With more than 180 characters in over 40 games, it was tough to narrow down the best of the year. Below is my top 10, in reverse order. Watch out for minor spoilers.

10. Ye Lingxi – I Will Definitely be the CEO!

Lingxi is one of those special characters who will never let you down. She stands out from colleagues because she’s kind, soft-spoken, and only hopes for great things for the player while avoiding the awful side of office politics. Actress Xiang Yun would steal the show in just about any game.

9. Bang Gyu-ri – Five Hearts S2

Not every character needs a complex arc to capture an audience. Gyu-ri has a sunny disposition that holds up, scene after scene. She is an attentive nurse that cares for the player while also harboring a crush. Whenever she appears, it is like a breath of fresh air.

8. Yu Yingluo – Love Begins with Goodbye

Despite only appearing in the first and last chapter of a short game, Yingluo has a massive impact. Her banter with the player is exceptional and her nature is easy to appreciate across just a few short dates. The happy ending, while also brief, brings that perfect warmth, thanks to actress He Jingjie

7. Xu Zhaozhao – Soul Touch

Innocent and devoted, Zhaozhao is hard not to like. While similar youth and naivety often produce uncomfortably immature characters, Zhaozhao avoids this common pitfall. Actress Sun Yijia is also able to showcase her talent as she becomes an alluring succubus between chapters.

6. Ye Xiaoying – The Love’s Ordeal

Although not a deep character, and in a rather mediocre game, Xiaoying stands out because she has an electric personality that far exceeds the norm. Ex-CPOP band member and actress Lin Jinyi has unreal nose twitches and sensational facial expressions that make her character one of the best this year.

5. Kitty – Flam Evaw

As your detective assistant, Kitty is in the perfect position to interact with the player at every step. She’s useful, hilarious, righteous, occasionally daft, and clearly cares about the player deeply. Actress Yang Shanzi takes command of the camera and gives a tremendously broad performance.

4. Lu Yueru – Hello Love: 18 Again

As just one great character from an incredible cast, Lu Yueru’s depth comes because she is torn between her feelings for the player and her role as a teacher. Her general kindness makes her very appealing. Actress Shen Yichen is a FMV veteran but this is her best role by far. You can see more of her in the standalone DLC Temptation

3. Su Xi – I Can’t Beat the Pretty Girls

Character depth is easily spotted when it comes with emotional range and Su Xi gives both the cold shoulder and warm heart across her great story arc. She’s a strong woman who takes control but is in turmoil underneath. When Actress Li Shengxuan balances across that line, greatness emerges.

2. Zoey / Zuo Yi – Such a Guy

The strength of Zoey comes down to the great slow-burn romance arc. Beginning with a hostile encounter, leading into a satisfying warehouse incursion, and then her selling a prized possession, among many other wonderful scenes. Even her confession is amazing. Yes, I would go to Pluto for Zoey.

1. Fang Zhilian – Game of Fate 2

The best and most important character this year is Fang Zhilian. She’s the canonical love interest and cannot be swapped without changing the whole narrative. She’s as important as the player and this mirroring is crucial to every relationship. Actress Zhong Chenyao has experience and she does not disappoint.