25 Greatest Video Game Heroes Of All Time

24. Niko Bellic (Grand Theft Auto IV)

Niko Bellic isn't your typical GTA protagonist. While still exhibiting ethically questionable and criminal behaviour, Niko is clearly a product of the toxic environment he grew up in. His story is of his attempt to break the cycle that has entrapped him for so long.

Admittedly he doesn't do a very good job, at least not at first. Still, as GTA IV goes on it becomes more apparent to him that a life of crime is no good. When his criminal activities inadvertently get someone he cares about killed, revenge becomes his singular motivator.

Niko isn't a traditional hero, and it can even be argued that he isn't one in the slightest. But much like any good anti-hero, it is his tortured and confused soul that makes him a compelling character; one you can root for despite his cold-blooded actions.