From Alone in the Dark's inquisitive Edward Carnby to Dead Space's ruthlessly determined Isaac Clarke, horror in gaming has long been driven by its stalwart protagonists. Few horror-focused titles tell tales of the vulnerable everymen, and surviving encounters with gaming's most hideous eldritch entities and maleficent abominations would require unmatched levels of strength and resolve.
Yet, some of these renowned horror icons are more relatable than they may seem; showcasing compassion, charisma, and a whole lot of courage, the signs of the Zodiac may just play a role in making fan-favorite horror protagonists who they are.
Aquarius: Miles Upshur (Outlast)
Considered to be independent and uncompromising, Outlast's investigative journalist protagonist Miles Upshur is the living embodiment of the Aquarius sign. Willing to risk his life to expose long-hidden travesties, he's unshakable in his quest to uncover terrible truths.
Miles goes through more than his fair share of misery during his adventures in the Mount Massive asylum. From losing a few fingers at the hands of the crazed Dr. Trager to his fateful encounter with The Walrider, it's safe to say that, a true Aquarian, he was totally committed to his humanitarian efforts.
Pisces: Alan Wake (Alan Wake)
Described as compassionate and creative, Pisces place a great amount of emphasis on the humanities. A famed writer, the eponymous protagonist of 2010's Alan Wake is a literary genius, though his visionary ideas sometimes get the better of him.
Forced to do battle against a strange darkness terrorizing the community of Bright Falls, Wake is a deeply emotional and somewhat tragic character, sacrificing himself in order to save his wife at the end of the game. Those unfamiliar with the character's plight may be interested in an upcoming remaster that is, according to MSN, reportedly slated for a 2021 release.
Aries: Ethan Winters (Resident Evil: Village)
While just about every horror protagonist exhibits some level of determination, Ethan Winters from the Resident Evil series' two most recent original outings is perhaps the most determined man ever to exist. Defined by their perseverance and courage, Ethan is an excellent Aries, quite literally defying death to keep his family safe.
That said, he also comes across as short-tempered and impulsive during his interactions with Mia, the Duke, and other friendly NPCs. Unstoppable and a bit bull-headed, he defines what it means to be an Aries.
Taurus: Jesse Faden (Control)
Though she begins as a fly caught in a massive, impossibly complex web, Control's protagonist Jesse Faden overcomes all obstacles thanks in part to her collected demeanor and level-headed nature.
Known for their reserved rationale and penchant for responsibility, Taurus are strong figures to stand by in crisis situations. Jesse was the perfect woman for the recently-vacated Director of the Federal Bureau of Control position, and her ability to rationally deal with the decidedly irrational enabled her to see her quest through to its end.
Gemini: Rebecca Chambers (Resident Evil 0)
A part of the S.T.A.R.S. team sent in to investigate some curious occurrences in the Arklay Mountains, Resident Evil's Rebecca chambers had her chance to shine in Resident Evil 0, a 2002 prequel to the original RE game.
The squad's gentle and caring medic, she's a perfect fit for a supporting role—and she's an archetypal Gemini, as well. However, when things go south, she becomes one part of an unlikely duo in way over their heads. However, with the help of apparent criminal Billy Coen, she lives to experience the horrors of the Spencer Mansion in RE 1.
Cancer: Senua (Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice)
Defined by their tenacity and emotional intelligence, as well as their active imaginations, Cancers may not make for ideal horror video game protagonists. As such, the deeply troubled Senua of the critically lauded game Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice may well embody the ups and downs of the Cancer sign.
Burdened by an unnamed mental illness and memories of a tumultuous childhood, Senua journies to Helheim in search of her former lover. An agonizing search for redemption and relief, Senua represents the affective personalities of most Cancerians.
Leo: Elizabeth Comstock (Bioshock: Infinite - Burial At Sea Part 2)
Primarily known as the deuteragonist of 2013's BioShock: Infinite, Elizabeth steps into the starring role in the second part of the game's Burial at Sea two-part DLC offering. Though tenacious and cold on the outside, Elizabeth is passionate and warm-hearted around those for whom she cares the most.
A burst of color in the unremittingly gray world of a fallen Rapture, Elizabeth is an excellent personification of the Leo sign.
Virgo: Sebastian Castellanos (The Evil Within)
Initially presented as a workaday everyman, things take a turn for Sabastian Castellanos when he's tasked with investigating some strange goings-on at a local hospital. From there, he's thrust into a world of madness akin to what's experienced by James Sunderland in Silent Hill 2.
Though trials such as these would prove unconquerable for most, Castellanos' practical, nose-to-the-grindstone attitude—emblematic of the Virgo sign—serves him well and sees him through the game's irrational, ever-shifting world.
Libra: Louis (Left 4 Dead)
He may not be anyone's first choice to pair up with during a zombie outbreak, but there's no denying that Left 4 Dead's Louis adds a certain amount of levity to the game's dire proceedings. Every character in Valve's zombie-slaying epic is a caricaturfe of some sort, and, while over-the-top at times, there's a lot to like about Louis.
Always equipped with quips, Louis was likely the life of every party pre-apocalypse, and he's a Libra through-and-through.
Scorpio: Leon Kennedy (Resident Evil 4)
As brave as he is resourceful, Resident Evil's Leon Kennedy is one of the most iconic characters in gaming regardless of genre. Unquestionably brave and skilled in the art of zombie killing, Leon can be relied on to beat even the longest odds.
Determination and respect are key aspects of the Scorpio sign, and Leon has both the capacity to see an impossible mission through to completion and to look after the famously difficult Ashely.
Sagittarius: Deacon St. John (Days Gone)
It may not be an out-and-out horror game, but few would contest the disturbing nature of some of Days Gone's most disturbing aspects. Fortunately, the gruff and unflinching drifter Deacon St. John makes for the perfect protagonist in a broken and hopeless world.
Unappolagetticaly curt and unafraid to espouse his opinions, St. John embodies some of the less positive aspects of the Saggitarius sign. That said, he can also be charming and witty, which helps to counterbalance the signs' sometimes unflattering traits.
Capricorn: Jill Valentine (Resident Evil 3)
A highly-trained member of the RPD's S.T.A.R.S. squadron, Jill Valentine is a no-nonsense warrior determined to get to the bottom of Umbrella's evil deeds. She's able to escape from the clutches of Nemesis and flee Raccoon City before it is destroyed during the course of Resident Evil 3.
Capricorns are known for their self-discipline and strength of will, and Jill Valentine is a perfect example of these characteristics. Of Resident Evil's beloved S.T.A.R.S characters, she's arguably the most skilled.