Video games, much like other fictional mediums, often have impressive lifespans. Within these long-running franchises, many titles feature consistent protagonists while others introduce new characters. This shift can occur for various reasons, such as protagonist fatigue, an anthology-style format, or simply the desire to refresh the series. This trend is not confined to any specific genre, and it shows no signs of diminishing in the near future.
If you’ve been following a beloved series for an extended period, you have likely witnessed several character changes. These transformations allow games to present different perspectives and storytelling styles, whether through blank slate protagonists or characters with distinct personalities. The decision to switch main characters is always significant and impacts the overall gaming experience.
10 Metal Gear Solid
A Snake of Many Skins
The Metal Gear Solid franchise has been captivating players for nearly 40 years, continually releasing new titles while experimenting with character dynamics. The series famously began with Solid Snake as the lead character in the original Metal Gear games, only to shift radical approaches later on. For instance, Metal Gear Solid 2 shocked audiences with a bait-and-switch, introducing Raiden as the primary character for much of the game.
This ongoing trend persisted, as Metal Gear Solid 3 featured Big Boss, providing deeper insight into the franchise’s overarching narrative. We returned to Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 4, only to be introduced to Venom Snake in Metal Gear Solid V, culminating in a major twist that added depth to the series’ storytelling. As the franchise looks to the future, a continuation without creator Hideo Kojima might still see new iterations of iconic characters.
9 Final Fantasy
Multiple Fantasies
The Final Fantasy series has traversed virtually every gaming console over the years while maintaining an anthology format that frequently changes its protagonists. Remarkably, only a handful of titles feature the same lead character across various spin-offs. This unique structure not only ensures continuous intrigue but also keeps the gameplay experience fresh with new worlds and stories.
As players engage with each installment, they are met with fresh characters—some iconic like Cloud Strife and others less celebrated like Vaan. This “what if”aspect leaves players eager for what may come next, ensuring that even as the franchise approaches its 40th anniversary, excitement remains high for potential new protagonists in future titles like Final Fantasy 17.
8 Tales Of
A New Tale Each Time
Similar to Final Fantasy, the Tales of franchise adopts an anthology approach, featuring new protagonists across its numerous titles. While some entries share a universe, the leading characters vary, providing a constantly refreshing experience for players.
With memorable heroes like Luke and Velvet, the series continuously captures players’ attention by introducing characters with unique personalities and backgrounds. Although the pacing of releases can be inconsistent, the successful Tales of Arise suggests that fans should soon look forward to the next narrative adventure in this beloved saga.
7 Grand Theft Auto
Different Types of Criminal
The Grand Theft Auto series thrives on its ability to switch protagonists from one installment to the next. This dynamic is driven by varying locales and historical settings, creating a diverse landscape for players to explore. From eras set in the 1980s to more contemporary settings, the series has showcased an array of memorable characters.
The excitement surrounding every release amplifies as players anticipate new adventures with distinctive characters. Be it the iconic Ray Liotta in Vice City or the dynamic trio in Grand Theft Auto V, each protagonist offers a unique flavor to the storytelling experience. This refreshing approach highlights the series’ adaptability and creativity.
6 Resident Evil
It Takes a Village
As one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history, Resident Evil has consistently shifted protagonists across its various titles. Initially centered around the Redfield siblings in Raccoon City, the focus later transitioned to characters like Leon Kennedy during critical moments. The series even showcased a plethora of protagonists in games like Resident Evil 6, introducing Ethan Winters as a new lead in recent entries.
Upcoming titles like Resident Evil: Requiem promise yet another change in character, maintaining the series’ tradition of bringing fresh faces to the forefront while advancing its overarching narrative.
5 Call of Duty
Soldiers of Fortune
The Call of Duty franchise, one of the most enduring in game history, frequently introduces new protagonists with each installment. While some titles maintain familiar characters, the majority explore diverse narratives with distinct leads, largely influenced by varying historical contexts and settings.
From its origins in World War II to contemporary combat scenarios, the series has continually offered gamers new faces and perspectives, enriching the overall gameplay experience. This strategy enhances the uniqueness of every campaign, making each title a noteworthy addition.
4 Far Cry
The Lost
The Far Cry series has maintained its appeal through the introduction of new protagonists in each title, adapting to drastically changing locations and themes. Players have journeyed from the Himalayan mountains to various fictional islands, each time encountering characters brimming with personality and depth.
With a consistent output from Ubisoft, the series continues to engage players with new settings and compelling stories. As seen in their latest installment featuring Dani Rojas, the franchise has been able to deliver memorable leads, setting high expectations for future entries.
3 Person
New Kid in School
Though Persona gained mainstream traction relatively recently, its roots trace back to the 1990s with a distinctive dark and surreal tone. The series frequently introduces new protagonists, often depicted as the “new kid in school, ”transforming the common anxiety of intercultural experience into an engaging narrative filled with friendships and superhuman capabilities.
Characters such as Joker and Yu Narukami have become iconic within the gaming community. With potential future installments on the horizon, fans can anticipate yet another unique leading character in the upcoming titles.
2 The Elder Scrolls
The Faces That Write History
The Elder Scrolls series has a long and storied history, having first emerged in 1994 but gaining significant recognition with the release of Morrowind. Each installment introduces a new protagonist, whether they are the fabled Dragonborn or a champion tasked with stopping an overwhelming threat.
The ongoing evolution of protagonists allows players to immerse themselves in richly crafted worlds, each conveying a sense of historic legacy within the game’s expansive lore.
1 Assassin’s Creed
From Era to Era
After nearly two decades, the Assassin’s Creed franchise stands out for its time-hopping narrative mechanics. Although it began with the character Ezio in a trilogy of games, the series has since introduced a cast of diverse protagonists associated with different historical periods—from ancient Egypt to the Age of Enlightenment.
This unique approach encourages variety in gameplay, storylines, and character development. While the series may have stumbled in creating memorable leads since Ezio, it continues to engage audiences with an array of compelling narratives, showcasing the potential for further character evolution.
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