Top 10 Side Characters Who Got Their Own Game
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These characters were so good they got their own game! Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Side Characters Who Got Their Own Game.
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Top 10 Side Characters Who Got Their Own Game
Every dog has its day. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Side Characters Who Got Their Own Game. Before we begin, we publish new videos every day, so be sure to subscribe for more great content.
For this list, we’re looking at the most memorable side characters in video game history that were given their chance to star in their own game or series.
“Resident Evil Zero” (2002)
In the original “Resident Evil,” this sole survivor of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team showed up in Chris Redfield’s adventure through the zombie-infested mansion, but it was 2002’s “Resident Evil Zero” that focused on Rebecca’s story. After her helicopter crashed, Rebecca teams up with death row inmate Billy Coen. Together, the two investigate a nearby train crash which leads to them digging up more information behind the mysterious Umbrella Corporation. This whole ordeal not only gives much-needed context to Rebecca’s story but gives us great insight into the franchises origins.
“Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel” (2014)
This little bot became a fan favorite character from the first two games thanks to his hilarious dialogue and fantastic delivery from voice actor David Eddings. But it wasn’t until the Pre-Sequel that players were able to play as him. Somehow balancing overenthusiastic bragging with overwhelming cowardice, he was easily the stand out of the four character options in terms of character depth. While each character comes with their own special skills, Claptrap can generate random skills for you and your party depending on the situation. These can be either positive or negative, and considering who the character is, it’s a perfect fit.
"Mega Man Zero" (2002)
When this sword-wielding warrior first debuted in “Mega Man X,” fans immediately took to him thanks to his edgier design. Due to this popularity, Capcom would eventually have him to star in his very own game almost a decade later. “Mega Man Zero” for the GameBoy Advance featured gameplay similar to the X series of games, but with Zero’s own specific power-ups and items. It was a much more personal story for the character. Taking place 100 years in the future, a reawakened Zero is tasked with trying to stop the genocide of other androids due to an energy crisis. It earned positive reviews and three sequels, but more importantly solidified Zero as one of the most important characters of Mega Man’s lore.
“Gargoyle’s Quest” (1990)
The world of “Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins” is filled with some of the most merciless enemies in all of gaming. And none are more iconic than this swooping gargoyle. In a strange but glorious move, Capcom decided to create a spin-off series around this tough enemy. “Gargoyle’s Quest” for the GameBoy explored Firebrand’s world and spawned sequels for Nintendo’s home consoles. These games featured the same grueling difficulty as the original series but had the bonus of Firebrand’s gargoyle abilities like flying and clinging to walls. They also added light RPG elements to the already great platforming gameplay. We have these games to thank for Firebrand’s cult status and his appearances in Marvel vs. Capcom.
“Daxter” (2006)
Everyone loves a wisecracking sidekick, right? Sony gave gamers the chance to play as one when they released “Daxter” for the PSP. Fans had grown to love the “ottsel” over the course of Naughty Dog’s original “Jak and Daxter” trilogy, so his solo adventure was a welcome addition to the series. “Daxter” features a similar blend of action-adventure and platforming gameplay as the originals, just with Daxter’s own uniquely fun gadgets. Taking place in between the first two games, Daxter had to learn to rely on his own skills rather than those of his powerful friend.
“Luigi’s Mansion” (2001)
Even though he’s featured in nearly every side-scrolling Mario adventure, it wasn’t until 2001 that Mario’s downtrodden brother got a chance to truly shine in “Luigi’s Mansion.” Unlike most games on this list, Luigi’s spin-off series featured entirely different gameplay from the original franchise. Instead of jumping on the heads of enemies in delightfully colorful worlds, players took Luigi through a haunted mansion as he searched for his kidnapped brother and captured ghosts. Paired with Luigi’s scaredy-cat persona, the title offered a charmingly kooky adventure and even received a well-received sequel on the 3DS. Not too shabby for the second fiddle.
“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII” (2007)
“Final Fantasy VII” is one of the most popular entries in the long-running RPG series and has been expanded on in several games. While Vincent Valentine was also given a starring role (xref), it was Zack Fair’s story that really captivated fans. Taking place seven years before the original game, “Crisis Core” followed Zack as a young member of the SOLDIER organization and explored relationships between new and old characters. The game covered the events of Nibelheim, beautifully blending with the story of the original game. And it didn’t hurt that the story was heightened by an incredibly fun combat system. The only downside? This awesome companion piece can only be experienced on the PSP.
“Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island” (1995)
From glorified power up to starring role, this dino has come a long way. First appearing in “Super Mario World” on the SNES, Yoshi was such a popular inclusion that he was given his own adventure just a few years later. Since then, he’s received several sequels, each capitalizing on what makes Yoshi special. While these games are side-scrolling platformers, Yoshi has his own unique move set to differentiate himself from Mario. His flutter jump adds a new layer to the platforming gameplay and the ability to swallow your enemies and turn them into eggs for ammunition lets you approach dangerous enemies from a distance. Plus, he’s just so darn cute.
“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)
This cyborg has been on quite the emotional journey. First playable in “Metal Gear Solid 2,” Raiden was a recruit for FOXHOUND and had no prior combat experience. Nine years and a ton of crazy storylines later, and Raiden is one of the deadliest characters in the entire series. Developed by Platinum Games, “Revengeance” moved away from the traditional stealth gameplay in favor of hack-and-slash mayhem. As a katana wielding cyborg with lightning fast reflexes, the change in gameplay lent itself well to the character. Raiden was already well-fleshed out in the original series, yet this game was still able to expand on his character, making it a successful spin-off in every sense.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Knuckles
“Knuckles’ Chaotix” (1995)
Wario
“WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!” (2003)
Captain Toad
“Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker” (2014)
“Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest” (1995)
It’s one thing for a supporting character to receive their own game, but it’s something else entirely when that game receives higher praise than the original. When Donkey Kong was reinvented as a side-scrolling platformer in the early 90s, he was given this younger and cooler sidekick. Diddy Kong then took on the starring role for the game’s sequel which was highly acclaimed due to its graphical improvements, higher difficulty, and more lush level designs. Many fans consider it to be the best in the series to this day, and Diddy’s popularity guaranteed him a spot in nearly every Donkey Kong adventure since. He’s also a pretty talented racer.
Every dog has its day. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Side Characters Who Got Their Own Game. Before we begin, we publish new videos every day, so be sure to subscribe for more great content.
For this list, we’re looking at the most memorable side characters in video game history that were given their chance to star in their own game or series.
#10: Rebecca Chambers
“Resident Evil Zero” (2002)
In the original “Resident Evil,” this sole survivor of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team showed up in Chris Redfield’s adventure through the zombie-infested mansion, but it was 2002’s “Resident Evil Zero” that focused on Rebecca’s story. After her helicopter crashed, Rebecca teams up with death row inmate Billy Coen. Together, the two investigate a nearby train crash which leads to them digging up more information behind the mysterious Umbrella Corporation. This whole ordeal not only gives much-needed context to Rebecca’s story but gives us great insight into the franchises origins.
#9: Claptrap
“Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel” (2014)
This little bot became a fan favorite character from the first two games thanks to his hilarious dialogue and fantastic delivery from voice actor David Eddings. But it wasn’t until the Pre-Sequel that players were able to play as him. Somehow balancing overenthusiastic bragging with overwhelming cowardice, he was easily the stand out of the four character options in terms of character depth. While each character comes with their own special skills, Claptrap can generate random skills for you and your party depending on the situation. These can be either positive or negative, and considering who the character is, it’s a perfect fit.
#8: Zero
"Mega Man Zero" (2002)
When this sword-wielding warrior first debuted in “Mega Man X,” fans immediately took to him thanks to his edgier design. Due to this popularity, Capcom would eventually have him to star in his very own game almost a decade later. “Mega Man Zero” for the GameBoy Advance featured gameplay similar to the X series of games, but with Zero’s own specific power-ups and items. It was a much more personal story for the character. Taking place 100 years in the future, a reawakened Zero is tasked with trying to stop the genocide of other androids due to an energy crisis. It earned positive reviews and three sequels, but more importantly solidified Zero as one of the most important characters of Mega Man’s lore.
