History EnsembleDarkhorse / VideoGames

* Bang Shishigami is one of the more unexpectedly popular characters in ''VideoGame/BlazBlue''. At first it appeared as though he was going to be a ripoff of [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Chipp Zanuff]]. By the time the Arcade game came out, he was highly-praised for his [[LargeHam hammily]] [[HotBlooded over]]-[[NoIndoorVoice the]]-top {{hilari|tyEnsues}}ousness. He's practically a living ShoutOut to every [[RatedMForManly manly]] Shonen character designed in the past two decades of Anime history. This is quite surprising that he's usually seen as [[ButtMonkey a clown in-universe]] ([[TheChewToy who likes bitching on him]]) as well as not even considered "important" by ASW themselves (he's considered weaker than Carl, of all people, as a vigilante), although that may change in the future due to story progression. He also enjoys a lot of fanworks.

** As for the third game, ''Chronophantasma'', [[RatedMForManly Az]][[BloodKnight ra]][[TokenEvilTeammate el]] of Sector Seven has proven to be by far the most well-received of the three new characters in America and Europe. Interestingly, [[WholesomeCrossdresser Amane]] [[AgentPeacock Nishiki]] is the most popular in Japan. [[ValuesDissonance This is mainly due to cultural differences in views towards "manly" characters]].

* In ''VideoGame/BlazBlueCrossTagBattle'', [[VideoGame/UnderNightInBirth Gordeau]]. He comes from the least known of the four franchises in this crossover title, and he's not even a major character in his home game. However he is the single most played character of the open beta, more than any of the ''Blazblue'' roster and even more than [[WebAnimation/{{RWBY}} the titular four heroines of a certain Rooster Teeth-produced web anime series that has exploded in popularity in recent years]] who it bears repeating ''make their fighting game debut in this title''. That is how insanely well-received Gordeau is. Gordeau fans pin it on being a RatedMForManly scythe-wielding NiceGuy who plays and looks like a mix of [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Sol Badguy]] and [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry classic Dante]] and who is also top tier.

** ''Winter Assault'' also has [[FourStarBadass General Sturnn]], who, being the only Imperial Guard officer who actually looks like he's been through a few decades of hell, is widely considered the hardest bastard in the galaxy, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKIAMAqGNIY his speech]] at the end of the Guard campaign is well-regarded for its [[RatedMForManly manliness rating]].

** Goldlewis Dickinson quickly became a fan favorite in ''-STRIVE-'', being a RatedMForManly badass who wields a freaking armored coffin as a ball and chain, and was considered one of the more memorable characters in the game despite not being playable until the first DLC. His support of Bridget's transition in her arcade mode endeared him to fans even more.

** While the Kongou-class Battleships are very popular themselves for being [[BunnyEarsLawyer a bunch of adorable but deadly weirdos]], Kongou stands out among them and is one of the most memorable Ship Girls for her SurprisinglyGoodEnglish, {{Catchphrase}}, and VerbalTic.

** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestI'': Curiously, the Green Dragon and his Palette Swap kin became very popular. They don't typically pop up much in the series, but when they do, it's always pretty cool to see them.

** ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIII'': The Warriors in general, though the female Warrior most distinctly. She appears as various NPC's in future installments of the series. The male Fighter has likewise gone on to appear in future games, as well.

*** Psaro, who gets his HeelFaceTurn moment in the DS remake; Alena, who has a manga feature her as a main character and a game loosely based on her and her two helpers; and Torneko, who has his own series of ''[[{{Roguelike}} Mysterious Dungeon]]'' games. Every main character except the hero and Borya has appeared at least once in the ''VideoGame/FortuneStreet'' series.

** Robo-Ky. Despite being Ky's [[EvilTwin evil robot twin]] who wears the same clothes and even copies some of his moveset, Robo-Ky developed a [[LovableSexManiac distinct]], [[{{Jerkass}} separate]] identity that fans found charmingly hilarious. His appearance in ''Xrd Revelator''s story mode increased his popularity further when [[spoiler:he and Venom defeat Bedman (a feat that could not be pulled off before)]]; however, his unplayable status in that game disappointed many people.

