Happy International Women's Day! In the expansive world of gaming, female protagonists have increasingly taken center stage, captivating players with their resilience, intelligence, and courage. From Princess Peach taking center stage in the aptly titled "Princess Peach: Showtime!" to the original character Eve making her debut in the highly-anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive "Stellar Blade," there are a lot of great female-led games to look forward to this year.
But today, in honor of International Women's Day 2024, we're looking toward the past and highlighting four ground-breaking games featuring remarkable female leads who have left their marks on the gaming landscape. Without further ado, here are four of the absolute greatest games of all time with female leads!
Jill Valentine - Resident Evil 3 Remake
Image source: CAPCOM
Resident Evil stands as one of the most iconic gaming series of all time, and Jill Valentine is one of the biggest reasons why. As one of the original stars of the Resident Evil series, Jill Valentine returns in the critically acclaimed remake of Resident Evil 3 as a formidable force against the terrifying undead.
With her tactical prowess and unwavering determination, Jill navigates the nightmarish streets of the iconic Raccoon City, confronting hordes upon hordes of zombies as well as her greatest rival -- the monstrosity known as Nemesis. Her bravery and resourcefulness make her a true survivor in the face of unimaginable horror, earning her a place among gaming's greatest and most iconic heroines.
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider I-III Remastered
Image source: Aspyr
Every character on this list is absolutely iconic. Yet among all the competition, Lara Croft may very well be the most iconic one. She has been an absolute mainstay in gaming discourse for decades now -- and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist-adventurer, continues to enthrall players in the newly released Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Collection.
From treacherous tombs to exotic locales, Lara embarks on daring expeditions, uncovering ancient mysteries and facing off against ruthless adversaries. With her intellect, athleticism, and unwavering determination, Lara remains an enduring symbol of female empowerment, inspiring generations of gamers to embrace their inner strength and resilience.
Clementine - The Walking Dead Telltale Series
Image source: Telltale Games
Clementine is one of the newest entries on this list, but she's already left an enduring mark on the world of gaming. Clementine is the young protagonist of Telltale's The Walking Dead series, navigating a world overrun by the undead with courage and compassion.
Thanks to the profound effectiveness of Telltale Games' episodic decision-based storytelling, players witness Clementine's evolution from a vulnerable child into a capable survivor, forging bonds with fellow survivors and confronting impossibly difficult moral choices along the way. Her resilience and empathy serve as a guiding light in a world consumed by darkness, reminding players of the power of hope and humanity in the face of adversity.
Ellie Williams - The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Image source: Naughty Dog
In the emotionally charged world of The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Ellie Williams embarks on a harrowing journey of revenge and redemption in a post-apocalyptic landscape. As players navigate Ellie's tumultuous quest, they bear witness to her inner struggles and unwavering resolve, confronting the complexities of morality and loss.
Through her vulnerability and resilience, Ellie emerges as a more compelling and human protagonist than ever before, challenging conventions and leaving a profound impact on players long after the credits roll. Few games this century have curated as emotional of a character journey as Ellie's in The Last of Us Part II Remastered.
In the history of gaming, many brilliant female protagonists have left lasting impressions on the cultural zeitgeist. Yet after all of these years, these four remarkable female leads are some of the best examples of the diversity and depth of storytelling present in the gaming medium.
From fighting zombies in the survival horror genre to finding ancient treasures in adventure epics, each protagonist offers a unique perspective and journey, inspiring players to embrace their own courage and resilience in the face of adversity. This International Women's Day, let's celebrate these iconic characters and the enduring impact they have on gaming culture and beyond.