When it comes to sci-fi video games, Samus Aran is widely regarded as the first female protagonist in the genre. Not only that, but she is also an icon for all video game heroines.
Her debut in Metroid on the NES was also the big twist of the game. To think that this strong, noble warrior was a girl all along—it must have spun the heads of little boys the world over! It also proved—or at least helped to prove—that women could kick butt in video games, too. What other sci-fi heroines can stand toe to toe with Samus?
10 Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn, 89)
The world in Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t so bad as far as post-apocalypses go. Sure, people live in fear of robotic dinosaurs and other robotic animals, but at least the Earth still looks clean. That’s the case for Colorado, at least. One has to have a cunning mind in order to survive these encounters, and few are as strong and cunning as the title’s protagonist, Aloy.
9 2B (NieR: Automata - Game of the YoRHa Edition, 91)
8 Mercy (Overwatch, 91)
Overwatch is practically overflowing with great female characters. There is Tracer, Mei, Widowmaker, and the list goes on.
