In modern video games, protagonists come in various shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. From brave warriors to cunning detectives, the array of characters allows players to immerse themselves in diverse experiences. One intriguing archetype often overlooked is the student protagonist. These characters resonate with younger players by reflecting on relatable struggles and triumphs, from common chores like how to cite a research paper to more exotic ones like how to fight the supernatural forces of evil. Here, we explore the top 10 games featuring student protagonists, each offering a unique blend of empathy, growth, and excitement.
Persona 5
Set in modern-day Tokyo, Persona 5 follows the journey of Joker, a high school student who leads a double life as a Phantom Thief. Balancing school responsibilities with battling supernatural forces, players explore themes of identity, friendship, and societal pressures. With its stylish visuals and compelling narrative, Persona 5 captivates players with its rich character development and intricate plot twists.
Life is Strange
Max Caulfield, the protagonist of Life is Strange, discovers she has the power to rewind time while navigating the challenges of high school life. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding her hometown of Arcadia Bay, players must make difficult choices that shape the narrative and affect the lives of those around her. Life is Strange highlights the emotional turmoil of adolescence and the consequences of our actions, creating a poignant and immersive experience.
Bully
In Bully, players assume the role of Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious teenager who attends the fictional Bullworth Academy. Tasked with navigating the school’s social hierarchy while confronting bullies and authority figures, Jimmy embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With its open-world structure and quirky humor, Bully offers players a unique blend of mischief and camaraderie.
Night in the Woods
Mae Borowski, the protagonist of Night in the Woods, returns to her hometown after dropping out of college and must confront the realities of adulthood while rekindling friendships from her past. Through its charming art style and heartfelt storytelling, the game explores themes of mental health, identity, and the passage of time. Night in the Woods invites players to reflect on their experiences and relationships, fostering a sense of empathy and introspection.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
As a professor at the Officers Academy, the player character in Fire Emblem: Three Houses guides a group of students from three different houses through academic studies and tactical battles. With its strategic gameplay and intricate character relationships, the game offers a deep dive into the lives and aspirations of its diverse cast. Fire Emblem: Three Houses challenges players to make difficult decisions both on and off the battlefield, shaping the fate of their students and the world around them.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon introduces Ichiban Kasuga, a former yakuza member embroiled in a sprawling conspiracy after being betrayed by his clan. As he forms bonds with a motley crew of misfits, including a high school student and a homeless ex-nurse, Ichiban confronts his past and seeks redemption in the vibrant streets of Yokohama. With its blend of drama, humor, and over-the-top action, Yakuza: Like a Dragon offers a fresh perspective on the beloved series while celebrating the bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
In Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, players assume the role of Makoto Naegi, a student trapped in the sinister confines of Hope’s Peak Academy. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind a series of murders orchestrated by their classmates, Makoto must navigate deadly trials and unravel the school’s mysteries. With its gripping storyline and complex characters, Danganronpa challenges players to think critically and forge alliances in a battle for survival.
Oxenfree
Alex, one of the protagonists of Oxenfree, embarks on a weekend getaway with friends to an abandoned island, only to uncover supernatural phenomena that threaten to unravel reality itself. Through its innovative dialogue system and atmospheric exploration, the game immerses players in a narrative-driven experience of mystery and suspense. Oxenfree explores themes of friendship, loss, and the consequences of our choices, inviting players to unravel its haunting secrets.
Persona 3
Persona 3 follows the journey of a silent protagonist who transfers to Gekkoukan High School and discovers the ability to summon powerful personas to combat shadowy creatures known as Shadows. With its dark tone and psychological themes, the game delves into the struggles of adolescence and the fear of death. Persona 3 challenges players to balance school life with exploring Tartarus, a mysterious tower that appears during the Dark Hour, offering a compelling mix of dungeon crawling and social simulation.
Doki Doki Literature Club!
Doki Doki Literature Club! presents itself as a lighthearted visual novel about joining a school literature club but quickly descends into a psychological horror experience. As the player interacts with the club’s members, they uncover dark secrets and confront unsettling truths about the nature of reality. Through its meta-narrative and fourth-wall-breaking twists, Doki Doki Literature Club! subverts expectations and delivers a chilling exploration of mental illness and existential dread.
Conclusion
These games entertain and serve as powerful mediums for storytelling and empathy-building. They invite players to step into the shoes of their protagonists, experiencing their triumphs and tribulations firsthand. Whether battling supernatural forces, navigating social hierarchies, or unraveling mysteries, these student protagonists offer a glimpse into the universal struggles of adolescence and the human experience.
