Top 10 Video Games Featuring Battles Against Former Protagonists

Completing a journey with your favorite video game hero evokes a sense of nostalgia, akin to parting from a cherished companion.Having experienced countless adventures side by side, the farewell leaves you both satisfied and yearning for new quests.

Yet, life in gaming often surprises us—the familiar hero may reappear, but this time, they’re your adversary. You recognize their prowess all too well; after all, they’ve vanquished many foes, and now, it’s your turn to face them as they threaten your progress.

Confronting a former protagonist stirs complex emotions. There’s joy in their return, mixed with trepidation over their newfound hostility and an underlying sense of betrayal.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains significant spoilers as it explores how these former protagonists are integrated into their respective narratives.

10 Prototype 2

Mercer Completes His Villain Arc

Initially an anti-hero, Alex Mercer from Prototype evolves significantly following the events of the first game. The game’s dark, edgy atmosphere appealed greatly to fans like me back during its release.

In Prototype 2, Mercer fully sets aside any heroic intentions, instigating a perilous new outbreak with the Blacklight virus and setting protagonist Heller on a vengeful path to rescue his daughter.

This progression is empowering; early encounters with Mercer leave players feeling impotent against his overwhelming strength, but by the climax, you engage in an intense showdown that tests all your acquired skills in a thrilling final battle.

Interestingly, Mercer’s role as a blatant villain stems from developers Radial Entertainment’s struggle to redefine his character for a sequel, given his formidable abilities established in the prior game.

9 Mega Man ZX Advent

Double Mega Merge!

As video game series evolve, they often introduce new heroes. In Mega Man ZX Advent, former protagonists Aile and Vent reappear, now seasoned Maverick hunters who aid the new heroes, Grey and Ashe. It’s remarkable to see their growth.

Before they become trustworthy allies, players must first battle them, as they initially misidentify the newcomers as threats.Who you confront depends on your character choice: Ashe faces Vent while Grey squares off against Aile.

The lead-up to battle features an impressive Double Mega Merge sequence, adding drama to the fight, which proves challenging as these former heroes match your agility and can charge their attacks.

Upon victory, you earn their Model ZX abilities, gaining powerful moves such as the Z-Saber and X’s Buster Shot, making Model ZX a standout transformation in Advent that mirrors gameplay from previous installments.

8 A Way Out

The World Was Wide Enough

Hazelight Studios is renowned for crafting unique co-op experiences, as evidenced in their titles such as It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Their roots, however, lie with A Way Out, where you and your partner embody Leo and Vincent, two unlikely allies plotting an escape from prison.

What sets this game apart is the plot twist where Vincent reveals his undercover status as an FBI agent, igniting a frenetic chase that pivots from cooperation to an intense PvP scenario.

In this gripping sequence, players experience a battle between former friends—the outcome determines the ending, forcing one character to choose to survive at the expense of the other. Unlike in real life, there’s no chance for reconciliation here.

7 Dark Souls 3

Rekindle The First Flame Again

The narratives across the Dark Souls trilogy are elegantly minimalistic yet rich in lore, drawing in those who revel in storytelling.The First Flame’s bonfire is pivotal for sustaining a world teetering on the edge of oblivion.

As you venture into the Kiln of the First Flame, you confront the final adversary: the Soul of Cinder, a reflection of all the past Lords of Cinder—including the player character from the original Dark Souls, who linked their soul to the First Flame.

6 Grand Theft Auto 5

Are You Heartless Enough To Betray Michael And Trevor?

In Grand Theft Auto 5, players take control of three protagonists: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. While all play a critical role, it’s Franklin whose influence largely steers the game’s conclusions.

For many, the choice to sacrifice one character over the others doesn’t often weigh heavily on the mind; many players instinctively choose to rescue both characters, unwilling to face the emotional repercussions of betrayal. This speaks volumes about the depth of character development in the series.

