Video Game Character Spotlight: Link

Link. The protagonist of The Legend of Zelda series whom needs no introduction.....but will get one anyway. You know the fables: a great evil has come to the land, born from darkness and bent on claiming an ancient power to rule the realm. Only one hero can stop it: the hero in green, with his Master Sword drawn and courage in his heart. Link! The Hero of Time! Or the Hero of Hyrule....Waker of the Winds....Hero Chosen by the Gods.....or any of the other dozen of titles he carries. With more versions than Baskin Robbins has flavors, Link has heroically waged battle against evil time and time again. His story has been retold over the years, crossing generations and consoles. He has been a cornerstone of video gaming ever since his debut in 1986, in “The Legend of Zelda.”

 

“In his late 20's AND looks better in green than I do. Thanks, Obama.”

Created by the ever-talented, incredibly attractive Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo, Link was conceived as the protagonist to carry the Nintendo Entertainment System into the realm of RPGs. It was a direct contrast to their previous hit, Super Mario Bros., because whereas Mario featured linear, platforming gameplay, The Legend of Zelda consisted of a large overworld filled with dungeons and secret passages. Miyamoto has even gone on to say that Link's adventure was based around his own childhood, playing in grassy fields and dreaming of grand journeys of danger. All these elements combined to bring us Link's debut game and introduced us to a pivotal character of the game industry.

"Such as lovable Octorok #3!"

Since Link's premiere game, Nintendo has gone on to build on the legend of Link by creating new, separate stories with new evils to face. He's been in.....*takes deep breath*....The Legend of Zelda, The Adventure of Link, A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, The Minish Cap, Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, Skyward Sword and A Link Between Worlds. Because of the various stories of Link, there's not a consistent version that has lasted throughout the legends. Each Link is different from the last, faces a new evil and must save the realm on his own merit. However, even among all these variations, there are common characteristics: Link is always in green, has blonde hair, wields a sword and faces evil with unyielding courage, sometimes bestowed on by the gods.

 

“And an absurd hatred for cuccos...”

Regardless of the lack of continuity in character, Link is undeniably one of the most recognizable video game characters. Nintendo has used him as one of their flagship characters, appearing in many other Nintendo products. Link has even made guest spots in non-Nintendo works, such as the Soul Caliber series and The Legend of Zelda television series (Excuuuuuuuse me, princess!). But if that weren't convincing enough, Link has been formally recognized over and over. Game Informer named Link the Number One Hero of 2006, Nintendo Power named him their second favorite hero in 2010, and in 2005 Link received his own star on the Walk of Game in San Francisco, California.

 

“Meryl, eat your heart out.”

Because of all this, Link has cemented his place among the video game character legends. But it's not just because of his numerous appearances that entitles him to a spot among the gods. It's Link himself and the message he brings that is truly what draws fans to love him. Link's tales are ones of triumphing over evil when all hope seems lost. To bravely take a stand and fight for what is right. These morals will take us on a fantastic journey which inevitably ends with the world, and sometimes ourselves, in a better place. This why we love Link and will always stand by him in the coming years. For sometimes, all you need is a little courage.

 

Maybe a Triforce's worth.

-Tom

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Zero

When designing a protagonist for a video game series, it's a good idea to make them the most interesting character of the series. But every so often, there comes a support character who outshines even the protagonist. A character who's just as cool and interesting as the supposed “hero” of the story. Throw in a lightsaber and a bitchin' ponytail and now you've got the most interesting support character of all time. Of course I'm referring to none other than the legendary Maverick Hunter himself, Zero of the Mega Man X series. First appearing in the incomparable Mega Man X, Zero burst onto the scene with his sleek red armor and fancy Jedi swordsman skills, forever sealing his status as ultimate badass. Since then, he's become a featured main character to the series and has become so popular that he was given his own series, Mega Man Zero. The fans just could not get enough of this sword-wielding robot and his luscious, flowing mane.

 

"L'Oreal. Because you're worth it."

