SPOILERS AHEAD
From noble heroes to scheming villains, faithful dogs and grumpy boars to perhaps the most adorable shark in all gaming, 2024 was filled with compelling and memorable characters. In Final Fantasy 7, Aerith met her tragic and inevitable fate with her head held high, while Hades 2's Melinoe and Another Crab's Treasure's Kril took their first steps on epic journeys as Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth's Kiryu came to the end of his.
Each character on this list resonated with players in different ways - through humor, pathos, heart, a relatable nature, and so forth. Featuring humans, droids, Qunari, sharks, and more, and presented in alphabetical order by video game title, here are the best video game characters of 2024.
The 15 Best Indie Games Of 2024
Indie games tend to be more innovative than AAA titles, ensuring that the best of each and every year dance to the beat of their own drums.
Iris Kwan / ALLMOTHER (1000xresist)
Indie science fiction title 1000xresist introduces players to Iris Kwan, a complex, multi-layered character whose memories reveal a fascinating story. Once a simple ordinary teenager who felt othered due to her race and simply wanted to fit in with her classmates, Iris ultimately becomes ALLMOTHER, a godlike figure who rules over a society composed almost entirely of her own clones. Despite her now-godlike nature, Iris is a fundamentally human, relatable character, and the game is unafraid to explore her story from all angles, showing her strengths and her flaws in equal measure. Iris is the beating heart of 1000xresist's deeply emotional and compelling narrative.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- May 9, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood, Violence, Use of Drugs, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Sunset Visitor
- Publisher(s)
- Fellow Traveller
WHERE TO PLAY
- Number of Players
- Single-player
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Sci-Fi, Thriller, Visual Novel, Adventure
- How Long To Beat
- 11 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Kril (Another Crab's Treasure)
Read The Best War Games's Another Crab's Treasure Review
Kril starts Another Crab's Treasure as a cowardly little fellow who just wants to get his shell back and gradually grows into a hero capable of saving the entire ocean. Throughout his journey, this adorable crab never loses his charm and grit, even when facing down foes ten times his size. He's a delight no matter what shell he's wearing - and even when wielding a gun capable of taking down enemies in a single shot. Truly embodying the phrase "small but mighty," Kril is a relatable crab who doesn't want to be a hero but is willing to stand up and become one when it's what the world needs. Kril's body may be tiny, but his heart, his humor, and his personality are nothing less than gigantic.
Another Crab's Treasure
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 81%
- Released
- April 25, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Crude Humor, Language, Use of Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Aggro Crab
- Publisher(s)
- Aggro Crab
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 14 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Zhu Bajie (Black Myth: Wukong)
Read The Best War Games's Black Myth: Wukong Review
One of Black Myth: Wukong's greatest strengths is how it explores the effects the legendary Journey to the West had on the characters who participated in it. Nowhere is this better shown than with Zhu Bajie, a boar and one of Sun Wukong's original companions. Bajie retains his gruff, grumpy personality and the tendency to flirt that initially got him exiled from his former high-ranking position, but has become much more of a thoughtful strategist with a hidden kindness beneath his rough exterior. Bajie's appearance as a boss while under the influence of a cursed needle is also memorable for its tricky nature and chilling, sinister atmosphere - a perfect fit for this powerful and experienced commander.
Black Myth: Wukong
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 80%
- Released
- August 20, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Science
- Publisher(s)
- Game Science
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 39 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Taash (Dragon Age: The Veilguard)
Read The Best War Games's Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review
Shokra toh ebra - through struggle, you find what you are. This simple phrase is at the heart of Taash's story in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, as the Qunari dragon hunter struggles with their identity and place in the world. Torn between pleasing their mother and embracing their newfound realization that they are nonbinary, following the Qun or embracing the Rivaini culture in which they were raised, Taash's journey is filled with conflict - but also with triumph, as they come to understand who they truly are. And that's not even getting into their flirty, spicy, romance with Rook or the epic dragon battles during their personal quests. There are also implications for Qunari lore that Taash introduces to players, giving them just a little tease about the decay in Qunari blood, and if nothing else, it seems players probably haven't seen the last of Taash (unless they died, of course). Veilguard is filled with fantastic characters, but Taash is definitely a standout.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 80 /100 Critics Rec: 71%
- Released
- October 31, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- Dragon Age
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- October 31, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Igon (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Check Out Shadow of the Erdtree on OpenCritic
Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC are filled with larger-than-life personalities, from gods and monsters to living jars and prawn-loving merchants. But Igon stands out even among these. From the moment players first encounter him screaming at the top of his lungs about Bayle the Dread, he is one of the most memorable characters Elden Ring has ever produced. The embodiment of passion, Igon's determination extends even beyond death. A fantasy equivalent to Moby Dick's Captain Ahab, Igon is a true warrior whose desire for revenge is one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most compelling stories.
