Games Where the Black Protagonist Is the Chosen One (No Twist)

The concept of the Chosen One is a staple in gaming narratives where a solitary hero is destined to save the world or fulfill a grand prophecy. These stories often center on characters who possess unique abilities or burdens that separate them from the rest of society. Representation in this archetype has grown significantly and allows for diverse storytelling that explores heroism through different cultural lenses. This list highlights titles where Black protagonists take center stage as the undeniable heroes of their respective journeys.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

Developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, this action RPG follows the journey of Frey Holland. Frey is a young New Yorker who is mysteriously transported to the magical land of Athia where she discovers a sentient bracelet named Cuff. She learns that she is the only person capable of withstanding the corrupting miasma known as the Break that has destroyed most of the world. Her immunity allows her to wield powerful magic and challenge the Tantas who rule the land with tyranny. Frey accepts her destiny as the savior of Athia while searching for a way to return home.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ (2020)

Insomniac Games developed this superhero adventure while Sony Interactive Entertainment handled the publishing duties. Miles Morales embraces his new identity as Spider-Man after gaining superpowers similar to his mentor Peter Parker. He becomes the sole protector of Harlem when a war breaks out between a high-tech criminal army and a devious energy corporation. Miles must master his unique bio-electric venom blast attacks and camouflage abilities to save his city from destruction. The story solidifies his status as a true hero who is worthy of the Spider-Man mantle.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

Arkane Lyon developed this first-person shooter that was published by Bethesda Softworks. Players control Colt Vahn as he wakes up on Blackreef Island stuck in a time loop that resets at the end of every day. Colt is the only person who retains his memories across loops and possesses the determination to break the cycle by assassinating eight key targets. His unique connection to the island allows him to use supernatural abilities to outsmart his enemies and the rival assassin Julianna. The narrative positions him as the anomaly destined to shatter the eternal recurrence of Blackreef.

‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ (2017)

Ubisoft Montreal led the development of this massive open-world title that was published by Ubisoft. Bayek of Siwa serves as a Medjay who is a protector of Egypt and its people during the Ptolemaic period. He embarks on a quest for vengeance that eventually transforms into a mission to establish the Hidden Ones which is the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. Bayek is the foundational figure chosen by history to create the creed that fights for freedom against tyranny. His journey lays the groundwork for centuries of conflict between Assassins and Templars.

‘Shadow Man’ (1999)

Acclaim Studios Teesside developed this dark action-adventure game which was published by Acclaim Entertainment. Mike LeRoi is a taxi driver who becomes the Shadow Man and serves as a voodoo warrior protecting the world of the living from the threats of Deadside. He bears the Mask of Shadows into his ribs which grants him the power to travel between worlds and channel the souls of the dead. LeRoi is the chosen guardian tasked with preventing the apocalypse by stopping a group of serial killers led by the demon Legion. His role is explicitly defined as a supernatural protector with a burden no one else can carry.

‘Prototype 2’ (2012)

Radical Entertainment developed this open-world action game with Activision serving as the publisher. Sergeant James Heller returns from a tour of duty to find his family dead and blames the original protagonist Alex Mercer for the virus outbreak. Heller becomes infected with the Blacklight virus but his DNA allows him to control the mutation and gain immense shapeshifting powers. He becomes the only force capable of hunting down Mercer and stopping the spread of the infection in New York Zero. The game frames him as the evolved countermeasure to the chaos unleashed by his predecessor.

‘Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death’ (2013)

ZootFly developed this hack-and-slash adventure while 505 Games handled the publishing. Marlow Briggs is a firefighter who is brutally killed while trying to protect his girlfriend from an ancient industrialist villain. He is resurrected by a Mayan spirit within a mystical mask and is anointed as the Sacred Warrior destined to defeat his enemies. Marlow wields the mask’s power to summon elements and wield magical weapons in a fight against a private army. The game embraces the chosen hero trope with a pulp action tone and over-the-top combat scenarios.

