Summary
- Players love controlling robots in video games for unique gameplay experiences.
- Robot protagonists are versatile, appearing in various genres like puzzle, platformer, and FPS games.
- Games like "Mega Man" and "Portal 2" offer compelling gameplay loops with charming robot characters.
Fans love the idea of controlling robots in video games, which is surprisingly rare despite its allure. The limitations of the human body can be hard to justify when players become one-man armies in their respective titles, but the same problem doesn't rear its ugly head if the protagonist isn't bound by the constraints that stop a human being from performing superhuman feats.
Of course, not all video games with robot protagonists need to wow players with action-packed gameplay loops. In fact, these protagonists can be present in all kinds of genres, as displayed in some of the best video games around, that feature a robot as the main character.
8 Strongest Protagonists In Final Fantasy Games, Ranked
The Final Fantasy games have introduced fans to many powerful protagonists, but few can deny that the following stand out in terms of strength.
8 The Talos Principle
Control An Unnamed Android In A Philosophical Puzzle Adventure
The Talos Principle
- Released
- December 11, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Mild Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Mild Violence
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle
One of the most beautiful and calming puzzle games players can get their hands on, The Talos Principle never frustrates players while letting them explore a philosophical story at their own pace. This makes for an unforgettable video game that is poignant and thought-provoking in more ways than one.
Players control a nameless android who solves a series of puzzles while finding documents and writing about what it means to be alive. The tantalizing gameplay loop can be enjoyed in VR too, enhancing the game's immersion.
7 Mega Man
The Iconic Main Character Is An Android
Mega Man
- Released
- December 17, 1987
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Platformer, Shooter
Mega Man is one of Capcom's biggest franchises, and it's a shame that the company has kept this series on the back burner. Fans would pay good money to check out a polished game in the series, especially given the critical and commercial success of modern entries in other comparable franchises like Metroid Dread.
The titular protagonist is an adorable robot who must fight other bosses and acquire their weapons before dealing with Dr. Wily. It's a compelling gameplay loop that never gets old, no matter how many games players go through. A modern revival of Mega Man would be great news for long-time fans.
6 Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Claptrap Is A Playable Character
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel!
- Released
- October 14, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Claptrap is one of the funniest characters in the Borderlands series, and fans were elated to find out that they coulc control him in The Pre-Sequel. Sure, there are other protagonists to choose from, but there's something about Claptrap's silly nature that makes him so endearing to control.
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Fans will love wreaking havoc as this robot with their friends as they explore a hostile wasteland. The humorous writing and great art style makes Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel a great game for fans to enjoy.
5 Mortal Kombat
Control Sektor, Cyrax, & Smoke In Story Mode
Mortal Kombat 1
- Released
- September 19, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
Mortal Kombat is one of the most popular fighting game franchises of all time, and fans were glad to see that NetherRealm Studios was going all out for the modern entries in the series. This can be seen in a high-budget story mode that clearly had a ton of thought and effort put into it.
The story-heavy Mortal Kombat games let players control several characters, including cyborgs like Sektor, Smoke, Cyrax, and Cyber Sub-Zero. It feels great to master their movesets and pummel humans to the ground, making them bleed red in the process.
4 Portal 2
The Co-op Campaign Lets Players Control Atlas & P-Body
Portal 2
- Released
- April 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Platformer
As lauded as the single-player campaign of Portal 2 is, the game received further praise for pulling no punches with the co-op mode. While the story wasn't a huge focus here, the humorous writing and imaginative puzzles ensured that fans would keep coming back for more.
Atlas and P-body are two of the cutest robots in video game history who show more personality with their emotes than some humans in other games. Teaming up with another player to solve head-scratching puzzles is a huge part of what makes Portal 2 click.
3 Machinarium
Players Control A Charming Robot Named Josef
Machinarium
- Released
- October 16, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Comic Mischief, Use of Tobacco
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Indie Games, Adventure
The hand-drawn art style of Machinarium is the first thing fans will notice about this compelling adventure game. Players control a clunky yet charming robot named Josef in a fun adventure game with puzzles that aren't too frustrating.
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Complicated is an understatement to describe the family relations of these video game protagonists, who went as far as fighting their parents.
The lack of moon logic ensures that players won't be too frustrated as they make progress in this amazing title. Exploring the steampunk city and interacting with other robots is a huge part of what makes Machinarium such a special experience.
2 Ultrakill
Players Control A Prototype Machine That Goes To Hell
Ultrakill
- Released
- September 3, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Ultrakill is inspired by the arena shooters of the past, and decided to add some incredible lore to help it elicit the same vibes as titles like Doom and Quake. Players control a prototype robot named V1 that is sent into Hell to harvest blood from its residents.
This premise itself is so cool that fans won't need a better excuse to tear apart the many enemies that stand in their way. Ultrakill's combat is brutal, and requires pinpoint accuracy and constant movement from players to help them succeed against astronomical odds.
1 Ghostrunner
The Protagonist Is A Cyborg With Incredible Combat Skills
Ghostrunner
- Released
- October 27, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action
Players who want an action game with hard yet satisfying combat will find Ghostrunner to be right up their alley. The game pulls no punches and will force players to either improve their skills or give up as they unlock a bevy of challenging levels.
The combination of platforming and combat is handled beautifully, making Ghostrunner a cathartic experience that fans will love. Jack the Ghostrunner is the last cyborg model of its kind. He shows empathy during this adventure and becomes a fascinating protagonist, even if the story isn't the main focus of this title.
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