Creating a video game cast from scratch is no easy task, yet developers feel a sense of security in adding a plethora of nationalities to their beloved rosters. As seen within the majority of decorated titles, a story-enriched line-up depicts the personality each character retains, in some cases providing reasoning to their abilities, skill-sets, and dialogue.
Seen throughout countless video games, Hispanic characters always make a notable appearance, thoroughly imprinting themselves into the player's memory. Despite not being the more common choice with regards to a character's background, development teams relish in portraying the Hispanic nature fans know and cherish, resulting in these exclusive characters becoming some of gaming's most iconic personas.
8 King - Tekken
Amidst the rise of fighting titles, Tekken's 1994 release battled its way through the gaming industry, crumbling current opponents such as Capcom's Street Fighter. Brandishing a vast range of playable brawlers, Namco's Tekken granted fans an in-depth insight into the personalities behind the champions, often showcased through their outfits, dialogue, and even unique combos.
Originating from Mexican heritage, this masked luchador has not only become an iconic symbol throughout the Tekken franchise, but gaming's fighting genre too. Renowndley dubbed as King, his Hispanic nature is reflected through his fighting techniques, boasting classic wrestling combos alongside donning his iconic jaguar mask. Whether an avid enjoyer of the notorious genre or not, Namco's infamous creation has inevitably solidified King as a Hispanic icon within the gaming industry.
7 Reyna - Valorant
With its initial release in 2020, Riot Games' Valorant placed itself among the top dominating FPS (first person shooter) titles in modern gaming, targeting players with a competitive nature to battle their way through intense, yet immersive, 5v5 matches. Wielding a heavily diverse roster, Valorant displays the lengths developers should go to in order to create affluent character designs and personalities, ones in which not only intrigue fans, but also entice them to play more.
Similar to that of Tekken's King, Riot Games' agent Reyna was birthed into a Mexican bloodline, painfully engorged within disasters throughout her upbringing. Her destructive and brutal persona is reflected within her abilities, being that of 'Soul Harvest', defining her ruthless outlook on life within Valorant's environment. With strong ties to Mexican heritage linked through voice lines and customizable cosmetics, Reyna's popularity within the gaming community soared with this prosperous title, cementing her place as an icon among Hispanic characters.
6 Miles Morales - Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Synonymous with the superhero genre, Insomniac Games' 2020 release of Spider-Man: Miles Morales exceeded the expectations of millions, swooping up awards along its breakthrough course of success. Allowing players to delve into the life of Spider-Man wasn't all this highly-praised title offered, as the appearance of critically-acclaimed villains was common alongside the ability to fully customize and upgrade suits, weaponry, and even fighting combos.
Full name Miles Gonzalo Morales, this Spider-Man variation depicted an admirable sense of leadership and responsibility for the people of New York City, consistently placing himself in great peril in order to save others. Not only is his Hispanic background portrayed through his name, but also through his treasured family both gaming and comic fanatics have come to adore. Although not directly associated with the Spider-Man franchise, Spider-Man: Miles Morales' dignified alteration of this superhero shelves Miles Morales among some of the most representative and iconic Hispanic characters seen within the gaming industry.
5 Dominic Santiago - Gears Of War
Gears Of War's debut release in 2006 took players to a gritty battleground, doomed to fend off the 'Locust Horde' creatures from abolishing humanity. Although its most recent titles are no longer idolized, the franchise in its entirety is solemnly glued to a nostalgic aroma most gamers experience when re-visiting.
Despite no relation to earth-based nationalities, Corporal Dominic Santiago still held a prominent Hispanic name and accent, leading many players to relate his background to that of a Spanish one. However, throughout the Gears Of War franchise, we are permitted an insight into his character development and family history, of which suggests a Latin bloodline. His personal vendetta towards the elimination of the Locust Horde further re-iterates his crude and harsh nature, securing his position as an icon within the Hispanic gaming scene.
4 Miguel Caballero Rojo - Tekken
As previously mentioned, Tekken's lucrative launch not only brought a new name to the fighting genre, but also dominated the scene with their proficiently inimitable character personas.
Namco's violent title doesn't stray away from their ruthless character designs, as Miguel Caballero Rojo's emergence within the franchise sparked, what some fans would classify, an uncontrollably savage outlook on the video game's nature. Curated with a formidable Spanish upbringing, Miguel Caballero Rojo's relations to Hispanic culture are evident through his outfits, voice lines, and signature fighting combos, definitively distinguishing him as an immensely memorable Hispanic icon.
3 Rico Rodriguez - Just Cause
Exploding onto the scene in 2006, Just Cause took the meaning of chaos to another level, granting RPG (role playing game) lovers wide scale availability to defy the laws of physics, and run rampant through a lawlessly governed environment. Loosely based on a true story, this title poses incessant joy, alongside hours of gameplay and customizable mission opportunities.
Born in Mexico, Avalanche Studios' Rico Rodriguez is depicted as the main protagonist throughout the franchise, enlisted within 'The Agency'. Boasting a vast array of weaponry, gadgets, and transportation vehicles, this title's level of freedom is endless. Similarly, Rico Rodriguez's tasks are endless, continuously placing him within the heart of dangerous shoot-outs, crashes, and in most cases, explosions. Bombing his way into the Hispanic hall of fame was Avalanche Studios' every intention, as his heritage is depicted heavily throughout the beloved Just Cause franchise.
2 Raul Menendez - Call Of Duty
Call Of Duty's frivolous 'Black Ops' franchise boasted its prosperous second iteration in 2012 entitled 'Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2'. This historic title had devoted fans queuing up for a copy, unbeknownst to them the sheer popularity this game would hold. Brandishing an intensely mesmerizing campaign story, abundantly exciting multiplayer and zombies mode, alongside its very own eSports league, the Call Of Duty franchise has cemented itself as an all-time favorite among many players.
Throughout the eminent campaign mode, fans of the decorated franchise will be tried and tested in removing the ill-famed, villainous Raul Menendez from power. Within this tyrant, Nicaraguan blood courses through his veins, prompting his Hispanic nature in appearance, dialogue, and accent. Some individuals argue he is among the top villainous characters in all of Call Of Duty's history, resulting in Raul Menendez taking an iconic spot within the Hispanic game characters circle.
1 Sombra - Overwatch
Unleashed in 2016, Blizzard's Overwatch stepped into the untapped potential that is combining elements from both FPS and MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) titles. The result can arguably be highly regarded by fans as a legendarily historic franchise, boasting in-depth character lore and personality, hero abilities, and unique battling opportunities.
Although implemented at a later date, Blizzard's introduction to the 23rd hero Sombra shocked the community, revealing her hacking abilities and cheeky persona. Her Mexican heritage is heavily portrayed throughout Overwatch, from her Hispanic-themed skins all the way to her quirky voice lines, solidifying this character as a forefront persona when somebody mentions Hispanic video game characters.