Top 10 Femmes Fatales in Video Games

"Max Payne" Franchise (2001-12)

The character of Mona Sax is definitely a bit "on the nose" when it comes to defining the femme fatale archetype. This is due, in part, to the "Max Payne" franchise's reputation for taking a lot of influence from classic film noir. These classic crime films from the forties and fifties often brought to the screen dangerous dames, framed in shadow and always possessing an angle. Mona Sax is an even more capable skilled take on that idea, armed and ready in her profession as a killer-for-hire. The noir elements of fatal love affairs can also be applied to her relationship with Max, making Mona the perfect person to kick off our list.

"Dragon Age" Franchise (2009-)

It would be easy to label Isabella as just a "romance option" from the "Dragon Age" saga, but that would be selling this femme fatale way short. That's because Isabella is more than capable as a leader and a fighter, serving as the pirate captain of her own ship, the Siren's Call. She's quick with a pistol and even makes her debut proving her mettle as an expert duelist. Isabella has...let's say a "flexible" moral code, but can be a great companion if quick wit and sarcasm are values you crave. Just be careful playing cards with her, because Isabella's known to be a bit of a cheat!

"Dead or Alive" Franchise (1996-)

If you're familiar with the "Dead or Alive" franchise, then you're probably also well aware of its rather infamous reputation. It's basically the video game equivalent of 1970s "jiggle television" programming like "Three's Company," with the DoA developers doing little to hide the lascivious intentions. Christie is no different with regards to her physical beauty, but she's also a deadly and dangerous assassin, making her much more than mere eye candy. This is good, because the "Dead or Alive" universe of games has more than its fair share of detractors. Christie manages to balance things out a little, and she's even comparatively more clothed!

"Bayonetta" Franchise (2009-)

Style is important for a femme fatale, but Bayonetta brought with her an update from the golden age to the modern age. The video game franchise is a visual feast, and much of this is due to Bayonetta herself, who possesses a unique and striking design. This shape shifting witch can't be held down to one specific look, but her personal style and penchant for wild hair attacks lends her an unpredictability that's infectious. She's sexy, but dangerous. Intriguing, but always at arms' length. No wonder the first "Bayonetta" game has spawned two sequels and a tie-in anime: it's a character of whom fans just can't get enough of.

"Overwatch" Franchise (2016-)

It didn't take long for "Overwatch" to become a global phenomenon after first debuting in 2016. The game possessed a wealth of memorable characters, not the least of which was Widowmaker. The woman formerly known as Amelie Lacroix may have been a ballerina early on in life, but that profession has since been abandoned in favor of something juuuust a bit different. Widowmaker is a sniper, and she's great at her job, partly due to the fact that her training left her with blue skin and an immunity to emotion. Yup, Widowmaker is all business, so don't get in her way, because killing's her business...and business is good.

"Soulcalibur" Franchise (1995-)

Fighting games come and go, with many roster characters being replaced or simply disappearing altogether. Not so with Isabelle "Ivy" Valentine, who's stood up for the "Soulcalibur" franchise" since its inception. Is she sexy? Damn right. But to just label her eye candy would be doing Ivy a great disservice, as she's one of the game's most capable sword-wielders. It's a delicate balancing act alternating between Ivy's strength as a fighter, and her stature as an ambassador for "Soulcalibur," but for our money it's all presented in just the right light.

"No More Heroes" Franchise (2007-)

You could be forgiven for not latching on immediately to the hidden reference behind this character from the "No More Heroes" franchise. That's because Sylvia Christel is actually named after the Dutch actress Sylvia Kristel, who famously starred in the adult film series "Emmanuelle." And sure, it's a bit on the nose naming this stylish agent after her, but hey...if the heels fit, right? Christel may not be physically imposing, but that doesn't mean she doesn't wield power, because this woman is all business and driven to a fault. You have to be on your toes to play a game of mental chess with Sylvia, because she'll strike while you're starin' at a moments' notice.

"Darkstalkers" Franchise (1994-)

The "Darkstalkers" franchise is one of the oldest on this list, making Morrigan Aensland something of an OG femme fatale. But don't you dare call this sexy succubus old...even though she was born back in 1678. Honestly, though? We don't think Morrigan looks a day over three hundred, and she's aged like a fine wine in the hearts and minds of "Darkstalkers" fans. Morrigan may be a dangerous demon, but she's also impossibly beautiful. She's just as soon to disarm you with a flirtatious look as she is to disembowel you with a flick of the wrist, but it's this unpredictability that makes us love Morrigan now, then and forever!

"Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" (2004)

The very definition of a "femme fatale" can be translated literally as "lethal woman," and this fits the MO of "Metal Gear's" Eva to a T. That's because Eva can infiltrate and kill before you can blink, and she'll have you in the palm of her hand the whole time. Seduction is just one of the weapons at Eva's disposal, but this KGB-trained agent isn't just a love interest for Snake. Instead, she's a well developed character that's certainly sexy, but she's not defined or restrained by her physical charms. Instead, she's able to stand right alongside Snake as one of the "Metal Gear" franchise's most memorable characters.

Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions!

A Sexy Sorceress

Dapper, Debonair… and Deadly

For Our Money, SHE'S the Priceless Treasure

"Resident Evil" Franchise (1996-)

Ada Wong proved that there was more to the "Resident Evil" franchise's female characters than just blue tube tops. All joking aside, Wong is right up there alongside Jill Valentine as one of the series' most iconic and well -remembered characters. This is thanks largely to the writing, which paints Ada as a mysterious and morally gray character with an intriguing back story. She's a resourceful spy who plays both sides, thanks to her relationship with Leon Kennedy, but we can't help but feel grateful whenever her character makes an appearance in the horror soap opera that is "Resident Evil."