Video games have come a long way from little blocks of pixels beeping and booping across screens. Today, they’re immersive stories with characters that have more than canned dialogue responses, with depth that would rival almost any movie character. It's not just about gaming, but also immersive storytelling, character development, and breathtaking settings. One huge factor we can thank for this is having A-list actors bring their exceptional talent to the world of video games. Like actors on the big screen, their voice performances go beyond mere voice acting; they bring unparalleled authenticity to these digital characters. Here’s a glimpse into why these 10 voice performances are some of the best in video games.
Keanu Reeves - Cyberpunk 2077
Known for his roles in blockbuster films like The Matrix and John Wick, Keanu Reeves also made his mark on the video game world in Cyberpunk 2077. With his charismatic personality, he gave life to the virtual Johnny Silverhand, who’s navigating the tech-advanced and chaotic streets of Night City. The narrative takes place in a dystopian future, exploring themes of corporate greed, transhumanism, and blurred lines between humanity and machines.
What Makes It Great?
With his decision to voice Cyberpunk 2077, Reeves pushed the boundaries of storytelling within the medium. While he’s not the first actor to voice a game character, the level of commitment from a Hollywood superstar is a testament to the growing power of video games. A futuristic world with breathtaking visuals and moral dilemmas, Cyberpunk 2077, combined with Keanu Reeves' voice performance is a must-play combination.
Mark Hamill - Batman: Arkham Asylum
In the world of video game voice performances, Mark Hamill’s performance as the Joker in Batman: Arkham Asylum, is iconic and nothing short of legendary. While renowned for his beloved role as Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, he lent his voice to the Joker, an iconic supervillain in the DC universe. It’s an action-adventure game set on Arkham Island, where Batman has to stop the Joker’s plan to unleash chaos on Gotham City.
What Makes It Great?
Hamill’s performance as the Joker is sheer brilliance and has become what people expect the Joker to sound like. His interpretation and essence of the character, the laughter with manic delight in chaotic situations, add an incredible depth and complexity to a character who could have been flat. His love for the character, outstanding delivery, and innovative storytelling have made it a must-play game.
Norman Reedus - Death Stranding
Most known for his role as Daryl Dixon in the hit TV series The Walking Dead, Norman Reedus lept into the world of video games when he voiced Sam Porter Bridges in Death Stranding. This action-adventure title is set in post-apocalyptic America and focuses on Sam’s task of reconnecting isolated communities after the catastrophe known as the Death Stranding.
What Makes It Great?
Reedus’ outstanding performance in bringing Sam’s character to life speaks to his versatility as an actor and allows players to connect with the character on a personal and deep level. The storytelling is also nothing short of innovative, with complex themes of isolation, connection, and consequences. His voice work conveys the weight of the mission Sam has to do and the turmoil of feelings of the world around him.
Idris Elba - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Known for his powerful acting in TV shows and movies, he added his distinctive voice to the video game world when he voiced Captain Price in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Part of the critically acclaimed Call of Duty franchise is the final part of the Modern Warfare series. Set in the middle of global conflict, the player steps into the boots of various soldiers from different fronts to go against an escalating threat.
What Makes It Great?
Idris Elba’s performance not only conveyed the command and authority that Captain Price had, but also the humanity and vulnerability that he had under the surface. The seriousness and unyielding determination made him an essential and memorable part of the narrative. Modern Warfare 3 also demonstrated how video games can feature A-list actors and create immersive narratives that contribute to the game’s cultural impact.
J.K. Simmons - Baldur's Gate 3
A celebrated and versatile actor in TV and film, J.K. Simmons, brought his commanding voice to the character The Absolute in Baldur’s Gate 3. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game's expansive and richly detailed universe, players are thrown into a mysterious world filled with magic and danger.
What Makes It Great?
A standout element of Simmons’ performance was how he was able to show his authority and allure. The Absolute, a powerful entity, demanded a voice that would captivate players and remain memorable. Simmons’ voice acting handles this amazingly, reinforcing the importance of the character in the game’s complex web of stories. The players have to make choices that add layers to the story, leading players to explore themes of morality, destiny, and power.
Elliot Page - Beyond: Two Souls
A talented actor known for his diverse roles in TV shows and movies, Elliot Page, embraced the video game world by lending his likeness and voice to Jodie Helms in Beyond: Two Souls. It’s an interactive psychological thriller game that follows Jodie through their connection with the entity Aiden; exploring life, death, and the line that separates them.
What Makes It Great?
Elliot Page’s performance is nothing short of skillful, as he brings Jodie to life with complex emotions and authenticity. The character has to deal with supernatural challenges, and Page’s voice acting captures the spectrum of emotions her character has — from determination all the way down to vulnerability.
Patrick Stewart - X-Men Legends
Sir Patrick Stewart is known for his memorable roles in popular film and TV franchises such as Star Trek and X-Men. Based on the comic books, then adapted for movies, Stewart played his iconic character, Professor Charles Xavier, in the movies before following up with voice acting in X-Men games such as X-Men Legends, Legends II: Rise of the Apocalypse, and X-Men: Next Dimension.
What Makes It Great?
Motivated by his longstanding association with the character, Patrick Stewart’s decision to voice Professor X in the game series was a no-brainer. The standout feature of Stewart’s performance is how he captures the compassion, authority, and wisdom that define who the professor is at his core. He’s known for his guidance and mentorship to young mutants, and his voice acting still embodies these traits, creating an iconic and deeply relatable character.
Samuel L. Jackson - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Acclaimed actor, Samuel L. Jackson, known for his commanding screen presence and unique voice, contributed his talents to the world of games when he voiced Office Frank Tenpenny in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. While the players are playing as Carl “CJ” Johnson, who’s an ex-gang member who came back to his city to find corruption, turmoil, and crime, Officer Tenpenny is the antagonist, a corrupt police officer who's at the center of the story.
What Makes It Great?
Samuel L. Jackson brings alive Officer Tenpenny as an engaging antagonist who’s manipulative, sinister, and authoritative. GTA is well known for its open world, character interactions, and branching narratives, and Jackson’s performance as Tenpenny brings authenticity and depth to the game.
Gary Oldman - Call Of Duty Series
Venturing into the world of video games, Gary Oldman lent his voice to a few characters in the Call of Duty series. Most notably, he voiced Viktor Reznov in Call of Duty: World at War and Call of Duty: Black Ops. The popular and influential first-person shooter franchise, Call of Duty is known for its intense and realistic war graphics.Call of Duty: World at War is set during World War II and gives a gripping narrative that immerses the player in historical conflicts.
What Makes It Great?
One of the most remarkable aspects of Oldman’s portrayal is how he was able to make the Viktor Reznov character his own. A hardened soldier who’s committed to his cause, Oldman’s voice fits perfectly and conveys the fierce determination and loyalty of the character.
Neil Patrick Harris - Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
A multi-talented and well-known actor known for his multitude of roles in television and theater, Neil Patrick Harris embodied Spider-Man in the Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions action-adventure game. Known for the web-slinging superhero, it offers an immersive and unique experience by bringing in Spider-Mans from different dimensions. Players will take on the roles of four different Spider-Men, each taking on a threat that puts the universe in danger.
What Makes It Great?
Neil Patrick Harris gave an exceptional voice performance and captured the agility, wit, and humor that embody our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. He’s known for quick quips and jabs at his enemies, and Harris’s voice acting seamlessly matches these traits with the humor and banter during gameplay.
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