One last time, there are spoilers in this article. Most of them happen in here.

We end Character Day with two of our favorite categories, Hero and Villain. Of course, when it comes to defining either one, some can be clear as day while others find a lot of gray. Here to help you sift through these are newcomer Walter Pierce and editor Benny Carrillo.

	BEST HERO
Previous Winners: 2012: Lee Everett (The Walking Dead) 2013: Lucina (Fire Emblem: Awakening) 2014: Bayonetta (Bayonetta 2)

• Neptune (Hyperdimension Neptunia U)

WALTER: Starting off on our list is one of this site’s favorites, Neptune. In Neptunia U, Neptune switches from the usual turn-based RPG battles for some hacking and slashing. Like always, Neptune is never a bad choice for this category, whether it’s her usual self or when she changes into Purple Heart.

• Kazuma Kiryu (Yakuza 5)

From the Yakuza series comes one of its mainstays, Kiryu. At the start of Yakuza 5, Kiryu seems to have switched occupations and become a taxi driver, but it isn’t long before he’s brought back into dealing with issues in the Yakuza. That of course means punching, kicking, and throwing bicycles into the faces of people who deserve it.

• Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

Geralt from the Witcher series does not have an easy time. In the previous game, he was accused of assassinating a king. In this game, Geralt searches to eliminate the Wild Hunt, but also has to deal with the fighting between different kingdoms. That’s a lot for a hero to deal with, but at least Geralt can take some time to play some Gwent.

• Alto (Stella Glow)

Alto starts off in the beginning of Stella Glow with no memory and finding a home in a village, which then gets destroyed by Hilda, the Witch of Destruction. It’s not hard to see how Alto’s journey as a hero starts. From there, Alto sets off to find the witches who represent the elements to stop Hilda.

• Nepgear (Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation)

Another contender from the Neptunia series. Nepgear is a bit more organized than her older sister, but does tend to lack confidence at times. No one’s perfect though, and with that being said she still is a good candidate for Best Hero like Neptune.

AND THE HEROIC VICTOR IS…

Kazumi Kiryu

Some people might say that they can’t really see a Yakuza member as a hero. But one thing that a hero does is beat up bad guys. With that being said, not many people can beat Kiryu in that category.

	BEST VILLAIN
Previous Winners: 2012: Vaas Montenegro (Far Cry 3) 2013: The Black Samurai/Lilith (Shin Megami Tensei IV) 2014: Monokuma (Dangangonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc)

BENNY: Villains are some of the most dynamic characters in a game. They can either be the force we must stop to save the world, or just someone who keeps getting in our way as we continue our journey. Regardless, a good villain is an important part of making a game memorable or making it boring. So here at oprainfall we want to highlight what we thought were some of the best antagonists of the last year. Here are the nominees for Best Villain of 2015.

• Father Gascoigne (Bloodborne)

While this list is in no particular order, I figured we should start with someone a bit more tragic. Players of Bloodborne are no doubt familiar with the tale of Father Gascoigne. Much like yourself, he came to Yharnam, became a hunter and, in fact, he can even assist you during the fight with the Cleric Beast. Then you’re forced to fight him. Father Gascoigne does not pull any punches, acting as the Wake -Up Call Boss for new players to really see if they understand the mechanics of Bloodborne. Wielding a an axe, blunderbuss, and having the ability to transform into a werewolf, the good Father assaults you and it’s your job to administer his last rights and put him to rest. Thematically it’s also a good cautionary tale of what could await the player should they fail in their mission and spurs the player on in order to avoid such a fate. All this makes Father Gascoigne a memorable part of any Bloodborne player’s game, but he’s not the only one that leaves a lasting impression.

• Yharnam, Pthumerian Queen (Bloodborne)

Also known as “The Blood Queen of the Old Labryrinth,” you’ll actually see her quite a few times during your quest. However, it’s not till near the end of the game where you’ll finally be able to face off with this woman in a white wedding dress. When you do though, things quickly turn creepy as she begins attacking with you blood all while being very visibly pregnant. This probably also means she’s responsible for most of the abominations you’ve had to fight thus far. Oh, and to top it you can hear the baby cry every time you attack her. Bloodborne knows just how to make your skin crawl once you think you’ve seen it all. Speaking of creepy villains though.

• Skull Face (Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain)

Skull Face is one of those villains that you just look at and you know he’s a bad guy. His appearance is grotesque and with that smile, you just know he’s up to no good. Then you see him in action. His role in the events of Ground Zeroes proved he would do whatever it took to achieve his goals and I do mean whatever. Then the events of The Phantom Pain occurred and this guy’s true plan was finally revealed. What most people who play The Phantom Pain though will remember about him, is how he’s finally dealt with. I won’t spoil it, but many a Metal Gear fan have raised issue with his demise. Which, is exactly what Hideo Kojima wanted. There’s a morale to Skull Face’s story that’s not that spelled out for the player. But sometimes having to think and reflect a little can make for quite an interesting and memorable experience. Regardless of how you feel though you have to admit, Skull Face is one sadistic villain whom you don’t want to meet. That’s not to say our next villain is someone you want to meet either, let alone make a deal with.

• Gaunter O’Dimm (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone)

Gaunter O’Dimm appears to be nothing more than a traveling merchant at first glance. While he’s encountered during The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt it’s not until the Hearts of Stone expansion that we get a glimpse of what this man is truly capable of. When Geralt is held captive on a ship, O’Dimm appears and offers him a way out. Just as long as he does a little favor for him. The remainder of Hearts of Stone has you trying to fulfill this task as well as attempting to learn the true nature of this man, who provides anyone what they desire and by nature seems more devil than man. While not physically imposing, it’s his scheming nature and the clever use of wordplay in his contracts that leave a lasting impact. You know, in addition to the fact he can pretty much do anything he wants. Gaunter O’Dimm reminds us that a deal with the devil can only end in disaster.

• Nyarlathotep (Eiyuu Senki)

Eiyuu Senki is a game that somehow takes historical characters from many different eras and countries, makes them female, and has them fight each other in the name of world conquest. For players who dare to step onto the path to the True Ending and unify the world in peace, Nyarlathotep awaits them. Don’t let let looks or the fact this is a game where almost the entire cast falls in love with the main character fool you. Nyarlathotep appears and quickly informs you that the world is her toy box and you are her toys. Thing is, being based on the Lovecraftian god of chaos, she has the power to prove it.Her first act upon appearing is to teleport two of your closest allies half way across the world to your current location and then mess with their wills and personalities right in front of your eyes. She then spends the remainder of the game constantly toying with you and gloating about how many of the other heroes and gods she sends after you fell before her and that’s still not even the worst of what she does.

AND THE BADDEST PERSON ON THE PLANET IS…

Nyarlathotep

Nyarlathotep is a perfect example that sometimes the best villains are the ones that are just evil for evil’s sake. There’s no grand plan or scheme here, she just wants to be entertained and she will make you dance like the puppet you are all the way to end. Trust me, I haven’t been so emotionally satisfied with taking down a boss since Remiel from Tales of Symphonia. All that and more is what makes Nyarlathotep our Villain of the Year.

There’s more to come in the next couple of days. Tomorrow, we talk about the best in story, music, design, gameplay, and DLC. Then on Saturday, we reveal our console winners as we being the march to announcing our Game of the Year for 2015. We’ll see you next time.