History TheLancer / VideoGames

* Played with by Aika of ''VideoGame/SkiesOfArcadia''. She's [[TheHero Vyse]]'s NumberTwo and fits this role in the party's clear FiveManBand, but her personality isn't that different from his; she may be a little more hyperactive and slightly less idealistic, but she's just as much a HotBlooded {{Determinator}} as he is.

* ''Franchise/MetalGear''

%%** ''VideoGame/LufiaTheLegendReturns'' has Dei the thief when [[TheHeart Seena]] is [[DistressedDamsel absent]]. The guy has his moments after his quests toward the end of the game, unlike other secondary characters.

*** Joker gets a ''third'' Lancer in Goro Akechi, and it's particularly evident in the UpdatedRerelease. He presented as TheRival to thieves at first in trying to capture them for their crimes and manages to sneak his way into the group through blackmail and forcing them to disband after their alliance is finished. [[spoiler: Then he betrays them and nearly kills Joker, but the group had caught on that he was planning on betraying them and put in countermeasures.]] Over the course of the game, he shares many similarities with Joker in how they're both outcasts who have to put on a facade in the public eye but hide a much more exuberant persona underneath. In the new added content for Royal, Akechi is the most vocally opposed to whatever decision the group decides and asks them the tough questions before acting, and is something of an AntiHero to the more morally upright group.

* ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' actually has quite a few DependingOnTheWriter:
** From Team Sonic, Tails and Knuckles play this towards Sonic. Tails as the [[HeterosexualLifePartners best-friend]] variant, whereas Knuckles is a FriendlyRival to Sonic. Both them also pull double duty as TheSmartGuy and TheBigGuy respectively. Tails started off as mainly a sidekick, but soon became a mostly equal partner to Sonic, and tends to be the levelheaded and timid one to Sonic's reckless and headstrong attitude. Knuckles is an antagonist turned friend who takes things much more seriously than Sonic's lackadaisical and carefree approach to heroics.

** Cream acts as a Lancer of sorts to Blaze in ''VideoGame/{{Sonic Rush|Series}}'' as she helps her get over her antisocial ways, but this dynamic is dropped afterward.

** ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss'' has a possibility of two different lancers in the party. Luke, the IdiotHero, has Guy ([[HeterosexualLifePartner Childhood friend]], [[TheCareTaker Guardian]] and possible [[TheRival Rival]]), or Tear (ActionGirl and TheSpock).

** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'': [[ThreeAmigos Hector and Lyndis both fit as Lancers for Eliwood]]. Hector also has his own Lancer in the figure of [[GeniusBruiser General Oswin]], and it can be said that [[CrutchCharacter Marcus]] was Eliwood's Lancer before Hector and Lyn stepped in. [[FragileSpeedster Matthew the Thief]] has a short run as Hector's Lancer at the beginning, until Oswin and Serra come in. In "Lyn's Tale", Lyn had Kent as her Lancer since Sain was a bit more of TheBigGuy of her Troupe.

* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': Though TheLancer and not TheHero of his ThreeAmigos, Riku was the leader by virtue of being one year older and because of his natural drive. He had very clear and strong ideas about what he wanted, and Sora and [[TheHeart Kairi]] followed his lead. Sadly, he was TooCoolToLive, and so fell to TheDarkSide. He gets better only after Sora has become clearly much cooler than him.

* ''[[VideoGame/{{Onmyoji}} Onmyōji]]'': Hiromasa is this to [[TheHero Seimei]]. While Seimei is mature and rational, Hiromasa is a HotBlooded ChallengeSeeker who often gets himself into trouble because he loves fighting [[WorthyOpponent powerful enemies]] so much (in fact, the [[EstablishingCharacterMoment first thing he does]] when he meets Seimei is to ''challenge the guy himself'' to a duel). Gameplay mechanics-wise, Hiromasa is definitely more combat-oriented, having ''three'' active attack skills while [[WhiteMage Seimei]] only has ''one''.

* In the ''VideoGame/SlyCooper'' games, the titular character becomes that to Bentley. Most of the time, however, Sly is the impulsive, excited one while Bentley is the more concerned and calculating one.

