Ending on one of the biggest game-changing titles in recent memory - if not of all time - The Last Of Us' Ellie elevated not only the medium of video games into a higher echelon of appreciation on par with that of films, but it brought to life one of the best casts of characters in gaming history too. Alongside Troy Baker's fantastically gruff father Joel was Ashley Johnson's curse-word-flinging Ellie, a girl who after growing up in an apocalyptic world had an attitude of reckless abandon and an emerging sense of purpose within it. For those who are still yet to play LoU, let's just say Ellie is more important to Joel than she thinks - as well as the entire world's populace - but the game manages to create a wonderful bond between you playing as Joel and your time with Ellie. Mostly down to her saving your hide in a number of spots and leaping in to tackle someone who's trying to take you out, there's a section where you get to play as Ellie that reverses the protector role between her and Joel, tasking you with taking on a certain murderous adult character all by yourself. Ellie's take-no-prisoners attitude and overall bombastic personality hide a really strong dedicated heart, and her portrayal is one of the main reasons the game topped nearly every critics' list imaginable next year. If Naughty Dog can ever deliver another character on her level in Uncharted 4, we're in for something special indeed. Who are your favourite female heroes and protagonists? Did we miss anybody? Let us know in the comments!
