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Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the game with iconic video game characters that have a special place in history and in our hearts

GamesRadar showcases the 50 most iconic video game characters of 2021. The entire GamesRadar team nominated their choices for the title, and then began the brutal voting process of ranking our beloved characters. The following are the top 50. They were selected because they have an impact on players and the game as a whole, not just bank balances or movie transactions by distributors. Some are obvious choices, some remind you of past favorites, and some are a little weird, but when you really think about it, it's completely iconic.

This year's Golden Joystick Award will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the game at the show to commemorate the birth of an industry that started in 1971 with the first coin-operated arcade game machine computer space. Voting today started two special award categories, "The Ultimate Game Ever" and "The Best Game Hardware Ever". You need to register your vote before November 12th.

First appearance game: 2001 Famous appearance: Onimusha 3: Demon Siege

Samanosuke is known as the person/demon of Tenkai Nankōbō. He did not kill cruelly. He played the leading role in the first and third games of the Onimusha series. Although he was initially a fairly ordinary hero in Capcom’s original samurai killer, Akechi became a great co-leader in Onimusha 3: Demon Siege, partly because of the acclaimed film actor Jean Reno (Jean Reno). ) Did such an excellent job, just like Jacques Blanc with an absurd name. 

Under the guidance of justice and honor, Onmishua died relatively early, which is a pity. Despite claiming to have quite good reviews and sales data, the franchise does not have Resident Evil, or even the legs of Devil May Cry. Roughly based on the historical figure Akechi Hidemitsu, we can only hope that one day we can see this noble warrior reappear on modern game consoles. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2002: World of Warcraft

Sylvanas was first introduced in Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos and has experienced one of the most satisfying story lines in World of Warcraft history. Once a high elf ranger who bravely protected his homeland, Windrunner turned into a banshee after his soul was torn in battle. 

Continuing to play a key role in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion in World of Warcraft, the leaders of the Forsaken faction are driven by the need for power and revenge. Happily, after she regained her free will, her hatred of the living diminished a little. Regardless of whether she has an undead agent, Sylvanas is still a completely iconic villain. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2002: Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time

As one of the most likable mascots of PlayStation, Lombax, with mechanical talent, has amazed gamers with its incredible fluffy space ears since the early 2000s. Ratchet and the small, impeccable, polite robot Clank formed the greatest duo in history, saving the universe countless times. Despite being humble and heroic, the kind-hearted Lombax is always a little unhappy, no matter how irresistibly sharpened his little robot friend. 

Before A Crack in Time and Rift Apart enriched his backstory, Ratchet was considered the only surviving member of his species in the entire galaxy. Hoo-boy We are very happy that Rivet stole this show in the first PS5 adventure of the series and finally awakened the soul of the lonely Lombax. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 1993: Doom (2016)

John Romero’s idol has many names. "The Doomsday Killer". "Hellwalker". "Chainless Predator". "Mr. Hug Huo Chong". We only made up one of the nicknames, guarantee. It debuted in iD's FPS as early as 1993. Doomguy's roaring face was a pixelated miracle in the era when Jurassic Park attracted global moviegoers. 

Without the legendary and extremely violent Marines of Doom, there would be no BJ Blazkowicz or Sam "Serious" Sam, let alone Microsoft's iconic Master Chief. The father of shooting games, the legend of the shotgun and chainsaw acceleration, returned triumphantly in the 2016 wonderful restart of the series. Three years later, the silent murderer finally got some lines in Doom Eternity, which actor Matthew Waterson expressed in a gray-haired posture. 

First appearance in the game: Notable appearance in 2014: Dragon Age: Judgment 

Now this is what we call a soup filter. Captain Price may have a respectable "sideburn", but there is nothing in the dazzling strand of hair above Dorian's beautiful face. The former Enchanter flirted playfully from the beginning, and for those who choose to play as a male inquisitor, this is a fantastic, well-groomed romantic choice.