* ''VideoGame/TheWalkingDead''

* ''VisualNovel/Danganronpa2GoodbyeDespair'' has Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu, the Ultimate Yakuza, playing this to Hinata as of chapter 3.

* ''VideoGame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness'': Etna, vassal of negotiable loyalty to demon prince Laharl. Being his go-to girl, and the one who cheerfully tells him she will kill him and take over if he doesn't prove himself worthy of being the overlord. Her starting weapon also happens to be a lance. Rozalin from the [[VideoGame/Disgaea2CursedMemories second game]] (with elements of TheChick later), Almaz from [[VideoGame/Disgaea3AbsenceOfJustice the third]], and Fenrich from [[VideoGame/Disgaea4APromiseUnforgotten the fourth]] also qualify.

** Kain from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' is a good candidate for TropeCodifier: He's [[TheHero Cecil's]] childhood friend, his most trusted comrade and right-hand ally, and also his greatest rival, primarily in his competition for [[TheChick Rosa's]] affections. He's the dark and conflicted AntiHero to Cecil's noble and righteous [[TheCape Cape]], and during a stint where he's BrainwashedAndCrazy he acts as [[BigBad Golbez's]] [[TheDragon Dragon]]. In ''The After Years'' [[spoiler:he gets appointed the Captain of Baron's airship fleet, and with Cecil as king, Kain is his general now]]. And here's the real kicker -- not only is Kain's weapon of choice spears and lances, but his job class is Dragoon. In other games in the series, the Dragoon job is called "Lancer," meaning not only is Kain ''the'' Lancer, but he's also ''a'' Lancer to boot.

** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'', Jecht qualifies as TheLancer to his original team members Braska and Auron. As for the main party, Yuna is TheHero with Tidus as TheLancer. Another interpretation has Tidus as TheHero, Yuna as TheChick, and Wakka as TheLancer. Or even another with Yuna as TheHero, Kimahri Ronso as TheLancer, and Tidus as a modified version of TheChick.

* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': Though TheLancer and not TheHero of his ThreeAmigos, Riku was the leader by virtue of being one year older and because of his natural drive. He had very clear and strong ideas about what he wanted, and Sora and [[TheChick Kairi]] followed his lead. Sadly, he was TooCoolToLive, and so fell to TheDarkSide. He gets better only after Sora has become clearly much cooler than him.

%%** ''VideoGame/LufiaTheLegendReturns'' has Dei the thief when [[TheChick Seena]] is [[DistressedDamsel absent]]. The guy has his moments after his quests toward the end of the game, unlike other secondary characters.

* Almost every main character from the numerous chapters of ''VideoGame/LiveALive'' has a Lancer to go along with him or her. The most clear example, however, is Straybow, who is both a rival to the chapter's main character Orsted and eventually [[spoiler:that chapter's final boss after his FaceHeelTurn]].

* ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'': Alistair is very much your cheerful, goofy Lancer. Morrigan can have elements of this as well.

** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'', Varric once again fills this role alongside Cassandra, who explicitly serves as your second-in-command once you officially become the Inquisitor. Just like in the second game, they are the only characters that will stay by your side no matter how low their approval drops since other companions can be turned down from joining you and they might also leave if their approval drops far enough.

%%* Dogi [[FanNickname the Wallcrusher]] serves this role to Adol in the ''VideoGame/{{Ys}}'' series.

** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'', there are a couple instances of TheLancer among the main cast of characters. Most notable is Frederick, who serves as Chrom's lieutenant. Frederick is much wiser and more experienced than Chrom, preferring a calm approach to conflict and politics, oft being polite but remaining cautious in the face of a potential threat. In battle, his cool nature comes to his aide, and combined with his solid base stats, he borders on being a OneManArmy (until the other Shepherds reach his level). Because of this, Frederick also fills the role of TheBigGuy (being the strongest of the Shepherds), but he appeared to be Chrom's tactical aid prior to [[PlayerCharacter Robin]] joining the team.

