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Written by S-HIRYU
The Greatest Character Designs in Gaming History
Throughout the years, the gaming industry's unique and diverse set of artists have produced some of the most original and distinctive characters in modern media.

Rivaling, if not surpassing, all other forms of visual entertainment from anime to comic books, the art of the video game character stands above all others not only in design, but in an exclusive characteristic that only gaming can capture; Interaction. You take the form of this character, live its destiny. Your personality can become its own, and vice versa. Assuming the role of this interactive work of art is one of the things that draws me to gaming more than any other aspect.

Honoring this new and underestimated art form, I present you with my ongoing tribute to the greatest character designs in gaming history. This list will never be stable, it will be updated and changed as necessary to accommodate new characters and old favorites I may have overlooked or have seen a in a new light. Without further ado, my homage to my favorite alter egos...
Hattori Hanzo - Samurai Showdown Series
Hanzo is, essentially, the epitome of the “fantasy ninja.” The flowing scarf, the body armor, the magic…Things that aren’t very efficient in the realistic assassin model. Hanzo was SNK’s spin on the ninja, one that sacrifices accuracy in exchange for design, and has been the blueprint for gaming ninja design ever since.
Nightmare - Soul Calibur Series
Nightmare’s “Player 2 costume” is the quintessential “evil knight.” A stereotypical, generic design without a doubt. However, Namco somehow turned this stereotype back into the frightening figure it once was many years ago, and did it flawlessly. Everything about this design is faultless; the most fearsome sword in gaming history, the once prestige golden armor, slowly taking back seat to the creeping evil that exudes from Nightmare’s right arm, the look of insanity on his face. These characteristics could not have been executed any better.
Strider Hiryu - Strider Series
If my knowledge serves me correctly, I recall Strider as the first “fantasy ninja.” Despite this ground breaking concept in an overplayed design, Hiryu’s originality stands out in a myriad of other aspects. Capcom knows color schemes. Check out nearly any one of their designs. You’ll notice a mono or dual chromatic color scheme is almost always implemented. Strider is no exception. From his characteristic blue and red to his robotic pets to one of the most original weapons in memory, Strider Hiryu is a lesson in great design.
Dizzy - Guilty Gear X Series
In order to fully appreciate Dizzy, or any Guilty Gear character for that matter, you must experience them in motion. What I find so appealing about Dizzy is the duality her character personifies, to the extent of the physical representation in her wings. But words and pictures are moot. It’s the banter her character displays in motion that takes the prize here.
Beyond the Grave - Gungrave Series
Grave is a giant, lumbering, silent, undead cowboy who carries a massive coffin filled with firearms strapped to his back. I don’t think I need to elaborate any further.
Hotsuma - Shinobi Series
Hotsuma is yet another take on the “fantasy ninja” style. Although this design has become redundant, perhaps to the point of overkill, Hotsuma’s design hits the nail on the head so effortlessly, it overrides the originality factor. He sports a twelve foot long, flowing scarf exhibiting high-quality animation, two extra sets of eyes, and a katana that eats souls. The color scheme is also a great aesthetic; his elongated, brightly colored scarf contrasts beautifully against his dulled black and gray costume.
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