Playing the hero in a video game isn't always about glory and recognition. More often than not, it involves facing near-impossible challenges for the greater good without so much as a “thank you.” Stepping into the shoes of a video game protagonist is a grueling and often thankless job.
While some may find solace in recognition, a number of video game heroes don't even have the satisfaction of having their name celebrated, simply because they don't have a name to begin with! Whether it's to immerse players in their character or to create an aura of mystery, here are some of the most memorable video game heroes without a formal name.
7 Papers, Please
Nickname: The Inspector
Papers, Please follows the story of a man in the Communist country of Arstotzka. The main character, often referred to as the Inspector, and his family relocate to East Grestin after winning the October labor lottery, hoping for a better life with a stable income.
Papers, Please sheds light on the hardworking individuals of their household, portraying the Inspector as a selfless hero who endures a perilous (and monotonous) workday to provide for his family. The nameless Inspector embarks on his journey, aiming to support his ailing family despite the various possible outcomes he may face.
6 PowerWash Simulator
Nickname: Dirtfinder
Who would have thought that a seemingly simple game like PowerWash Simulator could harbor such profound lore behind its straightforward gameplay? While most players recognize the game for its calming and satisfying mechanics, it actually boasts a significant underlying narrative.
The game revolves around the protagonist, known by various nicknames such as "Dirtfinder," "Doc," and "Wishy." Not only does the nameless hero lack a definitive identity, but they also remain anonymous throughout the game, concealed beneath their full-body protective gear. Despite this air of mystery, the Dirtfinder embarks on their journey as a humble pressure washer, eventually using their equipment to combat a dangerous volcano!
5 Later Alligator
Nickname: Detective
The main story of Later Alligator strikes the perfect balance between serious and lighthearted. The tale revolves around Pat, a concerned little alligator residing in Alligator New York City. The main playable character is Pat's incredibly kind-hearted friend, who resolves to alleviate Pat's anxieties regarding the mysterious "Event" mentioned by Pat's family.
Little to no information is disclosed about the Detective; their name, appearance, and voice are all left to the imagination. Apart from their stylish pinstripe suit, organized briefcase, and refined leather gloves, their enigma remains intact. In a picture featuring Pat and the Detective, the latter is depicted without a head! Perhaps the mystery of the Detective's true identity eclipses Pat's impending "event."
4 Fable
Nickname: Hero of Oakvale/The Hero/Farmboy/Boy
The renowned hero of the Fable series may carry the title "The Hero of Oakvale," but at the end of the day, it diverges from an actual name. While Link from the Zelda series assumes the title of the Hero of Time, he possesses a birth name just like anyone else.
However, the protagonist in Fable follows a different narrative. While players can customize their Hero Title in-game to a certain extent, they fundamentally remain nameless. Perhaps concealing their true identity is prudent, considering the perils of a hero's life and the necessity for privacy.
3 Bastion
Nickname: The Kid
Bastion excels in captivating voice acting. However, surprisingly, none of the captivating voice work emanates from the star of the show, the protagonist. Bastion unfolds in the city of Caelondia, narrated by a mesmerizing storyteller named Rucks, the first survivor of the Calamity that the player encounters.
While the narrator enjoys a proper name, the player character assumes the informal moniker of "The Kid," remaining nameless throughout the game. Despite their lack of a name and silence, The Kid exhibits unwavering compassion towards fellow survivors, proving that warmth and heroism need no name.
2 Hotline Miami
Nickname: Jacket
Although Hotline Miami portrays Jacket as a ruthless and fearsome assassin, audiences perceived him as a formidable hitman, proficient in both blunt instruments and firearms, capable of eliminating any target. As a result, he gained a significant fan following, with fans dubbing him "Jacket" due to his distinctive varsity jacket, a name that ultimately became his official identity.
Most of Jacket's personality unfolds within his apartment, which he eventually shares with his girlfriend, who also lacks a formal name (often referred to as "Girlfriend"). However, players witness a different, kinder side of him through his endearing relationship with his girlfriend, a relationship that progresses throughout the game.
1 Doom
Nickname: Doomguy/Doom Slayer
From the inception of the Doom series, the protagonist, Doomguy, deliberately lacked an official name to enhance player immersion. The central character in Doom was designed as a stand-in for the audience, allowing players to forge a deeper connection with the story. However, after years passed, fans simply began referring to the nameless marine as "Doom Guy" or "Doom Slayer," emphasizing his relentless and ferocious nature.
In 2020, 27 years after the series' debut, series creator John Romero finally unveiled the protagonist's official name as "Doom Guy," putting an end to all debate surrounding the nameless hero.