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The main goal of a good video game is to allow its players to unknowingly sink into a game's world. To accomplish this, a game will attempt to create an endearing and relatable array of characters while placing them in an immersive land. Though doing so adds depth to a game, gifting a character with unique and unusual powers is arguably the best way to ensure the player remembers them.
A video game can incorporate a variety of different powers through its characters. If a story requires a character to be able to wield a certain unlikely power, for example, there is little difficulty in introducing it. Some of the most iconic characters in gaming have a fascination with the power of darkness.
10 Riku (Kingdom Hearts)
Once a young boy trapped on a tiny island, Riku sought to escape his confinement in the hope of seeing other worlds. Kingdom Hearts follows the story of Sora, the Keyblade's chosen one, as he travels to an array of different worlds in search of his friends.
Though Sora's journey is chock-full of joy and wonder, Riku's was far more sinister. The wicked witch, Maleficent, convinces Riku to join her side through the promise of reuniting him with his missing friend. The longer he remains by her side, the more he begins to rely on the power of darkness to ensure Kairi's safety.
9 Starkiller (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed)
Introduced in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Starkiller is arguably one of the most powerful beings present in the galaxy. After choosing to leave his master's side, Starkiller begins to devote himself to the Light Side of the Force, but the power he wields suggests he has no intention of abandoning his roots.
Throughout the game, Starkiller showcases his knowledge of the Dark Side through his terrifying abilities. He can regularly be seen dabbling in the Dark Side through the utilization of his red-bladed lightsaber and also by shooting lightning from the tips of his fingers.
8 Ardyn Izunia (Final Fantasy 15)
The main antagonist of Final Fantasy 15 is as clever as he is twisted. He spends the majority of the game's narrative presenting himself as a charming ally to Noctis and his friends before eventually revealing his true intentions.
After defying the gods, Ardyn was cursed with immortality. Once due to become a king, Ardyn's birthright was stolen from him by his brother, an act that filled him with hate. After he reclaims his throne, Ardyn utilizes his dark abilities to submerge the world in endless night.
7 Eredin Bréacc Glas (The Witcher)
The Wild Hunt is made up of a group of monster-like beings hellbent on bringing disaster wherever they roam. They travel primarily under the shield of lightning and thunderstorms and are regarded as an omen of death to all those who witness their presence.
Eredin Bréacc Glas is the Wild Hunt's leader and often relies on the powers of darkness to achieve his goals. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sees Eredin using these powers to pursue Ciri, a young woman capable of halting their reign of terror.
6 Serana (Skyrim)
Serana is one of the most lovable companions present in Skyrim. Introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, Serana is an incredibly powerful ally to have by the player's side as they journey to put Harkon's plans of world domination to a halt.
As a vampire, Serana can call on a variety of different unique abilities to aid her during combat. Her knowledge of magic permits her to drain the life essence from her foes until they either die or surrender: a devastatingly powerful ability that echoes notions of fear.
5 Shadowlord (NieR)
The Shadowlord acts as the primary antagonist in NieR. After he kidnaps the main protagonist's sister, Yonah, the player is forced to undergo an arduous journey to get her back. The Shadowlord prepares for this by releasing his plague of Shades on the world.
As his name would suggest, the Shadowlord can bend the Shades to his will, ordering them to attack the protagonist whenever he treads too closely. The dark tome, Grimoire Noir, allows the Shadowlord to use a vast assortment of dark abilities.
4 Ganon (The Legend Of Zelda)
Ganon, sometimes referred to as Ganondorf, is a recurring villain in The Legend of Zelda series. Once a noble being who hoped to protect his people, Ganon became consumed with avarice and fury.
His reliance on the power of darkness could very well be the only reason why he returns with each installment. It seems his utilization of the power of darkness has gained him immortality. Each depiction sees him attempting to thwart the attempts of Link and Zelda as they quest to defeat him once and for all, but powerful dark magic may forever render their attempts futile.
3 Nero The Sable (Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7)
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Nero's introduction into the Final Fantasy 7 remake was unexpected, primarily due to his unique abilities. Unlike other characters in the original game, Nero's powers are deeply rooted in the fantasy genre.
Nero is perhaps the most powerful darkness wielder seen throughout the entire series. Those who stand in the way of his goals may quickly find their demise sealed as Nero does not hold back. Known for never taking prisoners, his utilization of darkness will usually be the last thing his enemies see.
2 Dante (Devil May Cry 5)
The character of Dante in the Devil May Cry series is undoubtedly one of the most popular characters in gaming history. Though the reasoning behind his notoriety may not be clear, his unusual powers likely have a part to play in it.
Dante is a demon hunter who will stop at nothing in vanquishing his foes. He relies heavily on the power of darkness to achieve his goals, often using antagonistic means to best his enemies. His powers seem unlimited, resulting in some of the most visceral usages of darkness in gaming.
1 Master Of The Valley (The Last Guardian)
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There is very little known about the Master of the Valley in The Last Guardian except for his profoundly evil methods. Occupying a remote valley untouched by civilization, the Master of the Valley is a frighteningly powerful entity with an army at its disposal.
The Master of the Valley's appearance may be deceiving, but his powers are unrivaled. This large orb of darkness uses its powers to manipulate the minds of the Trico species and forces them to do his bidding. These bird-like creatures are then sent out into the world to retrieve young children for their master to consume.