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Characters from VideoGames that are just that... totally... Awesome.
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!!Subpages:
* ''CharacterGush/SuperMarioBros''
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!!Other examples:
* Plague Knight from ''VideoGame/ShovelKnight'' is incredibly cute and also pretty fun to play. His relationship with Mona is my favorite in video games.
* Alice Liddell from the American [=McGee's=] titles (''VideoGame/AmericanMcGeesAlice'', and ''VideoGame/AliceMadnessReturns''). Not only would I never want to get in her way in Wonderland, but as we see in A:MR, she's not half dangerous in London too. Yep, that's pretty awesome. But she's also a lovely person when she's not psychotic (and sometimes even when she is), although she desperately needs a father or older brother to keep her safe.
* Durandal from the ''VideoGame/{{Marathon}}'' trilogy is one of the most underrated characters in video games ''and'' in insane-computer-AI dominated sci-fi in general. He could easily hold his own against SHODAN, [=GLaDOS=], or HAL. For one thing, he was incredibly rich and believable. When I played the games, I felt like Durandal could be a real person if he was human. Yeah, he was an insane AI, but that was only one dimension of him. I also loved the fact that he wasn't a hero or a villain, just an arrogant, self-serving, power-hungry bastard the player had to deal with. Unlike in so many other games, you're not fighting against the aliens to save humanity or something noble like that -- you're fighting against the aliens simply because Durandal tells you to, and you don't have a choice. The fact that humans benefit from it makes no difference to him; it's in ''his'' best interests, and that's all that matters. Incredibly clever if you ask me.
** Not to mention he's trying to play [[AGodAmI God]]. And he succeeds in becoming a Psuedo-god. His terminal text is probably the best part of the game series. "I had an accident with a few of the defense drones, you may run into a few of them here. Don't worry, I don't think I gave them any ammo for those grenade launchers..."
* [[VideoGame/FZero Captain Falcon]]: an absolute badass racer who may or may not have been a super cop at one point. Not only that, the man beat [[PowersThatBe THE CREATORS OF THE UNIVERSE]] in a race, and was confident the whole time that he could. And of course, how could we not forget the obligatory [[MegatonPunch FALCON PUNCH!]]?
* Hudson. I just think Special Agent Hudson from ''VideoGame/CallOfDutyBlackOps'' is amazing. He's an ice cube, but he gives a damn about Mason. He has concern, and he also crosses into Badass territory. I hope Hudson returns in another Treyarch-made Call of Duty.
** This troper developed such a mancrush on Hudson. I would go gay for the guy, he's just that awesome.
** Frank Woods. Everything the guy says is automatically awesome.
*** He's so awesome, he [[spoiler:[[AvertedTrope surv]][[TooCoolToLive ived]] Kravchenko blowing himself up.]] Then [[spoiler:stayed alive through 2025.]]
** Viktor Reznov. Such a lovably badass LargeHam mentor deserves a better description than this.
* Aki from VideoGame/ApeEscape 3. Aunt with hilariously cute anime hair and a perma-cheery demeanour. A little extra incentive to finish each level.
* Can we talk about how amazing Kyle Hyde of ''VisualNovel/HotelDuskRoom215'' is? A hard-boiled noir-ish ex-detective who's never given up searching for his partner [[HoYay because he JUST KNOWS that he's alive,]] despite having every reason to believe he's either dead or beyond redemption, REFUSING to give up until he finds out the truth, [[AgentMulder DAMN IT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT HURTS...]] He's a JerkassWoobie and DeadpanSnarker with some of the finest one-liners This Troper has ever read. He navigates a crappy hotel FULL TO BURSTING of DYSFUNCTION... and in doing so, improves everyone's life he comes into contact with. Whether he intended to or not. [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments DECORATING CHRISTMAS TREES FOR LITTLE GIRLS]]? And that DORKY GRIN at the yummy steak? Yeah, someone's a NotSoStoic after all. And, lest we forget... [[MemeticMutation He got himself a PAPER CLIP!]]
* ''Oh [[VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins Leliana]], my love, my flower, only star in the grim sky of Ferelden''. [[Tropers/CosmicEgg I]] love Leliana. For starters, she's gorgeous beyond all reason. Her blue eyes, so full of life and yet so soothingly sweet, her fiery red mane... Her voice makes love to my ears. She's sweet and romantic, not to mention rather funny at times. She's complex, real complex: inside her her compassionate, slightly naive persona and her more cynical and clever persona are in constant struggle, all while she tries to guide herself with her newfound religiousness [[note]]which may be her only flaw; but then again, she only uses it as a beacon in her struggle for being good and doing good.[[/note]]. Her entire romance is a SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming Moment|s}}, especially when she tries to declare herself and when she talks about [[ItMakesSenseInContext your eyelids]] (''d'awww''), with a side of SugarWiki/{{funny|Moments}} ("''I am a woman, and I reserve the right to be inconsistent!''") and general awesome when the Warden realizes his love is requited. And let us not forget her party dialogue. The conversation she has with Alistair right after you hook up ("He wasn't ogling me, was he?") feels so damn ''right'', her talks with Morrigan during the possible LoveTriangle may well qualify as her very own SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome, and most of the others (aside from when she's being hit on) do a lot to expand upon her character. I am going to stop here, or else I'll take up several pages gushing over a veritable cornucopia of details. But really, mere words don't do the bard from Orlais justice. Her charm is truly hard to describe to someone who doesn't ''feel'' it.
