In classic storytelling, the hero archetype embodies ideals of peace and justice, driven purely by the pursuit of righteousness. Their motivations are straightforward and noble.
In contrast, an antihero presents a more complex narrative; such characters might pursue justice but are often guided by self-interest or dubious moral principles.
Their methods might be legally questionable, adding ambiguity to their actions and motivations. This complexity makes antiheroes an intriguing choice in video games, injecting unpredictability into otherwise conventional plots.
10 Devil May Cry 3
Dante
Dante, from Devil May Cry 3, serves as a quintessential “protagonist by default.” Although he ultimately thwarts Arkham’s plans to endanger the world, his primary motive is a personal vendetta against his brother Vergil, alongside a desire to protect his father’s legacy from being exploited.
Despite appearing as a hero, he shows indifference towards the chaos inflicted by demons unless it directly impacts him or his family. His lack of genuine altruism exemplifies the essence of an antihero.
9 Duke Nukem 3D
Duke Nukem
Duke Nukem stands as one of gaming’s iconic antiheroes, particularly evident in his third installment, Duke Nukem 3D. While he actively engages in thwarting an alien invasion, his motivations are far from heroic; he’s primarily upset that their actions have disrupted his vacation.
Duke’s brash personality is underscored by his propensity for destruction, substance abuse, and hedonism, showcasing the destructive side of antiheroism.
8 God Of War (2005)
Kratos
Players who encountered Kratos in the newer installments of God of War might view him as a fierce yet controlled father figure. However, in his inaugural game, Kratos epitomizes a dark antihero, known for wielding chaos and destruction indiscriminately against both foes and innocents.
His quest for vengeance against Ares drives him to commit heinous acts, revealing a character who, despite being directed by Athena to protect Athens, prioritizes personal vengeance over ethical considerations.
7 Saints Row (2006)
The Playa
The initiation of the Third Street Saints in the original Saints Row revolves around dismantling the rival gangs of Stilwater to maintain a semblance of peace. However, the player’s character, The Playa, is equally involved in the illicit underworld, committing acts that may harm innocents in the process.
This complex relationship with morality is accentuated by the existence of even worse criminal factions, making The Playa a compelling antihero throughout the series.
6 The Secret Of Monkey Island
Guybrush Threepwood
Assigning the title of “antihero” to Guybrush Threepwood from The Secret of Monkey Island might seem comical given his innocent demeanor. Nevertheless, his pursuits as an aspiring pirate involve criminal deeds that impact innocent lives.
While his confrontation with the ghost pirate LeChuck serves to enhance his reputation, his motivation centers more on personal glory than altruism, positioning him as a morally ambiguous character.
5 Person 5
The Phantom Thieves
The Phantom Thieves in Persona 5 operate within a morally gray landscape. Although their targets often deserve punishment for their cruel actions, the methods employed by the Thieves pose ethical concerns.
By utilizing extraordinary means to manipulate the cognition of their targets, they blur the line between right and wrong. While they aim for noble outcomes, they remain criminals, complicating their characterization as heroes.
4 Sly Cooper And The Thievius Raccoonus
Sly Cooper
Sly Cooper embodies the archetype of the gentleman thief, navigating through ethical dilemmas. His family’s motto emphasizes robbing from other wrongdoers, prioritizing entertainment over morality.
In his initial journey, Sly confronts the Fiendish Five, ultimately benefitting the community while simultaneously impeding justice and robbing potentially innocent parties.
3 Tales of Vesperia
Yuri Lowell
In Tales of Vesperia, Yuri Lowell is deeply invested in protecting the oppressed citizens of the lower quarter of the royal capital. His disdain for corrupt authority leads him to adopt vigilante methods, often resulting in deadly confrontations.
Although his actions occasionally deliver justice, his approach raises significant moral questions when he takes it upon himself to execute corrupt officials.
2 Darksiders
War
Set in a world ready to collapse, Darksiders follows War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, falsely accused of initiating an apocalypse prematurely. Charged by the Charred Council, he seeks to uncover the true culprit.
War’s actions are not inherently noble; he’s primarily concerned with reclaiming his status as a Horseman rather than exhibiting care for humanity or the ongoing divine battle.
1 Pokemon Colosseum
Wes
Unlike traditional Pokémon trainers who follow strict ethical codes, Wes from Pokemon Colosseum breaks the mold by using the Snag Machine to capture Pokémon from trainers. While his ultimate goal is the purification of corrupted Shadow Pokémon, his methods raise eyebrows.
Not only does Wes steal Pokémon, but his involvement in creating the Snag Machine blurs his image as a heroic character, cementing his role as an antihero in the series.
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