Video game narratives often delve into complex family dynamics, often using them to evoke strong emotions within the storyline. Specifically focusing on paternal figures, they are frequently depicted as either mentors who meet tragic ends, leaving their proteges to fend for themselves, or outright villains.
Within Capcom games, family units are a common theme, showcasing a variety of troubled parent-child relationships. However, some fathers within Capcom's gaming universe stand out as the most notorious dads for all the wrong reasons.
6 Baraba (Darkstalkers)
An Absentee Figure
In Capcom's action-packed fighting game Darkstalkers, various supernatural beings roam, including the iconic succubus Morrigan and the werewolf Jon Talbain, a nod to classic werewolf lore.
Jon's father, a werewolf, was conspicuously absent throughout his life, providing neither emotional support nor guidance. While not the most heinous of crimes in the realm of Capcom dads, the lack of presence from Jon's biological father left a void during an already challenging period after losing his mother.
5 Jet Black (Viewtiful Joe 2)
A Family Feud Turns Deadly
In the universe of Viewtiful Joe, the protagonist's father, Jet Black, initially a benevolent character aiding Captain Blue, undergoes a dark transformation after his wife's tragic demise. Obsessed with achieving ultimate hero status, he descends into villainy and ultimately clashes with his own son, a stark departure from a nurturing fatherly role.
4 Zak Graymarye (Ace Attorney)
A Betrayal of Fatherly Responsibilities
Within the Ace Attorney series, Zak Graymarye epitomizes the concept of a reprehensible father figure. A charismatic performer publicly, Zak's clandestine actions, such as withholding crucial evidence and abandoning his own daughter for an extended period, paint a grim picture of neglect and betrayal.
3 Vergil (Devil May Cry 5)
A Quest for Power Above All Else
Vergil, one of the offspring of the noble demon Sparda, starkly contrasts with his brother Dante. Embracing his demonic lineage, Vergil becomes a primary antagonist in the Devil May Cry series, showcasing a disdain for familial bonds. His self-serving pursuits lead him to disregard his son, Nero, as he prioritizes power acquisition, even at the cost of harming his own flesh and blood.
2 Jack Baker (Resident Evil 7)
A Reign of Terror Within the Family
Once a caring family, the Bakers' lives take a sinister turn after encountering Evelyn's malevolent influence, transforming them into violent adversaries consumed by aggression. Jack, the patriarch, unleashes his brutality not only on Ethan but also on his other children, showcasing a disturbing pattern of domestic terror and violence.
1 William Birkin (Resident Evil 2)
A Father's Monstrous Legacy
Sherry Birkin's reality as the daughter of William Birkin and his distant wife is a nightmare brought to life. In Resident Evil 2, William's obsessive dedication to his experiments eclipses any semblance of parental responsibility, ultimately endangering Sherry's life by subjecting her to a horrific transformation. His callous actions reinforce his legacy as a truly abhorrent father figure.