As one of the few truly iconic characters in Dragon Age, Dorian's magical abilities and keen wisdom make him a great RPG partner. The burly spellcaster also leads a considerable life. Dorian was born in the fancy home of Kalinus and studied magic in the circle of Kalasts, but despite being an award-winning student, his love for duels got him into various troubles. From being rough in the elven slums of the Tevinter Imperium to joining the Inquisition to help prevent social ills, Paus is as complicated as his beard. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2008: Fable 2

Thanks to See the Future DLC in Fable 2, this iconic Albion pupper can come in many shapes and sizes. Whether you keep it as a Dalmatian, a hunting dog, or a primitive "dumb" breed, Dog plays a vital role in Xbox RPG. Found near Ballstone at the beginning of the adventure, your hero and dog form the bond that defines the game. 

As the journey unfolds, your actions and choices will affect Dog's appearance and behavior. Play like a bastard, and you will soon have a demon dog in your hands; a positive action and develop black claws. However, if the hero is still a good doer, the puppy will be a very happy boy, and children will scramble to pet it. Regardless of your moral choice, Dog has proven his iconic character through a legendary act of sacrifice, blocking bullets for the hero when the despicable Lucien tries to shoot your character. Yes, we do have everything. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2000: The Sims 2

The most fashionable Sims ever lived such a cute and boring life. Growing up in a bachelor’s family, she was a good student, and her Gothic side shined in the skull series that decorated her bedroom. In "The Sims 2," the iconic, impeccably dressed Sim’s life became more colorful, when she married a b-rated movie star Mortimer Gott, who had a passion for insects There is... well, an unusual love for insects. 

Although Bella had a happy relationship with her husband who hugged bugs at 165 Sim Lane, Goth disappeared from Pleasantview after being abducted by aliens. She has been missing since then-although a version of her did appear in The Sims 4, it is undeniable in another timeline. Before being cheered by ET and friends, Bella was spotted hanging out on the deck of Don Lotario for the last time, suggesting that there was an extramarital affair between the two. Juicy! Put this very stylish Sim back, you alien bastards! 

First appearance in the game: Notable appearance in 2011: The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

This surprisingly eloquent lizard is a deadly dragon king, and can easily become the most iconic monster your dragonborn will encounter. And talk about an entrance. In the opening scene of Skyrim's wonderful execution, Alduin saved your warriors from losing their minds in a merciless attack on the Helgen Fortress. how? Behave like a dragon...that, and use his iconic roar to summon a meteor storm. We have never seen Drogon do this in Game of Thrones.

This is his desire for destruction. Alduin is often referred to as the "World Devourer"-presumably because of the scorched corpse of his nearest victim. Fortunately, the Dragonborn and the three Nordic heroes use the power of the Elder Scrolls to let Alduin travel through time and space. Nevertheless, before his return to the future-d is forgotten, this iconic dragon is an awesome grand, gloating villain.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2011: Minecraft

WHO? Yes, Mojang's blocky cover star actually has a name. Shaking one of the most recognizable silhouettes in all games, this pile of human-shaped building blocks is a symbol of Minecraft's endurance. He may be a man with few-or more accurately-zero words, but Steve's role as a silent protagonist makes him the perfect whiteboard to appreciate all the wonders of the sandbox world of Mojang's unlimited imagination. 

In addition, the guy did not miss his shoulder day in a gym built of blocks. Thanks to the amazing popularity of this game and the Steve-centric YouTube series produced by Rise Animation, the Minecraft man is so iconic now that he even won a fighting cameo in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. That's it, Boy Stevie; give Mario and his cronies a brick-based defeat.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2015: Life is Strange

Since Marty McFly and Doc Brown, Max Caulfield and Chloe Price starred in the most iconic time-firing friendship, forming a quite duo in the plot adventure of Dontnod's disarming. When Max used her magical juju to turn around time to save Price after years of estrangement, the couple rekindled their friendship almost immediately.

