Everyone absolutely loves the hero. They get to save the day and they end up with the person they love. But what about the low-key heroes? The ones who truly save the day yet doesn't really care about anything else rather than getting the job done because it's the decent thing to do? Well, in this list, I'll be jotting down (in no particular order) who I think are the best underrated video game protagonists of all time. Well, so far at least.

 

1.) Zack Fair from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7

When people first heard about the game, they were absolutely ecstatic to find out they'll be playing as the legendary hero from FF7. I mean who wouldn't be? Cloud would technically be nothing if it wasn't for our favorite Soldier.

Zack Fair is underrated for many reasons. Not only was he the person Angeal trusted to wield the Buster Sword, but he was also the one who found out all of the secrets Shinra was hiding. He cared about people. He cared about them too much that he died so that they'd survive and live to fight another day.

I don't think anyone who played Crisis Core will ever forget the final act of the game. The way Zack had to keep fighting. It was truly heart wrenching. That's why he's on this list.

 

2.) Jimmy Hopkins from Bully

Ah yes. The bully of Bullworth Academy. Jimmy is an underrated video game protagonist because, well, he never intended to be the “hero”. All he wanted was to attend a regular school yet his stupid parents had him sent to Bullworth. In a desperate act of rebellion that was pretty much fueled by teen angst, he decided to make a name for himself.

He started with the school bullies, then the jocks, the nerds, the preps, the greasers, and then eventually the townies. Even though his “friend” gary betrayed him in the end, that never stopped him from achieving his goal. He defeated gary, and saved the day.

He was a conqueror to some degree. I bet even Thanos would have been proud of him. He was able to achieve balance and harmony amongst the people. All the while making out with all the girls. What a hero. You can actually play the mobile version of this game right here.

 

3.) Ryo Hazuki from the Shenmue Series

Shenmue and Shenmue II were games that were very much ahead of its time. Gamers absolutely loved the exploration aspect as well as the fight sequences, the QTE's, getting to know the NPC's, and the ability to collect awesome capsule toys. But most importantly of all, the story.

See, Ryo was just your normal, average, every day Japanese boy. Until witnessing his father's death led him to a path that changed his life forever. You see, the thing about Ryo is that he's just human. Like you and me. However, his determination and motivation to avenge his father really makes him stand out.

If I'm going to be honest, I only played the first two games on my Sega Dream cast. Although I wanted to play the third game, after hearing it had such bad reviews I decided to skip on that one. But who knows? Maybe I'll change my mind one day just to see what happens.

 

4.) Razputin Aquato from Psychonauts

Psychonauts was another game that was way ahead of its time. The story was so pure and original that I felt like I was playing multiple games inside the game. The levels were absolutely awesome with each area in the game having its own unique design.

And then there's Raz. Such a spirit on that character. His determination to be a Psychonaut before the camp ends was truly remarkable. He did everything in his power to always be number one. Even when his friends were in danger and his life was at stake, he still managed to keep a cool head and save everyone. Thank god he was so gifted that he was able to attain the level of psychonaut so fast and put a stop to the evil schemes going on in the camp. His bravery alone is more than enough to put him on this list of underrated video game protagonists.

Trippy visuals, an awesome original story, and an amazing protagonist. What else could you ask for? I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel.

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5.) Ōkami Amaterasu from Ōkami 

This game will forever be one of Capcom's absolute best. From the art style, to perfectly encapsulating the feel of ancient Japan. This was truly a marvel of a game.

When I first started playing the game on my PlayStation 2, I honestly didn't know what I was getting in to. Then the game began and at first I thought “Okay the main character is a wolf that doesn't talk. This is gonna be boring”. I have never been more wrong in my life.

Amaterasu was just a total badass. She clearly cared for the citizens and creatures of Nippon. She made it a point that anyone who dared to disrupt the peace had to go through her. No matter how big the opponent was, she never backed down. She was swift and ruthless, yet kind and compassionate. That's why she's an underrated v

Here's hoping that a sequel can finally be made.

 

So that's my list of the top 5 most underrated Video Game Protagonists of all time. Great characters from awesome games. If you're curious as to why I chose these characters, well just play the games yourself and you'll understand. That or you could watch walkthroughs.