Incorporating characters of various nationalities comes as no surprise within modern titles, as the diversified range of personalities allows for intriguing dialogues, and interactions, and even, at times, enriches the storyline itself. Additionally, game developers implement these crucial aspects for the player's benefit, viewing it as paramount to fully grasping their cast's background, abilities, and reasoning for their actions.
Although a seemingly endless list to choose from, Italians frequently take center stage, brandishing their cherished personas through passionate accents, bold heritage, and stylish appearances. If implemented and adhered to correctly, decorated franchises may see this culture boosting their titles, paving the way for some of gaming's most iconic characters yet.
8 Tommy Vercetti - Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Eminently dating back to 1997, Grand Theft Auto's stature within the gaming industry inevitably reshaped it, cementing itself as an exemplar for titles to come. Boasting a crude nature surrounding the installment, Rockstar's sixth entry within the franchise portrayed their deserved credibility, admirably dubbed Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. From its blatantly hysterical storyline to its lawlessly rampant setting, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City ultimately solidified its position among the gaming community, donning some of gaming's most iconic mascots along the way.
Notably prominent within the Grand Theft Auto series is Italy's very own Tommy Vercetti, a ruthless mobster whose sole goal is power and money. Flawlessly voiced by the legendary Ray Liotta, it is no wonder Tommy Vercetti's gangster outlook on life grasped the respect of countless fans, ingeniously depicting his kingpin attitude. A member of the Forelli crime family in Liberty City, Tommy Vercetti's Italian essence is evident, albeit through his fashionable dress sense, enthusiastic, yet temperamental persona, and ability to build an empire from the ground up, confirming him as an icon among Italian characters.
7 Luigi - Super Mario Bros
Historic to gaming, Nintendo's Super Mario Bros was released in 1983, solidifying itself as a household name. Being only one of the franchise's many installments, this arcade title has brought joy to millions, further prompting a legacy to unfold. Although viewed as a rather childish series, Nintendo's ability to branch out within the industry has caught the attention of all ages, posing for incessant family fun.
From Super Mario Bros to Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy to Super Mario Maker, this beloved franchise could not have excelled without the likes of its Italian charmer, Luigi. Despite being the younger brotherly counterpart of Mario, Luigi has made a name for himself within the gaming industry, propelling the development of various spin-off titles solely devoted to his lovable persona. Within titles such as Luigi's Mansion, his Italian nature is heavily prevalent through his stereotypical mustache, passionate dialogue, and most notably, thick accent, validating his stature as an iconic Italian character.
6 Vito Scaletta - Mafia
Initially released in 2002, Illusion Softwork's Mafia took the gaming industry by storm, indisputably dominating the mobster scene. Prior to development, a gap within the market was apparent, being that of gangster-related RPGs, consequently leading to the curation of the Mafia franchise, donning titles in which the player cloaks themselves within gang culture.
Home to the infamous Vito Scaletta is Illusion Softwork's second installment of the series, Mafia 2. Birthed in Sicily, Vito Scaletta's thirst for authority and wealth exceeds all other aspects of life, eagerly determined to be dubbed a domineering boss. However, this ex-military mobster stays true to his Italian heritage, persistently caring for those close to him, all the while boasting a sharp accent. Although a rather ruthless character, Vito Scaletta's very presence within modern gaming establishes him as an Italian icon.
5 Maestro - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Prompting a lucrative debut launch in 2015, Ubisoft's Rainbow Six Siege enthralled players with its highly immersive FPS title. Distinctively defined by its diversified roster, fans of the Tom Clancy franchise fueled their competitive nature, oftentimes perpetually grinding to climb the ranking ladder, while simultaneously customizing their unique operator's weapons, ingenious abilities, and even outfits.
Born in Rome and of vast military background, Maestro, real name Adriano Martello, serves as a deadly defense operative within the beloved title, representing the Italian special forces, more commonly known as GIS (Special Intervention Group). Brandishing a sharp-eyed, bulletproof turret, this heavily armored operator causes havoc for the enemy team, regularly securing the victory after a tactical incursion. With that said, his Italian roots are prominently depicted through his laid-back attitude, witty humor, and yet again, firm accent, confirming his position as an Italian icon within modern gaming.
4 Leon - Dead Or Alive
Synonymous with the fighting genre, Dead Or Alive's 1996 release was the first of its kind to reach the PlayStation console, revered by fans worldwide. Boasting a ferocious martial arts tournament, Dead Or Alive allows players to select their courageous combatant in a bid to triumph over their enemies, ultimately moving on to the next round.
Paired with the uniquely intriguing battle settings, Tecmo's desire to include a plethora of nationalities was also evident, most notably, the Italian mercenary Leon. His drive to become the strongest man in the world was that of a forceful one, achievable through his merciless close-quarters combat techniques. With Italian blood coursing through his veins, a sworn ambition to dominate his victims, and a potent accent, Leon secures himself a spot among iconic Italian characters.
3 Rose - Street Fighter
Continuing with the fighting theme is Capcom's Street Fighter, prosperously released in 1987. Although initially an arcade game, this title has blossomed into a classic franchise, solidifying its position as a forefront name within the genre. Similar to that of Dead Or Alive, Street Fighter brandishes a destructive martial arts tournament, which allows the player to compete against vicious opponents across various countries.
Iconically attached to the series is Genoa's very own Rose, an Italian fortune-teller whose majestic powers remain a mystery. Evidently stylish in appearance, Rose's effective skill set is mainly based on her obsession with destiny and fate, alongside her sophisticated mindset regarding the skill of harnessing power. Although her Italian essence is not heavily depicted throughout her legacy, a keen thirst for wine and a definitive accent cement her position as an Italian icon within the gaming industry.
2 Ezio Auditore Da Firenze
Issued in 2007, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed sent a clear message within the gaming industry. Outrageously unique, Assassin's Creed's franchise speaks for itself, brandishing a grippingly mesmerizing storyline, captivatingly alluring characters, and detrimentally damaging weapons. With the combination of stealth, parkour, and strategy elements, this title engrossed its fans with pure elation.
Infamous to the many templars of Renaissance Italy, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze's debut appearance in the second installment of the series, Assassin's Creed 2, is that of an iconic one. This Florentine nobleman is a member of the covert brotherhood, ruthlessly poised in murderous plots to rid his city of evil. Regarding his Italian essence, Ezio Auditore Da Firenze stands out from the crowd, harnessing a strong accent, bold heritage, and a sworn vengeance against those who have disrespected the Auditore name, conclusively approving his place as an icon among Italian characters.
1 Mario - Super Mario Bros
As previously mentioned, the Super Mario Bros franchise has arguably become a mascot for gaming in its entirety, bringing comfort and amusement to the entire globe.
Despite its ample range of inimitable characters, players instantly associate this cherished legacy with its frontline talisman, Mario. The Italian plumber appears in the majority of Nintendo's titles, oftentimes making cameo appearances in spin-off series too. Renowned for his charming personality, Mario is heavily affiliated with his Italian roots, donning an astonishingly neat mustache, a blazing-red outfit with blue overalls, and a highly memorable accent, his position among iconic video game legends is an undoubtable one.