Hispanic Heritage Month is right here, and what higher method to kick off the season than to look again at a number of the most iconic Hispanic online game characters? From heroic protagonists equivalent to Spider-Man’s Miles Morales to unforgettable facet gamers like Jackie Welles of Cyberpunk 2077 and villainous favorites like Sombra from Overwatch, there is no scarcity of wonderful 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 here are a few of our favorites…
Carlos Oliveira (Resident Evil 3: Nemesis)
Whereas Carlos might 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 for those who rely The Umbrella Chronicles). His heroic demeanor, tragic backstory as a baby soldier, and snazzy haircut make him not solely one of many standout characters within the sequence, but in addition some of the memorable heroes in a franchise stuffed with iconic protagonists and villains. Right here’s hoping we see Carlos once more someday…
King (Tekken)
It takes quite a bit to face out in a sequence stuffed with characters which are each memorable and downright distinctive. King is a luchador who, in contrast to a typical Mexican wrestler, swaps a conventional luchador masks for a jaguar masks and in some iterations of the Tekken sequence has a significantly fashion-forward sense of fashion. Whereas King’s look could also be goofy in a sequence full of massive, goofy and eccentric characters, he’s primarily based on two real-life masked wrestlers: Japanese legend Satoru Sayama a.ok.a. Tiger Masks and Fray Tormenta, a Catholic priest who took a facet job as a luchador in an effort to increase cash for his orphanage. Whereas King would not communicate a lot within the sequence outdoors of the occasional growl — which is ok as a result of everyone in Tekken is a little bit of a weirdo — his character is a love letter to lucha libre. That’s made King not solely some of the immediately recognizable and iconic characters in Tekken, however in combating video games as an entire.
Reyna (Valorant)
Reyna shouldn’t be solely an immediately recognizable character in Valorant, but in addition some of the common characters within the sport according to player data and group curiosity. Whereas the Mexican native sports activities an analogous shade 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 as a result of 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 stuffed with various and enjoyable characters, Reyna’s reputation amongst gamers has made her not solely a optimistic 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 power 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 listing as a result of him being the embodiment of a tricky 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.ok.a. Olivia Colomar, is one among Overwatch’s antagonists and a member of the terrorist group Talon. Whereas she may be related to the “dangerous 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 no trigger moderately than somebody who’s simply dangerous for the sake of Overwatch’s want for villains. The Mexican orphan who turned an excellent hacker can also be common with gamers as a result of her potential to swiftly and stealthily disable enemy groups and dish out a good quantity of DPS together with her trademark SMGs. Together with her trademark look, participating backstory, and common play-style, Sombra is a wonderful Hispanic illustration in a sport stuffed with various and larger-than-life characters.
Jackie Welles (Cyberpunk 2077)
With Night time Metropolis primarily based on a dystopian amalgamation of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, it’s not stunning to see a heavy Chicano affect on town, its individuals, and its tradition. From the fashionable however violent Valentinos gang to its Latino radio station and places like El Coyote Cojo, it isn’t 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 distinguished a part of V’s story and is a wonderful instance of how video video games can create impactful characters which are 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 simple to see why this gun for rent is such an essential character in a world stuffed with vibrant and unforgettable gamers.
Miles Morales (Spider-Man)
What else may be stated about Spider-Man that hasn’t been stated one million instances already? Whereas Miles Morales has solely not too long ago turn into as nicely often known as Peter Parker, he’s turn into a mainstay in Marvel’s roster of superheroes and stars in one among PS5’s best 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 angle to his unforgettable black Spidey go well with to his distinctive set of powers, he’s his personal Spider-Man to make sure. The Afro-Latino of Puerto Rican descent superhero has not solely turn into some of the essential superheroes of late, but in addition some of the iconic heroes in video video games together with his co-starring position 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 under, and for every thing else Hispanic Heritage Month, preserve it locked to IGN.
