Why is a long mane necessary to sow evil or good between pixels? Do hair imbalances need to be eliminated?
No, and we have some excellent examples of protagonists, enemy foes and supporting characters who are hairless but have charisma. That’s why we wanted to put together this review by some of the best bald characters in video games.
1. Kratos from God of War
Originally, Kratos was a mortal Spartan general who made a deal with Ares, the Greek god of war, in exchange for power.
However, Ares manipulated Kratos into unknowingly killing his own wife and daughter, which led to Kratos seeking vengeance against the gods.
He was marked by his past, often depicted with his body covered in pale, ash-like skin, a reminder of the tragic events.
His appearance typically includes a red tattoo covering a portion of his body, a bald head, and a beard. As the series progressed, Kratos underwent significant character development, exploring themes of redemption, family, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Kratos is recognized for his iconic, stoic demeanor, his violent but strategic approach to combat, and his journey through a world steeped in Greek mythology and, later in the series, Norse mythology.
His character has captivated gamers and has been praised for its depth, complexity, and evolution across the various installments of the “God of War” series.
2. Heihachi Mishima from Tekken
The head of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Heihachi is a ruthless and cunning martial artist entangled in a complex family feud.
Heihachi is typically depicted as an older, muscular man with a distinctive bald head, thick eyebrows, and a prominent mustache. His muscular physique and imposing stature contribute to his intimidating presence.
He is driven by the desire to maintain and expand the influence and power of the Mishima Zaibatsu, often resorting to unethical means to achieve his goals.
Heihachi plays a pivotal role in the intricate and often tumultuous Mishima family saga that spans across the Tekken games.
He is the father of Kazuya Mishima and grandfather to Jin Kazama, both central characters in the series.
The tumultuous relationship between Heihachi and his son Kazuya forms the backbone of many Tekken storylines, filled with betrayal, vengeance, and familial conflict.
3. Agent 47 from Hitman
Agent 47 is the main protagonist in the popular stealth video game series, “Hitman,” developed by IO Interactive.
He’s a professional assassin with a bald head, a distinct barcode tattoo on the back of his head, and a penchant for wearing a black suit and red tie.
His character is often portrayed as a stoic, almost emotionless individual, dedicated solely to his missions, yet with hints of a deeper moral compass and occasionally exhibiting a degree of humanity.
The series is renowned for its open-ended gameplay, allowing players to approach missions in diverse ways, encouraging creativity and strategy in the assassination process.
Agent 47’s cool demeanor, combined with his incredible skill set and resourcefulness, has made him an iconic and enduring figure in the realm of video game protagonists.
4. Dr Robotnik from Sonic The Hedgedog
Dr. Robotnik, also known as Dr. Eggman, is a primary antagonist in the Sonic the Hedgehog series of video games and other related media. Created by Sega, he is a mad scientist and an incredibly intelligent but evil inventor whose main goal is to conquer the world and create his own empire.
He is usually depicted as a rotund human with a large mustache, often seen wearing round, red-rimmed glasses and a red suit. His character design is recognizable for his egg-shaped body and his penchant for creating various robotic minions, especially the ones shaped like animals known as “Badniks.”
Dr. Robotnik’s character has become an iconic figure in the Sonic the Hedgehog universe, and he remains one of the most famous and enduring video game villains in the industry.
5. Jack from Mass Effect
Jack, whose real name is subject to her past as a test subject and prisoner, is a complex and compelling character in the Mass Effect series. She is a biotic, possessing powerful telekinetic abilities, and is introduced in Mass Effect 2.
Jack has a striking appearance with a shaved head, numerous tattoos covering her body, and piercings. Her rough exterior and rebellious nature reflect her troubled past and the pain she has endured.
Jack’s character arc explores themes of trauma, survival, and the possibility of redemption. Her journey reflects the complex nature of overcoming one’s past and finding a sense of belonging and purpose within a chaotic universe.
Her depth, unique abilities, and internal struggles make her a memorable and multifaceted character within the Mass Effect series, adding layers of emotional depth and complexity to the game’s narrative.
6. Psycho Mantis from Metal Gear Solid
Psycho Mantis is a fictional character from the classic video game “Metal Gear Solid,” created by Hideo Kojima. He serves as one of the primary antagonists and is a member of FOXHOUND, a special forces unit.
What truly sets Psycho Mantis apart is his ability to break the fourth wall. During gameplay, he demonstrates his psychic powers by seemingly interacting with the player rather than just the protagonist, Solid Snake.