*** On the other hand, there is also the MentorMascot Morgana. While he functions more like a SmartGuy, he is usually by Ryuji's side and is the Magician Arcana like it has been in the past. He is the closest to Joker besides Ryuji and it's implied the two's bickering may stem from this competition to be this. Though ''Persona Q2'' seems to imply Ryuji fulfills the role given he has a combo attack with his fellow lancers while Morgana has one with his fellow "mascots." It's something of a plot point as well; at the beginning of the game, Morgana was the most experienced member of the group and taught the others the basics of being a Phantom Thief as well as knowledge of the Metaverse. As the game went on though and more characters came on that filled those roles better and Morgana felt pretty useless, and in typical Lancer fashion, he defects from the group for a while.

** Kain from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' is a good candidate for TropeCodifier: He's [[TheHero Cecil's]] childhood friend, his most trusted comrade and right-hand ally, and also his greatest rival, primarily in his competition for [[TheChick Rosa's]] affections. He's the dark and conflicted AntiHero to Cecil's noble and righteous [[TheCape Cape]], and during a stint where he's BrainwashedAndCrazy he acts as [[BigBad Golbez's]] [[TheDragon Dragon]]. In ''The After Years'' [[spoiler:he gets appointed the Captain of Baron's airship fleet, and with Cecil as king, Kain is his general now]]. And here's the real kicker -- not only is Kain's weapon of choice spears and lances, but his job class is Dragoon. In other games in the series, the Dragoon job is called "Lancer," meaning not only is Kain ''the'' Lancer, he's ''a'' Lancer to boot.

** In VideoGame/FinalFantasyX, Jecht qualifies as the lancer to his original team members Braska and Auron. As for the main party, Yuna is TheHero with Tidus as her Lancer. Another interpretation has Titus as the hero, Yuna as The Chick, and Wakka as the Lancer. Or even another with Yuna as the hero, Kimahri Ronso as the Lancer, and Tidus as a modified version of the Chick.

** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar'': Prince Quan is both the best friend and TheLancer for Lord Sigurd in the first part of the game. He also has ''his'' Lancer in the form of his protege Finn. In the second part of the game, Ayra's son Ulster is TheLancer to Sigurd's son Seliph. And so is Leif.
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'': [[TwoGuysAndAGirl Hector and Lyn * both* fit as Lancers for Eliwood]]. Just like in ''Fire Emblem 6'', Wolt the Archer and MagicalGirl Lilina are sort-of Lancers for TheHero Roy. Hector also has his own Lancer in the figure of [[GeniusBruiser General Oswin]], and it can be said that [[CrutchCharacter Marcus]] was Eliwood's Lancer before Hector and Lyn stepped in. [[FragileSpeedster Matthew the Thief]] has a short run as Hector's Lancer at the beginning, until Oswin and Serra come in. In "Lyndis's Tale", Lyn had Kent as her Lancer since Sain was a bit more of TheBigGuy of her Troupe.
** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones'': The Paladin Seth is TheLancer to either Eirika or Ephraim, depending on the route you take. Innes fits more as Ephraim's Rival than Lancer. Considering Gerik and his mercenaries, [[EmotionlessGirl Marisa the Crimson Flash]] fits as his Lancer since she's more of an ActionGirl than Tethys, the TeamMom. In the case of Joshua, [[spoiler: either Gerik, Marisa, or Natasha (in a more serious, WhiteMagicianGirl-y way) can become his Lancers through supports as he rebuilds Jehanna]] ) Rennac is TheLancer in L'Arachel's Power Trio.

** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'', there are a couple instances of TheLancer among the main cast of characters. Most notable is Frederick, who serves as Chrom's lieutenant. Frederick is much wiser and more experienced than Chrom, preferring a calm approach to conflict and politics, oft being polite but remaining cautious in the face of a potential threat. In battle, his cool nature comes to his aide, and combined with his solid base stats, he borders on being a OneManArmy (Until the other Shepherds reach his level). Because of this, Frederick also fills the role of TheBigGuy (being the strongest of the shepherds), but he appeared to be Chrom's tactical aid prior to Robin joining the team.

* ''VideoGame/BreathOfFireIII'': Rei. Interestingly, he starts the game as a BigBrotherMentor: it's only after the seven year TimeSkip that he returns to a more mature [[TheHero Ryu]] as his FragileSpeedster DeadpanSnarker Lancer.

