8. Master Chief

First appeared in: Halo (2001)

Compared to the gaming guv'nors who have been blistering thumbs for decades, Halo's gruff protagonist is a relative newbie on the scene. Nevertheless, since his debut in 2001, this Xbox poster boy has all but dominated the console world.

A cybernetically-enhanced supersoldier fighting to save the human race from the marauding Covenant, Master Chief Petty Officer John-117 captured the imagination of gamers across the world. A man of few words, Master Chief generally lets his battle rifle do his talking for him and while we never see the face behind the golden visor, Chief's personality comes across loud and clear every time he cracks a Covenant skull. It's a singular experience to first slip into his metal boots and assume the role of mankind's armour-clad liberator and even now, after three campaigns inside the Spartan's helmet, an extended session still makes you feel 10ft tall and able to punch holes in solid concrete.