4 Characters In Video Games Who Know They Are Controlled By The Player

Have you ever wondered if video game characters are aware of your presence as the player? The concept of self-awareness in video games, where characters break the fourth wall and acknowledge the player's control, is a fascinating one. It adds a layer of meta-commentary and often leads to humorous or thought-provoking situations. While most characters are bound by their programming, there are some notable exceptions. These characters possess a unique awareness, hinting that they know they are being controlled by an external force – you, the player. This article will delve into four such characters who exhibit signs of self-awareness, exploring how their actions and dialogue suggest a deeper understanding of their existence within the game world. We will examine their specific moments of breaking the fourth wall, the implications of their awareness, and the impact it has on the player's experience. Prepare to have your perception of video game characters challenged as we uncover the secrets of their self-awareness.

1. Deadpool (Deadpool)

Deadpool, the Merc with a Mouth, is perhaps the most iconic example of a video game character who knows he's being controlled by the player. His entire persona is built upon breaking the fourth wall, constantly addressing the audience directly with witty remarks, sarcastic observations, and often outright acknowledgement of the game's mechanics. In the Deadpool video game, this characteristic is amplified to hilarious extremes. He frequently comments on the level design, the game's budget, the character animations, and even the developers themselves. Deadpool's self-awareness isn't just limited to dialogue; it extends to his gameplay as well. He might complain about repetitive combat, suggest alternative solutions to puzzles, or even pause the game to argue with the player about their choices. This constant interaction creates a unique and engaging experience, blurring the lines between the game world and reality. The player isn't just controlling Deadpool; they're in a constant conversation with him, making his awareness a core element of the gameplay. He knows he's a character in a video game, and he revels in it, making jokes about his limited polygons, the scriptwriters' choices, and the very nature of his existence. This meta-commentary is not just humorous; it also adds a layer of depth to the character, making him more relatable and engaging. He's not just a mindless avatar following instructions; he's a character with his own thoughts, feelings, and opinions, even if those opinions are often directed at the player themselves. The constant barrage of fourth-wall breaks ensures that the player is always aware that Deadpool is not just a character in a game, but a character aware that he is in a game. This creates a playful dynamic where the player and Deadpool are almost co-conspirators in the absurdity of the game world.

2. Psycho Mantis (Metal Gear Solid)

Psycho Mantis from Metal Gear Solid is another character famous for his unsettling awareness of the player. This psychic villain doesn't just read the minds of characters within the game; he seems to read the player's mind as well. He demonstrates this by commenting on the save files on your PlayStation memory card, predicting your movements, and even making your controller vibrate. These interactions are not just scripted events; they feel like a direct communication between the character and the player, blurring the lines between the game world and reality. Psycho Mantis's ability to break the fourth wall is more than just a gimmick; it's a core part of his character and the psychological horror he inflicts. He uses his knowledge of the player to manipulate them, creating a sense of unease and vulnerability. By addressing the player directly, Psycho Mantis makes them feel like they are not just playing a game but are actively participating in a psychological experiment. His taunts and observations are tailored to the player's specific experience, making the encounter feel incredibly personal and unsettling. For example, he might comment on other games the player has played, or even suggest that they put their controller on the floor to demonstrate his telekinetic powers. These moments of fourth-wall breaking are not just surprising; they are deeply unsettling because they challenge the player's sense of control. They suggest that Psycho Mantis is not just a character in a game but an entity aware of the player's presence and their role in the game world. This awareness adds a layer of psychological depth to the encounter, making Psycho Mantis one of the most memorable and terrifying villains in video game history.

3. The Narrator (The Stanley Parable)

The Narrator in The Stanley Parable is a master of meta-narrative, constantly commenting on the player's actions and the game's story itself. He acts as both a guide and a commentator, shaping the player's experience while simultaneously acknowledging the artificiality of the game world. The Narrator's primary function is to tell the story, but he also responds dynamically to the player's choices, creating a self-aware and often humorous dialogue between the player and the game. The beauty of The Stanley Parable lies in its exploration of player agency and the illusion of choice in video games. The Narrator sets up expectations and narrates a story, but the player is free to deviate from this narrative, often leading to unexpected and hilarious consequences. The Narrator acknowledges these deviations, commenting on the player's disobedience and even altering the story to accommodate their choices. This interaction between the player and the Narrator is the core of the game's meta-commentary. It challenges the traditional relationship between the player and the game, forcing the player to consider their role in shaping the narrative. The Narrator is not just a voice in the game; he's a character who is aware of his own role as a narrator, the player's role as a participant, and the game's role as a constructed experience. This self-awareness creates a unique and thought-provoking experience, making The Stanley Parable a standout example of meta-narrative in video games. The Narrator's constant commentary and fourth-wall breaks highlight the artificiality of the game world, prompting the player to consider the nature of choice, control, and the very act of playing a video game.

4. Sans (Undertale)

Sans, the seemingly laid-back skeleton from Undertale, possesses a subtle yet significant awareness of the game's meta-narrative. While he doesn't explicitly address the player directly like Deadpool or Psycho Mantis, his dialogue and actions hint at a deeper understanding of the game's world and its mechanics. Sans's awareness is most evident in his knowledge of timelines and resets. In Undertale, the player has the ability to reset the game, effectively undoing their actions and starting over. Sans seems to remember these resets, making subtle references to past events and player choices. This awareness adds a layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just a comedic sidekick. He becomes a guardian of sorts, aware of the player's power to manipulate the game world and the consequences of their actions. Sans's knowledge of resets is not just a plot device; it's a commentary on the player's role in shaping the game's narrative. It challenges the player to consider the ethical implications of their actions, especially the use of resets to achieve a desired outcome. His seemingly nonchalant demeanor often masks a deep understanding of the player's actions and the cyclical nature of the game's world. This subtle awareness makes Sans a compelling and enigmatic character, adding to the emotional depth and moral complexity of Undertale. He serves as a reminder that the player's choices have consequences, not just within the game world, but also in the meta-narrative of the story itself. Sans's ability to remember timelines and resets makes him a unique character who blurs the lines between character and commentator, prompting players to consider the impact of their actions on the game world and its inhabitants.

These four characters represent just a small fraction of the many video game characters who exhibit some form of self-awareness. Their ability to break the fourth wall and acknowledge the player adds a unique layer of depth and engagement to the gaming experience. It challenges the traditional relationship between player and character, creating a more interactive and thought-provoking narrative. As game developers continue to explore meta-narrative techniques, we can expect to see more characters who are aware of their existence within the game world, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. This trend is not just a gimmick; it's a powerful tool for storytelling, allowing developers to explore complex themes and challenge players' perceptions of the game world. The awareness of these characters forces players to confront their own role in the narrative, making them active participants in the story rather than passive observers. It also opens up new possibilities for humor, satire, and social commentary, making video games a more dynamic and engaging medium. The future of video game storytelling may well lie in the hands of these self-aware characters, who are capable of challenging our expectations and pushing the boundaries of the medium.