** Robo-Ky. Despite being Ky's [[EvilTwin evil robot twin]], wearing the same clothes and even copying some of his moveset, Robo-Ky earned a distinct, separate identity and a lot of love.

** And with the coming of ''Xrd'''s Story Mode, President Gabriel turned into one of these, gaining a surprising amount of popularity after fans finally got to see his combat prowess.
** Let us not forget that [[NiceGirl Dizzy]] would've never have [[BreakoutCharacter broken out]] if the fans haven't fallen in love with her since her days of ''Guilty Gear X''.

** Goldlewis Dickinson quickly became a fan favorite in ''-STRIVE-'', being a RatedMForManly badass who wields a freaking armored coffin as a ball and chain, and considered one of the more memorable characters in the game despite not being playable until the first DLC.

** Eve has a surprising amount of popularity considering that she's otherwise generally seen as a LowTierScrappy.

** Eve has a surprising amount of popularity considering that she's otherwise generally seen as a TierInducedScrappy.

* In ''VideoGame/AHatInTime'', there's Queen Vanessa. [[OneSceneWonder She only shows up for one level]], but it's a memorable one, because, in what is by and large a cute adventure of whimsy and nostalgia, she manages to be [[SurpriseCreepy genuinely and legitimately terrifying]]. It's partially for her [[{{Yandere}} backstory]], and partially the fact that she temporarily turns the game into a paranoia-inducing StealthBasedMission akin to ''VideoGame/AmnesiaTheDarkDescent''.

* ''VideoGame/LiveALive'': Of the three pupils in the Inheritance chapter, Lei Kugo has the largest fanbase thanks to her cute design, high speed, and being the only female lead in the game. Most notably, she's the one most featured in the trailers for the remake that deal with the Imperial China chapter.

* ''EnsembleDarkhorse/{{Tekken}''

* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'':
** Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel got to appear on posters in ''VideoGame/SonicGenerations'' and are popular thanks to the [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Archie comics]], even though, up until 2018, Ray only appeared in one game (''VideoGame/SegaSonicTheHedgehog'') and Mighty in two (''[=SegaSonic=] the Hedgehog'' and ''VideoGame/KnucklesChaotix''). Needless to say, fans lost it when the duo made a surprise return in ''VideoGame/SonicMania Plus''.
** The [[EvilKnockoff Mecha Sonic]] from ''VideoGame/Sonic3AndKnuckles'' has become especially popular to the point that some of his fans even prefer him over series mainstay Metal Sonic himself. Aside from his bulky, imposing design and being a memorable FinalBoss for Knuckles' campaign, his portrayal as Turbo Mecha Sonic in popular fan series ''WebAnimation/SuperMarioBrosZ'' may also have contributed to his status as this trope.
** Metal Sonic's OneWingedAngel form in ''VideoGame/KnucklesChaotix'', often called "Metal Sonic Kai" by fans, is probably one of the most famous aspects of the game, to the point that the form, slightly tweaked, made a return appearance in a later update of ''VideoGame/SonicMania'' as "Giga Metal".
** A great deal of prominence has been given to Honey the Cat, an extraordinarily detailed character who was DummiedOut of ''VideoGame/SonicTheFighters''. This may have motivated Sega's decision to promote her to playable in the 2012 UsefulNotes/XboxLiveArcade and UsefulNotes/PlayStationNetwork UpdatedRerelease. She also got a lot of screentime in the Shattered World saga during [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics the Archie series']] last major run.
** ''VideoGame/SonicR'' has the Tails Doll, whose popularity in the intervening years since the game's release couldn't possibly be overstated, with many a CreepyPasta and UrbanLegendOfZelda surrounding his nature. His reputation has noticeably diminished with time due to [[DiscreditedMeme overuse]], but his rare cameos and references in other ''Sonic'' works (most notably his [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Archie]] incarnation, which canonizes the idea that he's more monstrous than he appears) remain a testament to the influence his fanbase generated. Likewise, Metal Knuckles is a surprisingly popular villain for someone who only appeared once in the entire series; due to his cool design, being the strongest character in the game next to ''[[PurposefullyOverpowered Super Sonic]]'', and [[FanficFuel his sheer potential for being elaborated upon]].
** The ridiculously cute [[VirtualPet Chao]] that debuted in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure'' were solidified as this following ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2Battle'''s massive overhaul of their gameplay. The Chao Garden mini-game in ''Battle'' is probably one of the greatest examples of SidetrackedByTheGoldenSaucer you can think of, to the point that a ''massive'' number of people have admitted to only buying the game for the express purpose of raising, evolving and playing with them. A very frequent request from fans ever since has been for SEGA to put a fully-fleshed out Chao Garden feature back in the newer ''Sonic'' games.
** Surprisingly, ''Big the Cat'' has fallen into this after years of being TheScrappy, in a similar vein to [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Waluigi]]. Aside from being [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap consistently better-received]] than he was when [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure his debut game]] originally released (with many becoming more endeared to his easygoing GentleGiant nature), even that has led to memes about how he's [[MemeticBadass clearly everyone's favorite character]], as well as being responsible for some of the [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments funniest moments]] from {{Lets Play}}s of the game, such as the WebVideo/GameGrumps and LetsPlay/TheRunawayGuys. Sega of Virgin Islands even gave Big [[VisualNovel/BigsBigFishingAdventure3TheTrial his own game]], and he even got his own ''VideoGame/LegoDimensions'' scenarios.
** Maria Robotnik has developed a sizable fanbase despite barely having any screentime in ''VideoGame/SonicAdventure2'' and [[PosthumousCharacter being long dead by the time she's introduced]]. A lot of it has to do with her crucial role in Shadow's backstory, her adorable appearance, and the fact that she's the only member of the Robotnik family who isn't evil. (It should also be noted that she's ''Dr. Eggman's cousin'') On the Internet, you can find a lot of fanfiction detailing Maria's time on Space Colony ARK with Shadow, and even her being brought BackFromTheDead.
** ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes'':
*** This game re-introduced the Chaotix as a ComicTrio of detectives, and in spite of their mission-based gameplay being a ScrappyMechanic, fans quickly gravitated towards them for their quirks. Espio in particular is a beloved character for his [[BadassBaritone deep voice]], ninja aesthetic, and role as the team's competent OnlySaneMan.
*** Despite being a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute for E-102 Gamma, E-123 Omega is a well-liked character for being a ([[NominalHero partially]]) HeroicComedicSociopath with some ''very'' gung-ho one-liners-- such as calling Eggman's other robots "worthless consumer models" as he blasts them to scrap.
** ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'' has Sonicman, a young [=NPC=] character who's deluded himself into thinking ''he's'' Sonic the Hedgehog. In spite of the contempt held towards the game's overall writing and narrative, plenty of fans found him to be one of the most genuinely entertaining things about it.
** ''VideoGame/SonicUnleashed'':
*** Professor Pickle is one of the game's most well-beloved [=NPCs=] for being a [[NiceGuy friendly]] (if [[AbsentMindedProfessor strange]]) MissionControl character.
*** SA-55, nicknamed "Ergo" for his constant use of the word, is Eggman's assistant robot for the game, and became popular as a result of his snarky attitude towards his boss. Come ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' a new iteration of the character named Orbot was created, who was likewise paired with a second robot called Cubot, and the two have since became beloved for their [[StraightManAndWiseGuy contrasting personalities]] and for helping flesh out Eggman's personality further.
** Ever since ''Sonic Colors'', the Cyan Wisp became popular with fans. This is for a number of reasons; it being one of the first introduced, their design as a [[FunnyOctopus suitably squishy load of squids]] and because his color power is both fun to use and capable of triggering helpful glitches while speedrunning.
** While all the [[QuirkyMinibossSquad Hard-Boiled Heavies]] of ''VideoGame/SonicMania'' are already well-beloved for being more expressive and dynamic than the average Eggman badnik, Heavy Magician takes the cake for her [[TheTrickster tricksy approach]] to dealing with the good guys, and for her boss fight where [[spoiler:she transforms into Fang, Bean and Bark]]. In the Encore Mode for ''Plus'', she's also responsible for [[spoiler:reviving the rest of the Heavies and restarting the plot.]]
** ''VideoGame/SonicForces''
*** One of the game's template CustomizableCharacters, a red wolf with glasses, was beloved for his design since before the game came out, with fans nicknaming him "Gadget" and some even wishing for SEGA to make him a canon member of the cast.
*** The [[BanditClan Jackal Squad]] and its members have gained some devoted fans as well due to their color motif and designs, despite only really being namedropped and shown for two panels in a comic that otherwise focused on Infinite and Eggman.

