Top 10 Video Game Characters Who Made A Comeback

“Mega Man 11” (2018)

The Blue Bomber has taken several extended absences from his battles against Dr. Wily and his robot masters over the years, but the most recent is arguably the most notable. With the departure of longtime Mega Man producer and artist Keiji Inafune, fans were concerned that any potential new game featuring Mega Man just wouldn’t be able to get the character and the series right. However, “Mega Man 11” delivered, bringing them both into the modern era with a new graphical look, different modes and features, but with the same addictive platforming and shooting gameplay that originally made the series a hit.

“Kid Icarus: Uprising” (2012)

The angelic protagonist of the “Kid Icarus” franchise had been out of the spotlight for decades, with nary a game in sight. However, thanks to “Kid Icarus: Uprising,” Pit and the franchise shot like an arrow back into gamers’ hearts. Pit’s look was updated for the game and his character was fleshed out to be more three dimensional: literally, since his previous two games were 8-bit or less. Gameplay was also changed, including more modes and playstyles, such as rail-shooter elements. Pit’s “Uprising” should give hope to many forgotten characters, proving that even a long dormant character can not only make a comeback, but do it in style too.

“Rayman Origins” (2011) & “Rayman Legends” (2013)



Rayman, the titular protagonist with floating appendages was similarly suspended in gaming limbo for almost a decade without any real games. However, Rayman rebounded with a vengeance with the release of “Rayman Origins.” Although it was not especially successful financially, it managed to get a sequel in “Rayman Legends.” Both games not only brought back Rayman to the public eye, but the unique, fast-paced, and crazy, off the wall platforming helped take him and his series from cult favorites to discussions about being the all-time greatest in the genre.

“Metroid: Samus Returns” (2017)

The perennial heroine of the “Metroid” series has had a few comebacks over the years, but her latest is perhaps her most welcome. After a previous comeback, “Other M,” fell dead on arrival, Samus returned in “Metroid: Samus Returns,” a much anticipated remake and expansion of the Gameboy game “Metroid II: Return of Samus.” Unlike “Other M”, “Samus Returns” stripped back the storyline and character back to its roots. It did so while also upgrading the story, graphics, and gameplay of the 1991 game; mixing her past and her present to craft a better future for the character and franchise.

“Donkey Kong Country” (1994)

A king among Kongs, video game or otherwise, DK has made several comebacks over the years, including a notable “Return” to form in 2010. Ultimately however, our pick has to go to his original comeback in “Donkey Kong Country.” After previously being best known for the ‘80s arcade games that shares his name, in which he served as antagonist to Mario, Donkey swung back onto the scene in a great platformer that featured innovative graphics for the time and incredibly solid gameplay. This Kong straightened out his tie and became a hero in his own right.

“Doom” (2016)

Lacking a proper name doesn’t hold this man back! The faceless, nameless protagonist of most of the “Doom” franchise, Doomguy had been absent from gaming for a dozen years, which only served to make his return that much more triumphant. Although Doomguy doesn’t have much of a defined character of his own, he’s kind of emblematic of the games he appears in. Both are action-oriented, hyper violent, and a lot of fun. The new “Doom” took things to a whole other level and we’d like to thank Doomguy for bringing us along for the first-person ride.

“Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy” (2017)

The eponymous marsupial of this classic Playstation franchise was a big presence in gaming during the 1990s and early 2000s. Then the typically loud and colorful character went strangely quiet. Thankfully, a recent HD remake of the first 3 games in the series brought new life to Crash in 2017 – which he could use, given all the ways he can die. Crash and his games are brimming with the same personality and charm that won you over in the first place, but boasting a fresh coat of paint for a new era. Crash’s comeback was so successful that his former contemporaries, like Spyro the Dragon, are taking cues from him.

“Sonic Mania” (2017)

Speaking of animal video game mascots, the poster child for the concept has had a rollercoaster of a career. Sonic has reinvented himself half a dozen times over the years and fans and professional reviewers alike have often been critical of the results. Despite the odds, this comeback from the spiky blue blur has received praise from both groups, thanks in part due to the fans being the developers. Brought back to basics, “Sonic Mania” emulates and recreates the style and gameplay of the original trilogy, while also adding new mechanics; making for a comeback that satisfied pretty much everyone.

“God of War” (2018)

The titular angry god of the series, Kratos has had his share of tragedies, and many felt that his and the series’ 5 year absence was one of them. However, it was worth the wait, as both returned better than ever. Kratos’ more badass look and voice, new home and relationships, as well as excellent characterization, all add fantastic depth to great gameplay, which keeps the “God of War” series’ usual spectacle but also offers a more personal touch. “Boy” we sure can’t wait to see more!

“Tomb Raider” (2013)

The star of this treasure hunting action/adventure franchise, Lara Croft is one of video gaming’s most iconic female protagonists. Unfortunately, it hasn’t always been for the right reasons, with the divisiveness of her games and how sexualized she is being frequent criticisms. With that being said, this prequel/reboot took a character that some considered a joke and made her much more relatable, both in her appearance, which doesn’t objectify her, and through the excellent gameplay, which includes survival elements; making for a more challenging experience starring a fully-fleshed out heroine.