Played gently by Aloy actresses Ashley Burch and Rhianna DeVries in the prequel "A Strange Life Beyond the Storm", it is Chloe's complexity that makes her an iconic role. Loyal but quick to blame others, brave but still weakened by fear, compassionate but cold, Price is completely one-off. Chloe's sensitive handling of mental health and addiction issues made her not only one of the most iconic characters of the 2010s, but also one of the most realistic three-dimensional characters ever to appear in video games.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2014: Destiny 2

Everyone’s favorite joke Guardian is a great example of how the right voice actor can completely accomplish or ruin a character. Nathan Fillion is the perfect interpretation of Pitch, the hunter pioneer who has experienced one of the most satisfying roles in the legend of Destiny. Although he was covered in Bungie's original heist shooting game-who isn't? ! – Cade, who is constantly ironic, really has a chance to shine in Destiny 2.

As the driving force of the plot in the excellent Forsaken DLC sequel, Hunter was given a truly noble and desperate death scene. To this day, the Tower of Destiny has not completely filled the loophole left by this charming loot lover. We will be even more sad, but we were just relieved that he left his incredible Ace of Spades exotic hand cannon to our guardian. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 1997: Fallout 4

Who is the best (slightly radiant) boy? ! Although his breed and appearance have never been exactly the same in Bethesda's legendary RPG series, one or the other version of this puppy has always been a faithful companion of Vault Dweller. Inspired by the unnamed dogs that appeared in the first two "Mad Max" movies, Dogmeat's original name was...ahem, "Dogsh*t"...at least in the late 90s around Interplay Productions' offices.

Fortunately, this iconic dog got a more PC-friendly nickname in Fallout 4, and has been redesigned more cutely. While he was previously portrayed as the kind of dirty, enslaved bastard you would encounter during a nuclear disaster, the latest version of the dog meat that appeared on our screen was a gorgeous, completely unkillable German Shepherd. You better believe that he deserves all the hospitality. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2007: Mass Effect 2

Shepard's Turian BFF may be the best virtual partner ever. Curiously, the first impression of the most popular character in Mass Effect was not good. At first, he gave the impression of a dull C-Sec official, but with the development and improvement of the original trilogy, the background story of this bird-like alien has become more subtle and satisfying.

Despite his professional obligations, Gareth is a natural rule-breaker, which is why he and Shepard are so famous...The premise is that you don’t choose to kill him on multiple occasions where the trilogy hangs in front of you. . Keeping Vakarian alive until the end of Mass Effect 3, one of the most effective portrayals of the silent video game friendship is shown in arguably the best cutscenes of the series. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2007: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

The most famous mustache in video games belongs to the most charming character ever seen in Call of Duty. As clumsy as a plate of eel jelly with a gun, John Price is the breakthrough star of Activision's landmark restart shooting game "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare". Although he really can only play through the ridiculous ending sequence of Flashback and Modern Warfare 3, this excellent captain will steal it at the last second of the screen time he appears.

Unwavering loyalty, a little bored, and definitely an undisputed villain, Price is the first Call of Duty character worthy of attention. Originally voiced by veteran British actor Billy Murray, the young version of the character once again stole the limelight from the series' silent protagonist conveyor belt in the relaunched Modern Warfare in 2019, this time played by Liverpool actor Barry Sloan . 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2008: Dead Space 2

Before the Mandalorian, it’s cool to hide your face. Even if you didn't see his cup until the sequel, this almost silent system engineer made an indelible impression in EA's survival horror series just because he possessed one of the coolest costumes we have seen. 