* The [[BigEater Hungry Pum(p)kin]] from ''VideoGame/PumkinLand'' [sic] is a character who only appears in one of the game's [[MinigameGame minigames]], yet has a pretty decent MemeticMutation [[http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/pumkin based around it.]] Especially in WebAnimation/YouTubePoop. "I'm very hungry!"

** If the staggering amount of fanart and cosplays are anything to go by, Dr. Naomi is quite loved by the fanbase. Half the reason due to her [[GagBoobs knockers]] and all the cool stuff that she provides Travis, including [[spoiler: a giant mecha.]]

* In ''VideoGame/BlazblueCrossTagBattle'', [[VideoGame/UnderNightInBirth Gordeau]]. He comes from the least known of the four franchises in this crossover title, and he's not even a major character in his home game. However he is the single most played character of the open beta, more than any of the ''Blazblue'' roster and even more than [[WebAnimation/{{RWBY}} the titular four heroines of a certain Rooster Teeth-produced web anime series that has exploded in popularity in recent years]] who it bears repeating ''make their fighting game debut in this title''. That is how insanely well-received Gordeau is. Gordeau fans pin it on being a RatedMForManly scythe-wielding NiceGuy who plays and looks like a mix of [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Sol Badguy]] and [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry classic Dante]] and who is also top tier.

* ''VideoGame/BlasterMasterZeroII'' introduced additional Metal Attacker pilots as supporting characters. Out of all of them, the one who got the most attention is Kanna, a ditzy yet cute {{Plant Alien|s}} girl encountered on the planet Stranga. She became so popular that she not only got a RaisingSim mini-game DLC dedicated to her, but she even made an appearance in ''VideoGame/BlasterMasterZeroIII''', with her profile on [[http://blastermaster-zero.com/en/zero3/ the official website for that game]] basically admitting they're NotEvenBotheringWithAnExcuse regarding why she's back beyond PopularityPower.

** Alisa is pretty popular. It might be due to the fact that she’s a cute RobotGirl with entertaining animations and a pretty creative fighting style. She scored [[https://twitter.com/47drift/status/497812694557151233?s=21 6th place in a popularity poll.]] She even co-starred with [[Anime/TekkenBloodVengeance Xiaoyu in their own movie]] and made it into VideoGame/ProjectXZone.

* In the ''SSX'' games, Psymon Stark. Not only is he one of the more popular characters due to his out-there personality, he's the only one of the new characters introduced in ''SSX Tricky'' to return in any of the later games.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Neptunia}}'', [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 Noire]] is consistently high in the polls. Appropriate, seeing as the series has primarily been on the [=PlayStation=] brand. Creator/{{Falcom}} is also pretty popular amongst the cast. For the villains, Brave The Hard is the highest ranked among all of them, and for [=NPCs=], it's Histoire.

** Fusou and Yamashiro got this treatment for their sisterly relationship with Shigure and RunningGag of being BornUnlucky. Yamashiro is even more so, mainly due to her aggessiveness and being one of the few known battleship-type Ship Girls who [[spoiler:delivered the fatal blow on a Princess-type Abyssal on her own (albeit with Shigure's backing) in ''Let's Meet at Sea'']].

