They say that a hero is only as good as their villain. Overcoming the odds and all the adversity they face iswhat makes a hero, well, a hero. In the case of these games, heroes are up against the smartest, most cunning, and most malicious adversaries.
It’s always interesting to see an antagonist that is intellectually a challenge to players. Antagonists that are cunning, and in turn, antagonists that have an actual chance at succeeding at their jobs; stopping or slowing down the protagonist. Here is a collection of games that excel at having those antagonists, those smart enough to take the player down.
13Sonic The Hedgehog
Doctor Robotnik
On a technical level, Doctor Robotnik would probably end up way higher on this list than most of the antagonists here. I mean, come on, this genius is constantly making ridiculously futuristic robots and devices that can take over the planet while causing major damage.
Yet, Robotnik, despite his near countless appearances in the Sonic games, is often blinded by his own ego or his pure hatred towards a certain blue hedgehog with an affinity for speed. Maybe if ol' Eggman got his head on straight, he’d actually succeed at his master plans.
12Uncharted 3
Katherine Marlowe
Nathan Drake has faced off against some very powerful, influential, and intelligent rivals. However, none managed to be as dangerous and challenging as Katherine Marlowe’s secret society within Uncharted 3.
Rafe, Nadine, and the mercenaries of Shoreline in Uncharted 4 are definitely worth an honorable mention. However, Marlowe and Talbot take the top spot due toan almost supernaturalsense of knowing Nathan and his allies. With experience and wisdom, Marlowe was always two steps ahead of everyone.
Edgar Ross And The Bureau Of Investigation
Forced into working for the Bureau of Investigation, John battles his former leader, the ever so crafty Dutch Van Der Linde. However, as driven as he is by his survival, Dutch is no longer the man he once was. He is unhinged, not as intellectual and charming as he once was.
Though the Pinkerton Detective Agency was brilliant, Red Dead Redemption’s Bureau of Investigation is far more refined and powerful. In turn, they’re cunning and dangerous antagonists. Led by Edgar Ross, the BOI managed to succeed in their goals, using John and killing him to destroy all their enemies.
10Marvel’s Spider-Man
Doctor Octopus
Insomniac’s first adventure with Marvel’s Spider-Man begins with him finally managing to defeat Wilson Fisk, a man who is as intelligent as he is physically imposing. However, this is just the start of Peter’s journey, and he battles many more clever enemies.
While Mister Negative is a fantastic tactician, he isn’t as intelligent of an antagonist as Peter’s once mentor, Doctor Otto Octavius. Slowly on the verge of a mental (and physical) breakdown, Doctor Octopus manages to form the Sinister Six while deducing Spider-Man’s secret identity and taking over New York with Devil’s Breath.
9Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Vladimir Makarov
Vladimir Makarov is an incredible strategist and villainous mastermind, often proving himself to be one of the most iconic, and maybe even the best,Call of Dutyantagonists. The Russian Ultranationalist is ambitious and often outwits his opposition.
Succeeding in killing Soap and causing countless deaths, Makarov is an antagonist who is constantly able to elude capture and avoid death. It’s no wonder that his multiple successful atrocities make Makarov, at one point, the CIA’s most wanted terrorist and a worthy antagonist.
8Batman Arkham: The Series
The Joker
Batmanis known to be the World’s Greatest Detective, so it’s no secret that his rogues' gallery is filled with incredibly intelligent super criminals. As a result, Bruce is often up against insurmountable odds and villains that match brains and brawn.
Hugo Strange, Ra’s al Ghul, Bane, Scarecrow, and Riddler; these are all cunning villains that often challenge Bruce’s mind and body as well. None are as constant of a threat to Gotham asthe Joker. The sadistic clown knows exactly how to hurt and beat Batman, managing to take over Arkham, poison Batman, and even trick him using Clayface.
Zeus
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The God of War has earned the ire of many, ranging from foolish brutes to violent sadists or even tragic outcasts. Yet, none of his antagonists are as smart as his two most hated rivals, Odin and Zeus.
However, unlike Odin, the almighty patriarch of Greek mythology is far less stubborn and set in his own ways. Having managed to cause incredible struggles for Kratos and his family, Zeus is the mastermind of Kratos' suffering, succeeding in tricking and killing him.
5Resident Evil
Albert Wesker
There is only one man in the entire Resident Evil series who is constantly returning and becoming more and more of a menace with each appearance. Albert Wesker is a man with a plan, and whether he’s in Resident Evil 1 or 5, he’s consistently an intelligent and dangerous threat.
Seeking Godhood is an ambitious task, but Wesker’s mind has allowed him to always get close. He is always lurking in the shadows, concocting grand (and pretty successful) schemes while progressing with his research and monstrous machinations.
4Final Fantasy 7
Sephiroth
Once a war hero and well-respected SOLDIER, Final Fantasy’s Sephiroth transformed himself into one of gaming’s most violent, ruthless, intellectual, and iconic villains. The One Winged Angel is a monster beyond compare, immediately striking fear into the hearts of all protagonists and players.
Sephiroth may have lost his mind upon learning that he is a genetic experiment, but that doesn’t dull his intelligence or tactical mind. He is cold, calculated, and arrogant, but unfortunately for all of his enemies, he is powerful enough to back it up in spades.