* Shirou Yusa from ''VisualNovel/DiesIrae'' fits the traditional lancer role while also playing with it in some interesting ways. He is a distinct foil and opposite to the hero Ren. He has a free spirited yet a reckless thrill seeker acting as a contrast to Ren's more controlled personality. Yet these two are as often friends as they are beating the living daylights out of each other, with Shirou often finding flaws in Ren's worldviews, something he often does for Ren's own good. And on top of this, [[CosmicPlaything he is also deliberately made to fit this role]] by [[BigBad Mercurius]], something that he is less than thrilled about.

** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'', Varric once again fills this role alongside Cassandra, who explicitly serves as your second-in-command once you officially become the Inquisitor. Just like in the second game, they are the only characters that will stay by your side no matter how low their approval drops, since other companions can be turned down from joining you and they might also leave if their approval drops far enough.

%%*** Sun Quan initially has Zhou Yu. After his death he has Lu Xun and to a much lesser degree, Zhou Tai.

* ''VideoGame/FearEffect''. Royce Glas is in this position, and is the opposite of Hana on a number of things.

** Barret Wallace from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' is a unique mix of BigGuy and Lancer, with bonus TokenMinority points thrown in. He even [[strike:[[RetCon founded]]]] leads the WellIntentionedExtremist organization you start off as part of, and sometimes seems a little too ready to think of himself as TheHero early on. Ironically, when Cloud leaves the party [[spoiler:after being incapacitated by Mako poisoning]], it is expected that Barret will lead the party. Instead, he tells Cid, who appropriately wields a lance, that he's the new leader. He then proceeds to be TheLancer to Cid, too. There's also ShipTease implying a love triangle between Cloud, Barret and Tifa.
** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' rotates this role a bit during the game: it starts as Blank, but he doesn't last very long in the party. Then Steiner takes over the role, before Amarant firmly and truly takes on every trope associated with Lancerdom. Amarant is Zidane's psuedo-rival, and has a lot of ArrogantKungFuGuy issues that get solved during the course of the game. Oddly enough, the one character that actually uses lances, Freya, never actually takes on this role at any point in the game.

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'' has [[TheHero Lightning]] backed by Hope. In the early stages before the entire group rejoins, they become an ActionDuo with Lightning teaching Hope how to fight while Hope is the person that Lightning opens up to. Even after the team regroups, Hope will often be the first person to support Lightning's ideas when he's not coming up with his own. Gameplay-wise, they foil each other in fighting style and ability with Hope being a [[LongRangeFighter long-range]] [[WhiteMage support character]] and Lightning an [[CloseRangeCombatant up-close]] [[MagicKnight damage dealer]].

** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones'': The Paladin Seth is TheLancer to either Eirika or Ephraim, depending on the route you take. Innes fits more as Ephraim's Rival than Lancer. Considering Gerik and his mercenaries, [[EmotionlessGirl Marisa the Crimson Flash]] fits as his Lancer since she's more of an ActionGirl than Tethys, the TeamMom. In the case of Joshua, [[spoiler: either Gerik, Marisa or Natasha (in a more serious, WhiteMagicianGirl-y way) cane become his Lancers through supports as he rebuilds Jehanna]] ) Rennac is TheLancer in L'Arachel's Power Trio.
** Depending on how you see in in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn'', either [[BoisterousBruiser the Fighter Boyd]] can fit this role, or Ike's [[RelationshipValues support mate]] Oscar. On the one hand, Boyd is the [[RedOniBlueOni Red Oni to Ike's blue Oni]], on top of being rather level with him in skill throughout the game, both [[BadassNormal in-universe]] [[GameBreaker and out.]] Being the LoveInterest to Ike's sister Mist does him favors. On the other hand, [[NiceGuy Oscar]] can fit the bill rather nicely, given that he's more [[RedOniBlueOni cool-headed than Ike]] as well as being good friends with him. [[AlternateCharacterInterpretation Really, it comes down to how you see it.]]

