10 Best New Video Game Characters Of 2017

"Everything that lives is designed to end. We are perpetually trapped... in a never-ending spiral of life and death."

Which is to say that 2B isn't the most optimistic protagonist of recent times (Cappy she ain't). But for what she lacks in, uh, cheerfulness, 2B more than makes up for it in sheer weirdness. As an android created to battle "evil" machines who have taken over the planet, she's a truly unforgettable character with an awesome, original design and, c'mon, a really freakin' cool sword. What more do you want?

Depth, you say? Well in this department she isn't lacking either: although 2B initially appears to be quite an understated character, she slowly begins to blossom, arguably becoming the game's most interesting hero when you least expect it.

And it's the little moments of sarcasm and wit that 2B starts to display as the game progresses that stick with you. Before long she begins to question her place in the world and opens up emotionally, becoming more forthright and sociable.

It helps too, that the English voice work in the NieR: Automata - which could easily have been shoddy for a relatively obscure release like this - captures the conflicted nature of the character incredibly well. There's an artificial spin to Kira Buckland's line readings that somehow conveys a human element, too, making it perfect.

Oh, she wears high heels. Did you notice? In an attempt to explain this creative choice, the game's creative director, Yoko Tara, said, "The biggest reason is that I just really like girls." Can't fault his honesty, at least.