What defines the best AI characters? They are the ones that make the game feel the most true-to-life, especially in unscripted scenarios. At the very least, having them around is fun and entertaining. To be able to immerse players in the game using characters that are as close to real life as possible is considered a great success in the eyes of players and studios. Gamers should feel they are observing a real being when interacting with these characters.
Characters in games with smart and fun artificial intelligence programmed into them are the cherry on top, and can solidify a game’s likeness to reality. It is a difficult feat, but some games have done wonders to enhance players’ experience through AI. These characters show just how much that can do.
10 Trevor (GTA 5)
Not many games stand the test of time, but GTA 5 has proven to be an exception by spanning not two, but three console generations. In addition to offering a vast and versatile online experience, the story mode deserves just as much praise.
Michael and Franklin are nice to have around, but the funniest and most entertaining companion to have is Trevor. With his loud approach to every encounter, whether it be action or interaction, his wackiness knows no bounds. His responses to various situations make watching all the drama unfold ever so fun.
9 Companions (Sons Of The Forest)
Perhaps the most complex and sophisticated AI mechanism known to gamers is introduced in the Sons Of The Forest. If successful, it could completely revolutionize the way studios approach the development of AI for characters.
In this game, it will be as if companions have their own emotions, which will influence their decisions and behavior. They can get bored, angry, or afraid, and can even feel hunger and thirst. This disruption in AI could kick-start innovation across the gaming industry like never before.
8 Enemies (Elden Ring)
Elden Ring follows the same input-reading formula utilized by other FromSoftware games, such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne. This means that enemies know the instant players make a move and react to it accordingly. The mechanic allows the developers to make a game with formidable foes that intimidate gamers and establish fear. It may seem that such a mechanic goes against having smart AI and being realistic, but this is not the case.
On the contrary, the enemies are still powerful but react naturally, as if they are working internally to analyze the player’s patterns before building their own counter-patterns. This clever input-reading pushes players to adapt.
7 Cortana (Halo Franchise)
Halo is considered an emotional franchise in the gaming industry, and for good reason. Along with providing robust gameplay, it offers a compelling story as well, complemented by characters that players become strongly attached to.
One such character is Cortana, who is an AI in the game as well. She advises Master Chief in his journey throughout the franchise. Her unique emotional inclinations give her a strong human touch, which also help develop a strong bond with Master Chief.
6 Mimir (God Of War: Ragnarok)
Excellent level design and world-building, along with superb combat mechanics, made God Of War’s revamped experience extremely enjoyable. Because of its scripted nature, it doesn’t have the most complex AI. However, the characters were designed in a way that gave the impression that their AI had depth.
When out of combat and traveling, Kratos and his allies converse with each other, narrating the stories of old and cracking jokes. It makes players feel they are around real-life friends. Among these characters, the best stories, reactions, and conversations come from Mimir.
5 Price &Ghost (Modern Warfare 2 (2022))
Infinity Ward, the studio that has made the ultimate unmatched military experience, improved on the already robust 2019 reboot. They substantially improved the AI system so that when going on missions in the campaign, it always feels like the team is a unit. Price and Ghost have the player's back while holding their own.
In fact, there is one particular stealth mission, where the player is accompanied by Ghost via radio throughout. He guides the player, and engages in some friendly banter and cracking jokes. The entire marketing for the game was based on the concept of ‘team,’ and the characters' AI emphasizes that.
4 Enemies (Warzone 2.0)
This has a separate listing from Modern Warfare 2 as it is a standalone game that is completely free to play, and utilizes the same engine and mechanics. DMZ is a new mode introduced for Warzone 2.0 and has often been compared to Escape From Tarkov, but has its original concepts laid on that foundation.
Players start off in DMZ with minimal equipment, a list of missions to complete, and a sandbox map where they are pitted against strong AI combatants hell-bent on smartly and methodically utilizing all available tactics and equipment to eliminate the threat. It is in contrast to Battle Royale where players use coordinated tactics to win as the last ones standing.
3 Posse (Red Dead Redemption 2)
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a true work of art in the realism category. Its intricate attention to detail is so in-depth, players still find tiny new aspects to appreciate every day. The game is filled with realistic moments that are unscripted. Perhaps talk of its excellent AI is suppressed as it is overshadowed by these details.
When allies are fighting or searching for enemies, players will feel that their paths and target acquisitions are not pre-programmed. Enemies will coordinate to ambush players and follow their tracks. Players will have life-like conversations with other characters in the open world. They get to rest up with their posse and have meaningful conversations with them to create natural bonds.
2 Chorizo (Far Cry 6)
Why does one need smart AI when one is equipped with an overload of cuteness? Chorizo is one of the companions in Far Cry 6 that can assist players in battle. The little pup on wheels was adored by players so much, players would choose Chorizo even if their play style did not align with Chorizo’s abilities.
He is just fun to have around, but can also be of immense use, by utilizing his abilities to distract enemies who cannot resist finding him too adorable to ignore.
1 Enemies & Allies (The Last Of Us Part II)
The revolutionary AI in The Last Of Us Part II was so advanced that to this day, it stands out. It was programmed to make it feel like each character had a separate heartbeat. Everything would feel very human.
Killing animals or enemies will anger others. The alert status of enemies will gradually elevate as they communicate with each other. Enemies search in a way a human does by anticipating the player’s movements, looking under cars, feeling the grass, and being more alert in hidden areas. In the same way, a player’s ally will coordinate with them to overpower the enemy.