Part Darth Vader, part Lean Warhammer 40,000 interstellar warrior, Clark always looks great, whether he is floating in the debris of a destroyed interstellar space station or being sliced ​​and diced by rotting Necromorphs in dead space . He may not have the single-line skills of Lyon in Resident Evil 4, but Isaac made up for his lack of chat by becoming one of the sharpest shooters in the galaxy. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2001: Animal Crossing

The most ruthless businessman since Gordon Gecko...Don't let the fact that he is a cartoon pompom fool you. This economically proficient villain first appeared in GameCube's original animal crossing and is one of the most cunning and indulgent characters in Nintendo's history. When he sells his first house to you, he may seem sweet and relaxed, but the mortgage will come soon. Who said that Nintendo never deals with adult issues?

Interestingly, as the plot progresses, Nook becomes more cruel. Do you think he was a difficult customer to deal with in the first animal crossing? Wait until the house he originally provided to you is downgraded to a tent in games such as Animal Crossing: New Leaves. Greed is good... the last name is Nook.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2008: Grand Theft Auto 4

The most ambivalent protagonist in "Grand Theft Auto" is a Balkan villain with a trembling trigger finger and tortured in the past. Swinging cheap sportswear more effectively than any other character in the history of the game, Niko is a much more complex individual than any one-dimensional clue that appeared in the original Grand Theft Auto trilogy.

Unable to escape his cunning past, and being overwhelmed by the excesses of modern American life, Belik shuttles through Liberty City in an extremely violent porcelain shop like an eternally pessimistic bull. If it weren't for his cousin's love of bowling and other X-rated pastimes, Niko would hardly relax in GTA 4's 93 story missions. 

Game debut: Notable appearances of 2018: Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey

Although technically you don't need to choose her as the protagonist of the Odyssey, we would rather confront Medusa than choose Cassandra's half-brother Alexis. Her little brother may be okay(ish)-if a little dull-but when you start exploring the vast land of Ubisoft's ancient Greek kingdom, it is Kassandra that really shines.

The Spartan mercenary smiled and blinked, so charming, she was murderous. Whether passing by iconic historical figures like Socrates, or cutting enemy soldiers into thin slices like a terminator in a robe, Cassandra is both an angry warrior and slightly murderous The joy maker of colors. As the first female player character in the main line assassin entry, Melisanti Mahut perfectly interprets this role, giving Cassandra a serious and charming brutal side. Following AC II's legendary Ezio, this joking Greek can easily become the most popular character in Ubi's long-running series. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 1996: Parappa the Rapper

As far as the mascot is the original PlayStation, Parappa is definitely a left-field choice. This small cartoon dog is obsessed with rap... and wears a dazzling bright beanie. The cute hound is also one of the most ruthless and optimistic characters on PS1. When he tried to surpass a rapper like Joe Chin, Parappa would tweeted "I gotta believe" if he was struggling in battle. 

The name of the rap dog means "paper as thin" in Japanese, which cleverly explains Pappa's expressive, almost origami-like 2D art style. The unique appearance and premise of the first game made Parappa a breakthrough star, earning him a sequel, his own anime series, and even a slightly weird fight with Spike of Ape Escape in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. Face competition.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2001: Silent Hill 2

With an obliquely triangular head, one of the most notorious monsters in the history of survival horror was originally called the "Bogey Man" in Japan. In "Silent Hill 2", the ruthless butcher wields a knife as long as a school bus and insidiously scrapes his sword-like weapon across many surfaces to hunt down James Sunderland. 

Introduced to players through one of the most heinous acts of violence in the history of video games, blood-stained hatred is the main threat to Konami's classic horror sequel. In a ruthless (and ingenious) "f ** k you!" for the player, the game is actually throwing two pyramid heads at you in the final battle of Silent Hill 2. To this day, it is still an act of betrayal in a triangle game. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 1990: The Curse of Monkey Island

Guybrush Ulysses Threepwood is rare in the world of video games: a truly funny comedy character. He is a good example of the protagonist. He thinks he is more capable than the actual situation, but it is still fun to play. When you joke, spit and flail in five Monkey Island games, face the evil undead pirate LeChuck And fall in love with the energetic person Elaine Marley. His name comes from the Deluxe Paint tool used to create his genie, and his last name comes directly from the Blandings story of PG Woodehouse. Guybrush is so famous that he appeared in many other games, including "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2", "Sea of ​​Thieves", "Indiana Jones" and "Hellfire Machines", and even in the "Uncharted" series Indirect reference. 

