The 10 Best Black Characters In Video Games

Check out the 10 Best Characters In Video Games.

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Image via Complex Original
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For whatever reason be it marketing or finding developers to accurately create them, there is still a lack of non-stereotypical characters in video games. Still, there are a few that come to mind that have been able to transcend the "black character" role and just be awesome. Check out the 10 Best Characters In Video Games.

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10. Sazh Katzroy

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Final Fantasy XIII

Katzroy walked a fine line between great character and stereotypical buffoon. When he double-clutched his guns in battle he rocked but when he'd take off running at the sight of confrontation or tripped over his own feet, there was a collective, multi-racial head shake in disgust. In spite of his antics, Sazh Katzroy was a powerful character and held his own when he wasn't being comic relief.

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9. 50 Cent

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Blood In The Sand

We all shunned 50 from the gaming world after Bulletproof dropped but he sort of made up for it with Blood In The Sand. Sure, watching his character and the rest of G-Unit run around in the desert in fitteds and doorags looked ridiculous but you have to admit that his fighting skills were some of the best in video games at the time. Say what you want but 50 Cent made Blood In The Sand and awesome playthrough.

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8. Sergeant James Heller

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Prototype 2

Fueled by the tragedy of losing his wife and child, Sergeant James Heller faces off with Alex Mercer who infected him with the the Blacklight virus. Along his path to revenge, Heller transforms New York City into pile of twisted steel and flaming debris. There's no rapping, dancing or overuse of slang here, just the story of a man trying to find justice. That's not too much to ask for right?

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7. Elena

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Street Fighter III

Elena hails from a tribe in Kenya that takes on a Spartan-like mentality when it comes to combat. Skilled in the art of Capoeira, the teen is able to bust ass with the best of them. Though not one of the most popular characters in the franchise, Elena has a cult fanbase that adores her and so do we.

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6. Zasalamel

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SoulCalibur III

Armed with a death scythe and immortality, facing Zasalamel is like recording an M.O.P. diss record. It's something you only do if you have a death wish. Not being able to croak may be cool in theory but Zasalamel actually wants to die and seeks out the Soul Edge with hopes that it'll end his life once and for all. For gamers, Zasalmel's strength made him a hot pick against opponents and for good reason.

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5. Yelena Fedorva

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Mass Effect 3

Yelena is African by way of Russia and has the augmented legs of a goat but that only makes her all the more dangerous. As the second boss in Mass Effect 3, you'll  need a walkthrough manual to take down this beauty that bears an incredible resemblance to Rihanna.

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4. Sheva Alomar

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Resident Evil 5

After becoming an orphan from a factory accident, Sheva was taken in by her uncle who was a member of a hardcore military group. That's where she learned to become one of the most lethal soldiers in Africa. Teaming up with protagonist Chris Redfield, she kept him from getting murked by the angry community that saw him as a problem. Sheva's gunplay skills were incredible once you got the hang of the controls and as a bonus, you were able to unlock the super hot "Fairy" costume that made her look like a kick-ass Victoria's Secret model.

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3. Rochelle "Ro"

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Left 4 Dead 2

The one-time Associate News Producer/gopher (as in go for this, go for that) got her big break when all of her co-workers called out and she had to do a report on the outbreak in Savannah. This gave "Ro" the opportunity to gain the respect of her professional peers but also become one of the illest women to bust her guns. Armed with a small arsenal of high-powered weapons, Rochelle ranked amongst the elite of survivors in the game.

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2. Carl "CJ" Johnson

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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

The gangbanger with a good heart had gamers glued to controllers all through his quest to avenge his murdered mom and bring old the glory back to the Grove Street Family gang. Just to show that CJ wasn't all bad, one of his first missions was to rid his hood of all the drug dealers. What a guy.

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1. Barret Wallace

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Final Fantasy VII

Far from just a sidekick to Cloud Strife, Barrett Wallace pulled us into his world of anger, vengeance and regret. While caring for his adopted daughter Marlene, all the guy wanted to do was live the simple life but his battle against Shinra prevented him from it. Hands down, Wallace was one of the most complex black characters of his time.

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