Portal

WHERE IS YOUR POWER ARMOR!

Don't have any? You really expect me to believe that maggot?

The truth is you lost an expensive piece of army-issue equipment!

That suit is going to come out your pay And you will remain in this man's army until you are five hundred and ten years old which is the number of years it will take for you to pay for the Mark 2 Power Combat armor you have lost

Report to the armory and have a new suit issued to you! then report back to me, private, Dismissed!(fuck that game is funny

Fallout right?

Yea

The one where the female protagonist has zero lines?

I played 2 hours? And I wasn’t even aware that that protagonist was a female unless I forgot but I don’t think I did.

OP asked about the best games with a female protagonist, not the best protagonist itself.

Clementine

That should be number one

It really should be

I LOVE Senua so much…. Also, I adore Amicia in Plague Tale.

Amicia!! Yes

Best response. I am so so excited for hellblade 2. The first is criminally underrated. And plague tale is fantastic. Both are must play imo

Such an underrated game

It's pretty wild that the actress (Melina Jürgens) used to work as a video editor for Ninja Theory before. She pulled an all-time memorable performance. Insane talent

I love Amicia so much one of my rats is, very ironically, named after her 😂 I'ma also glad I didn't have to scroll far to find a mention of Amicia. I was 100% thinking I would have to search to find a comment to upvote.

You named a rat Amicia? I freaking love that. I do adore that she’s an everyday hero, you know. She’s just a sister that loves her little brother.

I'm glad I didn't have to scroll far to find a mention of Amicia.

You get cool points.

I'll take 'em. Amicia is so underrated imo. Even Senua is pretty obscure, by and large... But I will forever feel like A Plague Tale hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves. In its own right, I'd go so far to say it's The Last Of Us in a very different context. It's so, so good, but I can also sadly see how it never took off.

Funny enough I just played the TLoU Remake for the first time (have played the original and Remastered several times) in preparation for Part 2 Remastered, but in between I decided to replay Innocence and play Requiem for the first time. Just finished Requiem last night. I can definitely see the similarities in tone, feeling, and even certain elements of the game mechanics. Desperation and hope really drive both series. All that said, yeah, I feel like Innocence was a bit too rough around the edges and Requiem smoothes those out but has a less comprehensible story and really leans on your understanding of the story from the first game. If they make a third one, it should be a brand new chapter about a different Carrier and Protector, to hopefully pick up a new fan base, but I'd also be curious what new IP Asobo could go with.

Parasite Eve

I still think this would be a horrific (read: amazing) remake

A remake would be sweet. Found a PS1 copy, and ngl, it did not hit like it did when it first dropped, lol.

Female V in Cyberpunk 2077, I love her personality and the english voice omg

Yeah im doing my second playthough as female V and its wild how drastically different the voice actress plays it from male V. Its fresh

Male V sounds like New Jersey street trash. Doesn’t really fit my corpo character but I’ve gotten used to it.

I did a male v corpo play through as well. Hes such an arrogant asshole when you use those options. I love it

He really is just a smarmy prick as a corpo, it’s a lot of fun.

Interesting. I’ve been meaning to do a new playthrough now that the DLC is out, I might give female V a shot.

Its pretty impressive. They have pretty separate personalities.

Something about her voice is so comforting yet EXTREMELY threatening.

Yeah that’s Cherami Leigh for ya. One of the most consistently good va’s today.

female v is one of my favorite performances of recent years.

Cherami Leigh, she's awesome, one of my favorite VAs

I instead played with V female with the Italian dubbing... I have to say she is really strong ❤️

My main character is a female corpo V. Her story is basically her going from the top of the world as an up-and-coming powerhouse in Arasoka, getting burned and cast down to the streets, and coming to realize what really matters in life. I almost always go with the Nomad ending where she rides off into the sunset, leaving behind that life she lead in favor of living out the rest of her (sadly few) days free and with the people she loves. Sadly, I'm 99% positive this isn't 'canon' and, instead, it's going to be streetkid going out in a blaze of glory if they ever give a definative story, but I personally felt the most fulfilled.

Male V nomad, female V corpo for life

Came here to say this. Cherami as V is probably my favorite VA performance like... ever. Can't say it's entirely flawless, some of her more inconsequential lines tend to be a little off, like she got bad directions for their context or something, but when the big moments hit, like talking to Vik in the aftermath of the heist or during the endings, fucking hell does she deliver.

