Silent protagonists make the scriptwriters look lazy. However, flashback to two decades ago and these protagonists were the highlight of video games. Silent protagonists offer gamers a clean slate to decide who they want to be. Picture Dante from the Devil May Cry games; He boasts, cracks jokes, and taunts his enemies throughout fights. Everyone at Player.com agreed that his talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. Luckily for Dante, he’s not a pushover.
Also Read: Winning Formulas: The Secrets Behind The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Explained
Top 10 Silent Game Protagonists
These silent game protagonists are memorable because of their feats in and out of combat. However, the reason they’re so popular is that they don’t distract players with their words. Rather, their backstories, actions, and personalities tell the best stories. You can read about Amiibo rewards and unlockables here.
#1: Link From The Legend of Zelda
Don’t believe the hype; The most popular video game character is Mario from the Super Mario games. However, Link comes in a close second due to his efforts and role as a warrior. He’s well-designed, with a petite frame and quiet power. That said, we love Link because he is a silent game protagonist, letting players explore and combat enemies in a variety of ways. Thankfully, he’s stronger than steel and his virtues are on the mark.
#2: Crono From Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is a game about time travel that has been in our hearts for decades. The game was designed by Akira Toriyama and by proxy, Crono is unique and eye-catching. Crono is a silent game protagonist who is deeply loyal to his friends. Thus, his willingness to help them out of any trouble draws people to him. In return, his friends are fiercely loyal to Crono and are willing to go to heaven and hell for his cause.
#3: Simon Belmont From Castlevania
Simon Belmont from Castlevania is a silent game protagonist with devastating powers. He’s a monster hunter so his silent demeanour makes him cooler than he already is. Sure, many players blamed the limitations of the consoles for his lack of speech, so we’re looking forward to a remake where he may be able to speak. However, Simon Belmont needs no introduction, letting his whip do all the talking. After all, what are words to a monster?
#4: The Penitent One From Blasphemous
The Penitent One is cursed with immortality due to his past transgressions, so he’s left with no choice but to atone for his sins. To pull that off, he must battle fiendish creatures and grotesque monsters in bleak and dangerous environments. This isn’t a beautiful game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Rather, you will be exploring a sandbox that looks like the 2D version of Scorn. We don’t blame The Penitent One for taking an oath of silence and keeping to it. Ultimately, he’s one of the silent game protagonists whose lack of speech is deeply tied to the title’s lore.
#5: Kirby from Kirby Series
Kirby is the silent game protagonist that boasts a simplistic design. He might not talk throughout the game, but he’s a capable fighter who is capable of many feats. He can toss boomerangs and use a sword, or even a parasol, in combat. However, the biggest reason we love Kirby is because of his cute design. He looks like a stuffed animal; It’s cuteness overload. Even his trademark “Poyo” while beating the toughest main bosses throughout the Kirby franchise is basic and straightforward.
#6: The Computer Operator from Her Story
The person at the computer in Her Story is a silent game protagonist, whose ambiguity fuelled players throughout the campaign. We’re lovers of mystery, so nothing interests us like the story of a person we can’t see. Unlike titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, where you can see Link in 3D, the protagonist can’t be seen or heard. Her Story is an interactive film video game that is available on Android, iOS, and PC.
#7: The Knight from Hollow Knight
The Knight from Hollow Knight is a silent game protagonist through and through. He offers no dialogue or mercy to his opponents. This is a bold move from Team Cherry, which means other parts of the game, such as the level design and combat moves, are excellent. For one, the designs are simple and even the Knight uses a single weapon (A Nail) throughout the game. Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel and it’s bound to be the better game, boasting twice as many enemy varieties as Hollow Knight.
#8: The Prince from the Prince of Persia Games
The Prince from Prince of Persia is handsome, capable, and pompous without saying a single word. Yes, it’s easy to see that he’s royalty, but he’s a fair ruler who cares deeply for his subjects and country. Together with his time-bending dagger, he gains an unfair advantage over enemies. Besides that, the Prince knows how to parkour so progressing through the levels is always fun.
#9: Red from Pokemon
Red from the Pokemon series is a silent character that acts as a clean canvas. Your job as a gamer is to paint your preferred direction for Red by collecting Pokemon that fit your style. Unlike other characters on this list, Red lacks friends, ties, and a backstory, so you’re free to approach the game from many directions. That said, he may be silent but he’s not dumb. Instead, he’s the most capable fighter in the game series.
#10: The Hero from Dragon Quest
The Hero is a fictional character who has been prophesied to be the saviour of the world. Throughout the events of Dragon Quests, you’ll notice a disturbing yet enjoyable fact, the Hero doesn’t speak. Yes, it’s an RPG game with plenty of routes for players to take. So, what better way is there to show that the protagonist is customisable than to remove his ability to speak? Thankfully, a compelling story with memorable enemies and side characters awaits.
Our Final Say on Silent Game Protagonists: We Look Forward to Playing Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong lets you control Hornet, who is a faster fighter than the Knight. She also uses a Needle instead of a nail so we’re looking forward to seeing her move set. We’re also fans of Hollow Knight’s level designs and the quiet demeanours of many NPCs and enemies. Thankfully, the game should be released in 2023, but rumours suggest a 2024 launch date.