A video game character can feature multiple traits to help them remain memorable. Most gamers will likely focus on a character’s personality or choice in attire, but sometimes, the most remarkable aspect of acharacter is their eyes.
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Eyes can take many forms depending on the game they appear in. Some possess otherworldly properties, while others may simply stand out slightly more. No matter their intended purpose, it is hard to denyhow memorable the eyes of a certain charactercan be depending on what they symbolize.
Updated on February 15 by Leanne Sowole:It comes as no surprise when characters are adorned with unique features setting them aside from other video games. However, some are attached to the mind and hearts of avid gamers for a multitude of reasons.
Whether it be the comforting faces of their favorite childhood game or the gaze of a character that struck players with fear; there is no doubt about the imprints they have made within video game history. Sometimes a set of eyes can be very telling of the character’s personality. Other times, they aren’t quite as they seem. These are the most iconic eyes in video games.
16Sans
Among theUndertalecharacters, Sans is a fan favorite. His first appearance within the game is anything but endearing, withhis all-black silhouetteinitially implying he is of danger to the protagonist. Nevertheless, despite the sinister seeming eyes of this character, he is considered a friendly character. Sans provided the protagonist with subtle advice on their journey through the world they had stumbled upon, gaining the trust of many.
Sans’ eyes throughoutUndertaledisappear during the moments of seriousness, creating an eerie atmosphere for both the protagonist and the players. When taking the neutral or pacifist route onUndertale,there is usually nothing to worry about regarding Sans. However, by taking the genocide route, Sans’ eyes are increasingly more frightening as if he were right on the protagonist’s tail in regard to their activities. His eyes are a great addition to how a character canbe comical yet mysterious, he is still one of the most unpredictable characters inUndertale. Gamers can all agree that despite Sans’ lazy nature, his eyes are definitely iconic as they are unsettling and juxtapose the comical nature of his character.
15Kratos
Though the latest releases ofGod of Warshow Kratos to have a much softer look in his eyes, despite them still emitting an aura of strength. This softness could have alluded to the sense of protectionhe must have towards his son, Atreus, understanding that his previous nature will not raise him in the way he feels is necessary. However, gamers will remember the iconic eyes Kratos adorned before Atreus was added to the roster of characters onGod of War.
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Kratos’ eyes within theGod of Wargames predating 2018, bore a great sense of darkness and were full of hatred. Formerly the General of the Spartan Army, there were no doubts about his ability to search and destroy. However, players know the loathing scowl we notice in Kratos’ eyes mainly stems from some of his biggest regrets. Kratos was traumatized bythe trickery of Ares, which led to him accidentally killing his wife and child. Among other reasons, this set Kratos on a path of revenge, which would subsequently lead to future chains of tragedies. Gamers who have taken the time to follow Kratos on his journey will have found that his eyes were only a mirror of the anguish he truly felt, unable to undo the past that had already unfolded. It was then that players could see the true pain mixed withbloodthirst planted deep in Kratos’ soul. Kratos’ deeds are a long list of gruesome tales, but what was truly unforgettable among gamers was the look in his eyes as he committed them.
14Sack People
For a time this was the gaming communities’ comfort game upon its release on the PlayStation 3. These may be the most recognizable set of eyes among players, adored among many for how cute the character design for them is. They are iconic for their undeniable innocence despite journeying through dangerous obstacles. Wholesome is the only term that could describe the eyes of theLittle Big PlanetSack people, and they are hard to forget. Looking at them will cause an influx of childhood memories for many.
With such engaging eyes, many gamers had a sense of unconditional love for the Sack characters who have chosen to play. Players could personalize the Sack characters to their heart’s content, so many gained an attachment to their Sacks only aiding the nostalgia they may feel in those eyes today.Little Big Planetsuccessfully created charming little characters, with eyes that could still bewitch gamers today.
13Freddy Fazbear
WhenFive Nights at Freddy’sfirst released, it took the entire gaming community by storm. The use of animatronics in its most twisted form rang fear among gamers who played it. Although on the surface,Five Nights at Freddy’sis ajumpscare focused horror game, many were more engaged by the lore of this game. This wouldn’t have been the case, without the iconic eyes of Freddy Fazbear. Their first appearance as the mascot and antagonist of the video game series was chilling. Despite having a happy-go-lucky gaze, many players felt there was something much more sinister deep down. Gamers realize Freddy’s attitude completely juxtaposes his intentions toward the protagonist, having to work against the animatronic’s hunt for the head of the protagonist.
