Redemption stories are some of the most engrossing tales out there. Seeing people realize the error of their ways carries an optimistic message that it's never too late to change. In addition, it flips traditional moral and narrative structures on their head. Rather than watching the hero fight the villain in a conventional journey, it's often more interesting to witness a villain growing into a hero.
Though gaming has mostly stuck to the standard "hero vs. villain" formula, some titles have steered their characters in a different direction. Formerly malicious figures have a change of heart, renouncing their evil pursuits and even aiding the other do-gooders. This usually happens in a series as the developers try to fashion fresh material to keep the characters from stagnating between entries. A few brave writers, however, have attempted such redemption narratives within a single title. Either way, the end result is still the same.
10 Shadow The Hedgehog - The Sonic Series
Bred as the ultimate weapon by Professor Gerald Robotnik, Shadow was put in stasis when the lab came under attack. Awakened by Gerald's grandson, the malicious Dr. Eggman, the hedgehog vows revenge on the world as a promise he made to Robotnik's daughter, Maria.
What Shadow doesn't count on is finding a friend in Rouge the Bat, who informs him that his memories may not even be real. This causes him to abandon his pursuit of vengeance in lieu of uncovering the secrets of his past. He even fights alongside Sonic on occasion. Ironically, he's often more driven to stop Eggman's evil schemes than the titular blue hedgehog, who just wants to mess around.
9 Captain Qwark - The Ratchet & Clank Series
Everyone in the galaxy loved the costumed hero, Captain Qwark. Little did they know that this muscular showboat only ever cared about himself. The spotlight was everything to him. Unfortunately, this didn't give him the best judgment, as he saw no problem resorting to unscrupulous means to secure his fortune.
After Ratchet & Clank send him to rock bottom not once, but twice, it dawns on Qwark how deeply people looked up to him and how he let those people down. From then on, he tries his best to be that hero. Granted, he's still not the brightest bulb in the box. In fact, he hinders more than he helps, but it's the thought that counts. Plus, you never know when he'll come barreling in to save the day.
8 Gabriel Belmont/Dracula - The Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow Series
This Belmont was among the greatest warriors of light, combatting all manner of supernatural beasts for the common good. Sadly, his exploits only bring him death and sorrow, causing him to descend into darkness and become Dracula.
His vengeance spreads far and wide, leading him into conflict with the forces of light. Eventually, though, a larger threat emerges in the imminent return of Satan, whom Gabriel himself had banished long ago. This leads Dracula to ally with his distant son, Trevor. Thus, one of the more somber chapters in the Castlevania series ends on an uplifting note as Gabriel regains some semblance of happiness and humanity.
7 The Panda King - The Sly Cooper Series
This Chinese village boy had always wanted to study the noble art of fireworks, but the elitist gatekeepers turned him away for his low standing. Mastering the craft on his own, he takes his anger out on everyone, burying entire villages in snow and dubbing himself "The Panda King." The Fiendish Five gang recruits him as their pyrotechnician as they off Sly Cooper's father and steal the family chronicle: the Thievius Raccoonus.
After being defeating by Sly and serving his jail time, the Panda King takes the life of a humble monk to control his dark tendencies. Who should come calling but Cooper himself? It turns out he needs the world's leading demolitions expert to liberate his family's ancestral vault from an impregnable fortress. Reluctant to join his former enemy, the Panda King gradually overcomes the murderous anger of his past self and learns the art of humility, emerging as an invaluable ally in the process. He still loves fireworks, though.
6 Chloe Frazer - The Uncharted Series
She may not be the main villain of Uncharted 2, but Chloe brings just as much misfortune to former flame Nathan Drake. She's primarily out for herself, which inevitably creates friction with Nate's more heroic actions. Her betrayal leaves him wounded and stranded in the Himalayas.
Despite this, Drake's noble tendencies rub off on her. By the time she takes center stage in Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, she's willing to sacrifice her life to save a city. Of course, she blames Nate for this utter lack of common sense.
5 Kratos - The God Of War Series
Although he started as a sympathetic figure, this Spartan warrior's actions eventually became so destructive and homicidal that it was hard to morally get behind what he was doing. His life was filled with misfortune, so he exacts bloody vengeance on the gods, the world they created, and anyone stupid enough to get in his way. It's a great power fantasy, but you wouldn't want to be in the same room with the guy.
When the series shifts to Norse mythology in the 2018 reboot, Kratos has had time to reflect on his previous deeds. He despises what he sees and strives to atone for his mistakes through his son, Atreus. Not only does he risk life and limb to keep the kid-safe, but he slowly shares his regrets and uses them as lessons. This will hopefully make Atreus a better man and god than he ever was.
4 Starkiller - Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Trained in secret by Darth Vader, this nameless assassin exists to hunt down any remaining Jedi in hiding from the Galactic Empire. He's easily one of the most powerful Force users in the Star Wars universe, so he has no trouble dispatching the most seasoned Jedi masters still in existence.
When his own master tasks him with recruiting rebels as sacrificial lambs, the apprentice finds his loyalty tested. Fondness for his new allies leads him to believe in their cause, resulting in a revolt against Vader and the birth of the Rebel Alliance. In the end, The Force Unleashed should have been called The Rebellion Unleashed.
3 Cynder - The Legend Of Spyro Series
This dragon drew the short straw from the start of this divisive reboot series. Taken as a baby by Malefor the Dark Master, Cynder was brainwashed into the villain's ultimate weapon, leading his armies and ravaging the land. That is, until everyone's favorite purple dragon beats her and severs Malefor's hold.
The Dragon Elders take in their former enemy. She's ashamed of what she became, but Spyro's belief in her eventually inspires Cynder to fight alongside him. Together, they battle the Dark Master's legions in an all-out war. The same way Spyro broke Malefor's influence over her, she now breaks his dominion over the world.
2 Arthur Morgan - Red Dead Redemption 2
Like many people, Arthur Morgan was enamored with the idea of the American West and the freedom it offered. The Old West is disappearing during Red Dead Redemption 2, and trying to take that freedom through the life of an outlaw has mostly led to desperation and misery.
As those he looked up to change for the worse, Arthur finds a new purpose in aiding others. This prompts him to use the time he has left to save whom he can. Through his selfless acts, several members of the gang now have a second chance away from the outlaw life.
1 Riku - The Kingdom Hearts Series
Riku is driven by the same desire as protagonist Sora: to protect his friends. However, this also comes with arrogance and jealousy that leads him down a darker path. Seduced by the promises of power offered by Maleficent and later Ansem, he's an ever-present threat in the first Kingdom Hearts title.
Once Riku realizes the gravity of his mistakes, he spends the rest of the series trying to atone. He's ashamed that he put his friends in such terrible danger, so much so that he's willing to sacrifice his life and being to aid them. Not only does this newfound humility help him master his dark tendencies, but it eventually helps him become a Keyblade master. To many fans, Riku soon grew into the series' most engaging character.