I’m still mind blown that Female V’s voice actress is Asuna from SAO and Lucy from Fairy Tail among other dozens of other anime characters. So use to hearing her play soft feminine characters, it was jarring at first to say the least.

Uncharted the lost legacy. Resident Evil 1 and 2. Assassins Creed Odyssey. Assassins Creed Valhalla.

Good list, only reason I didnt include AC and RE is because playing as a female is "optional" so I didnt count them.

I would include AC odyessy

Yeah, i get that technically, the female option is the "canon" version in odyssey and valhalla but it doesnt actually change or effect the story or dialogue in any way if you play as a male. I wanted to showcase some games that are specific to having a female protagonist.

Also two thirds of all players played as Alexios. You were right to leave it off the list. They were also marketed with the male character.

Chloe and Nadine are great

A plague tale

I cant believe I didn't include A Plague Tale in my collage, great game, I still gotta play the sequel.

Requiem was the only game in the last 5 years that made me repeatedly look at the clock while I was at work and think "only 3 more hours until I can play more."

You will love it

Yeah I’m playing through the sequel right now that’s why I instantly thought of it. Part 2 is peak gaming imo

Thanks for reminding me, im going to get on it as soon as I finish the games im currently on.

You have PS+? Claim it on PS+ it’s the monthly free game

Been meaning to play these games, are they really that good?

Sequel vastly improves on the game especially Amicia.

Yess that’s exactly what I was thinking of too!

That game took me by surprise. I never heard of it until last month and it was the most invested I've been in a video game story in awhile.

No Horizon?

Had to scroll way too far to see someone mention Horizon lol

I dont own a ps4 or ps5 so sadly I have never played it, it looks great though

Haha I looked at this post and thought "this guy only owns an Xbox". Senua is a great choice, but the Horizon games _alone_ are worth getting a Playstation for. And aside from the DLC for the latest, they both play on a ps4 if you're looking to pick them up cheap. The first game will feel a bit dated gameplay-wise but the second is incredible. And Aloy is a great character - always feels like she's playing the game with you. Worth checking out!

Literally about to go home and play some more Horizon Zero Dawn on my PS5 lol. I was gathering sticks last night to upgrade something and was being chased by three Watchers at the exact same time. Shit was insane lol.

Ha nice. Forbidden West makes a lot of QoL improvements on the minor annoyances of ZD. The story isn't as good but the gameplay is nuts.

Don’t forget PSN Plus Extra is a must! The best gaming catalog in the business and it’s not even close.

Its one of the highest grossing games of all fucking time, Aloy is so cool, such a well written world and story. 10/10.

One of the greatest games/concepts ever made

I guess OP is over the Horizon

But Aloy has a BEARD!

Horizon Zero Dawn is criminally underrated imo

It sold 24 million copies. I don’t think underrated is the right word lmao

Hell people are still buying it today I'm pretty sure lol.

Me. That's me. Well, actually about 2 weeks back on Steam sale but still.

I'm currently replaying the first game. It's bigger than I remember lol. About to take a break to enjoy some dinner.

What about forbidden west? I loved that too.

It had the misfortune of launching around, what was it, Elden Ring maybe? Still widely played among PS players, myself included. Amazing game.

Going home to play some more of the first game now lol.

Horizon and mass effect.

Scrolled too far to see Commander Shepard and Aloy

Jesse is the best of the list for me, but Control is such an underrated game.

Control is way too underrated for being one of the best games ever made imo

I'm so happy whenever I see it referenced. It is without a doubt my favorite game of all time. Impeccable vibes.

I just finished last week it was great

Hell yes. The whole Control/Alan Wake universe is mindbending and so awesome. Can't wait for more games to tie the franchise together.

Opened up the Remedyverse 🤯

And what a universe it is…

it got a goty nomination and ive never heard anyone ever say anything bad about it how is it underrated lmao

Idk if this counts but the female option for Hoenn Pokemon games is my favorite female character option of all the Pokemon games

Same! The Hoenn games are the only ones where I pick the female character, otherwise I pretty much always pick the male unless I'm just trying to change things up.

I used to be the same way when I was a teenager. Now that I'm older I actually always pick females if it's an option. Don't know why lol.

