Hispanic Heritage Month is here, and what better way to kick off the season than to look back at some of the most iconic Hispanic video game characters? From heroic protagonists such as Spider-Man’s Miles Morales to unforgettable side players like Jackie Welles of Cyberpunk 2077 and villainous favorites like Sombra from Overwatch, there's no shortage of excellent Hispanic characters in gaming.
Hispanic representation in video games has gone from sidekicks and villains to leading heroes and scene-stealing, beloved icons. Here are some of our favorites...
While Carlos may share the spotlight with series protagonist Jill Valentine in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and its subsequent remake in 2020, he’s only been in one game since (three if you count The Umbrella Chronicles). His heroic demeanor, tragic backstory as a child soldier, and snazzy haircut make him not only one of the standout characters in the series, but also one of the most memorable heroes in a franchise full of iconic protagonists and villains. Here’s hoping we see Carlos again sometime…
It takes a lot to stand out in a series full of characters that are both memorable and downright unique. King is a luchador who, unlike a typical Mexican wrestler, swaps a traditional luchador mask for a jaguar mask and in some iterations of the Tekken series has a seriously fashion-forward sense of style. While King’s look may be goofy in a series full of big, goofy and eccentric characters, he’s based on two real-life masked wrestlers: Japanese legend Satoru Sayama a.k.a. Tiger Mask and Fray Tormenta, a Catholic priest who took a side job as a luchador in order to raise money for his orphanage. While King doesn't speak much in the series outside of the occasional growl — which is fine because everybody in Tekken is a bit of a weirdo — his character is a love letter to lucha libre. That’s made King not only one of the most instantly recognizable and iconic characters in Tekken, but in fighting games as a whole.
Reyna is not only an instantly recognizable character in Valorant, but also one of the most popular characters in the game according to player data and community interest. While the Mexican native sports a similar color palette to Sombra from Overwatch, that’s where their similarities end. Reyna’s abilities and play-style are really what makes her pop in Riot’s shooter due to her steep but rewarding learning curve and her overall fascinating character. While she may not be the most uniquely designed female in a genre full of diverse and fun characters, Reyna’s popularity amongst players has made her not only a positive Hispanic character, but a female gaming icon as well.
What would a list of memorable and iconic Hispanic video game characters be without the wingsuit-flying, grapple hook-using, destructive force that is Rico Rodriguez from the Just Cause series? The Mexican-born CIA super-soldier turned sworn enemy of gravity and physics is an easy entry into this list due to him being the embodiment of a tough but likable action hero who is both masculine and also relatable. If you want to experience a fun sandbox of things blowing up, and a cool and likable character, then Rico is your man.
Sombra, a.k.a. Olivia Colomar, is one of Overwatch’s antagonists and a member of the terrorist organization Talon. While she might be associated with the “bad guys” in Overwatch’s story, she’s far from your typical mustache-twirling, evil super-villain. Sombra’s story makes her more or less a rebel without a cause rather than someone who is just bad for the sake of Overwatch’s need for villains. The Mexican orphan who became a super hacker is also popular with players due to her ability to swiftly and stealthily disable enemy teams and dish out a decent amount of DPS with her trademark SMGs. With her trademark look, engaging backstory, and popular play-style, Sombra is an excellent Hispanic representation in a game full of diverse and larger-than-life characters.
With Night City based on a dystopian amalgamation of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, it’s not surprising to see a heavy Chicano influence on the city, its people, and its culture. From the stylish but violent Valentinos gang to its Latino radio station and locations like El Coyote Cojo, it's not hard to see why a character like Jackie Welles works so well in this distinctly Latino metropolis. From the game’s first real trailer to the end of its first act, Jackie is a prominent part of V’s story and is an excellent example of how video games can create impactful characters that are deeply rooted in their culture without coming off stereotypical and disingenuous. From Jackie’s casual blend of Spanish and English when talking to V, to his interest in the spiritual and supernatural “big brother” arc, it's easy to see why this gun for hire is such an important character in a world full of vibrant and unforgettable players.
IGN is celebrating Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month by raising funds for Hispanic Scholarship Fund. If you would like to help us reach our goal, head on over and donate here.
What else can be said about Spider-Man that hasn't been said a million times already? While Miles Morales has only recently become as well known as Peter Parker, he’s become a mainstay in Marvel’s roster of superheroes and stars in one of PS5’s best games. Miles is the definition of what it means to be an iconic and excellent representation of a Hispanic character; from his carefree and excited attitude to his unforgettable black Spidey suit to his unique set of powers, he is his own Spider-Man to be sure. The Afro-Latino of Puerto Rican descent superhero has not only become one of the most important superheroes of late, but also one of the most iconic heroes in video games with his co-starring role in the highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Those were seven iconic Hispanic characters in video games. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below, and for everything else Hispanic Heritage Month, keep it locked to IGN.