- Released
- June 21, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
These Are the 25 Highest-Rated Video Games of 2024
With the year coming to a close, here are the 25 highest-rated video games released in 2024.
Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth)
Read The Best War Games's Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Review
The entire cast of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth shines, as they gradually go from allies thrown together by fate to a true family dedicated to taking down Sephiroth and Shinra. Aerith Gainsborough is the heart of the team, remaining grounded and positive even in the darkest of times. She's the glue that makes these disparate personalities work together, and it's no surprise that Sephiroth targets her to disrupt the team (and because of the threat she poses to his plan). Her sacrifice is a tragic and poignant one, made more so by the fact that players have spent so long getting to know this sweet, spunky, brave, and infinitely kind woman before having to see her torn away from them.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- February 29, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 40 Hours
Wuk Lamat (Final Fantasy 14)
Check Out Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail on OpenCritic
A candidate to lead the country of Tural, Wuk Lamat is a warrior princess who seeks the aid of the Warrior of Light in Final Fantasy 14's 2024 expansion Dawntrail. Outwardly brash and boisterous, Wuk Lamat secretly feels insecure about her role in the royal family, the conflict with her siblings, and what the future holds for the country of Tural. Her journey throughout Dawntrail is a well-written and powerful one, showing her mature into the kind of person who can lead a country with pride and confidence without losing any of the kindness and charm that she has possessed from the beginning.
- Released
- August 27, 2013
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Originally the Crystal Tools engine, but currently it's a custom engine using parts of the Luminous Engine.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- PC Release Date
- August 27, 2013
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 21, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- May 25, 2021
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- How Long To Beat
- 99½ Hours
Melinoe (Hades 2)
Hades 2 is in Early Access But Already Has Great Scores on OpenCritic
Melinoe had some pretty big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of Hades' Zagreus - something she did with ease. This passionate, animal-loving magic user will do anything in her power to defeat Chronos and save her family, no matter what gods or monsters may stand in her way. Melinoe, in no way, feels like a copy of her older brother, establishing herself immediately as a unique protagonist defined by her great power, interesting relationships with characters like Nemesis and Moros, and unwavering commitment to revenge that can bring her into conflict even with her allies. With Hades 2 still in early access, fans can look forward to even more of Melinoe's adventures in future updates.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 95 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- September 25, 2025
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- Hades
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle)
Read The Best War Games's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Review
Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones Jr. Was first introduced to the world in film, but he has had several video game outings in the past. The latest of these, 2024's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, features a faithful recreation of the iconic adventure based on archival footage of Harrison Ford in the early Indy movies. Great Circle's Indiana Jones is an accurate one - he's got his passion for the past, his strong sense of justice, his general obliviousness to being flirted with, and, of course, his fondness for his trademark whip. This rollicking adventure starring Indiana Jones in his prime is a great way to both introduce new fans to the character and let longtime Indy enjoyers step into the shoes of this classic character.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- December 9, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- MachineGames
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- Indiana Jones
- Number of Players
- 1
- PC Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 9, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- April 17, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom)
Check Out Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on OpenCritic
After decades of primarily staying in the background, Princess Zelda finally gets her chance to shine as the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. It's refreshing to get to see Zelda finally flex her long-held Triforce of Wisdom-based powers, and her combat - based around creating "echoes" of monsters and objects - is clever and unique. Zelda shows herself to be a capable and confident ruler, solving disputes between rival Zora tribes, aiding her subjects when their homes are destroyed, and much more. It was high time Zelda got her chance to rescue Link for a change, and she did it with unmatched style and panache.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- September 26, 2024
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo, Grezzo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- The Legend of Zelda
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- How Long To Beat
- 20 Hours