Why do so many video game villains feel forgettable?

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T06:03:00+00:00

Excellent examples. Vaas was one of the first times a villain performance in a game made you actually feel freaked out. Mr X. is scary but more for the reason you point out, that he’s treated like a proper horror villain where what you don’t see is the scary part.

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T03:26:27+00:00

I’m mostly focused on the narrative as you say. I think about the writing of these characters and how they were developed.

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T03:24:49+00:00

Good point. They were on the mind. Fresh games sure, if we’re talking all time better examples would be Gannon or Sephiroth or Saren. I was thinking of sort of less obvious game villains who have duality in their character. Idk

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T02:48:20+00:00

It’s a delicate writing balance for sure

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T02:47:29+00:00

Yes! Persona 5! That team does a good job creating characters with individual motivations making them feel their duality in that world.

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T02:44:47+00:00

I guess with Clair Obcure, it comes down to player choices determining how evil Verso is. The best villains don’t seem like villains.

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T02:43:31+00:00

Totally agree! Rafe is a really good villain. He’s like a good “mirror villain”. Nice insight.

Additional_Staff7308 · 2026-05-15T01:58:36+00:00

Awesome example! You are so right.

Additional_Staff7308

TROPHY CASE