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Hispanic representation in video games has gone from sidekicks and villains to leading heroes and scene-stealing, beloved icons. Here are some of our favorites...
Carlos Oliveira (Resident Evil 3: Nemesis)
While Carlos may share the spotlight with series protagonist Jill Valentine in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis and its subsequent remake in 2020, he’s only been in one game since (three if you count The Umbrella Chronicles). His heroic demeanor, tragic backstory as a child soldier, and snazzy haircut make him not only one of the standout characters in the series, but also one of the most memorable heroes in a franchise full of iconic protagonists and villains. Here’s hoping we see Carlos again sometime…
King (Tekken)
It takes a lot to stand out in a series full of characters that are both memorable and downright unique. King is a luchador who, unlike a typical Mexican wrestler, swaps a traditional luchador mask for a jaguar mask and in some iterations of the Tekken series has a seriously fashion-forward sense of style. While King’s look may be goofy in a series full of big, goofy and eccentric characters, he’s based on two real-life masked wrestlers: Japanese legend Satoru Sayama a.k.a. Tiger Mask and Fray Tormenta, a Catholic priest who took a side job as a luchador in order to raise money for his orphanage. While King doesn't speak much in the series outside of the occasional growl — which is fine because everybody in Tekken is a bit of a weirdo — his character is a love letter to lucha libre. That’s made King not only one of the most instantly recognizable and iconic characters in Tekken, but in fighting games as a whole.
Reyna (Valorant)
Reyna is not only an instantly recognizable character in Valorant, but also one of the most popular characters in the game according to player data and community interest. While the Mexican native sports a similar color palette to Sombra from Overwatch, that’s where their similarities end. Reyna’s abilities and play-style are really what makes her pop in Riot’s shooter due to her steep but rewarding learning curve and her overall fascinating character. While she may not be the most uniquely designed female in a genre full of diverse and fun characters, Reyna’s popularity amongst players has made her not only a positive Hispanic character, but a female gaming icon as well.
Rico Rodriguez (Just Cause)
What would a list of memorable and iconic Hispanic video game characters be without the wingsuit-flying, grapple hook-using, destructive force that is Rico Rodriguez from the Just Cause series? The Mexican-born CIA super-soldier turned sworn enemy of gravity and physics is an easy entry into this list due to him being the embodiment of a tough but likable action hero who is both masculine and also relatable. If you want to experience a fun sandbox of things blowing up, and a cool and likable character, then Rico is your man.
Sombra (Overwatch)
Sombra, a.k.a. Olivia Colomar, is one of Overwatch’s antagonists and a member of the terrorist organization Talon. While she might be associated with the “bad guys” in Overwatch’s story, she’s far from your typical mustache-twirling, evil super-villain. Sombra’s story makes her more or less a rebel without a cause rather than someone who is just bad for the sake of Overwatch’s need for villains. The Mexican orphan who became a super hacker is also popular with players due to her ability to swiftly and stealthily disable enemy teams and dish out a decent amount of DPS with her trademark SMGs. With her trademark look, engaging backstory, and popular play-style, Sombra is an excellent Hispanic representation in a game full of diverse and larger-than-life characters.
Jackie Welles (Cyberpunk 2077)
With Night City based on a dystopian amalgamation of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, it’s not surprising to see a heavy Chicano influence on the city, its people, and its culture. From the stylish but violent Valentinos gang to its Latino radio station and locations like El Coyote Cojo, it's not hard to see why a character like Jackie Welles works so well in this distinctly Latino metropolis. From the game’s first real trailer to the end of its first act, Jackie is a prominent part of V’s story and is an excellent example of how video games can create impactful characters that are deeply rooted in their culture without coming off stereotypical and disingenuous. From Jackie’s casual blend of Spanish and English when talking to V, to his interest in the spiritual and supernatural “big brother” arc, it's easy to see why this gun for hire is such an important character in a world full of vibrant and unforgettable players.
IGN is celebrating Latine and Hispanic Heritage Month by raising funds for Hispanic Scholarship Fund. If you would like to help us reach our goal, head on over and donate here.
Miles Morales (Spider-Man)
What else can be said about Spider-Man that hasn't been said a million times already? While Miles Morales has only recently become as well known as Peter Parker, he’s become a mainstay in Marvel’s roster of superheroes and stars in one of PS5’s best games. Miles is the definition of what it means to be an iconic and excellent representation of a Hispanic character; from his carefree and excited attitude to his unforgettable black Spidey suit to his unique set of powers, he is his own Spider-Man to be sure. The Afro-Latino of Puerto Rican descent superhero has not only become one of the most important superheroes of late, but also one of the most iconic heroes in video games with his co-starring role in the highly anticipated Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Those were seven iconic Hispanic characters in video games. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments below, and for everything else Hispanic Heritage Month, keep it locked to IGN.
Continue reading...
