The 50 Greatest Video Game Villains Of All Time

Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork)
Credit: Matt Becker (compilation); Capcom, NetherRealm, Nintendo (artwork) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
38 of 51
Next
Pyramid Head
Credit: Konami /

Greatest Video Game Villains – #14 Pyramid Head

Game(s): Silent Hill 2

Background: Pyramid Head is the giant, spear wielding villain in the second installment of Konami’s survival horror series, Silent Hill. The main character of the game, James Sunderland, comes to the town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his already-deceased wife. There he encounters the voiceless Pyramid Head, known for his large, triangular, faceless head. This horrifying executioner attempts to kill James several times, as well as kill and rape other monsters in the game. This truly terrifying villain is unsettling and a defining character in the horror video game genre.

Why He’s One Of The Greatest Video Game Villains: Besides his scary appearance and demeanor, what truly makes Pyramid Head a great villain is his unpredictable actions. As the player, you never know what he is going to do next. Sometimes he chases after you, sometimes he chases after someone else, and sometimes there are two Pyramid Heads. Even though he is considered a boss, the player never fully engages him in any sort of battle. The final battle actually ends with an unsettling scene in which the two Pyramid Heads commit suicide. Silent Hill games frequently make use of symbolism, and Pyramid Head is no exception. He is meant to represent Jame’s journey of fighting his own personal demons and his desire to be punished for his wife’s death. Pyramid Head’s truly terrifying nature and threatening, unpredictable behavior makes him one of the scariest villains in video game history.

Next: 13- Lavos