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There would be the common assumption that due to Freddy’s eyes, he was just aregular mascot for a food chain. However, gamers who have played this game will know that’s far from the truth, as Freddy’s eyes tell many lies. It isn’t until you unravel the true story of this character that you understand why this is the case. It is worth mentioning that Freddy Fazbear bears differing appearances across the video game series, some more grotesque than others. Nonetheless, the classic set of eyes keeps many players on their toes whencoming across any animatronicno matter how innocent, and jolly they may seem. Freddy Fazbear’s eyes have been burned into the gaming community’s memories.
12Sonic
Possibly one of themost well-known characters in video gamehistory, there’s no mistake when detectingSonic’seyes. Whether it wasSonic RushorSonic Generations- many players fell in love withSonicfor his confidence and adventurous nature. This is something that is apparent in his eyes because they emit an aura of determination and sheer willpower. His eyes look like a being who is fun and capable, gaining a young audience who aspire to inherit such nature as he has.
Gamers knowSonicfor hisincredibly fast abilities, always quick to protect. He is one of the characters in video games where his eyes are definitely a window to his soul. They’re iconic not just because they’re attached to a popular character, but because his will to use his power for good shines in his eyes. They simply seem reliable, and it’s no wonder that other characterswithin theSonicfranchisefind solace in them.
11Monokuma
One-half of Monokuma’s face looks like a regular cutesy bear contrasting the darker side of his face which looks menacing. Although being theHeadmaster of Hope’s Peak Academyfor students, his nature is everything but nurturing. Rather, gamers find in time just how sadistic Monokuma truly is. Monkuma’s eyes are considered iconic, not because of how unique they are, but because of what they cruelly represent.
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His eyes represent the two-faced personality he truly has within his occupation and his actions. Students arrive at Hope’s Peak Academy, thinking they are there for their high merits. During the early stages ofDanganronpa,Monokuma mocks themfor their fear and naivety as he reveals the dark reasons why they were selected for the school. Thus, catalyzing the gruesome events that would be the death of many students. While this occurs, Monkuma’s eyes remain the same and if anything, entertained. It is Monokuma’s eyes that showcasethe warped system of the schoolhe supposedly runs. Though his comments are often comical and sarcastic, it is clear in thisDanganronpacharacter’s eyes that he enjoys and feeds off the paranoia of the students at the academy.
10Shifty Eyes - L.A. Noire
L.A. Noirefollows the story of Cole Phelps,a homicide detectivewho is tasked with investigating a series of recent murders. He encounters multiple suspects while employed as a detective, with some being far more difficult to crack than others. His questioning often leads to a suspect becoming panicked, which in turn, leads to some truly comical facial expressions.
When questioned about their involvement in or knowledge of a crime, a suspect will usually react strangely. They will smirk and fidget, but their most iconic response will see them shifting their eyes. Though these eye movements are intended to symbolize panic, the exaggerated manner in which they flash back and forth is simply hilarious.
9Hershal Layton’s Button Eyes - Professor Layton
Most of the characters present inProfessor Laytonconsist of unique and intricate designs, butHershal Layton, the main protagonist, is an unusual exception. He features an incredibly simple design made even more notable by the more detailed characters he surrounds himself with.
Layton’s eyes are perhaps the most emotionless eyes present throughout the series. This suits his personality as he rarely emotes, but instances, where he does, can often feel strange due to these somewhat lifeless optics. Though they should render his ability to clearly express his feelings difficult, there is a strange charm about them that never allows this.
8Tom Nook’s Tired Eyes - Animal Crossing
There is no denying Tom Nook has worked hard to reach his spot on the financial ladder, but perhaps he would seem less exhausted if he took it easy for a bit. Each encounter with this famed tanuki sees him staring sleepily at the player and muttering money-hungry words beforereturning to his workplace.
Alongside running multiple businesses, Nook is also a proud surrogate father to Timmy and Tommy, two adorable tanukis that Nook apparently took in off the street. It is no wonder he suffers from ocular fatigue with so much going on in his life.
7The Eyes Of Androids - NieR: Automata
Though the eyes of the androids inNieR: Automataare rarely seen, the black cloth that shields them makes them an android’s most memorable physical trait. The fact that2B and 9Scan go about their business while restricting their vision is baffling, especially considering the obstacles that block their path.
There are numerous moments throughout the game’s story where these blindfolds are removed to reveal what lies underneath, with each of these instances having some significance. Exposing an android’s eyes will usually signify their distrust or abandonment of YoRHa, making the presence of their eyes that much more impactful.
