Hey, hey, Geekly Gang! Kyra Kyle here with another Top 5 villains list. Today’s list is none other than video games. Like many narratives, villains drive a video game’s story, so let’s look at some of the greatest video game villains of all time.
5) Andrew Ryan (BioShock)
Nope. I’m not going to spoil BioShock’s Andrew Ryan plot twist. I don’t care that the original BioShock was released in 2007. BioShock is almost twenty years old. Oh, my! Still, I’ll refrain from spoiling BioShock’s ending for the handful of people who don’t know. Seriously, people mention the original BioShock’s plot twist with Andrew Ryan as readily as the plot twist in Soylent Green. Andrew Ryan is people! JK Throughout BioShock’s runtime, Andrew Ryan’s vision for society challenges the player. His charisma and philosophical ideals are why gamers return to BioShock. And his worldview can lead to thought-provoking discussions. What more could you want from a video game villain?
4) GLaDOS (Portal)
BioShock may raise questions about video game narratives (Why do you blindly follow a video game narrator’s directions?), but Portal adds wry humor. GLaDOS is at the center. This sassy AI’s dry wit and passive-aggressive comments promote unique challenges for players as they navigate deadly puzzles. Portal may be a puzzle game, and GLaDOS an AI, but both are unforgettable. GLaDOS may also be the inspiration behind The Stanley Parable’s antagonistic narrator six years later. And I’ve never heard of a game developer bringing in a voice actor at the beginning of a project. Typically, voice actors are invited well into a video game’s development. With Portal 2, Ellen McLain (GLaDOS’s voice actor) was involved from the beginning. Developer Valve only wanted to hear McLain’s voice. No need for a stand-in.
3) Ganon (Legend of Zelda Series)
Demon King Ganon is the embodiment of evil in the Legend of Zelda series. As Link’s main antagonist, Ganon first appeared in The Legend of Zelda (1986), but he can be a touch confusing. Ganondorf made his first appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), and Ganondorf is more or less Ganon as a humanoid, specifically a gerudo. No matter if he’s Ganon or Ganondorf, he is a force to be reckoned with, and his relentless pursuit of power keeps Hyrule in constant peril.
2) Kefka (Final Fantasy VI)
I could go with Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) for this spot, but let’s face it, Kefka is Sephiroth’s blueprint. Over the course of Final Fantasy VI, players watch the characters descend into madness. And while Sephiroth attempted to destroy the planet with Meteor, Kefka succeeded. Or at least half-succeeded. Sephiroth will always hold a special place, but Kefka’s maniacal laughter lives rent-free in my head. Sometimes, you need to send in the clown.
1) Bowser (Super Mario Bros. Franchise)
We had to go with the King of Koopas, Bowser, claiming the top spot. In short, Bowser’s a classic video game villain. He’s been tormenting Mario for decades. With his massive size and fire-breathing, Bowser remains Mario’s biggest threat. No disrespect, Wario and Waluigi. Whether he’s kidnapping Princess Peach, or ah, kidnapping Princess Peach, or even kidnapping Princess Peach, Bowser is a fan favorite. Maybe, change it up once, Bowser. Sheesh! I’m still waiting for a Bowser solo game. Make it happen, Nintendo.
Did we get the list right? Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments. Thank you for reading, and wherever you are, I hope you’re having a great day.
jkgeekly.com 