10 Best Sci-Fi Video Game Characters Of All Time

The science fiction genre is not bereft of possibilities.

In a setting that surely allows the maximum creative freedom, there is simply no excuse for poor character development and storytelling.

The good-hearted protagonist can be an alien war veteran from the Battle of Zingydaar, and the evil sorcerer that looks to defeat the good guys may very well be a former scaffolder from Barnsley. The genre's immense scope means all possibilities are firmly on the table.

There are traits that are universally intriguing, regardless of what star cluster you reside in, and each serve to heighten the character's greatness. Empathy, companionship, mischief or heroism are essential building blocks to ensure a personality is relatable, admirable or detestable, and achieving such a feat is harder than the limitless sci-fi genre would have you believe.

The games medium is ripe for such characters to be forged, as the player spends such a significant amount of time with each one. An epic hero destined to save the galaxy from a sentient race of ancient machines or an edgy, cyber-enhanced rocker living in your head rent free, the relationships we develop with such characters is so very potent, with many having a significant impact on us after the credits roll.

Surely heightened significantly by Keanu Reeves serving as the character's likeness, voice and presence, Johnny Silverhand is a bright spark in a somewhat ropey Cyberpunk 2077 experience.

Silverhand is the frontman of chrome-rock band SAMURAI, and creates music that is strictly anti-corporation. His aesthetics alone are mesmerising, sporting a glossy, mechanical arm that would spawn his surname and a pair of aviator sunglasses that never let the player know too much about him.

Johnny is sarcastic, aloof, and condescending, but never in a way that's annoying or unwelcoming. He's a welcome addition to the story, and though his inclusion bears eerie similarities to Handsome Jack's presence in Tales From The Borderlands, the way he accompanies V throughout makes the player's journey feel like a team effort, rather than a lone wolf scenario.

Keanu Reeves' robotic delivery (though this time it's deliberate!) greatly adds to Silverhand's character. Ultimately, he's a man forged by his surroundings, and Night City's fascination with cybernetic enhancement and grappling of organised crime means his straight-talking, profanity-heavy personality fits in beautifully. That said, even in a city full of complex characters and unsettling neighbourhoods, Silverhand still feels cool.

Johnny, you're breathtaking.