No matter their motivations or goals, characters fromSegagames often find themselves navigating complex situations with little room for error. However, while manySegacharacters may choose to face their problems head-on, there is also a handful of those who would prefer to consider their options and use their impressive intellect to make full use of their next move.

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The most intelligent characters in Sega games come from a number of different backgrounds, but there are nearly as many bright heroes as there are shrewd villains. Nonetheless, whether their intelligence manifests as a quick-witted conversationalist, a great strategist, or a corrupt leader, these are some of the smartest Sega characters of all time.

7Bayonetta

Respected as one of the most stylish andpowerful female protagoniststo lead an action game series,Bayonettais known for her prowess on the battlefield. Not only is she a powerful witch with the skills to back up her ambition and curiosity, but she often combines her abilities with impressive gun work, shooting with unmatched speed, grace, and precision.

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Outside of battle, Bayonetta is also incredibly quick-witted. Her sarcasm, humor, and wordplay can be considered another display of confidence as she charms her friends and taunts her enemies.

6Dr. Curien - House Of The Dead

As one of the main antagonists fromthe widely renowned zombie shooterseriesHouse of the Dead,Dr. Curien uses his twisted intellect for genetic experimentation, successfully creating both mindless abominations and two forms of sentient life with the power to destroy the world.

While his actions were driven by the loss of his son, his overconfidence and grief-filled desire to break the laws of nature caused his swift downfall in his laboratory. Even still, he is one of the smartest and most important characters in theHouse of the Deadseries.

Bayonetta tapping the side of her glasses

5Ex - Puyo Puyo Tetris

Once known as the King ofTetris,Ex is an expert in one of thehardest games to masterwith luck and skill. He is also the former captain of the spaceship known as the S.S. Tetra and built a robot from scratch to take care of the crew while he pursued his own goals.

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Toward the end ofPuyo Puyo Tetris,Ex earns yet another exceptional status, one that allows him to understand the secrets of the universe and retain his memory at the start of the second game, even when all other characters seem to have forgotten their time together.

4Mother Brain - Phantasy Star 2

At the start ofPhantasy Star 2,Mother Brain appears as a benevolent supercomputer, managing the resources on planet Mota to ensure its citizens live peaceful, fulfilling lives. However, corrupted by dark forces, she uses her vast artificial intelligence to manipulate the existing government and lead the people of Mota to their doom.

While few aside from the main protagonist, Rolf, and his companions suspect her plan, Mother Brain’s self-awareness and use of deception help give thePhantasy Stargames their signature complexity and charm that encourages playersto revisit the series againand again.

Dr. Curien from House of the Dead surrounded by plants

3Takayuki Yagami - Judgment

While there are a number of street-smart characters in theYakuzaandLike a Dragongames, Takayuki Yagami from theJudgmentspin-off series has both the brains and brawn to support his work as a private detective trying to solve a serial murder case on the streets of Kamuracho.

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Coming froma family of lawyers, Yagami followed his father’s path as a successful defense attorney before deciding to play a more investigative role in the law and follow his own sense of justice. From Yagami’s unique perspective,Judgmentis a fascinating twist on the moral dilemmas that Kiryu and otherYakuzacharacters face while entangled in the criminal underworld.

2Goro Akechi - Persona 5 Royal

Although there are many intelligent characters in thePersonaseries, such as Mitsuru Kirijo, Naoto Sirogane, and Futaba Sakura, few are more complex than Goro Akechi fromPersona 5 Royal.

At the start ofRoyal, Akechi is presented and renowned asa young, charismatic detective princewith the passion, drive, and intuition to bring the controversial Phantom Thieves of Hearts to justice. While Akechi serves as a threat to the Phantom Thieves throughout the game, it is only toward the end that the true extent of his strategic, manipulative logic is revealed, shocking even the smartest members of the team.

Ex from Puyo Puyo Tetris

1Miles “Tails” Prower - Sonic The Hedgehog

Since his debut in the secondSonicgame, Miles “Tails” Prower has become an unforgettable part of the series as Sonic’s closest friend and ally. While the two-tailed fox can be a bit naive andrarely shares Sonic’s bravery, Tails is still often considered a young genius whose intellect is on par with Dr. Eggaman’s.

Throughout theSonicfranchise, Tails has built several impressive contraptions to help fight Eggman, including his signature airplane, the Tornado. When necessary, he can also act as an expert strategist, helping Sonic and the others decide on the best course of action, no matter the circumstances.

Mother Brain from Phantasy Star 2

Takayuki Yagami from Judgment

Goro Akechi smiling and playing chess

Classic Tails and Modern Tails in the sky together