Video Game Hero
Overview
The concept of a video game hero is a central element in many video games, providing a character through which the player can engage with the game world. This figure often embodies traits of heroism, bravery, and skill, and is typically the primary agent through which the game's story unfolds.
History
The first video game heroes emerged with the advent of narrative-based video games in the late 1970s. Games like Adventure and Zork provided players with a protagonist through which they could explore and interact with the game world. These early heroes were often simple, pixelated figures, but they laid the groundwork for the complex and diverse heroes seen in video games today.
Characteristics
Video game heroes can vary greatly in their characteristics, reflecting the diversity of video game genres and settings. However, there are some common traits that many video game heroes share. These include:
- Skill: Video game heroes often possess exceptional abilities or skills. These can range from physical prowess in combat to intellectual acumen in puzzle-solving.
- Courage: Many video game heroes are characterized by their bravery, often facing daunting odds or dangerous enemies with determination and resolve.
- Agency: Video game heroes are typically the primary agents within the game world, making key decisions and driving the game's narrative forward.
- Relatability: To facilitate player engagement, video game heroes are often designed to be relatable to the player. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including character design, backstory, and dialogue.
Role in Gameplay
In most video games, the hero serves as the player's avatar within the game world. The player controls the hero's actions, and through the hero, interacts with the game's environment, completes objectives, and progresses the game's story. The hero's abilities and characteristics often shape the gameplay, influencing the types of challenges and obstacles the player will face.
Role in Narrative
The video game hero often plays a central role in the game's narrative. They are typically the main character of the story, and the game's plot often revolves around their actions and experiences. The hero's journey, a common narrative structure in video games, sees the hero embark on a quest, face and overcome challenges, and ultimately achieve their goal.
Evolution of Video Game Heroes
Over the years, the concept of the video game hero has evolved significantly. Early video game heroes were often simple, one-dimensional figures, but as technology and storytelling techniques have advanced, so too have the complexity and depth of video game heroes.
Today, video game heroes can be complex characters with detailed backstories, distinct personalities, and dynamic relationships with other characters. They can represent a wide range of genders, races, and cultures, reflecting the diversity of the global video game player base.
Impact on Culture
Video game heroes have had a significant impact on popular culture. Characters like Mario, Link, and Lara Croft have become cultural icons, transcending the medium of video games and influencing other forms of media such as film, television, and literature.