Summary
The original PlayStation flexed its lack of third-party restrictions in comparison to Nintendo’s consoles, allowing a wealth of talented developers tomake full use of the PS1’s impressive hardwareto develop some of the most memorable video games around that fans can’t get enough of. For the most part, these games were directed at male audiences, given that this was the predominant demographic that played video games at the time. So, it was nice to see an impressive number of female protagonists make their way into these games too.
While it’s true that the vast majority of these protagonists were designed to appease the male gaze, that shouldn’t take anything away from their engaging personalities, serving as the beating heart of some stellar gaming experiences. It’s a shame that some of these protagonists aren’t talked about highly, especially when they deserve the same level of popularity as some of gaming’s other heroines during this era, who have gone on to become enduring figures of pop culture.
Clock Towerisa harrowing video gamewhere players must find a way to escape a locked mansion while being hounded by the Scissorman. Seeing this degenerate monster chase the player at any point during their exploration is nerve-wracking, and players must either outrun this monster or find a way to dupe it. This core gameplay loop adds a sense of tension to a game that is mostly about puzzle-solving and exploration.
The heroine at the heart of this game is Jennifer Simpson, a character who deserves way more love than she gets. She grew up an orphan who never received love, causing her to become shy yet polite. Players can’t help but sympathize with her character, compelling them to find a way to help her escape the Clock Tower while trying to save her friends and uncover a tantalizing mystery without being decapitated by the unhinged Scissorman.
It’s a shame thatmore people don’t talk aboutFear Effectall that often. The game’s cel-shaded art style, quirky story, and a cast of memorable characters ensure that players will remember this game long after they finish playing through this unique action-adventure game. The insta-death sections of the game can be a pain to get through at times, but the silver lining is that players will be able to appreciate the many unique game-over sequences present in a game that is brimming with charm.
One of the characters that players control in this game is Hana, a spunky merc who isn’t afraid to get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. She can genuinely make players laugh with her witty quips as she carries out her missions, but there’s more to this character than what meets the eye. Despite sporting a cold exterior, Hana occasionally expresses a desire to leave her life of crime and pursue a normal life, even though she knows deep down in her heart that her circumstances prevent her from living out this fantasy.
Tenchu: Stealth Assassinsset the foundation for the stealth genre that future games would build upon, making it one of the most innovative video games that no one talks about. It’s a shame since people who get over the title’s dated presentation will love going through its imaginative levels. Players can control one of two protagonists in the game, and players who want to be as stealthy as they comeshould control Ayamefor most of the missions.
This ninja lacks enough physical strength to be competent in direct combat, but her prowess in stealth is unmatched. If players want to slink into the shadows and find opportune moments to take out their enemies, then Ayame is the perfect playable character to control. It helps that Ayame’s grace and sense of duty make her a naturally likable character and one of the best parts of the Tenchu series.
Afterthe hit success ofResident Evil, it was clear that Capcom would try and emulate this success in other titles. In a bid to make an action-packed title where players could go gung-ho on their foes, they developedDino Crisis. This action-packed game about shooting down dinosaurs was one of their most beloved projects at the time, and it’s a shame that the company hasn’t decided to revive this IP in the modern era.
The protagonist of this game is Regina, a professional agent who has no problem mowing down the dinosaurs standing in her way. Her collected demeanor grounds the action of the game and helps players feel more in control as they slowly come to grips with an action-heavy twist on theResident Evilformula. Her ability to rationalize the situation and display moments of empathy make her a great protagonist and players would love to see her reimagined for a modern game.
BeforeShadow Hearts,there wasKoudelka. Players control the titular protagonist inside the Nemeton Monastery, serving as one of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. It’s a shame that the combat of the game is its weakest link sinceKoudelkahas all the ingredients for a masterful horror experience that fans of PS1 games should check out for themselves. A huge part of what makes this game so memorable is its protagonist.
Koudelkais a fascinating character, clearly beaten down by a dark and oppressive world to the point where she wants to look out for herself, even if comes at the cost of others. This puts her at odds with the other party members numerous times, but fans slowly get to see her character evolve and become slightly more passionate over the course of the game.
