Nolan North is one of the most recognisable names and voices within the video game industry. A charismatic voice actor that projects charm and a level of star power to each character he brings to life.
In a career that has spanned for over two decades, Nolan North has pretty much done it all. So, it’s going to be difficult to pick out just a handful of my personal favourites. But I’ll try my best. With that being said, here are just some of Nolan North’s best characters in video games.
David (The Last of Us)
David in The Last of Us is one of the most memorable characters in this post-apocalyptic classic from Naughty Dog. However, he’s not known for being a lovable character like Nathan Drake. In fact, he’s the opposite. The less said about David’s character the better. However, he’s certainly one of the most disturbing and skin-crawling characters in recent memory. If you’ve played The Last of Us, then Ellie’s winter chapter is one that will live with you forever.
Capt. Marvin Walker (Spec Ops: The Line)
If you’ve never played Spec Ops: The Line, then I can understand why. Despite being well received by critics and fans alike, Spec Ops: The Line probably didn’t generate the high sales it deserved, at least for a “AAA” title.
Released in 2012 and developed by Yager, Spec Ops: The Line is inspired by movies such as Apocalypse Now, and its story that tells the darker side of modern warfare. Furthermore, Nolan North plays the role of Captain Marvin Walker brilliantly as he struggles to cope with the mental impact of war. If you’ve never played this gem, you can get it dirt cheap if you shop around. So go and buy it now, soldier!
Desmond Miles (Assassin’s Creed)
We were first introduced to Desmond Miles in the original Assassin’s Creed. Miles was a simple bartender when we were first introduced to his story in 2007, but destiny was calling. Miles is a descendant of the legendary Assassin’s, Altair and Ezio Auditore.
Aided by a piece of technology called the Animus, Miles was able to access the memories of his ancestors to discover the whereabouts as well as the true power of a relic known as the Apple of Eden. However, the apple holds a greater power, one that the evil corporation known as Abstergo is desperate to wield. So, it’s up to Desmond to stop Abstergo and save humankind as we know it.
Penguin (Batman Arkham series)
Nolan North’s portrayal of iconic Batman villain Oswald Cobblepot aka “Penguin” in the Arkham series is amongst my favourites. Not because he was necessarily a standout villain in this series, but because Nolan North did such an excellent job voicing this cold-hearted crime lord. If we weren’t told that Nolan North was the voice of Penguin, you may have not realised because he near perfected the cockney accent.
Cayde-6 (Destiny)
Cayde-6 is a charismatic Exo of the Hunter Vanguard and wields the legendary Ace of Spades hand cannon. To say that Cayde-6 was a beloved character in the Destiny franchise is an understatement. His war stories are legend and he inspired his fellow Guardian’s to fight back against the threats of our galaxy.
The love for Cayde-6 intensified following the release of the Forsaken expansion for Destiny 2 in 2018. If you’ve never played Destiny, then I won’t give too much away. But let’s just say that there was a lot of uproar with its central storyline.
Nathan Drake (Uncharted)
Of course, we knew this name was on the list. Arguably Nolan North’s most iconic character in his illustrious career. Don’t get me wrong, North’s career started long before 2007’s Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, however, some might argue that this was the game that helped propel his career in this industry.
Nathan Drake is one of PlayStation’s leading mascots in one of the most popular series of all time. Sure, each game in this series is fantastic, but I think most of us can agree that Nolan North and Nathan Drake are a match made in heaven. Without either, Uncharted simply wouldn’t be the success that it is today.
There you have it; those are just a handful of Nolan North’s best characters in video games. I have no doubt missed many characters from this list, so be sure to let us know your personal favourites across our social media channels.
Shop with GameByte!
Do not forget you can find great games and more on the GameByte Shop! Our store is stocked up with the latest games, merch, and accessories. We might even have a new-gen console or two! Sign up to our newsletter to be notified of our console drops, deals and more. Please note that the GameByte Shop is available for UK customers Credit only.
Featured Image Credit: