Just before Christmas I was compelled to look behind the scenes and find out about some of the actors that I had heard whilst playing games. Some of the names that came up were quite surprising and part 2 is no different…for me at least! If you missed the first set, feel free to have a look.
John Di Maggio – Marcus Fenix [Gears of War]
I’m putting Mr. Di Maggio as the first example this time round because I was really surprised by what I found. This innocent-looking chap is not only responsible for voicing Marcus Fenix from the Gears of War franchise, along with voices for various other games including Tekken 6, Madworld and Halo 3, he is also the man behind my favourite robot – Bender. Some of you may already know this but as a huge fan of Futurama this comes as a big shock to me.
David Kaye – Clank [Ratchet & Clank]
From my favourite robot to possibly my least favourite robot; with the exception of Anne Robinson of course. Mr. Kaye is the man behind Clank and, as with most of these voice actors, is no stranger to video game voices with a body of work including Avatar: The Game, Assassin’s Creed II, Splinter Cell, and Doom 3. After Clank his other major video game role has to be Nathan Hale in the Resistance games.
Sean Pertwee – Colonel Radec [Killzone 2]
Brian Cox’s unmistakable voice meant that his role as Scolar Visari was obvious from the very first time I heard the “My People” speech, but Sean Pertwee as Colonel Radec?! I did not see that coming. Appearing in some of the best British TV series’ and a handful of movies, Pertwee is also no stranger to voicing characters within video games; especially when it comes to Killzone. In the 2004 original he voiced the part of Colonel Gregor Hakha.
Steve Downes – Master Chief [Halo]
I knew there was a tash under that helmet! Steve Downes is responsible for voicing probably the most famous name from one of the worlds most successful gaming franchises – Master Chief from Halo. Steve’s portfolio consists of four things; Halo, Halo 2 and Halo 3. Oh, the fourth is a video game called Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator…no, I’ve never heard of it either.
Paul Eiding – Colonel Roy Campbell [Metal Gear Solid]
Do not be fooled. This man is not an accountant or a maths teacher; he is Colonel Roy Campbell. Mr. Eiding’s list of voice work is impressive. They include Dragon Age: Origins, Ratchet & Clank, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, Syphon Filter, God of War II and, believe it or not, he played Zeus in God of War I.