming icon since his debut in 1985's Super Mario Bros. With his signature red hat, mustache, and overalls, Mario has become one of the most recognizable and well-loved characters ever created.
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Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
Lara Croft broke barriers when she first appeared on our screens in 1996's Tomb Raider. As one of the first female protagonists in mainstream gaming, she became an instant icon for gamers everywhere. Her adventuring skills, intelligence, and confidence have inspired countless female characters who followed in her footsteps.
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Master Chief (Halo Series)
Introduced in 2001's Halo: Combat Evolved, Master Chief quickly became the face of the popular first-person shooter franchise. His stoic and mysterious persona, along with his impressive abilities as a super-soldier, have made him a fan favorite among gamers.
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Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid)
Solid Snake has captivated players since his debut in 1998's Metal Gear Solid. As an elite soldier and expert at stealth tactics, he has proven to be one of the most skilled and complex characters in gaming. His story arc throughout the series has kept fans invested and eager for more.
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Link (The Legend of Zelda Series)
Whenever you think of quests to save kingdoms and unlock mysteries, Link from The Legend of Zelda instantly comes to mind. Though he’s a silent protagonist, Link’s courage and determination shine through his actions. Whether mastering puzzle-laden dungeons or wielding the Master Sword, he remains one of the most popular video game characters across generations.
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Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog Series)
When Sega introduced Sonic in 1991, the blue blur zipped into pop culture stardom. His speed, attitude, and unmistakable theme music captured the hearts of people worldwide. Whether battling Dr. Robotnik or collecting those golden rings, Sonic remains a powerhouse among iconic video game characters.
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Kratos (God of War Series)
Few characters have undergone as striking a transformation as Kratos. Known initially for his rage-fueled quest for revenge against the gods of Olympus, Kratos returned as a more measured, complex figure in the God of War (2018) reboot. His role as a father navigating his new life in the realm of Norse mythology has altered narratives of what a video game character can be.
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Samus Aran (Metroid Series)
Revealing Samus Aran’s identity as a woman in the original Metroid (1986) was a groundbreaking moment in gaming history. Her courage, independence, and unmatched skill as a bounty hunter make her a standout heroine. With her power suit and arm cannon, Samus has secured her place among the most famous video game characters.
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Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII)
Cloud Strife, with his iconic spiky hair, giant Buster Sword, and a past shrouded in mystery, has etched his place in gaming lore. His journey to understand himself and fight for what’s right in Final Fantasy VII is deeply relatable. Cloud isn’t just a character; he’s a phenomenon among the gaming community.
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Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher Series)
Geralt of Rivia, the iconic protagonist born from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels, rose to global fame through CD Projekt Red’s critically acclaimed The Witcher series. Stoic, sharp-witted, and morally complex, Geralt is the epitome of a modern video game character. His adventures as a monster hunter, combined with his knack for making tough decisions in gray moral areas, make Geralt unforgettable.
There’s a reason these 10 characters of video games stay with us long after we’ve put the controller down — it’s their distinct personalities that make them feel real. We connect with their struggles, celebrate their victories, and sometimes even see parts of ourselves in them. For new characters entering this space, the standard is sky-high. But with so much creativity and passion driving game development today, the future is wide open for the next generation of unforgettable video game characters.