It’s Father’s Day! What better way to celebrate than looking back on all the great father-daughter relationships we’ve seen in games?

Well, actually, it was waaaay easier to think of terrible video game dads. I mean, we have Nariko’s dad, Kratos, Harlan Wade, Miranda’s dad…I could go on and on. However, there are indeed some great father-daughter relationships in video games. Although they’re often more like father-figures than actual biological fathers, the bond is still there.

Here are the five best video game dads for girls:

5. Big Daddies – BioShock

First on our list are the Big Daddies from BioShock. Big Daddies aren’t the actual fathers of Little Sisters, but they have that whole “murder any man who looks at my daughter” thing down pat. While Big Daddies might seem terribly evil, their role is that of protectors, and they don’t actually hurt anything unless their “daughter” is threatened.

Here’s to fathers who are always looking out for their baby girls!

4. Eli Vance – Half Life 2

Eli Vance is the father of Alyx, a lady we’ve talked about before, from Half-Life 2. Despite the tragedies he has been through, he still loves his daughter and does his best to be a good dad, including trying to set her up with a man he thinks she likes.

Here’s to fathers who are always supportive!

3. Conrad Roth – Tomb Raider

While not her real father, Conrad Roth is a mentor and father-figure to Lara Croft in the newest iteration of Tomb Raider. Roth believes in Lara’s hunches, and encourages her to follow her instincts. He also makes sure she has the training to survive the rigors of being an adventurer, and gives her a pep talk when she needs it.

Here’s to fathers who expect the best from their girls!

2. Harry Mason – Silent Hill

Harry Mason from the Silent Hill series is the adoptive father of Cheryl. Harry does everything, and I mean everything, in his power to protect his little demonic baby girl. I certainly think a father of the year award would not be out of the question for a man who literally goes through hell to get his daughter back.

Here’s to fathers who never give up on their daughters!

1. Joel – The Last of Us

Our top video game father for this year is yet another guy who finds himself in the role of father figure to a young girl. Joel from The Last of Us originally considers Ellie nothing more than a nuisance. However, as the game progresses, the relationship between Ellie and Joel changes, and both learn and grow as a result. Their relationship is even more touching when you discover Joel’s backstory.

So here’s to all the men who are father figures!

Now that we’ve gotten all sappy, feel free to tell us why YOUR father is a hero. Happy Father’s Day to Ronnie, Anthony, Victor and Keith, the “fathers” in my life! ❤