Top Gaming Characters

In this article, Powerplay features 9 of the most famous gaming characters in the history of video games. Who are they? You will have to read on to find out. (The characters are in no particular order.)

Samus Aran

In a game genre that involves mostly male super heroes, Samus has fared rather well, showing her unrivalled power in various Metroid games. Samus is mostly seen in her power suit, which features advanced technologies, including an arm cannon and the ability to morph into a ball. Her next stop – Metroid Prime 3: Corruption for the Nintendo Wii.

Mario

With his unmistakable voice and outfit, his presence will always be felt. Coincidentally, Mario is also one of the most prominent and loveable characters in the history of video games. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has been Nintendo’s official mascot for over 25 years now. Often, he has to save Princess Peach from the clutches of evil. Don’t miss him in the forthcoming Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii.

Luigi

Luigi is the younger brother of Mario and he can often been seen accompanying Mario on his missions. Like Mario, Luigi’s voice is refreshingly adorable. He dons a green outfit and is taller and thinner than Mario.

Link

Another character created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Link is another one of the many familiar faces of Nintendo. Despite his young age, Link has been displaying his courage in many Zelda games and has shown his skills in handling weaponries like swords and crossbows. Time and time again, he has proved himself by saving Princess Zelda. Link is making his latest adventure in the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Nintendo Wii and GameCube, as well as in Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass for the DS next year.

Sonic the Hedgehog

One of Sega’s most famous characters, Sonic is best known for his speed. The blue color, which stands out in every part of his body, is what makes Sonic all the more recognizable. Don’t miss him. He is appearing in three soon-to-arrive Sonic games for the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and the PSP. Sonic celebrates his 15th anniversary this year.

Sam Fisher

The guy with his distinctive green goggles has appeared in three Splinter Cell games, but unfortunately, he has ditched his green goggles in his fourth game, Splinter Cell Double Agent. This guy can get really sneaky. He can be anywhere – even behind you right now! But you will never be fully aware of his whereabouts.

Gordon Freeman

Gordon rarely speaks, if any. But the now-famous crowbar-wielding man will be appearing in his next game, Half-Life 2: Episode Two very soon. His stern looks signify his ever-strong desire to silence the Combines once and for all.

Master Chief

By now, you must have been familiar with Master Chief, whose face we have never seen before. His green armor makes him look stronger, fiercer, if that is what it takes to save the Earth from the pesky Convenant. He will feature in his last Halo first-person shooter (FPS) game next year in Halo 3. But don’t worry, fans of Master Chief, for a new Halo real-time strategy (RTS) game has just been announced – Halo Wars.

Solid Snake

Created by Hideo Kojima, Solid Snake has been featuring aggressively in Metal Gear games. (Adapted from Wikipedia) -- Solid Snake is the quintessential soldier and spy. He is repeatedly entrusted with the destruction of the latest incarnation of the Metal Gear, a bipedal, nuclear-weapon-armed mecha. In each game, Solid Snake is controlled by the player. The player must act alone, but is supported via radio by commanding officers and specialists. He enters armed only with his wits, his radio, a pair of binoculars, and a pack of cigarettes, and has to acquire any equipment on-site, such as weaponry or his signature cardboard-box disguise.