10 Video Game Protagonists Who Became Heroes By Accident

Some heroes are made... by accident!

By Michael Fincher /

Most video game protagonists tend to be born into the hero business. They are the chosen one, a naturally talented prodigy, or a skilled professional that seems like the right fit for the job.

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However, there are also those who find themselves saving the world by sheer accident.

That's right. Although normally you play as someone who's meant to be the hero, there are some rare exceptions among video game protagonists who get their lofty title by pure coincidence. They don't get their own prophecy, a hidden power, or noble heritage. The only reason they get to play heroes is because dumb luck decided so.

These heroes became who they are by being at the right place at the wrong time. Some have unintentionally stolen the place of the true hero, some have been victims of a very fortunate mistake, and some have simply saved the world while taking care of their own business.

Whatever the case may be, the following characters weren't meant to save the day. Their rise to glory was the consequence of sheer, unadulterated chance.

10. Heihachi Mishima - Tekken 8

Heihachi Mishima is the most recognizable character from the Tekken series, who acts as the franchise's main villain in almost every single game.

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Almost, because in the newest entry in the series, Tekken 8, Heihachi has a sudden change of heart and decides to join the side of the good guys, fixing all of the mistakes of his villainous past.

Now, it might look like this decision was made by Heihachi after some long sessions of self-reflection, but in reality, the answer is much, much funnier. Heihachi simply forgot he was the bad guy!

Yes, the plot of Heihachi's personal storyline in Tekken 8 is that due to an accident, he lost all of his memory, and this included all of his evil deeds and plans.

Although throughout the game he begins to remember his dishonorable past and his decision to be a hero becomes more conscious, the fact of the matter is that this huge character development is the result of one massive accident.

It's honestly hilarious to think that all it took for Heihachi to stop being a power-hungry warmonger is a small bonk on the head.

The only thing missing is a cartoonishly large lump growing out of his amnesiac head.

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