Ranking My Top Ten Video Game Crushes
Some of these pretty pixels have had my heart since age 10, and I need to talk about it
Hello, all.
Yes, you read that title right. I’m officially unburdening myself from the shackles of sanity and apparent professionalism and diving head-first down the rabbit hole.
In my defense, video game characters (typically women) have been deliberately marketed on an attractiveness scale to drum up interest and excitement for games for decades now. With progressive developments in game technology, graphics, and an increasingly unfiltered internet, wider discussion regarding hot game characters and our obsession with them has become a serious niche of public interest.
Not to brag, but I’d personally like to think I was ahead of the curve on this one, since some of these characters to be discussed have been in my own fictional crush file since grade school.
In the spirit of free speech and a more honest society, join me as we peruse some of the golden boys of video game history.
10. Joel Miller: The Last of Us (2013)
While Pedro Pascal most definitely has a hold on me tighter than Fort Knox’s security, the classic Joel from The Last of Us (2013) game series will forever remain the first to wow me.
9. Connor: Detroit Become Human (2018)
The unintentional center of an android uprising, Connor is a key character in this game grappling with concepts of the “unnerving” category. To remedy this existential drama, I’m at the very least grateful that there are attractive playable characters.
Thanks for that, Quantic Dream.
8. 8. Jak: Jak and Daxter, The Precursor Legacy (2001)
An oldie but a goodie. I distinctly remember the day that this stoic green-haired fighter graced the screen from my Playstation 2. I would be forever changed due to the combined, unwitting elvish charisma of Jak and Orlando Bloom’s depiction of Legolas from Lord of the Rings.
7. Lucifer: Obey Me! (2019)
Yes, named after the Lucifer in the Bible, but this one isn’t hell-bent on your eternal suffering (ha, get it?) This mobile game hails from a very specific category of games called “otome”— quite literally designed to trap and ensnare poor, unsuspecting victims with charming characters you can interact with.
Devious, isn’t it?
6. Link: Legend of Zelda (latest release 2023)
I am certain that most women agree with me when we say we love a guy that just knows when to be quiet. Who better to highlight here than Link from the Legend of Zelda series? Save for the occasional action voice line “hya!”, the hero of Hyrule remains silent throughout this series, until the recent Breath of the Wild cutscene voice line experimentations by Nintendo.
5. Sampo Koski: Honkai Star Rail (2023)
One of these things is not like the other!
In case you haven’t noticed by now, this list is primarily composed of the strong silent types. Not Sampo! This lovable rapscallion loves to spend big, and fans of his game spend even bigger: many have spent in the thousands to get the character they love from Honkai Star Rail.
4. Cloud Strife: Final Fantasy VII (2020 remake)
Look! A misunderstood tough guy with a soft inner-self!
My favorite.
The initial arrogance of this swordsman may induce some eye-rolling from some, but the character arc and growth cannot be denied. Cloud is an all-around 10, particularly for those (like myself) who love a mercenary man with serious weapon skill.
3. Leon S. Kennedy: Resident Evil 4 (2023 remake)
One question: do you like Italian food? If so, this (alleged) Italian-American ex-cop-turned-federal-agent is sure to appeal to your senses. Known for his snippy one-liners and flair for the dramatic, Leon is undoubtedly a favorite on this list and in the TikTok community .
2. Diluc Ragnvindr: Genshin Impact (2020)
I normally am passé at best about redheads, but this scarlet-locked brooding fighter breaks all the rules. This hero of Mondstadt deserves only the highest respects, which includes being listed as one of the top two on this countdown.
1. Astarion: Baldur’s Gate 3
This list would not be complete without due mention of one of the most fawned-after characters of this game. Though it's been just over a month since release, this sassy vampire has won over the hearts of the public (including myself). Baldur’s Gate 3 allows for the exploration of a number of romance options in-game, each with their own twists and turns dependent on the choices you make. Astarion has by and large been an incredibly popular choice among fans, hence why I’ve opted to place him as number one on this ranking list.
If you’ve found this entertaining in any way, shape or form, why not give me a follow? I’ll be posting more content like this on a regular basis, and would love to hear feedback or insight on topics in this realm I should cover next. Thanks for reading this far, hope to see you again soon!