TheXboxbrand has been on a tear, acquiring as many developers as possible to make first-party games financed by them. It seems their goal is to ensure they can cater to gamers with a wide swath of interests. Their approach to making their first-party games available on every console without the threat of exclusivity hanging over their heads may be an admirable approach to take. Still, fans can’t help but wonder about the future of Xbox consoles and how viable they’ll be if they don’t have any tantalizing exclusives.
Regardless, there’s no denying that theXbox’s wide range of gamesallows players to enjoy the charismatic trappings of its protagonists, many of whom are a joy to control. These characters waste no time in establishing themselves as the best parts of the games they’re featured in. Their suave attitudes and silver tongues ensure that players will love interacting with other characters as they’re wowed by their personalities time and time again.
Pentimentisone of the most underrated murder-mystery gamesplayers can get their hands on. The rise of the Xbox Game Pass allowed Josh Sawyer to make a passion project set in medieval Bavaria, in which players control an artist by the name of Andreas Maler. While the character’s background can be customized as per the player’s preferences, Andreas' inherent charisma remains intact in every playthrough.
Players can take traits like Hedonist and Bookworm to make him more impressive while socializing with others. Regardless, though, players can rest assured that their version of Andreas will be as engaging as they come while he interacts with the people of Tassing. No matter how happy-go-lucky Andreas may seem, the evolution of this character over the course ofPentimentis a joy to witness. The protagonist shows why the narrative qualities of this amazing role-playing detective game are second to none.
4Razputin Aquato (Psychonauts)
Remains Chirpy And Optimistic At All Times
There are many reasons whyPsychonautsmade such a strong impression on players. Its popularity led to fan outcry about a lack of a sequel for the longest time before Xbox acquired this studio, which eventually led to the publishing ofPsychonauts 2. Along with the imaginative setting,unique platforming gameplay, and fun psychic powers, the characters ofPsychonautswere a joy to engage with. The protagonist is no exception.
The mystery surrounding Razputin’s origins is compelling, while his moment-to-moment interactions with the rest of the characters highlight his young, upbeat personality in the best way possible. The best part about Razputin’s character is his heroic tendency to help others, which makes his charisma shine even more in both games.
3Banjo (Banjo-Kazooie)
Smooths Over The Damage Done By Kazooie’s Words
Banjo-Kazooieis a beloved 3D platformer created by Rare, featuring two characters with wildly different personalities. Kazooie is a brash-mouthed bird who loves to talk smack and rile up people. This breegull would have been subject to a major beatdown had it not been for her pal. Banjo is a honey bear with a penchant for talking people down and using his well-mannered nature to smooth things over with others.
The clashing personalities of Banjo and Kazooie end up neutralizing each other, making for a duo that is a joy to witness across the three games they’re featured in. It’s a shame that the series has seen no movementafter the poor launch ofNuts & Bolts. Players love to see the charismatic Banjo help out the people around him while collecting everything in sight, and engaging in some hilarious banter with his foul-mouthed best friend.
2Marcus Fenix (Gears of War)
A Natural Leader Who Inspires Loyalty
TheGears of Warserieshas been through its fair share of ups and downs. The first game introduced players to a new form of cover-based shooting that has become the norm in most third-person shooters. At the heart of this game is Marcus Fenix, the leader of the Delta Squad, who serves as an inspiring leader and commands his group to take out the many members of the Locust Horde standing in their way.
Given the many imposing threats standing in their way, it’s clear that the Delta Squad needs a leader who could band their efforts together and command them to persevere against all odds. Marcus Fenix fulfills that role and then some. It’s impossible to make people listen to someone without a charismatic personality, and Marcus' gruff, no-nonsense attitude allows him stand against the Locust Horde with his comrades at his side.
1Master Chief (Halo)
A Beloved Protagonist Charms Both Players & In-Game Characters
Master Chief is one of the most iconic video game protagonists of all time. It’s hard for any character to become such an enduring presence in pop culture without a fair bit of charisma helping his personality stand out. A Spartan who hasled a one-man force against the Covenant and the Floodtime and again, Master Chief’s determined nature inspires the people around him to aid humanity’s struggle against these alien forces.
The deconstruction of his character in theHaloTV series is a huge reason why this adaptation was a huge failure in the eyes of fans. Without his iconic charisma spicing things up, the show’s take on this character was doomed to fail from the start. From the memorable manner in which he gave the Covenant back their bomb to the many times he’s taken on impossible missions and accomplished them single-handedly, it’s easy to see why Master Chief is one of the most charismatic Xbox protagonists of all time. He’s a gift that keeps on giving, even if the franchise itself may not be as relevant as it was in the past.
