Is it even possible to rank the best protagonists ever to grace the PlayStation platform? The dust had not yet completely settled from the ‘90s console wars, when PlayStation entered the fray with its new console in 1994. Ever since then, gamers have been using PlayStation hardware to enjoy immersive, imaginative adventures filled with characters they have grown to know and love - characters which have since gone to appear in all different forms of media.
Ranking the best protagonists, therefore, seems like something of a fool’s errand. How does one compare Lara Croft with Crash Bandicoot? Parappa the Rapper with Alucard? Solid Snake with Sackboy? The task is impossible, and so, to even give the effort a chance, parameters must be established.
Accordingly, this list will narrow down the protagonists to those with titles exclusive to the PlayStation line of consoles. Here are the best of the best, counting down to number one.
Uncharted Series - Nathan Drake
Since 2007, the Uncharted series has thrilled gamers with cinematic adventures starring treasure hunter Nathan Drake. The character of Nathan is a study in balance. He’s cheerful yet snarky, a jerk who’s still likeable. He contains just enough characteristics of the “Everyman” to be relatable, yet few “Everymen” are polyglots who can shimmy up a cliff face using a series of vines while on a bid to stop the zombie apocalypse. Perhaps best of all, Nathan refuses to accept the hand he’s dealt early in life. This is not to say he never makes a mistake, but he lives life on his own terms, and that’s an admirable quality indeed. It's no wonder fans love Nathan Drake.
Horizon Series - Aloy
It takes a strong character not to be outshone by the gorgeous, post-apocalyptic open world of Horizon Zero Dawn, and Aloy is just such a character. Exiled while only a baby for reasons unknown to her, Aloy grew up with a hunger for answers. This drove her to learn, train, and excel, yet she did so without anger, resentment, and cruelty to those that neglected her. Despite her hardships, Aloy remains compassionate and brave, determined to tackle the tasks set before her (which include the upcoming sequel, Horizon Forbidden West).
The Last of Us Series - Ellie
When the world is ending, kids have to grow up fast, and The Last of Us series' Ellie is very much a product of that unfortunate reality. Whereas many video game protagonists allow players to experience a character as an ideal - be it kindness or bravery or skill - Ellie is wholly and humanly flawed. She suffers from PTSD and survivor’s guilt. Hate overwhelms her, and she uses violence to solve her problems.
While it’s often difficult to watch (and to play), it’s also extraordinarily relatable. And in keeping with the theme of realism over idealism, audiences receive no easy answers from Ellie, no neat endings - just the hope for enough courage to keep moving forward.
Ghost of Tsushima - Jin Sakai
The 2020 title Ghost of Tsushima was the perfect send-off for the PlayStation 4. Developer Sucker Punch delivered an immersive, dazzlingly beautiful adventure set in 13th century Japan during the Mongol invasion into Tsushima Island. Players live through the experience via Jin Sakai, samurai and head of his clan, and Jin’s character arc is so much more than the typical vigilante storyline. The weight of the samurai creed is a tangible, omnipresent burden in the game, and it is only with great personal sacrifice that Jin sets it aside to take up the mantle of the Ghost. His battle, not only against the Mongols but against the two sides of himself, gives Ghost of Tsushima one of the most compelling storylines on the PlayStation platform.
God of War Series - Kratos
It’s rare that gamers get to spend as much time with a character as players have with Kratos. Audiences have now watched him transition from Kratos, the arrogant, rage-filled antihero, to Kratos, the awkward, stern, yet loving father. Crucially, the rage is still there, simmering just under the surface. Despite the 2018 God of War being a reimagining of the franchise, this is still the same Kratos fans have come to love - just an older, wiser version. In many ways, this mirrors the journeys of the gamers themselves who have played God of War since 2005 and now are older, hopefully wiser versions of themselves.
There have been a lot of PlayStation characters and protagonists who players have grown to love over the years, but these listed above are some of the best of the best.