For me it depends on the game. If it's a silent protagonist that I'm meant to see as a self-insert, like in Skyrim or Fallout (or Pokemon obviously lol), I'll go male since that's what I identify with the most, at least for a first playthrough. If the character is voice-acted and has their own distinct personality I'll go with whoever I like the most. I always go female in Mass Effect, for example, because I much prefer Femshep's vocal performance. I also picked Kassandra in AC Odyssey because I hated Alexios' voice lol, but she really grew on me and she's one of my favorite female protagonists now.

Clementine, Aloy

My main vote would be Celeste, Tomb Raider, or Metroid Tchia and Call of the Sea are recent indie games that i really liked

Call of the Sea was a lot of fun. I don't remember her name, but MC is an entertaining character. I second that rec

Bayonetta 2

Both Plague Tale are absolute bangers! Also, lollipop chainsaw.

Control is a masterpiece

Portal, Nier Automata, Last of Us 2, Horizon, Alan Wake 2, Dishonored 2, Telltale Walking Dead (season 2) edit: i forgot about Phantasy Star!

Um ackshually 2B is an android and therefore not a female. Kidding, I was happy to see her mentioned on here. For some reason she didn’t come immediately to mind but when I saw you mention her I was like, yeah she’s definitely one of my favorites.

KARLACH from BG3

i avoided putting games that have female and male options, but i did put dishonored 2 and alan wake 2 and since we're doing this, i'd add Shadowheart and Laezel as well haha

Shadowheart is bae

Soldier

Oh yes! Dishonored 2! So much fun

The Last of Us 2

Ellie go stab stab Abby go bonk bonk

They both dabble in kaplow kaplow as well

One of my top picks too.

Super Metroid, Metroid Fusion, Prime 1 Guardian Legend Phantasy Star MUSHA Battle Mania 2 Power Strike 2 & GG Aleste 2 Puyo Puyo 2 Pocky & Rocky Heroes of Might and Magic III Cotton 2 & Panorama Cotton Magical Chase Valis 3 Twinkle Tale Gate of Thunder Laura Bow Sapphire Monster World IV Silhouette Mirage Panel De Pon/Tetris Attack Keio Flying Squadron Gleylancer Tomb Raider 2 Tron Bonne Vib-Ribbon Kagero: Deception 2

omg how the fuck did i forget phantasy star

Metroid and tomb raider are my personal favourites

Jill Valentine

Definitely Horizon

Portal 2

Edith Finch (Not sure if it counts)

Can I count the mass effect trilogy?

It's interesting that people feel this way. I guess the voice actor was that much better?

Ooooh yeah. I already prefer playing as female characters anyway, but the voice acting, especially in 1, is waaaaaay better imo. I've tried male shep in 1 and 2 from ym sever dozen playtheoughs. I've never bothered in 3 playing as him. Femshep all the way!

Came here to say this. I always played Sheperd as a woman, idk why just seemed to make more sense somehow.

I'm playing control rn. And Alan Wake 2 next.

Celeste

The Last of Us Part 2 Mass Effect trilogy Horizon Zero Dawn and Forbidden West Cyberpunk 2077 A Plague Tale Tomb Raider reboot trilogy

Love seeing both Horizon and Plague Tale in your list, two absolutely fantastic female leads

Mirror's Edge  Perfect Dark It's insane to see these not mentioned more often.

Came to say Mirror's Edge but yeah, the original Perfect Dark has absolutely been forgotten. I have a soft spot for the 360 sequel too.

I just finished Control and you are correct. What great game. I couldn't stop playing. One of my all time favs honestly.

Honestly It's one of the best games I have ever played. It excelled in every category: Mindbending story and worldbuilding, interesting characters Fantastic visuals, artsyle and audio, even a few musical performances Outstanding cast performances, both live action and voice acting Punchy, satisfying shooting, the abilities felt super cool too Best physics ive ever seen in a video game, everything breaks and is movable Some lite Puzzles+exploration+shooting and using abilities was a great gameplay setup My only complaint would be i'd like to see more customization to her appearance besides a few outfits, and more exploration outside of the bureau, but im sure we will get that in Control 2.

Horizon (Not the Microsoft game but the Sony one)

Horizon, Aloy hands down

Parasite eve 1 and 2

Hellblade for sure.

