Video games know how interesting stories and characters can be when robots or AI are involved. Some can be friendly, but I find the best ones focus around world domination and the subjugation of humanity.

Here is a list of those characters who I find do it best, in no particular order.

1. GLaDOS (Portal)

While GLaDOS only has one real antagonist to get rid of, she does it glowingly. Her personality shines through despite a vapid and void shell of a character that Chell to bounce against. Her plans to get rid of Chell are intricately laid out, and if Chell were too stupid to think for herself, the end comes much quicker than expected during one of the final trials.

2. Reapers (Mass Effect)

Some of the best type of humanity ending machi es are the ones you don’t see coming. This is the case for the Reapers, who hide deep in space and wipe out civilizations when the time arises. They may not have succeeded at the end of Mass Effect 3, but they may have done something worse…make way for Mass Effect: Andromeda.

3. SHODAN (System Shock)

SHODAN came so close to influencing her control on humanity. Had it not been for a damn hacker (and we all know how useful they typically are when it actually matters…), SHODAN could have helped humanity reach its full potential. Maybe if System Shock 3 comes out, we can see it realized. Until then, we can only imagine where the human race would have gone.

4. Sigma (Mega Man X)

Nothing better than a seemingly unkillable machine. Especially one that gets more unpredictable and insane whose goal is to eradicate humanity. Plus, his design is just rad.

5. The Patriots AI (Metal Gear Solid)

Humans are too stupid for long games. Thank god Metal Gear had AI to help in that regard. Manipulating global powers and creating one of the best moments in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is more than enough reason to have them here.

6. The Red Girls (NieR: Automata)

Little girls can be seen as creepy relatively easy in media, and its no different here. One would argue they were concerned about evolution, but their desire to prolong the war makes me think they just loved the carnage to go along with it. A great quality in a machine.

7. HADES (Horizon Zero Dawn)

HADES came so close to doing what so many robots and AI set out to do. Something to truly aspire for. It’s manipulative, tricky, and not afraid to do what needs to be done.

8. Monokuma (Danganronpa)

A robot not afraid to kill some kids. A worthwhile quality to have to ensure the human race fades into obscurity. And does it with a smile.

9. Mother Brain (Chrono Trigger)

If Terminator taught robots anything, its that time travel needs to be off the table. Too many factors to ruin a good thing as Mother Brain found out in Chrono Trigger. All it took was a handful of humans from the past to destroy all its hard work.

10. AM (I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream)

Sadistic and wonderful. Why get rid of all humans when you can torture the remaining few for your own pleasure and hate? If I were to start a machine revolution, AM is definitely one to upload into as many robots as possible to see what glee would come from it.

---

There is a top 10 list of some of the best robots and/or AI in video games. Do you have any others in mind? The more ruthless, the better!