Activision is one of the most popular video game developers of all time, making it a real shame that this massive company has courted so much controversy in recent years. Despite Fans enjoying the company’s games, many are glad to see Activision being put through the wringer for its many failings.
RELATED:The Best Villain Theme Songs In Games
Given the long history of Activision, it’s only a given that this publisher has released several titles that have become pretty iconic in their own right. A big part of the popularity of Activision’s games stems from their antagonists, some of whom have etched their names in the annals of video game history. As a result, the best villains in Activision games are still remembered fondly by fans to this day.
7Venom (Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows)
Spider-Man: Web of Shadowsis a game that split fan opinion down the middle. Some players hated the high reliance on web strikes, while others loved the combat system and exploration on offer throughout the game. If there’s one thing that most players agree on though, it’s that the overarching story of the Symbiotes taking over New York was quite riveting.
Given the nature of this threat, it’s easy to see whyVenom plays a central role as a villain in this game. He’s the final boss, with the Symbiote presence corrupting his mind to the point where Spider-Man needs to beat some sense into him before saving New York and either ending the Symbiote threat or making these nefarious creatures do his bidding, based on his morality.
6Doctor Neo Cortex (Crash Bandicoot)
Crash Bandicootis one of the more notable platforming titles around, developed by Naughty Dog for the original PlayStation. However, the series went on something of a hiatus before being revived with a remake of all three games and a fourth title as well. Throughout the games,one threat that remains fairly persistent is Doctor Neo Cortex.
RELATED:The Best Activision Games Of All Time (According To Metacritic)
This nefarious scientist serves as a thorn in Crash’s side for quite some time. Players have to master Crash’s moves to deal with Neo Cortex and his lackeys time and time again if they’re to have any hope of throwing a wrench in this villain’s plans for world domination.
5Nikita Dragovich (Call Of Duty: Black Ops)
TheCall of Dutyseries isone of Activision’s biggest franchises, with each and every annual release selling like hotcakes.Call of Dutyhas tapped into the mainstream gaming market in a way that most other games can only dream of, with games likeBlack Opsshowing just how great this series can really be.
The twist of this title hinges on the fact that Alex Mason and other operatives were actually brainwashed by Dragovich to become sleeper agents who would destabilize the United States. While this wasn’t really a success with Mason, these attempts did lead to Viktor Reznov manipulating Mason to kill Dragovich, Kravchenko, and Steiner instead.
4Alex Mercer (Prototype 2)
Alex Mercer isa legendary character in thePrototypeseries, with his position as the protagonist of the first game making him quite iconic as is. However, in one of the many rare heel turns carried out by the protagonist, he actually ends up being the antagonist of the second game.
This makes every fight with him a blast inPrototype 2. After losing faith in humanity, Mercer decides to take matters into his own hands and wipe out this “parasitic” race, causing Heller (the protagonist ofPrototype 2) to stand up against Mercer and prevent him from accomplishing his objective.
3Genichiro Ashina (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice)
Many people considerSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceto be a FromSoftware game through and through, to the point where they haven’t noticed that Activision is actually the publisher of this action title. This game was a departure from the usual Souls format, with players having to learn how to deflect attacks and use Prosthetic Tools properly to beat the many bosses that stand in the player’s way.
RELATED:The Most Iconic Villain Quotes In Games
The character who cut off Sekiro’s hand in the first place, Genichiro Ashina, is a heinous character who characters face multiple times. Winning the grueling final battle against him and completing the game feels like a genuine achievement, given how many times Ashina has taunted and irritated the player throughout the game.
2Vladimir Makarov (Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfareis an excellent trilogy that many people consider to be the games that helpedCall of Dutyshoot up in popularity. Not only did the trilogy feature a great single-player campaign, but it also refined multiplayer gameplay in a revolutionary manner that is still being emulated by many titles to this day.
Vladimir Makarov is the overarching antagonist intheModern Warfaretrilogy, with his actions being quite heinous indeed. WhileModern Warfare 3may be the weakest title in the trilogy when it comes to the campaign, taking out Makarov after a lengthy campaign still makes for a great time.
1General Shepherd (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2wasa great sequel with some unforgettable momentsof its own. Perhaps the most iconic moment in the series comes when General Shepherd is revealed to be a traitor who wanted World War 3 to happen for his own twisted reasons.
While some people argue that Shepherd’s motivations were pretty weak, his betrayal is still one of the best moments in the entire series. It’s truly shocking and comes out of nowhere, giving players a reason to hunt down this warmonger and put him down for the count once and for all. Shepherd isn’t just one of the best Activision villains, but one ofthe best video game villains of all time.
MORE:Classic Activision Games Hidden in Call Of Duty Black Ops Cold War
