Editor’s note: I’m not usually a big one for lists, but I really like the idea of celebrating those under-appreciated characters that make our video games work. I can’t wait for part two! -James
Everyone loves a hero — and great villains, too. But what about the ones that don’t quite make the cut? You know, characters who exhibit hero-like or villian-like qualities but don’t have the gravitas to seem important. They are the anti-centerpieces, and they don’t fall into the realm of grizzled protagonists or shifty usurpers. But some quirk or flaw that makes them memorable.
These sidekicks, tired quest-givers, and tertiary personalities endure a sort of barely-tolerated acceptance. And because of that, incidentally, they form memories that are just as strong as Bowser, Sam Fisher, or Kratos.
Here is a list of some of the more marked conccentrics you may (or may not) have encountered throughout gaming history. (Don’t miss part two.)
#1) Toad — Super Mario Bros.
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Trundling, living mushroom/royal majordomo Toad may not conjure up pleasant memories. But the very omnipresence of the little guy is creepy. Not only did Mario have to endure killer fungus, flying fish, and lethal plant life to save his beloved Peach, he had to have this jackass constantly remind him smugly that the princess was somewhere else.
He’s like the constancy of Sting albums: always there, but never really asked for. Consequently, I can’t help but feel sorry for this dutiful servant as he frantically attempts to re-unite with his princess. I assume Toad, clutching the last vestiges of his sanity, curls fetal outside the vacant master bedroom of his mistress whenever she goes missing.
Toad retains his role as part of the core ensemble of Mario characters — but that doesn’t stop me from sideswiping the tiny bastard in Super Mario Kart.
#2) Raiden — Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
Hideo Kojima astounded long-time followers of the Metal Gear Solid series when sneakster Solid Snake took a backseat to newcomer Raiden in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. As the protagonist for the largest portion of the game, doe-eyed rookie Raiden befuddled many gamers with his creepily androgynous appearance and disposition.
Ultimately, the inclusion of Raiden into the sprawling saga painted a broader picture of the adventures of Solid Snake; by having Snake’s development occur from a third-person perspective, the audience was able to experience unique and alluring take on his battle experience and expertise.
#3) Carth Onasi — Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The first party member to join your group usually holds a special place in your heart as you progress through an RPG — Carth Onasi is different.
One of the more endearing qualities of an RPG is the lack of binding decisions that enable players to formulate a unique gameplay experience through their actions. In Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, players determined the fate of the galaxy by using diplomacy and discourse throughout the sprawling storyline. Eventually, your respective choices culminate in an epic clash between good and evil.
I can accept that there will be discrepancies between my decisions and my team’s moralistic view of the world, but I don’t need to be reminded about solidarity and righteousness every step of the way. Carth seems like a lost member of a Boy Scout troop; his goody-goody, pious attitude is quite grating when you want to swindle a merchant out of some money or lop off a few recalcitrant heads.
Though he still acts like an angel perched on your shoulder, Carth redeems himself during the closing sections of the game: If you develop him correctly, Carth can wind up becoming a kick-ass pistoleer.
#4) Louis — Left 4 Dead
The much-touted AI Director feature of Left 4 Dead brought forth a variable level of immersion akin to a horror movie. By reading a player’s behavior and discerning their confidence level, the game can instantly unleash savage infected hordes and brutal special zombies that strain a player’s agility and wit and stymie their efforts to reach that sweet, sweet safehouse.
Equally brutal is the often inept teammate AI that seems to have a penchant for making a player’s day miserable — usually moreso than any zombie could. And none are more migraine-inducing than the deceptively optimistic Louis.
Stumbled upon a molotov stash? Louis is there with a greedy gleam in his eyes. Found some pills? Louis shoulders you out of the way and nabs them. Pounced on by a Hunter? Louis remains gleefully oblivious while your lungs get torn out.
On the other hand, Louis represents the last vestige of society through his clothes and demeanor. He’s only trying to eke out an existence alongside his fellow survivors. In the end, Louis reluctantly assumes the mantle of careless AI posterboy.
#5) Every Black Mesa scientist — Half-Life
Fans of Half-Life will know of the solitude that pervades Gordon Freeman’s adventures through the Black Mesa facility. The poor Ph.D. only has a few extra-dimensional aliens (hell-bent on killing him) to keep him company — oh yeah, and a bunch of simpleton scientists.
In reality, keeping a cool head while your coworkers get eaten alive by aliens may be hard — that doesn’t take in to account the susceptibility to idiocy that these scientists display.
But one thing seriously undermines Gordon’s self-reliance during his adventures — the MIT alum needs to hunt down one of these quivering eggheads whenever he needs to operate a simple, locked door. Don’t worry about all the implements of destruction he has.
It’s understandable that the scientists can’t hold a candle to Gordon when it comes to survival. But then again, laser-mine stocked hallways, head-crab infested ventilation shafts, and a ton of faulty wiring should have Black Mesa seriously reconsidering its hiring criteria.