#7: Firebrand
“Gargoyle’s Quest” (1990)
The world of “Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins” is filled with some of the most merciless enemies in all of gaming. And none are more iconic than this swooping gargoyle. In a strange but glorious move, Capcom decided to create a spin-off series around this tough enemy. “Gargoyle’s Quest” for the GameBoy explored Firebrand’s world and spawned sequels for Nintendo’s home consoles. These games featured the same grueling difficulty as the original series but had the bonus of Firebrand’s gargoyle abilities like flying and clinging to walls. They also added light RPG elements to the already great platforming gameplay. We have these games to thank for Firebrand’s cult status and his appearances in Marvel vs. Capcom.
#6: Daxter
“Daxter” (2006)
Everyone loves a wisecracking sidekick, right? Sony gave gamers the chance to play as one when they released “Daxter” for the PSP. Fans had grown to love the “ottsel” over the course of Naughty Dog’s original “Jak and Daxter” trilogy, so his solo adventure was a welcome addition to the series. “Daxter” features a similar blend of action-adventure and platforming gameplay as the originals, just with Daxter’s own uniquely fun gadgets. Taking place in between the first two games, Daxter had to learn to rely on his own skills rather than those of his powerful friend.
#5: Luigi
“Luigi’s Mansion” (2001)
Even though he’s featured in nearly every side-scrolling Mario adventure, it wasn’t until 2001 that Mario’s downtrodden brother got a chance to truly shine in “Luigi’s Mansion.” Unlike most games on this list, Luigi’s spin-off series featured entirely different gameplay from the original franchise. Instead of jumping on the heads of enemies in delightfully colorful worlds, players took Luigi through a haunted mansion as he searched for his kidnapped brother and captured ghosts. Paired with Luigi’s scaredy-cat persona, the title offered a charmingly kooky adventure and even received a well-received sequel on the 3DS. Not too shabby for the second fiddle.
#4: Zack Fair
“Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII” (2007)
“Final Fantasy VII” is one of the most popular entries in the long-running RPG series and has been expanded on in several games. While Vincent Valentine was also given a starring role (xref), it was Zack Fair’s story that really captivated fans. Taking place seven years before the original game, “Crisis Core” followed Zack as a young member of the SOLDIER organization and explored relationships between new and old characters. The game covered the events of Nibelheim, beautifully blending with the story of the original game. And it didn’t hurt that the story was heightened by an incredibly fun combat system. The only downside? This awesome companion piece can only be experienced on the PSP.
#3: Yoshi
“Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island” (1995)
From glorified power up to starring role, this dino has come a long way. First appearing in “Super Mario World” on the SNES, Yoshi was such a popular inclusion that he was given his own adventure just a few years later. Since then, he’s received several sequels, each capitalizing on what makes Yoshi special. While these games are side-scrolling platformers, Yoshi has his own unique move set to differentiate himself from Mario. His flutter jump adds a new layer to the platforming gameplay and the ability to swallow your enemies and turn them into eggs for ammunition lets you approach dangerous enemies from a distance. Plus, he’s just so darn cute.
#2: Raiden
“Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (2013)
This cyborg has been on quite the emotional journey. First playable in “Metal Gear Solid 2,” Raiden was a recruit for FOXHOUND and had no prior combat experience. Nine years and a ton of crazy storylines later, and Raiden is one of the deadliest characters in the entire series. Developed by Platinum Games, “Revengeance” moved away from the traditional stealth gameplay in favor of hack-and-slash mayhem. As a katana wielding cyborg with lightning fast reflexes, the change in gameplay lent itself well to the character. Raiden was already well-fleshed out in the original series, yet this game was still able to expand on his character, making it a successful spin-off in every sense.
Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Knuckles
“Knuckles’ Chaotix” (1995)
Wario
“WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!” (2003)
Captain Toad
“Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker” (2014)
#1: Diddy Kong
“Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest” (1995)
It’s one thing for a supporting character to receive their own game, but it’s something else entirely when that game receives higher praise than the original. When Donkey Kong was reinvented as a side-scrolling platformer in the early 90s, he was given this younger and cooler sidekick. Diddy Kong then took on the starring role for the game’s sequel which was highly acclaimed due to its graphical improvements, higher difficulty, and more lush level designs. Many fans consider it to be the best in the series to this day, and Diddy’s popularity guaranteed him a spot in nearly every Donkey Kong adventure since. He’s also a pretty talented racer.
