Although watching horror movies and keeping tabs on dead projects is something many horror fanatics enjoy, there are other horror-related offerings that also appeal. Gaming is one of them, with a selection of iconic horror games coming to the fore over the years. Likewise, numerous games have been filled with terrifying characters that have clearly been inspired from horror movies.

Even today, gamers everywhere have an abundance of scary characters to take down. Alongside the spine-chilling array of horrifying faces in leading free-to-play games, such as the n in Nords: Heroes Of The North and Pyramid Head From Silent Hill 2, there are many protagonists who do an excellent job of taking down the nasties we see in specific horror-themed titles. These characters are often overlooked, but they transport players to scary situations and are essentially the heroes who often survive against all the odds.

Without horror game protagonists, gamers simply wouldn’t be able to succeed in gaming. Instead, titles would be filled with never-ending bloodbaths and darker worlds. So, in order to salute these brave heroes, below is a brief look at five of the best horror game protagonists from over the years.

Alan Wake (Alan Wake)

Kicking things off with a protagonist many horror gamers struggle to ignore, Alan Wake is the main face of the game with the same name. In the title, Wake is a crime novelist attempting to find clues as to why his wife has gone missing. This entertaining survival product is gripping, with Alan Wake himself taking gamers on an investigative journey. In the second installment of the game, his character develops even further, with a more disturbing side emerging.

For many gamers who win this area, Silent Hill 2 is one of the best games ever, and James Sunderland plays more than his part in shaping that view. While the franchise has featured other protagonists, is arguably the best of the lot. His story is powerful, with his wife’s death and the spooky surroundings creating a powerful product that gamers are drawn to.



Leon S Kennedy (Resident Evil 2)

Resident Evil games have always done a remarkable job of providing an extensive selection of hair-raising moments, and Resident Evil 2 is no different. Playing along as Leon S Kennedy, gamers are immediately transported to a zombie outbreak that could spell the end of the world. Also prominently featured in Resident Evil 4, it’s up to Kennedy, a rookie police officer, to fight back and join forces with Claire Redfield and an anti-Umbrella team, before embarking on a variety of adventures. For Resident Evil players, Leon S Kennedy is a figure they admire given the adversity he has faced.

Point Man (F.E.A.R.)

If you’ve played F.E.A.R. before, then you’ll probably remember Point Man. The 2005 release is one of the most underrated horror products ever, with gaming communities warming to Point Man in particular. Containing Japanese horror elements to create a spine-chilling escapade, he leads a fictional team of soldiers as they aim to investigate paranormal activity.

Aya Brea (Parasite Eve)

While many of the protagonists in horror games tend to be male, female characters like Aya Brea bucked the trend somewhat. The main face of Parasite Eve, a release from 1998, this horror RPG is a superb title. In the game, Brea is a respected detective who solves the most mysterious of crimes. For many female gamers, Aya Brea is an iconic character.

Special mention must also go to Heather Mason (Silent Hill 3), Isaac Clarke (Dead Space), and Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 3).