     But to understand why Zero has such a devout fanbase, you have to know what makes Zero tick and the challenges he's had to overcome. As previously stated, Zero first appeared in Mega Man X, but his back story runs much deeper than that. Because since the Mega Man X series is actually a sequel to the Mega Man games, there's more you need to know than you're originally given. Details such as Mega Man, the protagonist of the old series, being created by Dr. Light to fight off the evil forces of Dr. Wily's fiendish Robot Masters. Flash forward 100 years and you have X, the protagonist of Mega Man X, also created by Dr. Light to aid humanity and robotkind alike. But what made X special from his previously blue incarnation was his ability to think for himself and make his own decisions.

 

“Also his ability to make terrible cameos on television cartoons."

     So what does this have to do with Zero, you ask? Well, everything really. Because whereas X was created by Dr. Light to be the hope of the future, Zero was created by none other than the nefarious Dr. Wily himself. BUM BUM BUUUUUMMMMMM!!!!

     Dr. Wily created Zero with the intent to be his ultimate creation, the pinnacle of robot evilness. But the joke was on Wily (who was dead by the time this all mattered), because Zero eventually turned out to be a champion for humans and Reploids, the androids created in the future that, like X, had the ability to think for themselves. So what if Zero had to initially overcome his desire to kill humans and also accidentally released a robot virus that caused other Reploids to want to kill humans, becoming “Mavericks”? It's the end result we're talking about, people!

 

“JUST LOOK AT THAT PONY TAIL!”

     Eventually, Zero does overcome these obstacles and becomes a hero to the future, just as X would soon become. Together, they team-up to hunt down rogue Mavericks, Zero serving as X's mentor throughout the series. While acting distant yet cool, Zero would constantly arrive in the nick of time to save X, revealing his true, caring nature. He even proves his heroism when (Spoiler!) he sacrifices himself to give X a fighting chance against Vile, the mini-boss of Mega Man X. It was a profound, touching moment that defined Zero's character forever, even as he was brought back to life in the next game and then sacrificed again, only to be brought back to life once more for Mega Man Zero.

 

“Guess how many fucks I give about Death."

     However, if his constant sacrifice and subsequent resurrection mean anything, it's proof of Zero's ultimate power: his infectious ability to always do what is right, even at the most extreme cost. He may become broken, destroyed or his mind placed in the body of a copy, but there is no way to keep Zero from fighting for peace and justice. Because even as he was created for destruction, he shows us that we can choose our own destiny, to be better than we were meant to be. And after all, it's hard to keep a good robot down.

 

"Especially this guy."

-Tom

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Kratos

If you're going to be the god of anything, you've at least got to make it cool. You don't want to be the God of Mayonnaise, after all. You want a title that upon hearing, commands respect and awe from your followers. Something not unlike THE GOD OF WAR. Subtle intro checked off, Kratos, of The God of War series, is definitely a god you don't want to disrespect. He is the all-fury, all-rage, all-button-masher Spartan who would no sooner rip off your head with his bare hands than he would look at you. With his signature chain-blades, Kratos is vengeance incarnate as he slays his way through monsters, titans, gods and every other person you read about in high school mythology class. Seriously, his kill list runs longer than the wait for Half-Life 3.

“We haven't forgotten, Gabe...,” Source.

     But the tale of Kratos is one that truly is as epic (and lengthy) as any Greek saga. It is a story woven in revenge, hubris and even tragedy. In the beginning of God of War, we learn that Kratos was originally a commander of Sparta, who was more ruthless than any other mortal. But his luck soured when he faced an inevitable defeat and lost in battle. Rather than admit his failure, Kratos called on Ares, the then god of war, to aid him. Ares granted his wish and gave Kratos his Blades of Chaos, helping achieve victory. But Ares had a hand in betrayal as he soon tricked Kratos to kill his entire family. Horrified by his actions, Kratos vowed vengeance against Ares and all others who stood in his way, forever marking his path in life.

“His skin was also marked by whitening from the ashes of his dead family, but whatever,” Source.

