Video games feature compelling stories that impact us in more ways than we can count. However, the protagonist can make or break how engaging a video game’s story is. Over the course of video game history, we’ve been gracedwith iconic protagonistsleft and right. But, at the same time, when looking back, we find that the majority of these characters tend to be men.
RELATED:Best Indie Game Protagonists
While their backstories are equally incredible, it’s fair to say that women deserve the bright spotlight as well. As of late, female protagonists have influenced the gaming world as much as male protagonists. With this in mind, hopefully, we’ll see even more female-led stories in the future. But, for now, let’s take a look at the greatest video games with iconic and incredible female protagonists.
The mysterious lore and the strange atmosphere are what makeControlsuch a mesmerizing video game. It’s an all-around incredible cosmic horror that pulls you in, both emotionally and literally. Every step you take in the game’s odd Federal Bureau of Control showcases a special type of fright. One that isn’t terrifying but rather one that haunts you at nearly every point.
Control is led by a fantastic and well-developed female protagonist. Jesse Faden is an intelligent and determined figure, wielding godly-like powers given to her by a supernatural creature. This power guided her toward the Bureau (also known as The Oldest House). Because of this, it goes without saying that Control wouldn’t be as impactful without her.
9Life Is Strange
Life is Strangeimpacted a lot of lives within the video game community after its release. With a compelling story that constantly makes you yearn to uncover more, the mystery that plagues the game’s town is memorable. It’s emotional and created with love and care, becoming a game that sticks with us for years and years.
The majority of the characters in Life is Strange are female. Keeping this in mind, this game is one that treats its female characters greatly. Each character has a unique and vibrant personality, and they add a true purpose to the overarching theme of Life is Strange. Not to mention theamazing LGBTQ+ representationas well.
Even though the firstPortalis incredible, the female characters shine the brightest in the sequel.Portal 2accomplishes a lot by being an intricate puzzle game. It challenges you to take a moment and think about your next move in a neatly-designed sci-fi world.
You rarely see Chell (the silent protagonist) throughout the course of the game. She barely utters a word, yet she’s still a memorable female video game protagonist at the same time. Funny enough, pairing her up with the talkative antagonist, Wheatley, somehow strengthens her character. Of course, let us not forget the other iconic and well-developed antagonist, GLaDOS. She showcases the heart of Portal, becoming an unlikely companion later on in the game.
7Silent Hill 3
Within the sea of male leads in theSilent Hillfranchise, there lies a female protagonist that has impacted the series: Heather Mason. She is the daughter of the protagonist from Silent Hill 1, Harry Mason. Interestingly, most of the malicious motivations underlying the series revolve around Heather and the potential power that she holds.
RELATED:Greatest Silent Hill Characters, Ranked
Silent Hill 3is one of the greatest games in the Silent Hill series. It took the franchise in a frighteningly different direction, and it was a direct sequel to the first game. Heather makes Silent Hill 3 a worthwhile installment. She is a notable protagonist who doesn’t take herself too seriously. Overall, she’s still able to hold her own and tackle everything that’s thrown at her without hesitation.
You’ll immediately grow fond of the female protagonist in this platform game.Celesteis a gorgeous story-driven game that follows Madeline, a young woman who suffers from anxiety and depression. Her ultimate goal is to reach the top of Celeste Mountain, no matter what it takes.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a quirky cast of characters. The LGBTQ+ representation in this game is incredible, with Madeline being one of the few transgender protagonists in the video game industry. With this in mind, it’s Madeline that makes Celeste such an impactful game. She is a relatable figure that ultimately provides a world of comfort for many of us.
5Tomb Raider
TheTomb Raiderseries is well-respected within the video game industry. Lara Croft is the face of the franchise, showcasing that this story solely belongs to her. Also known as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, this video game series has become an admirable work of art over the years.
We tag along on action-packed adventures, exploring tombs and ruins to uncover lost artifacts. Lara Croft is a thrilling character to play, being a strong heroine that’s determined to get what she wants. She is a well-developed character, and it’s thanks to her that she’s helped powerful female figures in action-adventure games become more prominent.
4Bayonetta
Bayonettais a classic hack-and-slash that never fails at being less than charming. It’s mystical, allowing you to control a witch within a gothic environment and becoming a force to be reckoned with. With the first game being directed by the same mastermind behindDevil May Cry, Bayonetta is an excellent and combative series to dive into.
RELATED:Best Sega Franchises, Ranked
Throughout the games, we accompany Bayonetta. She is a witch who originally begins her journey in an effort to uncover her forgotten past. Much like Lara Croft, Bayonetta is the face of this video game series. Without her, the games would never quite be the same, as she stands out with her elegant image that represents the whole spirit of the series.
3Resident Evil
Being the first playable female character in a survival horror game, Jill Valentine is an iconic female video game protagonist. She’s one of the most vital parts of the whole game. Mainly, she will always be remembered as a fan favorite that brought an impactful backstory to the table.
The firstResident Evilgame is terrifying, its limited graphics and mechanics forming a bone-chilling experience. Even though Jill works to fight through her fear within the Spencer Mansion, the unsettling atmosphere and occasional strange sounds make us want to run away. Overall, it might not be the greatest out of the rest of the games, but the experience from the first Resident Evil will stick with you for ages.
2Super Metroid
As the first instance of the Metroidvania genre,Super Metroidis a timeless SNES game. Following the story of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who seeks to retrieve Metroid creatures, this game sets the bar for all future games inthe Metroid franchise.
Samus is a brave hero in the eyes of many. She is an early instance of a powerful female protagonist in gaming, her original animosity showcasing that anyone can defeat galactic enemies left and right. It’s from this that the idea of Super Metroid never having a dull moment in its gameplay and story is empathized even more. You never know what to expect with this game, encouraging us to revisit it now and then.
1Horizon Zero Dawn
If you’re a fan of story-rich video games, thenHorizon Zero Dawnwill be right up your alley. In a world that’s run by machines, you accompany a young hunter who sets out on a journey to uncover her past. Horizon Zero Dawn’s storyline is engaging. This is largely thanks to its female protagonist.
Aloy has an interesting backstory. She was raised as an outcast and grew up training to be a warrior. Because of her skills and determination in piecing together her past, Horizon Zero Dawn transforms into a beloved interactive experience. As you’re greeted with a post-apocalyptic world, you’re also given a third-person action-adventure that paces itself wonderfully.
