Hispanic Heritage Month is right here, and what higher solution to kick off the season than to look again at among the most iconic Hispanic online game characters? From heroic protagonists comparable to Spider-Man’s Miles Morales to unforgettable facet gamers like Jackie Welles of Cyberpunk 2077 and villainous favorites like Sombra from Overwatch, there isn’t any scarcity of fantastic Hispanic characters in gaming.
Hispanic illustration in video video games has gone from sidekicks and villains to main heroes and scene-stealing, beloved icons. Listed below are a few of our favorites…
Carlos Oliveira (Resident Evil 3: Nemesis)
Whereas Carlos could share the highlight with sequence protagonist Jill Valentine in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and its subsequent remake in 2020, he’s solely been in a single sport since (three if you happen to depend The Umbrella Chronicles). His heroic demeanor, tragic backstory as a toddler soldier, and snazzy haircut make him not solely one of many standout characters within the sequence, but in addition probably the most memorable heroes in a franchise filled with iconic protagonists and villains. Right here’s hoping we see Carlos once more someday…
King (Tekken)
It takes lots to face out in a sequence filled with characters which might be each memorable and downright distinctive. King is a luchador who, not like a typical Mexican wrestler, swaps a standard luchador masks for a jaguar masks and in some iterations of the Tekken sequence has a critically fashion-forward sense of favor. Whereas King’s look could also be goofy in a sequence full of massive, goofy and eccentric characters, he’s based mostly on two real-life masked wrestlers: Japanese legend Satoru Sayama a.okay.a. Tiger Masks and Fray Tormenta, a Catholic priest who took a facet job as a luchador with a purpose to increase cash for his orphanage. Whereas King would not converse a lot within the sequence exterior of the occasional growl — which is okay as a result of all people in Tekken is a little bit of a weirdo — his character is a love letter to lucha libre. That’s made King not solely probably the most immediately recognizable and iconic characters in Tekken, however in combating video games as a complete.
Reyna (Valorant)
Reyna will not be solely an immediately recognizable character in Valorant, but in addition probably the most in style characters within the sport in response to participant knowledge and neighborhood curiosity. Whereas the Mexican native sports activities an identical coloration palette to Sombra from Overwatch, that’s the place their similarities finish. Reyna’s talents and play-style are actually what makes her pop in Riot’s shooter attributable to her steep however rewarding studying curve and her general fascinating character. Whereas she might not be probably the most uniquely designed feminine in a style filled with various and enjoyable characters, Reyna’s recognition amongst gamers has made her not solely a constructive Hispanic character, however a feminine gaming icon as nicely.
Rico Rodriguez (Simply Trigger)
What would an inventory of memorable and iconic Hispanic online game characters be with out the wingsuit-flying, grapple hook-using, harmful drive that’s Rico Rodriguez from the Simply Trigger sequence? The Mexican-born CIA super-soldier turned sworn enemy of gravity and physics is a simple entry into this record attributable to him being the embodiment of a troublesome however likable motion hero who’s each masculine and in addition relatable. If you wish to expertise a enjoyable sandbox of issues blowing up, and a cool and likable character, then Rico is your man.
Sombra (Overwatch)
Sombra, a.okay.a. Olivia Colomar, is certainly one of Overwatch’s antagonists and a member of the terrorist group Talon. Whereas she could be related to the “unhealthy guys” in Overwatch’s story, she’s far out of your typical mustache-twirling, evil super-villain. Sombra’s story makes her kind of a insurgent with out a trigger somewhat than somebody who’s simply unhealthy for the sake of Overwatch’s want for villains. The Mexican orphan who turned a brilliant hacker can also be in style with gamers attributable to her capability to swiftly and stealthily disable enemy groups and dish out an honest quantity of DPS along with her trademark SMGs. Along with her trademark look, partaking backstory, and in style play-style, Sombra is a superb Hispanic illustration in a sport filled with various and larger-than-life characters.
Jackie Welles (Cyberpunk 2077)
With Night time Metropolis based mostly on a dystopian amalgamation of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, it’s not shocking to see a heavy Chicano affect on town, its folks, and its tradition. From the trendy however violent Valentinos gang to its Latino radio station and places like El Coyote Cojo, it is not arduous to see why a personality like Jackie Welles works so nicely on this distinctly Latino metropolis. From the sport’s first actual trailer to the top of its first act, Jackie is a outstanding a part of V’s story and is a superb instance of how video video games can create impactful characters which might be deeply rooted of their tradition with out coming off stereotypical and disingenuous. From Jackie’s informal mix of Spanish and English when speaking to V, to his curiosity within the religious and supernatural “large brother” arc, it is easy to see why this gun for rent is such an vital character in a world filled with vibrant and unforgettable gamers.
Miles Morales (Spider-Man)
What else will be mentioned about Spider-Man that hasn’t been mentioned 1,000,000 instances already? Whereas Miles Morales has solely lately develop into as nicely often called Peter Parker, he’s develop into a mainstay in Marvel’s roster of superheroes and stars in certainly one of PS5’s finest video games. Miles is the definition of what it means to be an iconic and wonderful illustration of a Hispanic character; from his carefree and excited perspective to his unforgettable black Spidey swimsuit to his distinctive set of powers, he’s his personal Spider-Man to make certain. The Afro-Latino of Puerto Rican descent superhero has not solely develop into probably the most vital superheroes of late, but in addition probably the most iconic heroes in video video games together with his co-starring function within the extremely anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
These have been seven iconic Hispanic characters in video video games. Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us within the feedback beneath, and for every thing else Hispanic Heritage Month, preserve it locked to IGN.