The Best Video Game Voice Performance of 2016

Honorable Mention: Alex Hernandez (Mafia III – Lincoln Clay)

Mafia III is a story about anger and revenge, so it’s only fitting that you get someone who can carry those strong emotions out of the writing. The 1960’s backdrop means that characters also require a sense of historical authenticity, and while this is present in everyone from government agents to the average civilians, nowhere does the themes and time period of Mafia III blend better than in protagonist Lincoln Clay and his voice actor, Alex Hernandez.

The title’s voice acting is exceptional overall, but it’s Hernandez who has to carry the whole affair on his shoulders. Lincoln’s story is a rough one, travelling through betrayal, justice, and the twists anger can turn in both. Hernandez’s voice lends a casual, no-nonsense demeanor that grounds the sometimes over the top portrayals of the other characters, all while selling the pain of Lincoln’s time in Vietnam War and the traumatic events that follow.

Honorable Mention: Ruffin Prentiss (Watch Dogs 2 – Marcus)

Of all the sequels released this year, few had more to prove than Ubisoft’s Watch Dogs 2. The original was a divisive title launched to mixed reviews, but the sequel jettisoned everything that didn’t work in its predecessor, including lukewarm protagonist Aiden Pearce. In his place is young hacker Marcus Holloway.

Fortunately, it’s a replacement that paid off. The characters in Watch Dogs 2, and Marcus in particular, are a fun cast of enjoyable company. The voice acting brings out the unique character traits of each, and Prentiss anchors the story perfectly. It feels so natural to hear him bounce off the other characters, and times when he geeks out with the crew become downright infectious. With any luck, Marcus and friends will be around the series for a good amount of time, and so will Prentiss.

Second Runner Up: Doug Cockle (Blood and Wine – Geralt of Rivia)

Doug Cockle is back as Geralt of Rivia in this year’s Witcher 3 expansion, Blood and Wine. He’s been great in all the Witcher games, but playing Witcher 3, it’s easy to see why he won an award for the base game.

Players following CD Projekt’s series have spent nearly a decade with the character and Cockle’s voice, and here we see him at peak form for the finale. Geralt’s suave and gruff demeanor shines through the dozens of hours and quests scattered around Touissant, never cracking from the hardened persona of a lifelong hunter. In the most amusing of situations, Cockle’s near-levity is a joy, but soon, we’re back to a believable man of a million scars.

First Runner Up: Rich Sommer & Cissy Jones (Firewatch – Henry & Delilah)

Campo Santo’s Firewatch was praised for its voice acting, and it’s easy to see why. Its two central characters, Henry and Delilah, make up the emotional core of the narrative, and it’s through them that the game’s writing comes to life. As a package deal, Sommer and Jones’ back and forth brings the right amount of legitimacy to their lines, a warmth that makes you think that these two have known and been around each other their entire lives.

Through the voice work, both characters’ personalities are successfully defined, and it’s something that shines best during the quieter moments of the game. Plenty of games have focused on the relationships between their central characters to great effect, but few are as effective or as Campo Santo’s tale about a forest fire lookout and his handler.

Winner: Nolan North (Uncharted 4)

Nolan North commands role after video game role, but Uncharted is one he’ll be remembered for the most. Naughty Dog’s original title is what put him on the map, and the brash and dashing Nathan Drake is a character that he’s happily returned to time and again.

Even with its stacked and exceptionally talented cast, North shines throughout Uncharted 4, giving Nathan Drake a depth of age central to this finale. Outside of the title’s intimate and contemplative moments, he’s still got the chops to provide that perfectly timed snark or declaration of “oh, crap!” as it all hits the fan. Whatever else has changed with the series, his chemistry with other actors hasn’t, and so much of Uncharted’s strength stems from his performance excellence.