RPGs sometimes have that extra touch of finesse in their writing, which makes characters tremendously relatable. Some of them could be inspired by real people. A brother, a neighbour, or just a stranger passing by: Any of those could be one of the characters mentioned in this list.
From one of the top-rated modern RPGs to a game that has been haunted by rejection from the moment it launched, each of these titles has characters that, despite the fictional tropes they carry as baggage, could very well be real humans.
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Baldur's Gate 3
There's Something Really Deep In The Characters Of This Title
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- RPG
What do a sassy vampire, a tormented infernal tiefling, a fallen noble, a sarcastic and cynical half-elf, a walking time bomb, and an invader from another plane have in common? They are some of the most humane characters ever made in a role-playing game. If players decide to play as something that is not The Dark Urge, that is, because otherwise, they're just cannon fodder.
Baldur's Gate 3's companions are arguably some of the best written of any D&D game ever made, and each and every one of them has their own reasons to live and fight for what remains of their humanity (yes, even Astarion). This is one of the games you must play if you like your companions to show their human side more than once.
Fallout 4
Has Some Of The Most Human Characters in The Series
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
A man who has lost everything leads innocent people to safety despite being the last of his battalion. A tormented reporter who wants to dig out the truth, no matter what. A robot that wants to become human, for the betterment of medicine.
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Every one of these companions in Fallout 4 has a story to tell. Hardship, loss, survival, every story is a testament of what makes them human, even if one or two of them end up being synths. But that's only a problem if you're a fan of the Steel Brotherhood. The truth is: every character in Fallout 4 could very well be your neighbor.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Has Some Of The Most Underrated Companions
Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Released
- December 20, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- MMO
SWTOR is a multiplayer online game born of the Old Republic Era games made by BioWare and Obsidian, and what this game has that not all Star Wars games have is really relatable companions. Vette, for example, is a Twi'Lek slave turned into a pilot and companion for a Sith Warrior character, and she is one of the most well-written characters of the game.
All of her dialogues and her story progression lead the player to understand what being a human (well, a Twi'Lek) really is. And if players are not careful, she might push even the most vicious Sith Lord into the Light Side (that is also a possibility in the game). Then you get Shae Vizla, Kira Carsen, Mako, and so on. All of these characters are absolutely based on real people: They fail, they get up, they grow, and they thrive, no matter what comes their way.
Final Fantasy 9
All The Misfits Banding Together Against Evil
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Final Fantasy IX has something very special that puts it one level above the average title of the franchise, and that's characters that have struggles like any human being, despite their fantastical appearance (and awesome powers). Steiner has a conflict between duty and being a good guy, Vivi is pure existentialism (and so is Zidane), Dagger (Garnet) is rebellion against the authority, and Eiko symbolizes the struggle of loneliness and abandonment.
These are real human beings, companions that will band together against the impossible and thrive despite all odds being against them. FF9 is a story about being human in a broken world. One that every gamer should try to enjoy at least once.
Neverwinter Nights 2
Every Companion Could Be Your Best Friend
Neverwinter Nights 2
- Released
- October 31, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
Despite being full of tropes and a nearly forgotten game, Neverwinter Nights 2 is one of the masterpieces developed by Obsidian. It starts with a single premise: A villager can become a hero, given the right circumstances. This is made evident by Bevil, one of the most notorious 'village idiot' characters ever made, who turns out to be one of the best companions in the story.
Casavir is also a prime example: A man who relinquishes duty and his honor in defense of the common folk. Two different origins, but both meet at the end of the rope: Being heroes and carrying the whole adventure without losing their humanity. That's what makes them so grounded, so relatable, so human.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
The Fate Of The World Is At Stake: But The Banters Are The Best
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dragon Age: Inquisition has some of the best and most relatable characters in the series, and some of them could absolutely be real people. Take Sera, for example, deranged and quirky as she is; her motivations are really human despite all appearances. Cassandra, under all that stiff armor she has clad herself with, is an irredeemable romantic. Iron Bull is a big man-child who relishes doing what he does best: fighting. Though underneath his rough exterior lies a sensible philosopher and incredible drinking buddy.
Each and every partner in this quest for the survival of the sentient species in Thedas has a distinctive, relatable characteristic that makes them quite human. Except Solas, and we all know why he was so insufferably distant.
Mass Effect: Andromeda
Hate It All You Want: It Has Two Of The Best Characters In The Franchise
Mass Effect: Andromeda
- Released
- March 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Despite all the heat that Mass Effect: Andromeda has carried ever since it dropped, it remains one of the favorite entries of the series for some of its fans. Why is that? Because it has some of the most relatable characters. Take Cora, for example; her motivation is to have a house near a lake, grow some plants, and have a relaxing life. Don't we all wish something similar?
Jaal, on the other hand, is the fear of being rejected incarnate. Having grown in a strict matriarchal environment, Jaal's fear of rejection and striving for recognition and acceptance are what drive him. Ironically, Jaal couldn't be more real as a 'human' being. Nothing is more relatable in this game than his background. If there's a reason why Mass Effect: Andromeda should be replayed, it's the presence of these two characters.
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