The best things come in twos, and this truth extends to video games. Video game characters can have tremendous depth, just like in the movies. It is the job of a companion to keep their partner safe and allow them to progress through the game.
Although video game sidekicks can be weaker than their counterparts, they possess skills that make them essential to the video game. Characteristics such as courage and intelligence make these characters vital. The following figures are some of the most influential in video games. These are the 10 best video game companions of all time.
10 Clank (Ratchet & Clank)
Clank is a malfunctioning robotic machine that escapes an assembly line. After Ratchet named Clank "Clank," we knew that the duo was going to be inseparable. Ratchet and Clank are two of the biggest characters to grace the PlayStation 4. Their debut game is named Ratchet & Clank, and it released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2. Since then, they have appeared in numerous hits, including Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, and Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction.
9 Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)
The first appearance of Tails was in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, where he raced alongside Sonic the Hedgehog. Like Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails is capable of reaching high speeds. Differently from Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails can fly using the curvature from his tails, hence the name Tails. Tails has been a recurring character in the Sonic the Hedgehog series and has even had a few standalone titles. However, he is more recognized for being the companion of Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and subsequent games.
8 Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie)
Both Banjo and Kazooie are named after musical instruments with Kazooie named after the Kazoo and Banjo named after a Banjo. Kazooie is not only named after a Kazoo, but she is also adept at playing the instrument. This is witnessed in the introduction theme of Banjo-Kazooie.
This red-crested breegull has been there time and time again for Banjo, helping him to complete his adventure. As a companion, Kazooie is there when she is needed. Kazooie despises antagonist Gruntilda and fights to rid the world of darkness.
7 Cortana (Halo)
This companion is such a big part of Microsoft that they named their artificially intelligent voice assistant after Cortana. Cortana is a significant part of the Halo video game series, bringing flair and smart wits to the story. Cortana is capable of hacking into networks and coming to the aid of Master Chief. Not only does Cortana help Master Chief complete missions, but she is also a friend. She is a super-intelligent artificial intelligence that has been corrupted in the past. As a companion, she is potentially dangerous.
6 Dogmeat (Fallout)
Dogmeat, whether he is in Fallout 3 or Fallout 4, is one of the greatest video game companions of all time. It is entirely possible that the Blair Witch game was inspired by Dogmeat. After all, dogs are man's best friend. Dogmeat barks and slobbers, much like a typical dog would. Dogmeat, the German Shepherd, can find hidden items and more. Players can equip various cosmetic items onto Dogmeat. Things such as welding goggles, helmets, collars, bandanas, armor, and more can be fitted on Dogmeat.
5 Epona (The Legend of Zelda)
Epona is the trusty steed of Link, the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda. First appearing in The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Epona is based on the Celtic goddess, who is also named Epona. Epona is a recurring companion in The Legend of Zelda series.
It's hard to forget the time we met Epona at Lon Lon Ranch. Link learns Epona's Song and uses it to calm Epona before mounting her. From that point on, Link and Epona have remained close friends in The Legend of Zelda's convoluted story.
4 Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong Country)
As the companion of Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong is one of the most loveable characters in the history of gaming. Whether you see him in Mario Kart (sometimes) or in Donkey Kong Country, he is a significant part of Nintendo. Diddy Kong is irreplaceable as Donkey Kong's sidekick. We can't forget that Diddy Kong starred in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest and Diddy Kong Racing. Both games were massive hits and remain a topic of discussion today.
3 Luigi (Super Mario Bros.)
Mario's taller, greener brother happens to also be a plumber. His appearance is similar to his brother, but that is one of the few things they have in common. Throughout the Mario and Luigi games, we see Luigi as more of an anxiety stricken character. Mario is more of a courageous type, but it is Luigi who uses wits to solve his way out of situations.
We can't forget Luigi for his first appearance in Mario Bros. The 1983 game for the Nintendo Entertainment System remains one of the most influential games in video game history.
2 Ellie (The Last of Us)
Ellie and Joel's journey to find the Fireflies, along with Joel's brother, would have been short-lived if it weren't for Ellie's heroism. The Last of Us has one of the most gripping tales of the modern era. Despite only appearing in one game, Ellie is still considered one of the greatest companions in video games. She displays talents beyond that of an adult, surpassing that of an ordinary person's limits time and time again. How Ellie's character will develop in upcoming games remains to be seen.
1 Yoshi (Super Mario World)
And so we come to the end of this listicle. Yoshi's first game appearance was in the 1990 side-scrolling game named Super Mario World. Alongside Mario, Yoshi seeks to save Princess Peach and Dinosaur Land from the malevolent antagonist Bowser. Super Mario World is considered to be one of the greatest games of all time, and it wouldn't have been the same without Yoshi. Yoshi is a green, white, and red dinosaur who has been the sidekick of both Mario and Luigi.