First appearance in the game: Notable appearance in 2018: Red Dead Redemption 2

One of the hardest things to do in a game that lets you go anywhere, do anything, and entangle innocent strangers is to provide your protagonist with some sense of depth and reality, regardless of their behavior. But somehow, Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 managed to bring a nourishing feeling to almost everything he did. Actor Roger Clark provides motion capture and voiceover for troubled gangsters. He was inspired by the legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, who has appeared in many samurai movies of Akira Kurosawa. This is a left-wing choice, until you remember that Akira Kurosawa was heavily influenced by the classic John Ford Westerns, and many of his films were adapted into the Wild West environment again. These hierarchical subtleties are only part of what makes Arthur Morgan stand out as a stoic, funny, and often tragic character.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2001: Max Payne

Think of Max Payne. You might imagine diving in slow motion and hearing the desperate rattle of painkillers. He was traumatized wearing a leather trench coat; one who lost everything but tried to lose more people. In the course of three games, he fought various imaginable mafia organizations, served as a private security contractor, and even shaved his head in the cutscene of "I Can't Take This Shit Anymore". In the first game, he was played by writer and designer Sam Lake, mainly because the Remedy team could not afford the actors (Lake’s mother even played the role of the game’s villain), but in the second game he was transformed Became the actor Timothy Gibbs. Mark Wahlberg played the role of Max in the 2008 critical visceral film adaptation, which has a 16% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes. A completely different trauma. 

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2002: Tom Clancy’s Cell Division 

Sam Fisher is why most gamers cannot walk through narrow corridors without looking up to check the three green dots. His professional experience makes Solid Snake look like a panting recruit in the territorial army: a beautifully decorated SEAL, a former CIA secret officer, a member of the National Security Agency’s top secret program, and his own secrets The commander of the force. In five of the six split cell games, he was played by the veteran actor Michael Ironside voiced by Chainsaw, but in the more action-oriented blacklist, Canadian actor Eric Johnson took over the voice and performance. Responsibilities of capturing. Fisher is a big enough deal. Since 2005, the film adaptation of Split Cells has been in pre-production. Byrne director Doug Liman briefly attached it, and Netflix is ​​currently making a movie by John Wick writer Derek Kolstad serves as the executive producer of the anime series adaptation.

First appearance in the game: Famous appearance in 2007: BioShock

In 2007's BioShock, there are some very strange things when you first meet the little sisters and the big dad they protect. There is a feeling that they have a purpose beyond your first-hand experience—you are an outsider who breaks into the real thing. BioShock is excellent because it will not let you ignore them: if you want to succeed, you must participate. The next battle is the most exciting in the game-a desperate and terrifying wrist fight, which requires you to throw all your dwindling resources at the clumsy elephant opponent and carry out basic battles for survival. And that shocking outbreak of violence helped shape your treatment of the little sisters: did you save them and make your game more difficult? Or harvest them to improve the hand of the magic bee? You saved them, obviously, you monster. 

Read on to find out which icons made the top 25 and who won the most iconic video game character trophy in 2021...

Between the official PlayStation magazine, GamesIndustry.biz and the Rolling Stones, I have gained a wide range of experience, from how to deal with E3 craziness to easy conversations with game company CEOs and executives about seafood buffets. At GamesRadar, I am proud of the impact I have had on the way we write news, and now-as the editor-in-chief of the United States-we are seeing huge traffic success. Most importantly, I am proud of my team. They continue to struggle in the uncertainties of 2020 and 2021, which is why GamesRadar is so special.

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