He is known for scanning the player’s memory card, commenting on other Konami games saved on it, and making the controller vibrate through telekinesis. This innovative use of gameplay and breaking the barrier between the game and the player became a memorable and iconic aspect of “Metal Gear Solid.”
Psycho Mantis remains a memorable and iconic character in gaming history, not only for his role as an antagonist with formidable psychic abilities but also for the innovative and boundary-breaking way he interacted with the player.
7. Dhalsim from Street Fighter
Dhalsim is a fictional character in the popular fighting game series “Street Fighter,” developed by Capcom. He made his first appearance in “Street Fighter II” and has since become a staple character in the franchise.
Dhalsim is known for his unique appearance and distinctive fighting style. He hails from India and is a yoga master. His appearance is quite striking, with a bald head, elongated limbs, and the ability to stretch his limbs to attack opponents. He wears traditional Indian clothing, including a loincloth and various jewelry.
Dhalsim is characterized as a pacifist and a devoted family man, using his abilities for self-defense and to protect others. He is often depicted as a kind-hearted and wise individual, offering guidance to others, including his opponents.
Throughout the “Street Fighter” series, Dhalsim has been a fan-favorite character due to his unique appearance, unusual fighting techniques, and the depth of his personality, which contrasts with the more aggressive nature of many other fighters in the game.
8. Sagat from Street Fighter
Physically, Sagat is a tall and muscular Muay Thai fighter from Thailand. He is often depicted with a distinctive appearance: a large scar across his chest and an eye patch covering one eye, which he lost in a fight against Ryu. His overall design exudes strength and resilience.
He first appeared in the original “Street Fighter” game and has since become an iconic and recurring character in the franchise.
Beyond his physical abilities, Sagat is often portrayed as a complex character with a sense of honor and pride, making him a significant antagonist in the series.
He has undergone various story arcs in the “Street Fighter” games, evolving from a primary antagonist to a more complex, multifaceted character.
In essence, Sagat is a formidable and iconic figure in the “Street Fighter” universe, known for his strength, skill in combat, and his role in the series’ lore.
9. Solas from Dragon Age: Inquisition
Solas is a complex and enigmatic character from the Dragon Age series, known for his depth, intelligence, and moral ambiguity. He plays a significant role in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Solas, whose real name is Fen’Harel, is an elven apostate mage with a keen interest in the Fade and the intricacies of elven history and culture.
He appears as a wise and knowledgeable figure, often providing insight into the world’s magical nature and the Fade, the realm of spirits and dreams. Solas stands out due to his baldness given that elves are commonly depicted with long, flowing hair.
Solas’s character is layered with internal conflict and depth, making decisions that align with his motives, even if they may conflict with the well-being of others.
His actions and beliefs often lead to morally gray areas, leaving players with a mix of admiration, frustration, and even sympathy for his goals.
Solas’s complexity, knowledge, and the revelation of his true identity as an influential figure in Thedas’ history make him a compelling and central character in the Dragon Age series.
10. Craig from Halo
Craig is a Brute character introduced in Halo Infinite. He has a very simple, monosyllabic name which contrasts with the elaborate names typically given to Brutes. Craig stands out for his very basic, unimpressive appearance compared to other Brutes.
He is a bald, gray-skinned Brute with thick limbs and a stocky build. Craig does not wear the ornate armor or decorative garb usually seen on high-ranking Brutes, instead appearing in just a plain black jumpsuit.
He has a broad face with small, sunken eyes and a flat nose. Overall, Craig has a very crude, ape-like look fitting his role as a lower-status Grunt.
During his reveal, Craig became a meme in the Halo community due to his very rudimentary and awkward facial animations. His stale, unmoving expression and lack of detail led to him being mocked and became an internet joke.
Fans began creating art and videos portraying Craig as a dopey, lifeless character compared to the usually fierce Brutes.
While intended as a minor enemy, Craig’s meme status led him to become an unofficial mascot for Halo Infinite. He represented the rough state of the game before release and the various development troubles it faced. Craig’s basic look and stiff animations encapsulated the graphical and technical shortcomings of early Infinite builds.
So while unintentional, Craig the Brute has become one of Halo’s most iconic characters. His ironic popularity is derived from his utter lack of detail and crude presentation, making him stand out in contrast to the usually complex Brutes. Craig shows that even glitches and development quirks can sometimes create beloved gaming icons.