Kratos's ensuing journey for revenge unfolds throughout the God of War series, over the course of six more installments. His story would have many revelations, betrayals and an endless, endless amount of killing (Like, I'm talking buckets here). But despite the numerous character challenges, Kratos has maintained a constant level of badassery over the years. He has held true to his cut throat Spartan nature, immovably driven and fearless against hordes of monsters. He's battered, bludgeoned, sliced, dismembered and slaughtered over and over, all for the relief of his unquenchable thirst for revenge.

“KRATOS THIRSTY!!!” Source.

The legend of Kratos has been such a popular one that Kratos has become a staple of the modern video game industry. The 2011 Guiness World Records Gamer's Edition named him the ninth most popular video game character of all time. This is a testament to Kratos's undeniable awesomeness and his dependability to bring an epic, awe-inspiring adventure. And while the fate of his character is still wrapped in mystery, we can be assured we have not seen the last of Kratos, the one true God of War.

“He always brings the pain, so long as the Quick-Time-Events are hit at the right time,” Source.

-Tom

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Luigi

If you've ever played video games with an older sibling, then you probably know what it means to be Player 2. So while they got to go first and share their adventures with Mario, you got the distinct pleasure of playing second as everyone's favorite unsung Mario brother, Luigi. Luigi is the younger (sometimes described as fraternal twin) brother of Nintendo's legendary Super Mario series. Along with his brother, Luigi is one of the heroes of Mushrooom Kingdom, traveling through the world and taking on adventures for the sake of the kingdom. But as he is the younger sibling, he is often the lesser of the duo, often times existing in the shadow of Mario. Despite this, Luigi is nearly the same, having the same type of clothing, moves and starting out as a simple plumber. He's even gone on to have a Barbie-esque number of other jobs, ranging from construction worker, ghost hunter, and brainwashed criminal mastermind.

“Now if he only had his own dream house-Oh wait...”

Originally starting out as a mere color swap for Mario “Jumpman,” Luigi was just a means of distinguishing between Player 1 and Player 2. He was identical in shape and form to his older brother and it wasn't until Super Mario Brothers 2 that his creator, the talented and sexy Shigeru Miyamoto, saw to change up his appearance. He made Luigi taller and thinner than Mario and gave him his signature green shirt and blue overalls that he still wears to this day. Over time, this distinction was refined until Luigi became his own separate person from Mario, complete with his own, more filled out mustache and the “L” adorned atop his cap. He was so popular now that he got played by the most handsome actor known to Hollywood in the “Super Mario Brothers” live-action film: John Leguizamo.

 

“We should all count ourselves lucky if we ever get played by “The Pest,”

Interestingly enough, just as Luigi's appearance changed over time, so did his personality. Throughout the different installments of the Mario games, Luigi is often portrayed as the cowardly, clumsy Mario brother. In this sense, he is frightened by even the least threatening enemy he comes across. But other times he is described as jealous of Mario and all the attention that he is neglected standing next to his shadow. But ultimately, despite his cowardice or his shade of jealousy, Luigi to his heart is a caring, brave hero who lives up to his family name. And when the time comes, he steps up to save the kingdom, the princesses and sometimes even his own brother.

 “Because blood is thicker than water level,”

So with this, and the timely coincidence that Nintendo has declared 2013 “The Year of Luigi,” we commemorate Luigi and his stylish green brand of heroism. For he is the patron hero of younger siblings everywhere, reminding us that even though we may play second, we can still be Number 1.

-Tom

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Video Game Character Spotlight: The Prince

Bouncing out of from a kingdom beyond the heavens, the Prince (also known as the “Dashing Prince,” “The Prince of All Cosmos” or “the Protagonist Formerly Known as Prince”) is the hero behind Namco's little known yet widely successful wonder, Katamari Damacy. A tiny green thing standing at 5 cm, the Prince is known throughout the world as the small, dutiful protagonist who's adventure is one bigger than himself, both metaphorically and physically. But he does it all with the light-hardheartedness and the cuteness of a newborn kitten, greatly overpowering the grim reality of his task: to roll up everything and everyone he can on Earth to recreate them into stars, without remorse.

