From Grave to Game: Top 10 Undead Player Characters In Video Games

The undead has always been a fascinating trope in storytelling, often offering an eerie, captivating blend of horror, fascination, and, at times, humor. The video game realm, with its sprawling narrative and visual freedom, amplifies this fascination by proposing diverse undead character portrayals. From the spectral and skeletal figures of long-dead knights and relentless zombies to morally complex vampires, gaming platforms breathe new life and depth into undead characters.

This article introduces the top 10 undead player characters who not only embody the undead trope's essence but bring nuanced dimensions to their narrative, gameplay, and character design. Explore this list to discover how being undead does not equate to a lack of character vitality but can, in fact, provide riveting gaming experiences and stories.

1. Sir Daniel Fortesque: MediEvil

Sir Daniel Fortesque, the whimsical protagonist in MediEvil, brings a touch of comic charm to the realm of undead heroes. Standing as a skeletal knight resurrected decades after his comedic death, Fortesque embarks on a quest to vanquish the evil sorcerer Zarok. His clumsy yet determined demeanor and endearing backstory make him a standout undead protagonist in the vast landscape of video games.

2. Kain: Legacy of Kain Series

Celebrated for his intricate character progression and dramatic persona, Kain from the Legacy of Kain series is a compelling vampire anti-hero. Transformed into a vampire in the initial game, Kain defiantly embraces his vampiric nature, leading to complex narratives revolving around time paradoxes, betrayal, and vengeance. His deep, Shakespearean-style dialogue and morally complex choices make Kain a mesmerizing undead figure in gaming.

3. Arthur: Ghosts ‘n Goblins

Within the unforgivingly difficult Ghosts ‘n Goblins franchise stands Arthur, a glamorously ungainly knight with an uncanny ability to persist beyond death. Despite his skeletal transformation upon getting hit, Arthur fights on relentlessly, taking on gruesome creatures and treacherous environments. Arthur's indomitable spirit and undead resiliency have cemented his place in gaming history as an iconic undead protagonist.

4. Raziel: Soul Reaver

Raziel, another character from the Legacy of Kain series, starts as a vampire only to be reborn as an undead creature flitting between the material and spectral worlds. His soul-consuming existence, coupled with his pursuit of revenge against his master, Kain, imbues him with a supernatural charisma. With a striking character design and a thirst for souls, Raziel is a unique undead hero in the realm of gaming.

5. Stubbs the Zombie: Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse

In a twisted portrayal of undead characters, Stubbs the Zombie delights gamers by allowing them to play as a mischief-making zombie. Stubbs uses his zombie abilities, including a detachable hand and explosive organs, to wreak havoc in a retro-futuristic city. Stubbs' comical antics and the game's dark humor make it an entertaining foray into the undead gaming sphere.

6. The Chosen Undead: Dark Souls

The Chosen Undead, the customizable protagonist of Dark Souls, explores a dark, decaying world filled with fascinating lore and nightmarish creatures. Reawakening at the Undead Asylum, the protagonist embarks upon a treacherous journey. The effective ambiguity surrounding the protagonist’s true nature and purpose contributes to their dark charm, making The Chosen Undead an unforgettable character.

7. Sylvanas Windrunner: World of Warcraft

From esteemed High Elf to the Banshee Queen of the Forsaken, Sylvanas Windrunner's character evolution in World of Warcraft is a compelling narrative thread. As an undead character, her ruthless drive for survival and manipulation have manipulated Azeroth’s fate drastically. As one of the more complex characters in the vast WoW universe, Sylvanus acknowledges the horror of her undead existence while capitalizing on her powers.

8. Manny Calavera: Grim Fandango

Manny Calavera from Grim Fandango transcribes a unique take on the undead trope. As a skeletal travel agent in the Land of the Dead, Manny gets entangled in a tale of crime, corruption, and redemption. Manny's charm, wit, and noir-inspired universe have not only made him one of the most likable undead characters out there but turned Grim Fandango into a cult classic.

9. Dampé: The Legend of Zelda Series

Dampé, the gravedigger and a memorable character from The Legend of Zelda series stirs a unique blend of creepy ambiance and helpfulness. Although he delivers the occasional fright, Dampé's primary role is to aid Link during his quest, showcasing that not all ghostly characters mean harm. Dampé's quirky personality and distinct role have earned him a fond spot in the undead category of game characters.

10. Caleb: Blood

The game Blood presents us with Caleb, an undead cowboy revived for revenge. As the protagonist, Caleb goes on a gore-filled spree against the dark god, Tchernobog, and his minions. Caleb’s relentless mix of dark humor and violent determination exemplifies his grim anti-hero gunfighter persona, making him a distinctive character among the undead entities in games.

These undead game characters stand as testaments to the diverse range of characters that gaming can uphold. Whether they serve as lovable protagonists, corrupt anti-heroes, or icons of resilience, they provoke strong emotions and engage players in unique narratives, making them more than just digital zombies. Let their stories inspire you as they break the mold of mortality, one game at a time.