Steve's Top Ten Black video game characters

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15 is day we celebrate the late and great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His efforts and vision has changed the course of history for not only black Americans but all minorities. In honor of the Doctor and to showcase the diversity he fostered, I' m ranking my top ten favorite black characters in video games.



10. Sprocket
Viewtiful Joe Red Hot Rumble

I love all the Viewtiful Joe games; except Red Hot Rumble. I disliked the anime even more but the one silver lining is the creation of Sprocket. Not much is known about Sprocket. She was Jadow's second-in-command in anime but became Captain Blue’s assistant in the Smash Brother's Bros/Power Stone clone Red Hot Rumble.

Sprocket’s inclusion to the series seems superfluous but she added diversity where it easily could have been unchecked. I liked Sprocket's design and characterization. She was serious and no nonsense and yes a tad bit sexualized.

Pretty much his entire character.

9. Adam Hunter
Streets of Rage

As a kid playing Sega's beat ‘em up classic Streets of Rage, it was cool to see a fighter like Adam Hunter. Back then not many games had the option to play as a black man unless it was a sports game or fighting game.

And you already know his pipe game is on point.

Once again there isn't much known about Adam beside being a 23 year old ex-cop, who does bonsai and practices boxing. In the sequel he's kidnapped and his kid brother joins the roster.The first game unfortunately is the only time you play as Adam.

Sam would be proud.

8. Detective Isaac Washington
House of the Dead Overkill

One of my favorite Wii games is House of the Dead Overkill. This prequel to the House of the Dead series was drenched in grindhouse b-movie flair. Isaac is an over-the-top caricature of blaxploitation leading men and provides a hilarious contrast to the series mainstay G.

Being a homage to exploitation films, his exaggerated personality is right at home with all the mayhem. Isaac's voice actor Anthony Aroya provides such bravado and delivers each line with gusto, solidifying this badass detective as my favorite characters in the series. You can't help but fondly remember him. His cursing streak would make even Samuel L. Jackson blush.

Black man + trendy haircut + black outfit x sunglasses = Cool

7. Raven
Tekken

A minute or so into Tekken 5’s opening cinematic, Raven announces the death of Heihachi Mishima then swiftly cuts down a JACK with two simultaneous kunai slashes. That’s all I needed to see! A keen eye will notice Raven resembles a certain Marvel comic book character portrayed Wesley Snipes in the movie version but Namco swears it’s a total coincidence. You ain’t slick Namco.

Being the most traditional ninja in the games, Raven is very stern and abides to his mission. Like many characters in the series, he’s fun to play but one of the more difficult characters to master. A lot of his moves consists of pokes, options for pressure, and many attacks leave him open. He made his debut in Tekken 5 and blends well with the already diverse (and sometimes wacky) cast of fighters.

I wouldn't play 'gotcha nose' with this guy...

6. Major Jackson Briggs aka Jax

Mortal Kombat

Probably one of the first black fighters I played, Jax has been a vital piece of the series since his debut in Mortal Kombat II. The game angled him as a hardened military man and Sonya Blade's superior. Who could forget his classic gotcha grab? And the sweet faces punches that come right after it. Later on, he was outfitted with large cybernetic arms and his fighting style defined him as a powerful brawler. His personality while tough leaves enough charisma to keep him likeable.

"Whooo baby!" - and you read that in his voice.

5. Augustus Cole aka Cole Train
Gears of War

Exuding the largest personality, Cole Train is a boisterous and dependable soldier. In the Gears of War series, Cole is usually watching your six while providing outlandish yet quotable exclamations. No doubt why he's one of the more popular Gears characters. He also co-starred in the Gears spinoff Gears of War Judgement but its gameplay was met with lukewarm reception;

Cole is a favorite of mine because he keeps the energy up and his reaction to some of the crazier set pieces are nothing short of memorable. He has distinct personality and it goes unmatched.

Don't let the schoolgirl look fool you.

4.Shinobou

No More Heroes

On The 8-Bit Generation, I’ve already gushed about No More Heroes. The style, insanity and action was just my speed. One of the many characters who left an impression was Shinobu. Physically she resembles the lovechild of Afro Samurai and X-Men’s Storm; personally she is a stone cold stoic swordswoman. I’ll avoid revealing anything details but she is one of most stylish and deadliest black women I’ve seen in gaming!

She's as tough as she is striking

3. Nadine Ross
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Want scenic visuals, charismatic characters and witty banter? The Uncharted series has it spades. As one of Naughty Dog’s prolific games, each iteration sets the bar higher than the last. The one thing I’ve always felt was side characters in the series never left a memorable mark. Aside from the big three (Drake, Sully and Elena), Chloe Frazer ranks up there as one of the stronger characters. Maybe the guy with the horse in Uncharted 3? What’s his name? You see my point! But this all changed in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End where we're introduce to Nadine Ross.

The force of Nadine’s presence is felt the moment she debuts. You can tell how meticulously she was designed from her natural hair, to her toned arms, right down to the mole above her lip. She's a woman you do not want to mess with. Let’s just say, she can throw down! I was really impressed with her and Naughty Dog must feel the same way because Nadine and Chloe will be starring in a standalone Uncharted DLC.

"Run up to your crib like CJ from San Andreas!"

2. Carl “CJ” Johnson

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

One of the most popular entry in the Grand Theft Auto franchise, San Andreas took the world by storm. After becoming a runaway success in 2004, gamers were flooded with dubious copycats over the years trying emulate the gangster-style gaming of San Andreas. But those who played San Andreas soon saw it was more than just a drive-by simulator. It was the largest and most customizable game in the franchise yet. Even its predecessor Grand Theft Auto IV was scaled back.

CJ was unlike the prior main characters of the GTA III era as he felt remorse and regret for certain actions. Helping humanize CJ was a cast of supporting characters from his fellow Grove Street family to his actual blood relatives. He didn’t have Tommy Vercetti’s brashness and was no silent yes-man like Claude. CJ laid the foundation for multilayered Grand Theft Auto protagonists for games to come.

Play this game. Please?

1. Lee Everett
The Walking Dead Season One

Lee Everett is the man. He's one of the most developed and sympathetic of the characters I’ve played in video games. If you haven’t played Telltale’s The Walking Dead games, you are missing out. Because these games are so rich in story I do not want to give anything away but you’ll quickly see  how protective and considerate Lee could be given insane circumstances. There are revelations to uncover and like many Telltale games, your decisions and timely actions guide your character interactions and control the fate of others. Lee is definitely a complicated character not because he is hard to understand but because he isn’t always morally perfect. If anything the status of the new world may have given him a second chance. Lee is not only an excellent black character but one of the best characters I've had the pleasure of playing. Dave Fennoy's gives character life thanks to his excellent range of acting. I highly recommend playing The Walking Dead Season One and experience this firsthand.