6. Ellie
Speaking of zombie games, we can’t not mention Ellie from The Last of Us. Despite her young age in the first game (we’ll get to the upcoming sequel in a moment), she’s remarkably balanced and mature.
At 14, Ellie enters the story only having ever known a post-apocalyptic world overrun by fungal monstrosities and human beings with questionable intentions and a desire to survive at all costs.
Despite this, she never allows herself to fall into despair or cynicism, allowing her to retain a wonderful sense of curiosity and spirit. At first glance, it’s easy to underestimate Ellie in combat scenarios, but she’s more than capable of holding her own.
Based on the trailers for The Last of Us Part II, we fully expect to see Ellie’s ability to fend for herself expand even more and we’re absolutely here for it. Kick all the ass, Ellie. All of it!
7. FemShep
When it comes to the Mass Effect series FemShep is our favorite, though it’s worth noting we love both versions of Commander Shepherd. How could we not?
Rather than make her strikingly different from male Shepherd, BioWare allowed FemShep to retain the same sense of honor, diplomacy – and most importantly – sheer badassery.
FemShep is a fan favorite likely because BioWare avoided giving FemShep a gratuitous “female” flair to set her apart. It wouldn’t have made sense to do this given FemShep’s history as an established war veteran and hero.
She doesn’t need to prove herself to anyone or go out of her way to make you like and respect her. She commands that respect naturally. Like male Shepherd, FemShep doesn’t have to bow down or apologize to anyone.
She’s just beautifully, unapologetically herself.
8. Chell
Chell has that Link from The Legend of Zelda thing going on where she doesn't need pages of dialogue to take center stage as one of the most memorable elements of the game series she inhabits.
You can’t think of Portal and not also think of Chell. It’s just not possible. One of the many noteworthy qualities about Chell is her persistence. She’s famously stubborn and refuses to give up on anything, even if it may be in her favor to do so.
Once she sets her sights on something, she sees it through to the very end. Because of this, she’s the perfect person to put GLaDOS in her place and there’s a rewarding push and pull between the two, as well as some nice growth and a fitting resolution at the end of Portal 2.
Again, we don’t want to spoil anything if you haven’t played Portal 1 and 2. All we’ll say – and this is very important – is that the cake is a lie.
9. Amanda Ripley
If a woman has “Ripley” in her name, you better watch out. Well, if you’re an alien at least. Playing upon the established foundation put in place by Ellen Ripley in the famous film series, Alien, is Amanda Ripley in Alien: Isolation.
As the child of the famous Ellen Ripley, there’s a lot riding on Amanda’s shoulders. Fortunately, Creative Assembly did an expert job in crafting a character who’s smart, strong, and independent. Amanda truly is her mother's daughter.
Despite all of the dangers she faces both human and alien, Amanda Ripley keeps calm and carries on. What’s more, Amanda’s tough as nails character was approved by Ellen Ripley herself, Sigourney Weaver.
Having Sigourney Weaver give a thumbs up is high praise for a character that’s definitely more than deserving of it.
10. Senua
Other characters on this list may seem as though they’re perfect and free of flaws, but not Senua. In Hellblade, Senua wears her internal struggle on her sleeve.
Rather than letting the difficult hand she’s been dealt drag her down, she keeps going. No matter what, she always keeps going. In addition to Senua's persistence, we feel it’s important to talk about mental health openly and honestly, and characters like Senua do this beautifully.
Through it all – the voices, the memories, the visual distortion – Senua never wavers in what she’s set out to do. In the end, she is able to overcome her grief and when she stands up and looks out at the horizon at the end of the game, you see a very different version of Senua.
One that projects a sense of untouchability, which makes sense. If she can overcome everything she’s been through over the course of the game, we have no doubt she can overcome just about anything.