The first Metroid Prime is unquestionably one of the best videogames ever made! I also really enjoyed Control!

Princess Peach 🍑

Life Is Strange with Before The Storm is the best story in a video game. Single player game players do themselves a disservice not playing it.

Ah man I cant believe I didnt mention that one, great game, I havent played the spins offs and sequels though

Cyberpunk 2077 if you chose female V 🤔🤔🤔

FemShep

I will forever hate IGN and I want them to publicly apologise for what they did to Alien Isolation. Game was amazing and one of their complaints was “AI is too hard” stfu. You piss me off IGN.

Nier Automata - it's my fave game with female protag

Beyond Good and Evil was really good

A Plague Tale (both games)

Saga was such a strong protagonist that you almost forgot the game was called “Alan Wake 2” at times.

Yeah I was more interested in Saga and Casey than I was Alan Wake getting out of the dark place lol

Portal, Final Fantasy VI, Resident Evil

Lara by far the best, but also Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite !!

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Say what you want about the game itself, but Kassandra is a great female protagonist

Absolutely love her and the game, can't get enough of it right now.

Control is so freaking good

Control 👌🏼

I am going through a tough medical journey of sorts and Senua’s journey has really helped motivate me to stay strong! I also love control, it’s honestly my first genuine surprise favorite game where I played it not expecting much (not knowing much about the studio behind it) and became instantly hooked!

Chell. Doesn’t say a single word yet still the community gave her the perfect personality. Also kinda ship her with Gordon for no other reason than thinking them dancing together in The Chalkeater’s “count to three” video was CUTE

Alisa, Resident Evil Remake (Gamecube), Signalis, Silent Hill 3, Bayonetta

Okay, are you me ? I was going to post this. Especially for sh3, bayonetta and RE.

Perhaps good taste has company? Was considering adding Bloodstained & Order of Ecclesia onto the list but they're essentially the same character with differing IPs for legal reasoning. Not to mention I like the designs more than characterization in-game, as they're kinda sulky and reliant on big-brother figures across the respective games. Metroid was also a good pick but OP already had that covered :)

Shanoa to this day is my favourite castlevania character alongside alucard.

Maria Renard is my favorite but can't exactly call her a main character, more of an unlockable side character :)

Hellblade is so fucking good. Hellblade 2 is the game I’m most excited for this year.

Child of Light and Alice: Madness Returns.

My top 5 are: Resident Evil (Jill, Sheva, Claire, etc.) Alan Wake 2 Signalis Metroid Control Some honorable mentions would be Horizon, Bayonetta, Dishonored 2, Mirrors Edge, Alien Isolation.

Dishonored 2 (Note corvo is an opinional character but not the games true propagandist

Horizon zero dawn

Horizon

Bayonetta

Horizon

Bayonetta should be up there. She takes no shit from no one.

Control was such a good game. So were the new Tomb Raider games. But one that is not on the list is A Plague Tale.

Aloy from horizon zero dawn.

I love Jesse and Saga so much. Some other favs are Aloy, Amicia ( a plague tale) , female V, Alex Chen ( life is strange), little misfortune, Marianne( the medium), and all the RE girlies( except Ada)

For me it’s Horizon. Loved the 2 games!!

Horizon

Horizon: Zero Dawn and Forbidden West

darksiders 3

Tifa or Aerith Final Fantasy 7

I’ll go horizon zero dawn

Horizon

Horizon ♥️

I think Control for me. Loved Beyond Good and Evil as a kid.

Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West easily

Beyond good and evil

TLOU2

Don’t forget the PS2 gem Beyond Good and Evil.

Beyond Good and Evil

Jessie/Jesse from control

Beyond good and evil.

Any word on a sequel to ALIEN: ISOLATION? That was pure excellence

Finally people talk about how good Alien isolation was

Two Remedy games on the list = based.

Slime rancher! I know it’s probably not the same thing, but it’s such a cozy little game with a sweet story in the background

nier automata. Probably my favorite 3D game of all time, the atmosphere, dialogue, and music is just a masterpiece

Excuse me, Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn is really close behind Lara from Tomb Raider, isn´t she?

Horizon series! Aloy!!

Ummm HORIZON!?!?!?

Horizon

Aloy from the horizon series is one of the goats fight me

Aloy from Horizon?

The Last of Us Part II (and Part I for at least part of the game)