* Black Rose is this to Kite in ''[[Franchise/DotHack .Hack]]''. While he is clearly the Hero, she comes on almost all important missions with him and is almost equally famous in the setting. Her {{Tsundere}} personality foils Kites at time. She's not as well due to the character class she plays.

%%** In the series, you have Aguro for TheHero and Guy for Maxim. Both wear green, and have similar battle styles with more strength and less magic power.

** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', Miranda Lawson is the official lieutenant to Shepard, but Garrus actively serves as Shepard's de-facto Lancer. During the endgame, there are points where you need to split the squad in two and pick a second leader -- the three good choices are Miranda, Garrus or ex-marine Jacob. Picking anyone else will end badly.

** Dex might actually be an inversion. He has ''nothing but'' leadership abilities. He's a fantastic leader and motivator, but lacks the competence to back it up, which is all Lan's. This would probably be why he ended up [[spoiler: mayor of ACDC Town]] in the series ending.
** Dex really functions more as a BigGuy of the charismatic BoisterousBruiser mold. He started out as TheRival, but by the end of the first game Chaud had moved from SixthRanger into the Lancer position.
** Interestingly enough Mega Man and Proto Man/Zero actual invert the weapon associations, with TheHero prefering guns and TheLancer using swords.

** ''VideoGame/Persona4'' gives us Yosuke Hanamura, everyone. While the Protagonist is both TheStoic and a HeroicMime (aside from battle cries and text speech), Yosuke is much more talkative and chipper, with a little DeadpanSnarker tossed in. [[spoiler: While he's very willing to have the Protagonist take over as leader during the early parts of the storyline, his final Social Link scene reveals that he had been envious of the Protagonist's comptetence, and starts a friendly brawl between the two to knock said impulses out of him.]] Heck, Yosuke often refers to the ''P4'' protagonist as partner. In the various spin-off games, manga and anime adaptations where we see ''P4''[='s=] protagonist express himself more, it's shown that this bond is equally reciprocated by him, calling Yosuke his partner in return.

*** The most traditional Lancer is Ryuji Sakamoto, who has elements of TheBigGuy in the group. Contrasting against TheStoic, charming and potentially best-in-class protagonist Joker, Ryuji/Skull is HotBlooded, very talkative and prone to getting into trouble. At the same time, he is a very compassionate individual who may not be as confident in himself as he seems (contrasting to Joker, who beneath his quiet student persona is a charming daredevil who loves being a flashy thief). Whenever Joker doesn't spend time with a love interest during plot-related events, the default option is usually Ryuji (barring more familial events, in which case it's with his caretaker, Sojiro). Heck, one of these events (going fishing) has Ryuji pretty much call himself Joker's right-hand man and is regarded as such, even if not often by the group. Lastly, Ryuji looks up to the protagonist and openly calls him his best friend. It's implied the sentiment is returned and Ryuji was Joker's first friend given everything that has happened.
*** On the other hand, there is also the MentorMascot Morgana. While he functions more like a SmartGuy, he is usually by Ryuji's side and is the Magician Arcana like it has been in the past. He is the closest to Joker besides Ryuji and it's implied the two's bickering may stem from this competition to be this. Though ''Persona Q2'' seems to imply Ryuji fulfills the role given he has a combo attack with his fellow lancers while Morgana has one with his fellow "mascots." Its something of a plot point as well; at the beginning of the game, Morgana was the most experienced member of the group and taught the others the basics of being a Phantom Thief as well as knowledge of the Metaverse. As the game went on though and more characters came on that filled those roles better and Morgana felt pretty useless, and in typical Lancer fashion, he defects from the group for a while.
*** Joker gets a ''third'' Lancer in Goro Akechi, and its particularly evident in the UpdatedRerelease. He presented as TheRival to thieves at first in trying to capture them for their crimes, and manages to sneak his way into the group through blackmail and forcing them to disband after their alliance is finished. [[spoiler: Then he betrays them and nearly kills Joker, but the group had caught on that he was planning on betraying them and put in countermeasures.]] Over the course of the game, he shares many similarities with Joker in how they're both outcasts who have to put on a facade in the public eye, but hide a much more exuberant persona underneath. In the new added content for Royal, Akechi is the most vocally opposed to whatever decision the group decides and asks them the tough questions before acting, and is something of an AntiHero to the more morally upright group.