** Fusou and Yamashiro got this treatment for their RunningGag of being BornUnlucky and sisterly relationship with Shigure. Yamashiro is even more so, mainly due to her aggessiveness and being one of the few known battleship-type Ship Girls who [[spoiler:delivered the fatal blow on a Princess-type Abyssal on her own (albeit with Shigure's backing) in ''Let's Meet at Sea'']].

*** Fusou and Yamashiro got this treatment for their RunningGag of being BornUnlucky and sisterly relationship with Shigure. Yamashiro is even more so, mainly due to her aggessiveness and being one of the few known battleship-type Ship Girls who [[spoiler:delivered the fatal blow on a Princess-type Abyssal on her own (albeit with Shigure's backing) in ''Let's Meet at Sea'']].

** Akagi has won a lot of fans due to her SenpaiKouhai dynamic with Fubuki, [[BigEater comically ravenous appetite]] (especially if bauxite is involved), and being a girlfriend/wife material.

** While the Kongou-class Battleships are quite popular themselves for being [[BunnyEarsLawyer Bunny-Ears Lawyers]], Kongou is arguably the most memetic Ship Girl for her penchant of saying "deeesu!" (or "dess!") and "Burning Love!".
** Akagi is no slouch either and isn't called the "Bauxite Queen" for nothing.
** Kaga's fame keeps on rising since the release of the "Cape Kaga" ImageSong. [[spoiler:Being the only known Ship Girl who [[WasOnceAMan was once an Abyssal]] and has PastLifeMemories of it doesn't hurt a bit.]]

** Sgt. Byrd, simply due to being a [[EverythingsBetterWithPenguins flying penguin]] with ''[[BadassAdorable missile launchers]]''! He was so popular he made some return playable appearances in ''VideoGame/SpyroAHerosTail'' and ''VideoGame/SpyroAttackOfTheRhynocs''.

** Yian Kut-Ku has long been a fan favourite monster for its UglyCute design and for being the go-to WakeUpCallBoss ever since the very first game on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2. In fact, when Famitsu held a poll about which monsters should return in Portable 3rd, Yian Kut-Ku was ranked #1.
** Kula Ya-Ku, the New World cousin of Yian Kut-Ku added in ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterWorld'', is a cross between an Oviraptor and a giant chicken prone to digging up rocks and throwing them at hunters and monsters alike. A lot of players can't help but feel a kinship to the goofy creature as it is hideously outmatched by monsters but gets by with ingenuity and unorthodox tactics.
** Tobi-Kadachi won a lot of fans immediately due to its unique thunder snake/ferret/flying squirrel design, even though it only appeared in the reveal trailer for [[OneSceneWonder six seconds]].
** Great Girros is very popular on account of a) having a cool PlagueDoctor looking armour set, and b) the fact it often gets mixed up in fights between the hunter and his large target monster and paralyses the latter, making it a HelpfulMook.
** The king of this trope at least in ''World'', though? Odogaron. Odo has a legions of fans for several reasons. His armour looks awesome on both male and female characters (males get a {{Samurai}}-esque armour suit, females get a more MsFanservice kunoichi look) and it also offers great stats and useful skills like Critical Eye and Speed Sharpening. Many of its weapons are also top-tier choices, with many Insect Glaive users swearing the Odogaron IG is the best one in the game. Odogaron is also a Turf War champion through sheer [[AxCrazy Az-Craziness]], humiliating Paolumu and defeating Legiana convincingly; only [[spoiler:Vaal Hazak]] has his number in a fight.

* General Darkhart from ''VideoGame/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanOnline'' has been one of the most popular bosses in the game ever since [[RandomlyDrops weapon drops]] were added. It's a moderately-high-level boss, found in the doldrums of Padres del Fuego, and reaching him requires walking for about ten minutes through a cave system maze and a forest. So why is he so popular? Because he's rumored to drop Famed and [[InfinityPlusOneSword Legendary Weapons]] at a higher rate than other enemies and bosses in the game. Some have even said that he's the only boss that can drop [[PurposelyOverpowered Jack Sparrow's Blade]]. It's gotten to the point where people advertise "DH Runs" in their guild chat in order to streamline farming him.