Another Top 10 Video Game Sidekicks

She is as deadly as she is beautiful. A woman of few words, this assailant didn’t exactly have the best of starts with her future comrade Snake, what with nearly shooting him dead in his hospital bed and all. Following a fierce sniper skirmish, the silent shooter decided to join the likes of Diamond Dogs, and as such became an invaluably ally in battle. We’re not going to go as far to say the fact she literally has to wear as few clothes as possible in order to survive had anything to do with it but…then again you don’t see Otacon (xref) doing any serenades in the rain.

While she’s not the most iconic of the Kong family, she has certainly proved her worth in hits such as Diddy Kong’s Quest and Tropical Freeze. Don’t believe us? Well, when you’re battling the Kremlings in order to rescue DK, then her ability to turn her ponytail into a pseudo-helicopter is going to make your job a whole lot easier. While she could have easily just been a throwaway character, game after game Dixie showed that she’s here to stay. Here’s hoping Diddy doesn’t screw up the relationship!

What’s better than having a giant robot under your command? How about a sentient one that forms an unbreakable bond with you. Making up for its lack of a decent campaign in its first instalment, this much anticipated sequel introduced us to a Titan who was more than just a beastly mech equipped with all kinds of devastating weaponry, as over time he starts to form a genuine partnership with protagonist Jack Cooper. Sure, being able to let loose a barrage of missiles is all well and good, but most importantly BT actually seems to care for his pilot. Aww, you sweet old death machine!

A psychotic witch kidnapped your sister with the intention of draining her of her beauty? What’s a bear to do? Luckily Banjo doesn’t have to go up against Gruntilda alone, as he’s got his trusted feathered friend to help him along the way. Unlike her rather passive companion, this red-crested breegull is practically made of sass, who’s no afraid to speak her mind. She’s also makes for a great mode of transportation and can even become something of a weapon for Banjo to use; able to shoot out eggs as high-speed projectiles from both ends. Talk about practical.

Who would have guessed that the once terrifying A.I would make for such a hilarious travelling companion? After Wheatley takes over the Apeture Facility, he tries to send both Chell and GLaDOS plummeting to their deaths, but not before turning the latter into a potato. Oddly enough, in this form your once bitter enemy becomes a sympathetic figure who seems to reclaim some of her former humanity, bringing new insight into her character. You’ll also be happy to know that being turned into a vegetable has done nothing to diminish her signature wit.

Granted, he many not exactly be the most reliable sidekick to have when going into a battle, in fact he can even be defeated by just a flight of stairs, but we love him all the same. Created by the Hyperion Cooperation, this general purpose robot is well known for being something of an overenthusiastic loudmouth. He may not be much use in a fight, but he does provide the Vault Hunters with endless banter and makes for a constant source of comedy on their way to take down threats like Handsome Jack.

You may not be afraid of God, but you will be afraid of her power. Sent to retrieve the mysterious girl amidst the floating city of Columbia, Booker DeWitt soon discovers that Elizabeth has the ability to open tears in reality itself. Imprisoned by the villainous zealot Comstock, Elizabeth became Booker’s vital aide as they tried to escape the false paradise. Not only was she an enigmatic figure who kept the narrative investing, but was a godsend during firefights, constantly handing over ammo, currency, and able to change the environment with her tears. Now if only she could explain that ending to us…

Yes, he sometimes doesn’t listen to your commands, which can send you falling to your death, but look at him! He’s a giant bird-cat-dog, you can’t help but adore him the moment you lay eyes on him. While originally in service to the malicious entity known as the Master of the Valley, Trico is above all else a benevolent wild animal who becomes a close companion to the Boy after they join forces in a bid to escape the Nest. With his adorable face, protective nature and enchanting presence, there’s no other fluffy friend you could want by your side.

Never seen without a cigar, this treasure hunter may not be the spriteliest of individuals in his old age, but there’s no other person Nathan Drake trusts to get him out of a jam more than Sully. Despite his less than moral occupation, Sully’s infectious charm and fatherly affection towards Nate remains one of the series most enjoyable aspects. Even when his dodging bullets and facing all kinds of otherworldly threats, he remains eternally optimistic and ready to leap into the next adventure on the turn of a dime.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

Dogmeat
“Fallout” series (1997-)

Midna
“The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” (2006)

The blue blur may be the one to save the world most of the time, but he wouldn’t have gotten very far without his little buddy helping him out. Despite his small and harmless looking appearance, Tails is a genius inventor and expert pilot, able to craft jet-planes and all kinds of mechanical marvels that can almost equal that of Eggman. He’s also not afraid of getting his hands dirty either, and will always back up his friends when it comes to laying the smackdown on the good doctor. Though chances are he’ll do it from the safety of a battle-suit.