* In the ''VideoGame/SlyCooper'' games, the titular character becomes that to Bentley. Most of the time however, Sly is the impulsive, excited one while Bentley is the more concerned and calculating one.
* Matt Horner from ''VideoGame/StarCraftII'' is this to Jim Raynor, an excellent example of the more-traditionally heroic character on a less-traditionally heroic team

** Shadow is an interesting case, because he serves as this for two different characters, and then inverts it.

** ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss'' has a possibility of two different lancers in the party. Luke, the IdiotHero, has Guy ([[HeterosexualLifePartner Childhood friend]], [[TheCareTaker Guardian]] and possible [[TheRival Rival]]), or Tear (ActionGirl and TheSpock ).

** ''VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria'' has Eleanor Hume. Interestingly, she's also the SixthRanger, being the last character to join. While Rokurou acts as a bit of a yes-man for Velvet throughout the game, Eleanor's disposition and her status as the moral center of the team contrast's Velvet's ruthlessness and aggression. The two actually end up being some of the biggest catalysts for the other's CharacterDevelopment. Velvet inspires Eleanor to stretch the rules for the sake of helping the whole system, while Eleanor largely causes Velvet to ease up in her mission. By endgame Velvet treats Eleanor like a trusted confidant.

* In most ''Franchise/TouhouProject'' fanworks, Kirisame Marisa plays this role for Hakurei Reimu. Marisa is the hard-working BadassNormal (or as normal you can be in a world of overpowered girls with magical powers) while Reimu is the lazy genius, and Marisa tends to have her own agenda for solving incidents, while Reimu just wants to get it over with since its her job. This isn't really played up in the games (except for perhaps Imperishable Night, where they face off against each other) because according to the storyline, the chosen character is the only one that actually goes out and solves the incident.

** Niko Bellic has [[EruditeStoner Little Jacob]], who of all his friends, he is the most involved in his activities, providing support in several missions. After Jacob, the closest one is probably [[FightingIrish Packie McReary]], who has a [[HotBlooded widely different personality]] than Niko's, but a NotSoDifferent background.

*** Like Knuckles, Shadow is also a much more serious foil to Sonic, but also [[NotSoDifferent shares many similarities with him as well]], both in personality and physical traits. Shadow never formally joins Sonic's circle of friends and instead remains an AloofAlly, and only works with Sonic when circumstances force them to put aside their differences.

%% Examples have been sorted in alphabetical order.

* In ''VideoGame/BoxxyQuestTheGatheringStorm'', the cynical and snarky Anonymous serves as this for Catie, the easily-distracted [[AllLovingHero All-Loving Heroine]]. Whenever she schemes up some random act of heroism - the kind that would put them off track and delay their ''actual'' goals - he’ll usually (and always unsuccessfully) try to talk her out of it.
%% * Lin from ''[[VideoGame/NintendoWars Advance Wars]]: Dark Conflict/Days of Ruin''. Possibly combination SmartGuy/Lancer, but definitely a lancer.
%%* Rare trio example: Blue Jake, Blue Jay, and Blue Jim in most ''VideoGame/AngryBirds'' games.

%%* Gaz from ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty 4: VideoGame/ModernWarfare'' has elements of this, playing as the Lancer to Captain Price.
%%** Predictably, his {{Expy}} in ''VideoGame/ModernWarfare 2'', Ghost, is this to Captain [=MacTavish=].
%%** Soap could also play this to Captain Price throughout the series.
%%* Manticore, a signature character in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'', is [[AlternateCompanyEquivalent their version of]] Franchise/{{Batman}}, especially among the Freedom Phalanx.

* ''VideoGame/DigitalDevilSaga'': Heat is definitely the Lancer for the Embryon. While the Hero, Serph, is calm and Level-Headed, Heat is reckless and quick-tempered. Serph is Ice element, Heat is Fire. He is the only member to [[DrunkOnTheDarkSide fully embrace his Atma power]]. Oh, and [[spoiler: he pulls a FaceHeelTurn in the sequel, and dies shortly after.]].

