Best Hero
Previous Winners
2012: Lee Everett (The Walking Dead)
2013: Lucina (Fire Emblem: Awakening)
2014: Bayonetta (Bayonetta 2)
2015: Kazuma Kiryu (Yakuza 5)
2016: Phoenix Wright (Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice)
Having a good hero is something that always helps make the story worth it. Our pick last year was for an attorney, a real good one. This year we have a mute, two high school students who end up having to deal with the less than ordinary, a hero in search of paradise, and a guy who understands the importance of an eye-patch.
Link (Breath of the Wild)
NA Release Date: March 3rd, 2017
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
What can we really say about Link? He’s always there to rise to the challenge of facing whatever evil is out there, which is usually always Ganon. In Breath of the Wild, Link must traverse the world in order to gather enough support to take on Ganon before he frees himself. Whenever Hyrule needs a hero, Link will always take on the role.
Protagonist (Persona 5)
NA Release Date: April 4th, 2017
Platform(s): PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Review
When we first get to learn about the protagonist of Persona 5, we are quick to learn he’s been dealt a bad hand. While attempting to help someone in trouble, he instead takes a fall and is labeled as a criminal. After suffering from several injustices, he and his friends find they have the ability to change people’s hearts for the better. Fighting for those who are unable to defend themselves is a pretty good way to become a hero.
Kou (Tokyo Xanadu eX+)
NA Release Date: December 8th, 2017
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4 & Vita
Review
Kou, for the most part, seems to have been a pretty normal high school student. With a laid-back attitude, he isn’t exactly the most outgoing. However, he is a caring person, especially for his friends. When he sees others in trouble, even if it doesn’t have much to do with him, he will try and help. This characteristic stays prevalent even in the face of the otherworldly.
Rex (Xenoblade Chronicles 2)
NA Release Date: December 1st, 2017
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
As the main protagonist of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Rex is someone who isn’t afraid to help others. After meeting the beautiful Blade Pyra, he sets out to help her search for her home. The destination which they seek out is Elysium, a place that is described as a paradise. That’s definitely a type of journey a hero sets out for.
Zeke (Xenoblade Chronicles 2)
NA Release Date: December 1st, 2017
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
Another candidate from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the eye-patch wearing swordsman Zeke. He makes some appearances as a boss for Rex to fight. But, having a rival isn’t a bad thing. Along with an “Eye of Shining Justice”, he is a very formidable driver. While he may come from a dignified background, he doesn’t shy away from a fight.
And this year’s best hero is…
Persona 5’s Protagonist!
Whatever you decide his name is, the protagonist of Persona 5 is someone who can take on the role of a hero. He knows of the unjust ways people are treated. He stands for those who’ve been wronged or are unable to defend themselves. While he may be a thief, he targets those who are deserving of it. After all, a hero should never let the bad guys escape punishment.
