Top 10 Memorable Video Game Characters of the 1990s
With more developed storylines also comes more developed characters. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we countdown our picks for the Top 10 Memorable Video Game Characters of the 90's.
For this list, we're taking a look at video game characters that achieved their iconic status in the 1990's with priority given to those who continue to be recognizable today, They don't need to have first appeared in the 90's just so long as they had success in this decade. Also Characters who already made our 80's list such as a certain Italian plumber can't appear on the list again.
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#10: Kirby “Kirby” Series (1992-)
The 10 BEST Kirby Games
Kirby’s got to be the most unlikely badass in the history of video games. Short, adorable, and pink, he’s about as intimidating as a wad of bubblegum on the surface. This resident of Planet Pop Star proves, however, that appearances can be deceiving. With one deep inhale, Kirby will suck his opponent up and assume their special abilities. Even when Kirby isn’t impersonating one of his fellow Nintendo icons, He also has a few animal buddies he can ride to help him plow through King Dedede’s army. Cross him and he’ll come in like a wrecking ball.
#9: Cloud Strife “Final Fantasy VII” (1997)
Final Fantasy VII: Cloud Strife's Origins
Although the 80’s brought us numerous gaming superstars, it wasn’t really until the 90’s that video game characters started to emerge as intricate individuals. “Final Fantasy” has given us some of the most diverse human beings the industry’s ever known, the franchise’s flagship character being Cloud Strife. This mercenary is immediately recognizable with his spiky hair and unrealistically gigantic sword. What makes Cloud standout, though, is his dark side, softer side, complicated past, and uncertain future. Cloud’s legacy will never end, but hopefully someday he’ll find a happy final fantasy.
#8: Yoshi “Super Mario” Series (1990-)
Every Yoshi Game Ranked
In the bizarre world of Super Mario, a plumber can be a gallant knight and a dinosaur can be a noble steed. While Yoshi’s Island is overrun with these delightful, prehistoric creatures, there’s one particular green dinosaur that’s laid eggs in our hearts. From Mario’s whiny toddler years to his mustachio adulthood, his loyal dinosaur companion has been there to pick up the slack. He always sticks by Mario, even if Mario doesn’t always stick by him. Yoshi’s much more than a sidekick: he’s a hero in his own right.
#7: Duke Nukem “Duke Nukem” Series (1991-)
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Not to be confused with the “Captain Planet” villain of the same name, Duke Nukem is every macho action hero rolled into one. With bulging muscles, sunglasses, a cigar, babes pining over him, and guns galore, even Arnold Schwarzenegger would be saying this guy is a bit much. The reason Nukem worked so well as a character is that he’s fully aware of his clichéd, if not douchey, nature. As funny as he is masculine, what dude wouldn’t want to kick ass and chew bubblegum with this over-the-top man of action?
#6: Crash Bandicoot “Crash Bandicoot” Series (1996-)
Crash Bandicoot: Warped Is Better On PS1
When the original Play Station entered the console war, Sony needed a winning mascot guaranteed to grab the attention of gamers. The PS1 found its savior in Crash. This Eastern barred bandicoot proved cooler and edgier than Mario without ever coming off as condescending. Crash was wild, energetic, and just a lot of fun, as were his earliest games. Sadly, his popularity has dwindled since Naughty Dog’s moved on to more ambitious projects – and Activision now holds the rights to the series.
#5: Solid Snake “Metal Gear Solid” Series (1998-)
Top 10 Metal Gear Solid Characters
While Solid Snake initially hit the scene in the 80’s with “Metal Gear,” it was 1998’s “Metal Gear Solid” solidified him as one of the greats. Through his breakout game, Snake evolved into a real character with inner demons, a sense of humor, and backstory. Smarter and stealthier than a traditional action star, Snake further demonstrated a dramatic cinematic shift video games were making. Characters weren’t just appearing more 3-dimensional graphical, but more 3-dimensional on an emotional level too. Much of that can be attributed to Snake coming out of his box.
#4: Scorpion “Mortal Kombat” Series (1992-)
Origin Story: Mortal Kombat's SCORPION!
The “Mortal Kombat” series has no shortage of awesome fighters, making it severely difficult to single out just one. We’ve gotta give the honor to Scorpion, however, and not just because of his mind-blowing fatalities. We’ve heard of characters avenging a fallen loved one, but how many characters come back from the dead to avenge themselves? Killed at the colds hands of archenemy Sub-Zero, this resurrected ninja doesn’t know the meaning of the word death. Even the power of ice can’t silence this badass.
#3: Lara Croft “Tomb Raider” Series (1996-)
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This English archaeologist has achieved a total of six Guinness World Records, including most recognized female video game character. Her curvy, digital body showed off the PS1’s full capabilities, but there’s more to Lara than big square boobs. From the beginning, she’s been a witty, charming sparkplug that anybody would want to have an adventure with. And of course, being portrayed by Angelina Jolie definitely didn’t hurt her popularity either. In recent years, game developers have moved away from the sex symbol angle, developing Lara into a more identifiable heroine.
#2: Pikachu “Pokémon” Series (1996-)
Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee Review - Don't Catch This One
Fun fact, Clefairy was actually supposed to be the original mascot of the pokemon franchise – but we’re glad they finally went with the electric mouse, because Pikachu played a substantial role in turning this franchise into a cultural phenomenon. Even if you don’t catch them all, no journey to becoming a Pokémon master would be complete without capturing one of these electrifying rodents. Lovable and loyal, Pikachu makes us wish that Pokémon really roamed the earth. Before we level up to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: Spyro the Dragon “Spyro the Dragon” Series (1998-) Jill Valentine “Resident Evil” Series (1996-) Chun-Li “Street Fighter” Series (1991-) Fox Cloud “Star Fox” Series (1993-)
#1: Sonic the Hedgehog “Sonic the Hedgehog” Series” (1991-)
The 10 HARDEST Levels in Sonic Games
Even if you were a Nintendo kid growing up in the 90’s, you were tempted to get a Sega Genesis solely for this blue hedgehog. Sonic certainly gave his competitors a run for their money with his need for speed and expertise in blast processing…whatever that is. As we all know, Sonic’s career drastically lost momentum sometime after transitioning to 3D. But, while his recent games have been hit and miss, in some cases by a longshot, Sonic’s fanbase remains so adoring that they’ll always anticipate his next release. To them, he’s still the fastest thing alive. Do you agree with our list? Who’s your favorite 90’s video game character? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
