A video game character can feature multiple traits to help them remain memorable. Most gamers will likely focus on a character's personality or choice in attire, but sometimes, the most remarkable aspect of a character is their eyes.
Eyes can take many forms depending on the game they appear in. Some possess otherworldly properties, while others may simply stand out slightly more. No matter their intended purpose, it is hard to deny how memorable the eyes of a certain character can be depending on what they symbolize.
Updated on February 15 by Leanne Sowole: It comes as no surprise when characters are adorned with unique features setting them aside from other video games. However, some are attached to the mind and hearts of avid gamers for a multitude of reasons.
Whether it be the comforting faces of their favorite childhood game or the gaze of a character that struck players with fear; there is no doubt about the imprints they have made within video game history. Sometimes a set of eyes can be very telling of the character’s personality. Other times, they aren’t quite as they seem. These are the most iconic eyes in video games.
16 Sans
Among the Undertale characters, Sans is a fan favorite. His first appearance within the game is anything but endearing, with his all-black silhouette initially implying he is of danger to the protagonist. Nevertheless, despite the sinister seeming eyes of this character, he is considered a friendly character. Sans provided the protagonist with subtle advice on their journey through the world they had stumbled upon, gaining the trust of many.
Sans’ eyes throughout Undertale disappear during the moments of seriousness, creating an eerie atmosphere for both the protagonist and the players. When taking the neutral or pacifist route on Undertale, there is usually nothing to worry about regarding Sans. However, by taking the genocide route, Sans’ eyes are increasingly more frightening as if he were right on the protagonist’s tail in regard to their activities. His eyes are a great addition to how a character can be comical yet mysterious, he is still one of the most unpredictable characters in Undertale. Gamers can all agree that despite Sans’ lazy nature, his eyes are definitely iconic as they are unsettling and juxtapose the comical nature of his character.
15 Kratos
Though the latest releases of God of War show Kratos to have a much softer look in his eyes, despite them still emitting an aura of strength. This softness could have alluded to the sense of protection he must have towards his son, Atreus, understanding that his previous nature will not raise him in the way he feels is necessary. However, gamers will remember the iconic eyes Kratos adorned before Atreus was added to the roster of characters on God of War.
Kratos’ eyes within the God of War games predating 2018, bore a great sense of darkness and were full of hatred. Formerly the General of the Spartan Army, there were no doubts about his ability to search and destroy. However, players know the loathing scowl we notice in Kratos’ eyes mainly stems from some of his biggest regrets. Kratos was traumatized by the trickery of Ares, which led to him accidentally killing his wife and child. Among other reasons, this set Kratos on a path of revenge, which would subsequently lead to future chains of tragedies. Gamers who have taken the time to follow Kratos on his journey will have found that his eyes were only a mirror of the anguish he truly felt, unable to undo the past that had already unfolded. It was then that players could see the true pain mixed with bloodthirst planted deep in Kratos’ soul. Kratos’ deeds are a long list of gruesome tales, but what was truly unforgettable among gamers was the look in his eyes as he committed them.
14 Sack People
For a time this was the gaming communities’ comfort game upon its release on the PlayStation 3. These may be the most recognizable set of eyes among players, adored among many for how cute the character design for them is. They are iconic for their undeniable innocence despite journeying through dangerous obstacles. Wholesome is the only term that could describe the eyes of the Little Big Planet Sack people, and they are hard to forget. Looking at them will cause an influx of childhood memories for many.
With such engaging eyes, many gamers had a sense of unconditional love for the Sack characters who have chosen to play. Players could personalize the Sack characters to their heart’s content, so many gained an attachment to their Sacks only aiding the nostalgia they may feel in those eyes today. Little Big Planet successfully created charming little characters, with eyes that could still bewitch gamers today.
13 Freddy Fazbear
When Five Nights at Freddy’s first released, it took the entire gaming community by storm. The use of animatronics in its most twisted form rang fear among gamers who played it. Although on the surface, Five Nights at Freddy’s is a jumpscare focused horror game, many were more engaged by the lore of this game. This wouldn’t have been the case, without the iconic eyes of Freddy Fazbear. Their first appearance as the mascot and antagonist of the video game series was chilling. Despite having a happy-go-lucky gaze, many players felt there was something much more sinister deep down. Gamers realize Freddy's attitude completely juxtaposes his intentions toward the protagonist, having to work against the animatronic's hunt for the head of the protagonist.