Ultimately, the allure of these flawed yet relatable characters makes it difficult to abandon them, even within the realm of choice.

5 NieR: Automata

Final Show[D]own

NieR: Automata spins a haunting narrative about the vicious cycle of violence and the enigma of free will, solidifying its status as one of my all-time favorite games.

As the storyline progresses past Endings A and B, players experience the heartbreak of 2B’s downfall, driven mad by a logic virus. Enter A2, an additional playable YorHa android with a rebellious streak. After a heart-wrenching plea from 2B for A2 to mercifully end her life, a tragedy unfolds as 9S misinterprets the situation and embarks on a quest for vengeance against A2.

In the climactic third playthrough, 9S and A2’s confrontation feels like a mournful culmination of their journeys. Both protagonists are playable, presenting unique endings that resonate deeply, particularly with Ending E, an experience known for its profound emotional impact.

4 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Hero Of Yokohama vs. Dragon Of Dojima

Kasuga Ichiban captivates players with his enduring optimism in Yakuza: Like A Dragon, leading RGG Studios to pivot from their traditional beat ‘em up mechanics to a novel turn-based RPG style.

In this interconnected Yakuza world, you’re bound to encounter a former protagonist in various roles, whether as a minor character or as a formidable boss. Each clash serves to remind players of the shared narrative encapsulating the series.

Notably, facing Kiryu is not just a challenge; he embodies a legendary force, characterized in Ichiban’s imagination as an actual dragon. This perception enhances the rivalry, making it more than just a battle but a mythic encounter.

3 Devil May Cry 4

Family Feud: Sparda Edition

The meme from Halo ODST that states, “Objective: Survive”encapsulates the feeling of battling Dante in Devil May Cry.

Engaging with an overpowered former protagonist is a gaming theme that resonates. While players might face Dante as Vergil in DMC5’s Special Edition, we will focus on DMC4, where players control the hot-headed newcomer Nero.

When Dante breaks into Nero’s domain with lethal intent, this pivotal moment establishes him as an adversary, shocking players who revered him as a hero.

The disparity in power between Dante and Nero is stark; most victories emerge because Dante grants leniency.At this stage in the narrative, Dante is at his apex, showcasing mastery as a Devil Hunter.

2 The Last Of Us Part 2

Look Her In The Eyes While You Kill Her

Ellie and Joel have captured the hearts of players since their debut, making Abby’s brutal murder of Joel all the more shocking in The Last of Us Part 2.

However, the narrative unfolds further when players assume Abby’s perspective, pursuing Ellie for retribution. Initially, I bore disdain towards Abby, but the depth of her character transforms through complete gameplay.

A dramatic conflict escalates into a climactic boss battle where players experience the struggle of facing the powerful Ellie. Not only do you adopt her stealthy tactics, but you also encounter her arsenal as she effectively utilizes everything you once relied upon against you.

This fierce confrontation emphasizes survival, with both characters striving to prevail in a harrowing, adrenaline-fueled clash.

1 Pokémon Gold And Silver

Better Than Ash

For countless gamers, Pokémon has been a cornerstone of childhood adventures. The pinnacle of these experiences often arrives with a formidable showdown against an exceptionally strong trainer.

Facing Red in Pokémon Gold and Silver marked a pivotal gaming moment. The concept of battling a previous protagonist was a novel innovation, leaving many players astounded.

Red presents a steep challenge, his stoic, silent demeanor adding to his intensity, overshadowing even characters like Cynthia in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. His legendary roster, featuring iconic Pokémon like Pikachu and all three Kanto starters, creates a formidable opponent.

The remixed Champion theme amplifies the confrontation, making it an unforgettable encounter. I vividly recall the first time I fought him in HeartGold and SoulSilver, where despite being at a higher level, the battle was exhilarating and testy.

You can also engage him in Pokémon Sun and Moon, where he appears more mature but lacks the same overwhelming aura that defined our first fight in Gold and Silver.

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