How PlayStation Characters Have Changed In The Last 20 Years

Ready for a nostalgia kick?

Damjan

• Published in Gaming
• July 25, 2024

Over the past twenty years, the world of video games has seen significant changes, and one of the most noticeable shifts has been in the development of PlayStation characters. As technology and design techniques have advanced, so have the characters that define the PlayStation gaming experience.

This evolution reflects broader trends in gaming, where characters have become more complex, relatable, and visually stunning. In the early 2000s, PlayStation characters were often defined by their distinctive looks and simple personalities.

Iconic figures like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon were symbolic of the era, designed to focus on engaging gameplay rather than deep character development. These characters were colorful and memorable, but their depth was limited compared to modern standards.

As technology improved, so did the ability to create more detailed and lifelike characters. With the advent of the PlayStation 3 and later the PlayStation 4, characters began to display more realistic features and complex emotions.

This shift was driven by advances in graphics and animation, which allowed for more nuanced expressions and interactions. Characters like Nathan Drake from the "Uncharted" series exemplify this change.

With his realistic facial expressions and intricate backstory, Nathan Drake marked a move towards creating characters who felt more like real people rather than just digital avatars.

The rise of story-focused games has dramatically changed how characters are developed. In games like "The Last of Us," characters aren't just part of the action; they're crucial to the emotional story.

These characters' detailed backgrounds and motivations make their stories more interesting. This trend shows that good character development is now a vital part of gaming, making players care more about their stories and choices.

Also, there's been a big push for diversity in character design in recent years. Modern PlayStation games now feature characters from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and identities.

This mirrors real-world diversity and allows for a broader range of stories. For example, characters like Aloy from "Horizon Zero Dawn" offer new perspectives, presenting strong female characters who break away from traditional stereotypes.

The changes in PlayStation characters over the past two decades also highlight shifts in player expectations. Gamers now seek more profound connections with the characters they control, looking for stories and personalities that resonate with them.

This demand has pushed developers to create more intricate characters and narratives, resulting in a richer and more engaging gaming experience.

"Tomb Raider vs. Shadow of the Tomb Raider"

"Resident Evil vs. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard"

"Final Fantasy VII vs. FF VII Remake"

"Spyro the Dragon vs. Spryro Reignited Trilogy"

"Mega Man Legends vs. Red Ash"

"Tekken vs. Tekken 7"

"Twisted Metal vs. Twisted Metal PS3 Reboot"

"Castlevania: Symphony of the Night vs. Modern Metroidvanias "

"Metal Gear Solid vs. Metal Gear Survive"

"Crash Bandicoot vs. N. Sane Trilogy"

The evolution of PlayStation characters over the past twenty years reflects broader advancements in technology, storytelling, and player expectations. From the simple, iconic figures of the early 2000s to today's complex, relatable characters, this progression demonstrates how far video game design has come. As technology advances, characters will likely continue to evolve, offering players even more immersive and meaningful experiences.

Damjan