There would be the common assumption that due to Freddy's eyes, he was just a regular mascot for a food chain. However, gamers who have played this game will know that's far from the truth, as Freddy’s eyes tell many lies. It isn’t until you unravel the true story of this character that you understand why this is the case. It is worth mentioning that Freddy Fazbear bears differing appearances across the video game series, some more grotesque than others. Nonetheless, the classic set of eyes keeps many players on their toes when coming across any animatronic no matter how innocent, and jolly they may seem. Freddy Fazbear’s eyes have been burned into the gaming community’s memories.
12 Sonic
Possibly one of the most well-known characters in video game history, there’s no mistake when detecting Sonic’s eyes. Whether it was Sonic Rush or Sonic Generations - many players fell in love with Sonic for his confidence and adventurous nature. This is something that is apparent in his eyes because they emit an aura of determination and sheer willpower. His eyes look like a being who is fun and capable, gaining a young audience who aspire to inherit such nature as he has.
Gamers know Sonic for his incredibly fast abilities, always quick to protect. He is one of the characters in video games where his eyes are definitely a window to his soul. They’re iconic not just because they’re attached to a popular character, but because his will to use his power for good shines in his eyes. They simply seem reliable, and it’s no wonder that other characters within the Sonic franchise find solace in them.
11 Monokuma
One-half of Monokuma’s face looks like a regular cutesy bear contrasting the darker side of his face which looks menacing. Although being the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy for students, his nature is everything but nurturing. Rather, gamers find in time just how sadistic Monokuma truly is. Monkuma’s eyes are considered iconic, not because of how unique they are, but because of what they cruelly represent.
His eyes represent the two-faced personality he truly has within his occupation and his actions. Students arrive at Hope's Peak Academy, thinking they are there for their high merits. During the early stages of Danganronpa, Monokuma mocks them for their fear and naivety as he reveals the dark reasons why they were selected for the school. Thus, catalyzing the gruesome events that would be the death of many students. While this occurs, Monkuma’s eyes remain the same and if anything, entertained. It is Monokuma’s eyes that showcase the warped system of the school he supposedly runs. Though his comments are often comical and sarcastic, it is clear in this Danganronpa character’s eyes that he enjoys and feeds off the paranoia of the students at the academy.
10 Shifty Eyes - L.A. Noire
L.A. Noire follows the story of Cole Phelps, a homicide detective who is tasked with investigating a series of recent murders. He encounters multiple suspects while employed as a detective, with some being far more difficult to crack than others. His questioning often leads to a suspect becoming panicked, which in turn, leads to some truly comical facial expressions.
When questioned about their involvement in or knowledge of a crime, a suspect will usually react strangely. They will smirk and fidget, but their most iconic response will see them shifting their eyes. Though these eye movements are intended to symbolize panic, the exaggerated manner in which they flash back and forth is simply hilarious.
9 Hershal Layton's Button Eyes - Professor Layton
Most of the characters present in Professor Layton consist of unique and intricate designs, but Hershal Layton, the main protagonist, is an unusual exception. He features an incredibly simple design made even more notable by the more detailed characters he surrounds himself with.
Layton's eyes are perhaps the most emotionless eyes present throughout the series. This suits his personality as he rarely emotes, but instances, where he does, can often feel strange due to these somewhat lifeless optics. Though they should render his ability to clearly express his feelings difficult, there is a strange charm about them that never allows this.
8 Tom Nook's Tired Eyes - Animal Crossing
There is no denying Tom Nook has worked hard to reach his spot on the financial ladder, but perhaps he would seem less exhausted if he took it easy for a bit. Each encounter with this famed tanuki sees him staring sleepily at the player and muttering money-hungry words before returning to his workplace.
