There’s a universal appeal to underdog narratives, as they resonate deeply with our collective experiences of feeling underestimated or overlooked. In various mediums, including video games, these tales of resilience can be particularly compelling, allowing audiences to experience a protagonist’s rise against the odds firsthand.
Video games uniquely engage players, placing them at the heart of the action. This interactivity lets us accompany characters as they defy expectations, transforming from mere mortals into celebrated heroes, all while we control their journey.
10 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
From Prisoner to Hero
Both the protagonists of Oblivion and its successor Skyrim begin their journeys as prisoners, albeit in markedly different contexts. The hero of Oblivion starts off as an ordinary inmate, locked away for an unknown crime, with destiny calling when the Emperor of Tamriel takes notice of their potential for greatness. Freed by chance, they face the stark reality of navigating a chaotic world from scratch, ultimately harnessing their resourcefulness to emerge as a formidable figure amid crisis.
9 Danganronpa
A Normal Dude in a School Full of Weird Geniuses
At Hope’s Peak Academy, each student is recognized for their unique ‘Ultimate’ talent, except for our protagonist, Makoto Naegi, whose claim to fame is purely luck-based. Selected as the ‘Ultimate Lucky Student’ through a lottery, Makoto’s lack of distinct skills positions him initially as an underdog among prodigies. Yet, when murder strikes the school, this seemingly average student rises to the occasion, proving that even the most unassuming individuals can lead with courage and ingenuity.
8 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Once a Rookie, Always a Rookie
From his initial court appearance, Phoenix Wright struggles against skepticism and derision as a rookie attorney. Constantly relying on his mentor and facing off against a dismissive prosecutor, Phoenix’s potential is overshadowed by his inexperience. Yet, he evolves into a master of courtroom strategy, achieving remarkable victories. Ironically, his influence expands as he becomes a mentor figure himself, illustrating that experience gained through trial and error can establish genuine authority.
7 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Adventures in Homelessness
Unlike Kazuma Kiryu from previous titles, Ichiban Kasuga begins as an insignificant pawn within a low-ranking yakuza group. Following a lengthy prison term, he finds himself abandoned and homeless in Yokohama. Despite these hardships, his positive spirit and knack for RPG-style heroics lead him to unexpected prominence within Japan’s organized crime landscape, showcasing the transformative power of personal resilience.
6 Mother 3
Lucas the Crybaby
In Mother 3, Lucas is often labeled a crybaby, burdened by his tragic losses of family at a young age. Despite the lack of initial esteem from those around him, he gradually rises to confront challenges alongside an eclectic group of allies. His evolution serves as a reminder that the journey from vulnerability to strength is often paved with personal trials.
5 Person 4
Those Meddling Kids
The members of the Investigation Team in Persona 4 are reluctant heroes navigating perilous mysteries without any formal guidance. Lacking the resources that other teams enjoy, they successfully unravel the dark connections between local tragedies and the supernatural realm simply through tenacity and teamwork, exemplifying that determination can often offset advantages held by others.
4 Saints Row 2
New Saints from Nothing
After awakening from a coma in Saints Row 2, the protagonist finds the 3rd Street Saints disbanded, with rival gangs claiming the territory. Armed with little more than a tarnished reputation and a few loyal allies, the Boss rises from the ashes, taking on multiple adversaries and a powerful corporation through sheer audacity and a fierce determination, epitomizing the classic underdog ascent.
3 Tales of Vesperia
From Punk Kid to Guild Hero
Yuri Lowell starts his journey in Tales of Vesperia as a rebellious youth with modest aspirations of maintaining order in his neighborhood. However, when circumstances compel him to reclaim justice after a theft, he forges unlikely alliances and ultimately finds himself at the center of a guild that must save the world from impending destruction, illustrating that even the humblest of beginnings can lead to extraordinary destinies.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
“I Swear, I’m the Hero of Time!”
While Link’s heroic status is evident to players, his early encounters in Ocarina of Time suggest that others are far less convinced. As he embarks on his quest, he must demonstrate his worth to skeptical townsfolk and authority figures alike, proving that true heroism often requires not just words but decisive actions.
1 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
A Genius, Junpei is Not
In 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, Junpei finds himself in an extraordinarily perilous situation aboard a sinking cruise liner. Lacking physical prowess or exceptional intelligence compared to his peers, he navigates this high-stakes environment with wits and determination, proving that cleverness and a steadfast resolve can be the key to survival even in the most daunting scenarios.
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