With the recent news of Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga being released just around the corner on April 5th, 2022, hopes to once again see Darth Vader throw Emperor Palpatine down the reactor shaft are high. The joy of seeing Darth Vader, A.K.A Anakin Skywalker rejoin the side of light and redeeming himself, has been felt through many game titles.
For players, seeing once dangerous enemies becoming staunch allies, shows definitively that anyone can be saved if given a helping hand. The resulting enthusiastic player response led developers to incorporate these reformed villains more deeply into the storylines, deepening the lore of the character and the franchise itself.
Meta Knight - Kirby Franchise
Meta Knight, making his debut in Kirby's Adventure, was once one of Dedede's main forces, acting as an antagonist to the beloved hero Kirby. Though his actions of sending hordes of foes and personally challenging Kirby made him seem intent on destroying Kirby, Meta Knight's true aim was to train and prepare Kirby for future deadly fights.
Meta Knight's new heroic role and booming popularity led to a more substantial and important storyline in later game titles. Many in which he'd be a playable character, through either side stories or alongside friends in multiplayer.
Knuckles The Echidna - Sonic Franchise
Debuting in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Knuckles is introduced as an antagonist working under the main series villain Dr. Eggman. As Sonic progresses through the story and continually encounters Knuckles, it is slowly revealed to Sonic, and Knuckles himself, that he has been deceived by Dr. Eggman the entire time. Upon this revelation, Knuckles immediately abandons Dr. Eggman and chooses to ally himself with Sonic.
Knuckles joining Sonic led to his increasing popularity and inclusion in the Sonic franchise spanning Games, Movies, and T.V. Knuckles would then become a playable character in normal gameplay, allowing friends to join along on Sonic's adventure, doubling the fun of future installments. Knuckles also paved the way for the increasingly growing cast of characters to join the fight against Dr. Eggman.
Chloe Frazer - Uncharted Series
Introduced in Uncharted 2, Chloe served as the main female companion alongside series protagonist Nathan Drake. Chloe creates a roller coaster of emotions as she alternates between assisting and betraying Drake. Between leaving Drake for dead, rescuing him in prison, and assisting him in fighting Lazarevic's forces, nailing down Chloe's allegiances is difficult at best.
Chloe's storyline in Uncharted 2 ends on a bitter-sweet note that endeared her to fans and cemented her as a series favorite. And while she is not a playable character during her appearances in Uncharted 2 & Uncharted 3, she was an interesting enough character to spawn her own spin-off game Uncharted: Lost Legacy where she takes a lead role.
Superman - Injustice 2
Being synonymous with good and justice, even Superman has been given the supervillain treatment. After being cruelly tricked by the Joker, Superman became an almost insurmountable source of evil. However, in the form of another universe' Superman, he is yet again established as a source of righteousness as the Good Superman does battle with the Evil Superman, establishing him once again as a tried and true hero.
The introduction of an evil superman gave players more options in Injustice 2 through the alternate costumes, allowing the player a wide range of options to choose from. The deepening of the character narrative was also well appreciated by fans, producing another perspective of what direction the lore of Superman could take.
Captain Qwark - Ratchet And Clank Franchise
While Captain Qwark had always thought of himself as a paragon of good while serving as the Leader of the Galactic Rangers, he was actually working alongside the villains to receive credit and prestige that he did not truly earn. This eventually led to him being imprisoned for crimes against the galaxy.
While originally introduced as a one-note if comical character, seeing his reformation through multiple Ratchet and Clank installments made him a fan-favorite character. Qwark's popularity led to his inclusion in mini-games, unlockable character skins, as well as being a playable character in a CO-OP-based installment of the franchise.
Silver - Pokémon Gold And Silver
Introduced as a thief who steals his first Pokémon from Professor Elm, Silver's introduction into the series is synonymous with evil. Silver's main narrative purpose is to challenge the main character Gold, serving as a progressive milestone to test Gold's Pokémon raising ability. At the game's conclusion, Silver finally understands that he has been on a misguided path. Silver's reformation is made apparent when his Golbat evolves into a Crobat, which only happens through a high level of friendship and trust.
As the main character of Pokémon games is always the hero who fights against evil forces, it does not allow for true character development. Silver's reformation from good to bad was nostalgic of the character "Blue" from past Pokémon games who similarly grew angry rival to fellow Pokémon master. The reformation of Silver deepens the lore and elevates Pokémon from a simple monster-raising game to a world-class RPG.
Kratos - God Of War Series
First appearing in the 2005 game God of War, Kratos was introduced as a sympathetic character who was cruelly tricked by the God Ares into killing his family. The game then went on to chronicle his tale from revenge-seeking warrior to a hero. Yet, once his ambition was sated, the power and prestige he had attained led him to become drunk on power turning him into a corrupt and cruel ruler.
Kratos' story is one of few where the protagonist transitions from good to evil, and then good once again. Kratos' disgust in what he has become and then making an active effort to change himself is one of the many reasons the franchise has maintained its captivation in the hearts of gamers. Eventually leading it to become a well-known and beloved franchise.
Kain - Final Fantasy IV
Introduced as the best friend and brother of the main character Cecil, Kain acts as both a party member and an obstacle to the party throughout Final Fantasy Iv's story. Kain's brotherly rivalry with Cecil led to his brainwashing and manipulation due to Golbez's attempts to drive them apart. While Kain does betray the party on multiple occasions, it is mainly due to Golbez's nefarious plans.
Kain's overcoming of a very arduous trial in his attempt to truly break free of the manipulation led him to become a very sympathetic and beloved character. His remorse Is made apparent when Kain decides to skip his brother's wedding as an act of atonement showing he truly regrets the actions he committed. His fan popularity led to his inclusion as a playable character in later Final Fantasy games.
Axel - Kingdom Hearts Series
Making his debut in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories Axel is a character of ambiguous allegiance who constantly alternates between helping and hindering the main character Sora. His role as a double agent makes it hard for either side to truly count him as one of them, which is spurred along by his sarcastic and playful nature.
Through the many spin-offs and finally Kingdom Hearts 2, Axel truly commits to the side of light and sacrifices himself to allow Sora to overcome a seemingly impossible hurdle. His act of selflessness eventually pays off as he is warmly welcomed to the side of good and even becomes one of the few keyblade wielders who are on the frontlines in the battle against the darkness.
Riku - Kingdom Hearts Series
Riku, the best friend of the main character Sora, is the main antagonist and final boss of the original Kingdom Hearts acting as a major obstacle to Sora throughout the entire game. When their hometown island was swallowed in darkness, Riku willingly submitted to the darkness believing it was the only way to truly help their mutual childhood friend Kairi who lost her heart to the darkness.
Through Sora's meddling, and Riku seeing how Sora was willing to sacrifice himself to save Kairi with no hesitation, Riku realizes the path he chose was far from ideal. Under the tutelage of King Mickey and his own unbreakable spirit, during the events of KH2, Riku joins Sora in his fight against the evil Organization 13 and surprisingly becomes one of the few controllable characters besides Sora and Roxas. Riku's return to the light was and is one of the most memorable instances of a former villain becoming a hero.