Every successful video game needs a strong protagonist who makes impactful changes. Sometimes, they fight for good, but often, protagonists in video games are misrepresented based on their actions. Taking a more in-depth look at these characters, we notice some unsettling things that question their morality.
They are some of the most recognizable figures in video games, yet they might not be so worthy of praise. On the contrary, they are deserving of condemnation for the atrocities they commit. By the end of this listicle, it will be clear why these protagonists are actually the villain.
10 Mario
As one of video games' most famous protagonists, it may come as a surprise to hear that Mario is ill-intentioned. Mario wreaks havoc on the Mushroom Kingdom merely so he can save some chick.
He slays enemies based on turtles, mushrooms, and flowers all for self-gain. Mario decides to fight fire with fire, which makes him no better than the individuals he tries to stop. Does a character who throws fireballs and collects money while pouncing on enemies sound like a good guy?
9 Kratos
He is the protagonist of God of War, but many people should realize by now that he is not a conventional video game hero. He is neither the God of Tranquility nor the God of Reason, but rather the God of War. Someone who promotes violence and vows to get revenge on his father is actually the villain.
In the latest God of War, Kratos embarks on an adventure to throw his late wife's ashes off a cliff. Instead of focusing on the task, he teaches his son how to grow up by taking him hunting. Unsurprisingly, they senselessly kill an innocent deer. Kratos is pure evil, and there's no way to convince otherwise.
8 Lara Croft
We all want to view Lara Croft as a heroic archeologist who saves the day at every turn, but she might not be so heroic after all. The number of people she murders in the Tomb Raider game series is in the hundreds and maybe thousands.
She greedily searches for treasure, so that she may keep it. Lara Croft is a highly-trained warrior who needs to be stopped. There is little separating Lara Croft from the bad guys.
7 Lee Everett
He's the protagonist of The Walking Dead Telltale video game series, but he is actually a sinful character who seems to have a knack for killing zombies. At the beginning of The Walking Dead season one, Lee Everett is seen riding in the back of a police car.
Lee murdered a state senator who had committed adultery with his wife. He develops an uncanny relationship with a small girl who is definitely not his daughter. Lee Everett is a villain in plain sight.
6 Niko Belic
One of Niko Belic's most famous quotes is "Life is complicated. I killed people, smuggled people, sold people. Perhaps here, things will be different." Moments after arriving in the United States, Niko Belic is back to breaking the law.
The quote was good for marketing, but it also highlights how Niko Belic is far from normal. Niko and his cousin Roman are obsessed with money. As the protagonist in Grand Theft Auto IV, a game about stealing cars, Niko Belic is actually the villain.
5 Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow the Hedgehog is a recurring character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Appearing in a standalone title named Shadow the Hedgehog, Shadow the Hedgehog is a protagonist who can also be depicted as the villain.
Does someone who wields a gun sound like a compassionate protagonist of the Sonic series? Shadow the Hedgehog visits locations like Prison Island and shoots enemies. Naturally, the game was criticized for its usage of guns, which is unlike other Sonic games.
4 Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo's most recognizable characters, lest we forget that he once was the villain in Nintendo. Before there was Bowser, Mario attempted to save Princess Peach from the giant ape Donkey Kong.
Over the years, Donkey Kong has switched roles from the antagonist to a protagonist. However, he still is a wild ape who attacks almost anything and throws grenades that look like oranges. Donkey Kong has turned into a good guy recently, but we can't forget his sketchy past.
3 Batman
For those familiar with his comic books, some know that Batman is not the conventional hero. In the comic books, he kills numerous people, and things haven't changed in Batman video games. In the Arkham series, he preys on the weak-minded and mentally ill.
Batman takes the law into his own hands as a vigilante despite few people asking for his help. Commissioner Gordan and Batman are both outliers in the justice system. Batman needs to go home and let law enforcement worry about Arkham Asylum's mentally insane.
2 Nathan Drake
Like Lara Croft, Nathan Drake is like an anti-hero who we see as the good guy. Nathan Drake is a thief and a murderer, and he exacts vengeance on those who betray him. He may have a likable personality and amiable quirks, but he is little more than a common thief.
He slays countless people throughout the Uncharted series to find treasure. This reminds us of Abis Mal from Aladdin; only Abis Mal is portrayed as a villain. It goes to show that the protagonists of game franchises aren't always righteous.
1 Â Arthur Morgan
Arthur Morgan is yet another Rockstar Games protagonist who is a protagonist and a villain. He is one of the most well-respected members of the Van der Linde gang. The atrocities Arthur Morgan commits throughout Red Dead Redemption 2 are reprehensible.
Robbing trains, banks, persons; he will do whatever it takes to become as rich as possible. In the span of one video game, we saw him release someone from prison, trespass, rob peoples' homes, shoot innocent people, and run from the law. We can't help but admire Arthur Morgan's wild ways, but regardless, he is one of video games' most evil villains.