 

“Behold, the face of the Destroyer,”

It all starts out, as most great stories do, with a night where there was just a little too much alcohol. The Prince's father, who's the King of All Cosmos and as big as a planet, gets too drunk one night and accidentally takes out all the stars in the entire cosmos. So to make amends, the King charges the Prince with the job of bringing the stars back. And when your father is the King of All Cosmos, not only do you generally have to do what he says, but it also makes it impossible to decide what to get him for Father's Day.

 

“It was either this or a toolbox the size of the sun,”

To accomplish the Prince's task, he is given a magical ball called the Katamari, which has the ability to cause anything smaller than its mass to stick to it. It starts off only slightly bigger than the Prince but as more and more objects build upon the ball, it quickly takes on the size of the stars recently put out. As the stars of the universe come back slowly but surely, the Prince finishes his adventure by recreating the moon with the last bunch of mass from Earth, along with a family he befriended on his stay (don't worry, they had it coming). Successful in his father's the request, the Prince finally earns the respect of the King of All Cosmos and the game ends in a flying montage involving dinosaurs.

“We weren't joking,”

Thus concludes the adventure of the Prince in Katamari Damacy, but this didn't mean that his adventures in the kookiness of the universe were over. The Prince, along with the King of All Cosmos and a whole slew of new characters, return for different adventures in the series' sequels: We Love Katamari, Me & My Katamari, Beautiful Katamari, Katamari Forever and the "ever-classic-and-coming-to-a-porn-store-near-you," Touch My Katamari. These are the stories of the Prince, who through it all, endures with the same cute brightness and determination that warmed him into our hearts from the very start. Even with his complete disregard for human life.

 

"May God have mercy on our Katamaris,"

-Tom

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Gordon Freeman

A hero with the brains of Stephen Hawking and the trigger finger of Rambo, Gordon Freeman is the silent protagonist of Valve's classic video game series, Half-Life. Armed with his protective HEV(Hazardous Environment) Suit and a wide assortment of weaponry, Gordon is the one human that poses a serious threat to the alien conquerors known as the Combine. And who wouldn't when your face appears as if it was the basis for Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad?

 

"He's cooking up something more than trouble for these aliens..,”

A Seattleite with a Ph. D from MIT in theoretical physics, Gordon started out working as a scientist for the top secret research company, Black Mesa. It was during the events of Half-Life that Gordon and the other scientists accidentally opened a portal to the alien universe called Xen, unleashing a horde of killer aliens into the world. So what was Gordon Freeman, super genius and resident badass, to do? Bash some alien brains in, that's what!

 

“With room for mandatory snack breaks, of course.,”

Using his trusty crowbar, Gordon repelled the alien invasion and even went into their own dimension to give their leader a stern, civilized lecture (letting his crowbar do all the talking).

Unfortunately for the Free Man, his reward for Earth's safety was being flung through time and space by a mysterious figure known only as the G-Man. Cast forward two decades to Future Earth in Half-Life 2, Gordon learns that the alien empire known as the Combine have conquered Earth and subjugated humanity to a life of servitude under a Suppression Field, which also hinders human procreation. Mac Daddy Gordon then gives a mental, “Ahhh hell noooo!” and once again leaps into action, joining the Resistance in their noble struggle to free Earth from the Combine control.

 

“And certainly not joining for the purpose of dropping the field with the resistance leader's daughter.,”

But now things get crazy as Gordon is united not only with his crowbar, but with his most infamous weapon to date: the “Zero Point Energy Field Manipulator,” also know as the Gravity Gun. Capable of manipulating gravity to lift objects in the air, Gordon now uses this device as his all-purpose tool and weapon, moving obstructions from his path and then launching them at his enemies.

With his god-weapon in hand and the Resistance at his back, Gordon Freeman soon becomes the defender of humanity as the Half-Life series continues (we hope) to follow his never ending battle to defeat the Combine empire. All the while without saying a single word.

“Clearly a man muted by the horrors he's seen.,”

-Tom

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