Aseel Bashraheel

The video gaming community in the Arab world is vast, as is the range of games and characters. When it comes to favorite Japanese gaming characters, among the top of the list are:

- Sora (‘Kingdom Hearts’)

Sora has been the chosen keyblade wielder in the “Kingdom Hearts” franchise, designed and directed by Tetsuya Nomura, for 17 years. 

To many who have grown up with the series, the release of its latest instalment, “Kingdom Hearts III,” packs a punch of nostalgia.

Sora is 14 years old when a mysterious key-shaped sword falls into his hands and he begins his quest to save the world. 

His heroism and self-sacrifice have earned him a permanent spot in the hearts of Arab gamers, who cannot get enough of his naivety and adorable smile.

- Cloud Strife (‘Final Fantasy VII’)

Over the two decades since “Final Fantasy VII” came out, the game’s blonde, blue-eyed protagonist has maintained gamers’ favor by being his broody, super-soldier self.

Whether it is due to the character’s design, his complex story or his nemesis Sephiroth, fans of the game relate to Cloud’s sense of justice and standing up to evil.

- Sephiroth (‘Final Fantasy VII’)

The antagonist in “Final Fantasy VII” has charmed many with his long locks, translucent green cat-like eyes and long katana, but he is most known for being one of the hardest-to-beat bosses in gaming history.

His chilling gaze and condescending attitude toward Cloud, and their impending, daunting collision throughout the game, have left a huge impact on fans.

The fact that even in different franchises that feature Cloud and Sephiroth their fate is intertwined, has fostered the concept of them being inseparable — one cannot live or die without the other.

- Solid Snake (‘Metal Gear’)

The skilled stealth soldier first appeared in the original “Metal Gear” instalment in 1987, and has been a primary protagonist in the military action-packed video game.

He immediately grabs attention due to the nostalgia ignited by the early releases. His story of self-discovery has pushed him to develop as a character, and people easily relate to him.

- Dante (‘Devil May Cry’)

This demon hunter has undergone several design changes, becoming more human and less cartoonish in later releases of the bestseller “Devil May Care.”

The character’s wit, and his moral code in only fighting demons that go after humans, factor into why he is on this list.

Fans cannot help but be drawn in by the tragic relationship between him and his evil twin brother, as well as their father, who is a demon.

- Sergei Dragunov (‘Tekken 5’)

Dubbed “The White Angel of Death,” Dragunov is a character you will probably see cosplayed in Arab conventions; his pale blue eyes and scarred face make for an accessible yet jarring cosplay option.

The Russian operative has had many upgrades since his first appearance in the fifth instalment of the franchise. Players pick him due to his cold exterior, overwhelming power and arsenal of battle moves.