‘Dandara’ (2018)

Long Hat House developed this unique 2D platformer and Raw Fury published it. The game is set in the collapsing world of Salt where citizens are oppressed and the laws of physics are breaking down. Dandara awakens as a heroine of creation who is destined to restore balance and freedom to her people. Her movement is unique as she defies gravity by leaping from surface to surface to traverse the disorienting environments. The story draws inspiration from the real-life historical figure Dandara of the Palmares but elevates her to a mythical savior status.

‘Remember Me’ (2013)

Dontnod Entertainment developed this cyberpunk action game that was published by Capcom. Nilin is an elite memory hunter in Neo-Paris who has the unique ability to remix memories and alter people’s perceptions of the past. She begins the game with her own memory wiped but soon learns she is the key to dismantling the oppressive corporation Memorize. Her specific talents make her the only revolutionary capable of exposing the truth and freeing society from the control of the sensory technology Sensen. Nilin stands as the singular agent of change in a world obsessed with digitizing the human experience.

‘Dishonored: Death of the Outsider’ (2017)

Arkane Studios developed this standalone expansion with Bethesda Softworks acting as the publisher. Billie Lurk reunites with her old mentor Daud to undertake the impossible task of killing the Outsider who is a god-like figure. She is equipped with artifacts and supernatural abilities that allow her to challenge a deity who has influenced the world for centuries. Billie is the catalyst for a monumental shift in the universe as she decides the fate of the source of all magic. Her journey is a focused mission where she is the chosen executioner of a divine being.

‘Half-Life: Alyx’ (2020)

Valve developed and published this virtual reality entry in the acclaimed sci-fi series. Alyx Vance takes the lead as she fights against the alien Combine forces occupying Earth before the events of the second game. She proves herself to be an indispensable asset to the human resistance by securing a superweapon that turns out to be the enigmatic G-Man. Her actions demonstrate that she is a figure of immense importance who draws the attention of cosmic powers. The narrative underscores her value and suggests she is destined for a role even greater than her father envisioned.

‘Tales of Kenzera: Zau’ (2024)

Surgent Studios developed this metroidvania title under the EA Originals label from Electronic Arts. Zau is a young grieving shaman who bargains with the God of Death to bring his father back from the darkness. He wields the cosmic powers of the Sun and the Moon to traverse the beautiful and treacherous lands of Kenzera. Zau is the sole spiritual warrior capable of calming the restless spirits that inhabit the world. His journey is a personal trial that cements his status as a powerful Nganga ready to heal his land.

‘Broken Age’ (2014)

Double Fine Productions developed and published this point-and-click adventure game featuring two parallel stories. Vella Tartine is a young woman chosen by her village to be sacrificed to the monster Mog Chothra during the Maiden’s Feast. She rejects this fatal destiny and decides to fight back against the creature to save her people and end the cycle of sacrifice. Vella becomes the breaker of tradition and the hero who uncovers the technological truth behind the monsters. Her refusal to accept her role as a victim transforms her into the savior of the world.

‘Severed’ (2016)

DrinkBox Studios developed and published this dungeon crawler that utilizes touch controls for combat. Sasha is a one-armed warrior who wakes up in a surreal world and must search for her missing family. She obtains a living sword that allows her to sever the limbs of her monstrous enemies and gain their powers. Sasha is the determined protagonist who must navigate a nightmare realm to rescue her parents and brother. Her journey is a solitary quest where she acts as the only force of light in a dark and twisted universe.

‘Afro Samurai’ (2009)

Namco Bandai Games developed and published this hack-and-slash game based on the manga and anime series. Afro is a warrior who possesses the Number 2 headband and seeks revenge against the owner of the Number 1 headband. The laws of this world dictate that only the one with the Number 2 headband can challenge the god-like holder of the Number 1. Afro is the chosen challenger who must cut through an army of rivals and assassins to fulfill his bloody destiny. His path is a solitary road of violence that only he can walk.

Tell us which of these heroic characters resonated with you the most in the comments.