10 Most Complex NPCs In Video Games
3. Mass Effect 2 - Thane Krios
Thane Krios is very much the quintessential anti-hero; a deadly spiritualistic assassin with a conscience that is living on borrowed time due to a terminal disease.
One of the standout characters from a series that has produced many, the Drell hitman has an incredible aptitude for violence and killing yet is incredibly self-aware, often bemoaning his past actions even going so far as displaying genuine remorse.
He agrees to join Commander Shephard’s gang of misfits on their suicide mission against the Collectors in the hopes that he will find redemption for his past in his final mission.
Throughout the time that Thane is part of the Normandy’s crew he will slowly open up to the player before seeking his help in reconciling with his son, who is now also on a dark path of his own despite his father’s attempts to steer him away.
Beneath the surface, Thane is a highly complex character, showing surprising levels of emotion that belie the assassin tropes often displayed in video games. He is a refreshing take on the gun-for-hire character that we've seen often in the medium, and therefore is a standout character in Mass Effect.