Here are Destructoid’s favorite new characters of 2023

destructoid.com:

Each year, we’re treated to a new collection of lovable characters in video games. Some of them might be returning, familiar faces or mascots. But plenty of new characters made our favorite games of 2023, too.

Within a single character, there’s a huge amount of work done behind-the-scenes. It’s not just design, or writing, or even direction. The actors themselves put themselves into it, and in a time where stabs at so-called AI are propagating at an uncomfortable rate, celebrating all the minds that make these characters shine is crucial, too.

At their best, a character gives the player a tangible, connective experience with a game. Something they want to share with friends, write about, create art for, and remember well. Whether it’s a newfound main in a fighting game, a favorite companion in an RPG, or just a silly platformer mascot that makes you laugh, a character can make games come together.

So, in that spirit, which newcomers were our favorite new characters of 2023? The Desructoid staff has rounded up each of our favorites and why. We hope you find some new faces to love in here, too.

It would be really, truly easy to put any of Baldur’s Gate 3‘s companions on this list. Even if they might technically count as 2020 characters, they all reached their full potential in BG3‘s full launch in August, and they form an RPG party that is truly an all-timer. But one is an emotional constant, a facet of the party I consider essential: Karlach.

From the jump, Karlach is immediately endearing. She’s energetic and strong, intimidating to her foes and kind to her friends. Quickly, the nicknames like “soldier” trickle in, and I’m buying a drink for whichever writer coined that. From little dances to fiery explosions of rage,