Best 2025 Video Games for protagonist appeal

#1

Naked Snake's appeal is strongly praised by one reviewer as the series' most compelling protagonist.

#2

Hornet is consistently praised as an excellent, charismatic, well-rounded protagonist with stronger presence than the silent Knight.

#3

Protagonist appeal was very strong, with reviewers repeatedly praising Estelle and Joshua as charming, complementary, and easy to follow.

#4

Isaac’s protagonist appeal was strong, with reviewers highlighting his emotional complexity, witty inner voice, and memorable narration.

#5

Gustave was singled out as a likable protagonist.

#6

Ramza was praised as a compelling lead whose justice, growth, and performance carried the story.

#7

Atsu is widely praised as a compelling, complex, fiery, and memorable lead who gives the sequel a stronger identity.

#8

Protagonist appeal was high, with DK described as endearing, expressive, goofy, and personality-rich.

#9

The red and blue 1x1 bricks were repeatedly described as cute, likable, and emotionally expressive despite their minimal design.

#10

The playable leads were generally appealing, with reviewers highlighting fun fantasy archetypes and standout characters.

#11

One reviewer found Sam especially well cast and suited to the game’s semi-silent protagonist role.

#12

The protagonist’s power fantasy was praised in the supporting review as strongly delivered.

#13

Kirby himself remained appealing, with one reviewer describing the character as a source of joy.

#14

Protagonist appeal is positive where Joe Musashi is described as a compelling, badass ninja fantasy rather than a talkative character.

#15

Hazel was widely liked as a charming, believable, empathetic lead even in reviews critical of the story around her.

#16

Melinoë is generally liked as a protagonist, though one reviewer finds her a bit too perfect and another prefers the first cast.

#17

Protagonist appeal was mostly positive around Zelda’s central role, though one review criticized how the Construct displaced her.

#18

Protagonist appeal is generally strong, especially for Naoe and the dual-lead concept, though some reviews prefer one lead over the other.

#19

Hinako was usually praised as a memorable, vulnerable, and compelling protagonist, though a small minority found her less likable or undercut by the broader story.

#20

Protagonist appeal was positive where mentioned, with reviewers liking the designs and fragile duo.

#21

Protagonist appeal improved for one reviewer because the hunter and Palico speaking made the story presentation feel less awkward.

#22

One reviewer enjoyed shaping an idiot-savant commander, supporting protagonist role-play appeal.

#23

Swann’s protagonist appeal was mixed but mostly positive: several reviewers loved or related to her, while others found her bland or rarely compelling.

#24

Jan’s appeal was mixed: some found him more complete, plausible, and sympathetic, while one reviewer found him unpleasant.

#25

Protagonist appeal is polarized, with one review calling Khazan ideal for the game and another finding him flat.

#26

Protagonist appeal was mixed: the lone hero concept intrigued some reviewers, but silent protagonists felt bland to others beside voiced side characters.

#27

Protagonist appeal was mixed because several reviewers needed time to warm up to Mio and Zoe, or never found them interesting.

#28

The protagonist divided reviewers: some found the Traveler fascinating, while others said the faceless, wooden presentation limited emotional connection.

#29

One reviewer strongly disliked Hans as a long-term companion presence, creating strain on their desire to continue.

#30

The silent protagonist was a repeated drawback because it could make emotional scenes feel disconnected or flat.

#31

Protagonist appeal has limited evidence, with Vex criticized as too quippy and shallow in one review.

#32

Protagonist appeal was criticized by one reviewer who felt the amnesiac lead lacked personality traits.

#33

the protagonists were criticized as cookie-cutter military archetypes.

#34

Samus's silence hurt protagonist appeal for some reviewers when cutscenes and direct questions made her seem oddly passive.