12. Altair - Assassin's Creed
Altair may not be everyone's favourite assassin (myself included) and whether or not the series is still what it used to be is irrelevant. But he was the one who started it all, the free-running, hidden-blade wielding badass who has given a generation of gamers the ability to look at tall buildings and churches and think 'I could totally climb that, if only there was a bale of hay at the bottom.' Altair's story of redemption and working his way back up through the Order after his downfall made for a great element to the story, even though the conflict with the Templars was naturally the main focus. Learning the error of his renegade ways and the importance of the Creed made Altair seem much more human, despite his unflinching grimness. He may not be one of the most charismatic or likeable assassins like his descendants, but he was the one who started it all. One of the most awesome experiences of this generation was traversing the rooftops in the crusades with Altair, or sneaking up to a target silently and dispatching them with an almost Batman-like grimness and sullen demeanour. For that reason if nothing else, Altair is definitely one of the best protagonists of the generation.
High Point For This Character: Taking control of the Assassin Order from his corrupt mentor Al Mualim who was using the Apple of Eden highlighted Altair as a force to be reckoned with, as well as setting the course for the events of the sequels.