In the UK, Bonfire Night is a time when we come together to remember a failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Or rather, it’s a time we come together to send fireworks into the sky, light giant bonfires, and eat toffee apples whilst feeling simultaneously too cold and too hot.
It’s a strange event that both celebrates the failure of an explosion to destroy the system whilst we also gleefully set fire to things. So in that spirit, let’s take a look at some of our favourite anarchistic protagonists – those who don’t believe in a system, buck the trend, or simply like to set some lovely fires.
Rico Rodriguez – Just Cause
Rico Rodriguez may work for a government but the way in which he does so is to land in an area and then become an agent of anarchy. He destabilises regimes by doing what he does best – exploding stuff until it can be exploded no more, bringing chaos to any location unlucky enough to require his intervention. There are few characters in any video game more devoted to anarchy, and few characters who look as good whilst walking away from an explosion.
The Boss – Saints Row
The Boss is simply someone who doesn’t answer to anyone – that’s why they’re the boss. No matter which Saints Row game you’re playing – from the chaotic Saints Row the Third to the post-apocalyptic Saints Row IV – the Boss is a rogue element in any setting. They are devoted to carving out their own empire, bringing down governmental agencies and police forces wherever they make contact with them. They’ll also do whatever necessary to get the job done, causing colossal amounts of anarchy with every waking moment.
Doom Guy – Doom
Doom Guy may not profess any particular ideals towards anarchism but his actions speak to a mindset that’s focused on matters outside of established order. Simply put, if you have any dealings with demons, Doom Guy will take you down. Whilst this isn’t so obvious in the original Doom games, from Doom 3 onwards we saw Doom Guy becoming far more anarchistic, with many organisations falling before his double-barrelled shotgun approach to diplomacy. Now, in the rebooted Doom universe in Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, Doom Guy is firmly in the anarchist camp, with the UAC and even Earth’s government being targets for his demon-slaying ire.
Gaige – Borderlands 2
The cast of Borderlands 2 already dallies with chaos and anarchy, with a strong anti-authoritarian streak running through most of them. There’s none, however, more anarchistic than Gaige, our plucky little Mechromancer. The evidence is overwhelming; she loves explosions, she fights against any authority…oh, and her special ability is called “Anarchy”. Maybe that last part is the most compelling evidence, but her anti-authoritarian bent is so strong that she even fights against the rules of the game itself, smashing down the fourth wall when her Anarchy stacks get high enough. Truly, this lady has no time for being told what to do.
The Main Character – Shadowrun: Dragonfall
Whilst you can decide many things throughout Shadowrun: Dragonfall, there are a few key plot points that indicate your character’s loyalties. Much cyberpunk fiction takes firm aim at authority and capitalism, and Shadowrun: Dragonfall is no different. The start of the game even sees you joining an anarchist group, devoted to maintaining freedom for the Free State of Berlin – itself an area ruled through anarchistic ideals. Through the game you’ll decide the fate of your comrades in arms, but one thing remains true; you start as an anarchist working for freedom from authority and it’s that which will shape your adventures.
Those are our favourite anarchistic protagonists, but who are yours? Head over to our Community Forum to let us know!