Game Characters We Love (And Love to Hate)

Let’s be real—gaming isn’t just about the gameplay. A huge part of what makes a game unforgettable is the characters. Some are the heroes we cheer for, while others are the villains we love to hate. They can make us laugh, cry, or even rage-quit in frustration. In this blog, we’re diving into those iconic game characters who made us feel all the feels—and we’re not just talking about the ones with the heroic backstories.

Whether it’s their personality, motivations, or how they just get under our skin, these characters leave a lasting impression. Ready to see who’s made the list? Let’s get into it!

1. The Hero We Can’t Get Enough Of: Mario

First up, we’ve got the ultimate gaming icon, Mario. He’s been around for decades, and we’re still absolutely here for him. Mario is the definition of a lovable character. He’s brave, he’s goofy, and he always comes through to save Princess Peach (even if he’s doing it while stomping on Goombas and hopping on pipes).

We’ve all grown up playing Mario. The game characters and there’s something about his never-give-up attitude and fun-loving personality that makes him a hero we can’t help but love. Plus, who wouldn’t want to hang out in the Mushroom Kingdom, right?

2. The Anti-Hero We Root For: Kratos (God of War)

On the other side of the spectrum, we’ve got Kratos from God of War. This guy went from being a total rage machine (seriously, this man could throw hands) to a more thoughtful, emotionally complex father figure. His evolution from an anti-hero to a guy just trying to do better for his son, Atreus, made him one of the most relatable and likable characters in recent gaming history.

Kratos isn’t just about the chaos; he’s a character who’s learned from his mistakes and tried to leave his violent past behind. And honestly, seeing him try to keep up with a teenage Atreus is peak parenting content. He’s got that gruff exterior, but deep down, we can’t help but root for him.

3. The Villain We Love to Hate: The Joker (Batman: Arkham Series)

Now, let’s talk about a villain that makes us laugh—and cringe—at the same time: The Joker in the Batman: Arkham series. This guy is pure chaos in a purple suit, and we can’t get enough of him. His dark sense of humor, unpredictable behavior, and obsession with Batman make him an unforgettable antagonist. But, let’s be honest, there’s a reason why we kind of love him—he’s just so… entertaining.

In Arkham Asylum, City, and Knight, The Joker always manages to get under your skin, pulling strings and messing with Batman (and the player) in ways that only he can. He’s not just a villain; he’s an icon of madness. And somehow, we keep coming back for more.

4. The Character We Hate to Love: Handsome Jack (Borderlands 2)

Oh, Handsome Jack—the villain you love to hate (or maybe hate to love?). He’s the charismatic, egotistical antagonist from Borderlands 2, and he’s a perfect example of why great villains are so fun to play against. Jack’s personality is a wild mix of humor, arrogance, and pure evil, which makes him one of the best “bad guys” in modern gaming.

He’s one of those characters who’s ridiculously funny one minute and downright despicable the next. But despite his evil ways, you can’t help but respect his style. He knows he’s the best, and he’s not afraid to let you know. And that confidence? Kind of magnetic, honestly. You’ll hate his guts, but you’ll also want to hear every word he says.

5. The Iconic Anti-Villain: Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)

Enter Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, one of the most iconic villains in gaming history. This guy is an absolute legend—seriously, everyone knows who Sephiroth is. With his flowing silver hair, creepy theme song, and those insane sword skills, he’s a villain we can’t ignore.

What makes Sephiroth stand out is his backstory. He isn’t just evil for the sake of being evil; he’s got deep motivations and a personal vendetta that drives him. Plus, that final showdown with Cloud? It’s one of the most intense moments in gaming. We hate what he does, but we love to see him on screen. What can we say? He’s an unforgettable villain who’s equal parts terrifying and tragic.

6. The Trickster We Can’t Figure Out: GLaDOS (Portal)

Next up, we’ve got GLaDOS, the AI antagonist from Portal. At first, she seems like a helpful guide (who doesn’t love a little passive-aggressive banter, right?). But as you progress through the game, it becomes clear that GLaDOS has some serious issues—and a sinister agenda.

What makes GLaDOS so great is her quirky, dark humor. She’s always cracking jokes and making snarky comments while you’re trying to solve puzzles… and also potentially dying. Despite all the death traps, we just can’t help but laugh at her sarcastic comments. She’s the villain you didn’t know you wanted to hang out with—until you realize, oops, she’s trying to kill you.

7. The Hero We Hate to Love: Ellie (The Last of Us)

Last, but certainly not least, we’ve got Ellie from The Last of Us. Ellie is one of the most complex and beloved characters in gaming, but let’s be real—sometimes she’s hard to love. In a world that’s been ravaged by the apocalypse, Ellie’s got to toughen up and make some morally gray choices, and not all of them are pretty. But that’s what makes her so great: she’s real, raw, and shows that even in the worst circumstances, survival can bring out the best—and the worst—in people.

Ellie’s journey is a heartbreaking one, and while she does some things we can’t totally get behind, her determination to protect those she loves makes us root for her every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: The Characters That Stick With Us

From the heroes who inspire us to the villains who make us want to throw our controllers, game characters are what makes gaming so much more than just a pastime. They bring stories to life, create emotional moments, and keep us coming back for more. Whether you love them, hate them, or can’t figure them out, these characters will always hold a special place in our gaming hearts.

So, who’s your favorite game character or game characters to love (or love to hate)? Let us know in the comments, and let’s keep the gaming convo going!

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