Retawes' Top 10: Video Game Characters

Here is a list of my personal favorite characters in video games many of whom are featured in 'Japanese Role-Playing Games' or 'Platformers'.

Lightning's costume in 'Final Fantasy XIII-2'

10. Lightning from 'Final Fantasy XIII'. Now, I know that XIII has been hated upon by critics and 'Final Fantasy' veterans alike, but none can detest that Lightning is a likable badass to beat. From fighting colossal beings to surviving in an artificial reality against an army of monsters, she really has no flaws in the combat and brute department! Also, she's one of the main female protagonists in a Final Fantasy game that doesn't portray the sexist 'damsel-in-distress' stereotype unlike Yuna and co.

"What'cha just call me?"

9. Axel from 'Kingdom Hearts'. When I think of 'Kingdom Hearts 2', one of the several images that crosses my mind, is Axel spinning his inferno chakrams during his boss fight with Roxas. Even though, he's whole appearance and persona is a complete mystery, I still find him to be one of my most memorable characters in video game history. I recall the year being 2005, when I discovered this hot-headed arrogant fire ball. Though, it's a shame that he isn't featured in other KH games since the 'nobodies' adventure.

Crash's guide to flirting: Spin and smile!

8. Crash Bandicoot from the 'Crash Bandicoot' series. Growing up as a late 20th, early 21st century child, nothing was better than booting up my PlayStation and spinning around evil turtles and be ridding of Neo Cortex. Crash Bandicoot was my idol. He always tackled his problems with a spin and chuckle before bolting off into the next issue. Although, I guess my attraction towards the mammal maniac was due to the whole universe and the way that he interacted with everything and everyone, with a simple smile and spin.

Grunt hasn't had his dose of blood this morning....

7. Grunt from 'Mass Effect 2'. If there was a specific reason why #2 is my favourite space RPG of the series, it would most definitely be the characters. From dying assassins to masked crusaders, the game has it covered for variety. Although, my most favored of the bunch is the ultimate Krogan super-soldier, 'Grunt'. This guy could even take a whole Reaper army (Had I not have him die previously) on with just his raw fists and rage.

"Anyone want a slightly used Bat-Suit? I'm sure the blood'll wash off!"

6. Penguin from 'Batman: Arkham City'. So, he may not initially be from a video game, but he still is one of my most favored crooks in Arkham. With his 'deadly' umbrella and penguin army, this man has plotted to rise among the sewers and take over Gotham from time to time. However, there isn't any doubt that the sole reason that I admire him is for a laughable cause. I mean, he's a stereotypical midget who cackles like a winded witch and carries a explosive wielding umbrella as a weapon. That aside, his boss battle in AC was truly memorable as the most ridiculous villain in superhero history.

Previously on the 'Four Horseman'.....

5.  War from 'Darksiders'. One of the famous horseman, War represents everything that his name contains. With his giant claw and blade, he battles mighty demons and mythological beings to achieve their (their meaning him and his brother's) goal, 'Peace among Heaven, Hell and the Middle-Earth'. What's most unique about him is that throughout all of the hardships and hurdles that he faces, he never shows a sign of insecurity or defeat.





4. Shadow from the 'Sonic' franchise. This nemesis of the optimistic speedster is completely what Sonic isn't. Austere, harsh and borderline insane, he wields several military weapons and is usually seen driving his motor bike or battling the blue hedgehog and friends. He is even so significant and popular that he has his own spin off game, titled 'Shadow the hedgehog'. The game basically explains Shadow's depressive personality and brutal history as a military/science experiment gone wrong.

"Chaos Control"

3. Sephiroth from 'Final Fantasy VII'. This villain of the Tifa and Cloud title is a pure and utter criminal. From assassinating Cloud's crush to ruining the world, this man has done some horrible commitments to Gaia's people. However, this is what makes him so likable and admirable. With his deep connection with Cloud, this 'One Winged Angel' is a true devil, from his long and fatal 'Masamune' blade, to his cascading luminous hair transcending past his shoulder blades.

"Tell me what you cherish most. Give me the pleasure of taking it away..."

2. Charizard/Bowser from 'Pokemon'/'Super Mario Bros' series. Aside from PlayStation, whilst growing up I also owned a gameboy and eventually a gameboy colour. At the time, the only games that I owned on it was 'Pokemon Red' and a couple of Mario titles. When I played Pokemon, I remember being completely obsessed with Charmander and its evolutions. With Bowser, I really learned of his fire breathing attitude when I played the 'Super Smash Bros' series which with the addition of Charizard made the two most ideal and daring dragon like characters become one in my list. 

"The darkness may destroy my body, but it can't touch my heart"

1. Sora from the 'Kingdom Hearts' series. No spiky haired protagonist could beat this keyblade wielding teen. Even though he has the fate of various 'Disney' and 'Final Fantasy' inspired worlds on his soldiers, he is always carefree and empathetic towards others. Specifically when his friends are involved as several of his adventures revolve around Sora rescuing his best friends, 'Riku and Kairi'.