** Kain from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV'' is a good candidate for TropeCodifier: He's [[TheHero Cecil's]] childhood friend, his most trusted comrade and right-hand ally, and also his greatest rival, primarily in his competition for [[TheChick Rosa's]] affections. He's the dark and conflicted AntiHero to Cecil's noble and righteous [[TheCape Cape]], and during a stint where he's BrainwashedAndCrazy he acts as [[BigBad Golbez's]] [[TheDragon Dragon]]. In ''The After Years'' [[spoiler:he gets appointed the Captain of Baron's airship fleet, and with Cecil as king, Kain is his general now]]. And here's the real kicker--not only is Kain's weapon of choice spears and lances, but his job class is Dragoon. In other games in the series, the Dragoon job is called "Lancer," meaning not only is Kain ''the'' Lancer, he's ''a'' Lancer to boot.

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX'' rotates this role a bit during the game: it starts as Blank, but he doesn't last very long in the party. Then Steiner takes over the role, before Amarant firmly and truely takes on every trope associated with Lancerdom. Amarant is Zidane's psuedo-rival, and has a lot of ArrogantKungFuGuy issues that get solved during the course of the game. Oddly enough, the one character that actually uses lances, Freya, never actually takes on this role at any point in the game.

** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', Miranda Lawson is the official lieutenant to Shepard, but Garrus actively serves as Shepard's de-facto Lancer. During the endgame, there are points where you need to split the squad in two and pick a second leader - the three good choices are Miranda, Garrus or ex-marine Jacob. Picking anyone else will end badly.

** Barret Wallace from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' is a unique mix of BigGuy and {{Lancer}}, with bonus TokenMinority points thrown in. He even [[strike:[[RetCon founded]]]] leads the WellIntentionedExtremist organization you start off as part of, and sometimes seems a little too ready to think of himself as TheHero early on. Ironically, when Cloud leaves the party [[spoiler:after being incapacitated by Mako poisoning]], it is expected that Barret will lead the party. Instead, he tells Cid, who appropriately wields a lance, that he's the new leader. He then proceeds to be TheLancer to Cid, too. There's also ShipTease implying a love triangle between Cloud, Barret and Tifa.

* Almost every main character from the numerous chapters of ''VideoGame/LiveALive'' has a {{Lancer}} to go along with him or her. The most clear example, however, is Straybow, who is both a rival to the chapter's main character Orsted and eventually [[spoiler:that chapter's final boss after his FaceHeelTurn]].

%%** ''The Ruins of Lore'' has Torma.

** In ''Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition'', Varric once again fills this role alongside Cassandra, who explicitly serves as your second-in-command once you officially become the Inquisitor. Just like in the second game, they are the only characters that will stay by your side no matter how low their approval drops, since other companions can be turned down from joining you and they might also leave if their approval drops far enough.

* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls''

* ''Franchise/FireEmblem''

** ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'' gives us Yosuke Hanamura, everyone. While the Protagonist is both TheStoic and a HeroicMime (aside from battle cries and text speech), Yosuke is much more talkative and chipper, with a little DeadpanSnarker tossed in. [[spoiler: While he's very willing to have the Protagonist take over as leader during the early parts of the storyline, his final Social Link scene reveals that he had been envious of the Protagonist's comptetence, and starts a friendly brawl between the two to knock said impulses out of him.]] Heck, Yosuke often refers to the ''P4'' protagonist as partner. In the various spin-off games, manga and anime adaptations where we see ''P4''[='s=] protagonist express himself more, it's shown that this bond is equally reciprocated by him, calling Yosuke his partner in return.
** ''VideoGame/{{Persona 5}}'' continues this tradition, though with a slightly more varied cast.

* In most ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}'' fanworks, Kirisame Marisa plays this role for Hakurei Reimu. Marisa is the hard-working BadassNormal (or as normal you can be in a world of overpowered girls with magical powers) while Reimu is the lazy genius, and Marisa tends to have her own agenda for solving incidents, while Reimu just wants to get it over with since its her job. This isn't really played up in the games (except for perhaps Imperishable Night, where they face off against each other) because according to the storyline, the chosen character is the only one that actually goes out and solves the incident.