Alongside running multiple businesses, Nook is also a proud surrogate father to Timmy and Tommy, two adorable tanukis that Nook apparently took in off the street. It is no wonder he suffers from ocular fatigue with so much going on in his life.
7 The Eyes Of Androids - NieR: Automata
Though the eyes of the androids in NieR: Automata are rarely seen, the black cloth that shields them makes them an android's most memorable physical trait. The fact that 2B and 9S can go about their business while restricting their vision is baffling, especially considering the obstacles that block their path.
There are numerous moments throughout the game's story where these blindfolds are removed to reveal what lies underneath, with each of these instances having some significance. Exposing an android's eyes will usually signify their distrust or abandonment of YoRHa, making the presence of their eyes that much more impactful.
6 The Invincible - Final Fantasy 9
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Final Fantasy 9 follows the story of a young thief named Zidane whose questionable lust for wealth lands him in the middle of a sinister plot. His story begins with him attempting to kidnap Princess Garnet, only to learn that she wants to be kidnapped to escape her mother's clutches.
While fleeing from Garnet's mother, the pair discover an otherworldly power capable of enslaving eidolons. Garland, an immensely powerful man, pilots the Invincible, a striking airship that houses a giant crimson eye at its base. This eye can destroy and capture everything its gaze falls upon, making it one of the most powerful entities in all of Final Fantasy.
5 The Master Of Master's Gazing Eye - Kingdom Hearts: Back Cover
The Gazing Eye keyblade was once believed to bend to the whim of Xehanort alone, but the conclusion of the Dark Seeker Saga has revealed the blade to have an unusually detailed past. It once belonged to the Master of Masters, a deceptively powerful keyblade wielder who decided to place his own eye in the blade's teeth.
The presence of this eye grants the already intimidating blade another level of evil due to its frightening design. With it embedded in the blade, the Master can see into the future, so long as the blade is there to witness the events that unfold.
4 Kenny's Bandaged Eye - The Walking Dead
After Clementine and her friends are captured by Carver, she takes it upon herself to devise an escape plan. To set the plan in motion, she decides to steal a radio, but Carver discovers this plot and refuses to let his new tenant's treasonous ways go unpunished.
Clementine prepares herself for her punishment, but Kenny refuses to allow Carver to hurt her and stands forward to take the blame in her stead. Carver feigns respect for Kenny for a brief moment before brutally beating him to the point where he can no longer see through his left eye. He shields his eye with a bandage for the remainder of his story, a look he pulls off surprisingly well.
3 Herobrine's White Eyes - Minecraft
Though Herobrine has never actually appeared in Minecraft, he has become one of the most iconic characters to emerge from the franchise. Many rumors describing the ominous nature of this elusive being were spread around the community, leading Herobrine to become one of the most feared entities in gaming history.
It was believed that Herobrine would appear randomly across the map and stalk players on their adventures. He would lurk in the shadows and gaze at his prey with empty white eyes before attacking and quickly murdering them. His design is based off of Steve, but his hollow eyes make him a far less charming version of the iconic skin.
2 Cloud's Mako Infused Eyes - Final Fantasy 7
Cloud's eyes are constantly referenced by those he encounters on his journey across Gaia. As a SOLDIER, he has undergone a series of experiments to enhance his genetic makeup, but these experiments had a fascinating side effect on his physical appearance.
Cloud eventually learns that he was never a part of the SOLDIER program. His eyes began to glow after being injected with cells from Jenova, an alien that crash-landed on Gaia and was shortly imprisoned by the Shinra Corporation. These glowing Mako Eyes are a sign that someone has undergone experimentation at the hands of Hojo, Shinra's leading scientist.
1 Xehanort's Yellow Eyes - Kingdom Hearts
For a long time, Xehanort's eyes were believed to emit a yellow hue because that's what they were like when he was born. Kingdom Hearts 3, however, finally revealed that his eyes became yellow after he distanced himself from the light and embraced the darkness.
Xehanort has created countless versions of himself throughout his lifetime, with several sharing the same sinister-looking eyes. It can be assumed that all yellow-eyed characters in the Kingdom Hearts series have been influenced by the Dark Seeker in some way, making the power he harbors feel even more intimidating.