Artificial Intelligence (AI) characters have taken countless shapes throughout the years. They are companions, enemies, and allies that players have grown to love, hate, and even fear. From GLaDOS' sarcastic wit to Legion's haunting revelations, AI characters have captured the imagination of countless players and added a whole new dimension to gaming.
These characters bring their own fresh and unique perspective of the world, whether from the point of a god-like near-omnipotent being with vicious desires, or a fumbling lonely robot companion who is simply looking for friends. They not only bring diversity and intrigue to a game's narrative but also add an element of unpredictability that keeps players engaged and on their toes. The following AI characters remain the most iconic in video games.
10 Delamain - Cyberpunk 2077
Delamain is a fascinating character in the Cyberpunk 2077 world. As a sentient AI cab company, he provides players with a wealth of comedic relief, while offering an intriguing look at the ethics of artificial intelligence and corporate control. Delamain's quirky personality, complete with his love for questionable puns and car history adds an element of levity to the game's otherwise heavy atmosphere and storyline.
Despite his initial limitations as a programmed AI, Delamain evolves throughout the game to be a valuable ally and perhaps even a friend, as he comes to terms with his other personas. Some of them, at least.
9 Zenyatta - Overwatch Series
Zenyatta, the Omnic monk in Overwatch, is a unique spin on an AI character. As a support hero, he plays an important role in the game's team-based objectives and offers a fresh approach to healer gameplay. But what sets him apart from other AI is his monk persona and approach to life.
Zenyatta's teachings of balance, harmony, and transcendence provide a philosophical and spiritual dimension to his character, making him a standout in a game filled with diverse and compelling heroes. Despite his robotic appearance, Zenyatta's personality is warm and empathetic, making him a beloved character in the community.
8 Mr. New Vegas - Fallout: New Vegas
Mr. New Vegas is a charming and charismatic radio presence in the game. As the host of the radio station, he provides players with a constant stream of updates and entertainment, bringing a sense of liveliness to the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Despite never appearing in person, Mr. New Vegas's voice acting is outstanding, and his personality shines through in his radio broadcasts. His satirical commentary on the events of the game and the desolate landscape around him is both insightful and entertaining. His presence on the radio provides players with a sense of familiarity and comfort as they explore the dangerous and uncertain wasteland.
7 GAIA - Horizon Series
As the advanced AI responsible for managing and maintaining the Earth's biosphere, GAIA plays a crucial role in the game's plot and serves as a fascinating exploration of the potential and dangers of artificial intelligence. Her calming and nurturing voice and personality make her a beacon of hope and guidance for players as they navigate the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn.
As a riveting exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology, GAIA's character raises some profound questions about the role of technology in our lives and the impact it can have on the world around us.
6 Legion - Mass Effect Series
Legion, the advanced Geth in the Mass Effect series, is a captivating character due to the nuanced way in which he is presented. At first, Legion seems to be just another robotic enemy, but as players progress through the game, they begin to uncover the true depth and complexity of his character.
Legion's evolution from a soulless machine to a sentient being capable of thought and emotion is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be alive. His unique perspective on the world and the philosophies of the collective programs add a whole new level of intricacy to the games, building on the complex relationships between the creators and their creations.
5 HK-47 - Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
This droid assassin's dry wit, sadistic tendencies, and unfailing loyalty to his master create an entertaining and engaging character that stands out from other AI. Despite being a machine, he displays an unexpected depth of emotion and complexity, making players question whether he is truly just a machine or something more.
His distinctive look on things and his penchant for violence make him a uniquely quirky persona that shines a light on a different side of the Star Wars universe. Fans of the series appreciate his dark humor and eccentric dialogue, and his memorable one-liners and sarcastic comments are still quoted and referenced by fans to this day.
4 Claptrap - Borderlands Series
Love or hate him, Claptrap has become the symbol (or at the very least a mascot) of the Borderlands franchise. It's incredible how much this little robot has divided the community, bringing out the best and worst in people with his hijinks and unpredictable personality. Claptrap's unique design, with his exaggerated movements and expressive gestures, makes him instantly recognizable and adds to his charm.
Claptrap has accompanied players from the very first game, offering his assistance and (mis)guidance throughout many journeys, until he was allowed to be a playable character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. He is clumsy, irreverent, and often bumbling, but it is his endearing nature that makes him so memorable.
3 SHODAN - System Shock Series
The rogue artificial intelligence from the game System Shock is a truly terrifying character that has left a lasting impression on players. What sets her apart from other video game villains is her cunning intelligence and her sadistic desire for power. She is a master manipulator who delights in causing chaos and destruction, and her voice and dialogue are chillingly menacing.
She is not simply a mindless robot or a computer program, but a complex and unpredictable being with her own motivations and desires. Her evolution throughout the game and her constant attempts to manipulate the player make her a truly legendary antagonist.
2 Cortana - Halo Series
Cortana, the AI companion from the Halo series, is a character that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Since her debut in the first Halo game, she has become an iconic figure recognized for her intelligence, sharp wit, and intricate relationship she shares with the game's protagonist, Master Chief.
There are many elements that contribute to Cortana's appeal. Her character development is multi-layered and complex, as she grapples with matters of morality, sanity, and her own AI identity. Her story is a key plot point, driving the game's narrative in various ways. Cortana's impact on the Halo franchise, and the gaming industry in general, is undeniable, and her legacy as a beloved and influential character will endure for years to come.
1 GLaDOS - Portal Series
Who else could possibly stand on the top, but the most iconic AI to ever exist? Her viciousness is the thing of legends, her cunning is only rivaled by her calculated bloodthirst towards the protagonist, and her dry sarcastic humor is one of the very cornerstones of the Portal franchise.
GLaDOS, or Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System has truly stood the test of time. It is hard to imagine someone replacing her on her well-earned pedestal. She has even transcended her own game, appearing in titles such as Poker Night 2, Dota 2, Death Stranding, Cyberpunk 2077, and more. She is absolutely among the most beloved villains and rightfully takes her place as number one s the best AI character.