** Don't worry about making this several pages long, as others are happy to do it for you. She's just as good if you start from the third game like some have. Initially coming across as frightening yet more reasonable than Cassandra this works in both character's favor, while one quickly thaws out and becomes one of your biggest supporters the other remains chilling, yet shows that she does care deeply. Little clues you pick up before one of two big quests begin, whether it be discussion of bard life or how caring yet ruthless she is make you eager to learn more. And when you do either quest you are eager to help her, if she'll let you, try and stop her from falling into darkness. Then you play the first game and see just how beautiful she is not just in looks but personality, laugh at some of the scenes that play out, get a kick out of how aggressive Leliana can be in seducing you rather than the other way around, then play her DLC and be disgusted at what she did, and what was done to her. Few characters can have such an impact but Leliana is perhaps the best non player character Bioware had made, yes even above titans like Bastila, Dawn Star, Liara (virtually Space!Leliana) and Morrigan.
* Yuki, from ''VideoGame/EnchantedArms''. A deep, emotional character, with the added awesomeness of dressing like a cowgirl in an eastern RPG. Come on, western meets eastern in a little loli-bait, gunslinging {{Troperiffic}} girl. She takes on so many character roles, from comic relief to drama queen to antagonist, that the game would fall apart without her. And her hat is SPIFFY.
* The whole good guys in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' are incredible, for they have yet to produce a character that is TheScrappy, all badass and amazing. But the greatest, most gushable character would be Sanger Zonvolt, The Sword That Smites Evil! The man is not only just one badass German {{Samurai}}, he is a fabulous LargeHam and has done lots and lots of SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome, and donBt't forget that [[{{BFS}} Big Honking Sword!]]. And if you think he is a flat character, he goes through quite some good development, and in each installment, he gets more and more badass. Not to mention proving that [[RealMenWearPink Real Men Ride Each Other]]. Truly the poster man of manliness!
** One of the reasons why [[ChrisX this troper]] loves ''SRW Advance'' very much is how the original characters are sooo... awesome!
*** First we have Axel Almer, who can swing either way into a badass cold warrior, into a hilariously awesome amnesiac CasanovaWannabe, providing humors here and there. Though his persona gets a bad flak in ''Original Generation 2'' GBA, he gets rectified in ''Original Generations'' when he becomes a respectable NobleDemon, then ''OG Gaiden'' really gets him into a great, badass AntiHero who pulled a HeelFaceTurn and delivers a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome and SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming|Moments}} in the same time, and becomes an expert in pulling of BigDamnHeroes sequences. And did I mention that his mecha Soulgain is also pretty badass and have an awesome moustache?
*** Then we have Lamia Loveless, a RobotGirl who is [[RidiculouslyHumanRobot Ridiculously Human]], a LadyOfWar that can be considered a Fetish Fuel incarnate thanks to her extremely sexy body (huge breasts), sort of {{Stripperiffic}} outfit and lots of Fetish Fuel-ish hijinx she got in OG Gaiden... but above all, remains somehow to be one of the most badass female (in a sense of seriousness and efficiency) and a well developed character, as her story remains as one of the more charming, cliche it may be, amongst other characters (Robot developing soul). How can a Fetish Fuel incarnate be THIS Awesome? Well, she can. And let's not even get with her Fetish Fuel-ish girly robot Angelg, which is also AWESOME.
** As a youtube video description put it, some men [[spoiler: angst when their girlfriend is kidnapped by aliens]]. Kyosuke Nanbu beats the shit out of them. And that's before going into his {{determinator}} status and his ungodly luck, and his ability to pilot the SuperPrototype that can't even stand without a tesla drive, let alone fight.
* Sylvanas Windrunner from ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'' and ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' is easily one of the best developed characters in the series, a hot Anti-Hero who takes over the former Capital of Lordearon, and helps the Blood Elves showing that while others have abandoned who they are, she has not.
** Thrall, call him a Stu if you want, he's still badass and Warcraft would be much worse off without him. It helps that he is also [[AllLovingHero kind hearted]] while being badass in the same time.
** [[ChrisX This troper]] would also like to toss his hat of gushing to Miss Jaina Proudmoore. Maybe she lacks the badass aura that Sylvanas gives out, but she is still impressive on her own, and pretty much the [[OnlySaneMan Only Sane Human]] that [[AllLovingHero still believes in peace between the two factions]] when every other humans seems to have followed the religion of FantasticRacism. Who cares if she displays Sue tendencies, she's still good.
*** Pshaw. Jaina is '''not''' ''that'' kind of character unless you stretch that to mean "''any'' female character portrayed as attractive and competent."
** Three words: FOR SIR LOTHAR!
** [[IronWoobie Farseer Nobundo]] rocks [[FarseerLolotea my]] socks (read ''[[http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/story/unbroken/unbroken.xml Unbroken]]'' and you'll hopefully see why) and needs to play a major role in Cataclysm. (Bear in mind that this is coming from someone who's become rather sick of the [[HighTierScrappy shaman class]].)
** [[InvisibleFool This troper]] would like to add their two cents in the form of [[FallenHero Arthas Menethil]]. Not just because he is one of the most epic final bosses in video games, let alone Warcraft. Not because he gets some of the best lines ([[CatchPhrase FROSTMORNE HUNGERS!]]) or best soundtracks (try and listen to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyIliL2Ciss Invincible]] without your heart breaking). But because he is one of the best FallenHero villains ever written. At no point in his backstory do you lose any sense of the tragedy of it, but despite all the sympathy you feel for him, you never forget that he ''is'' the villain, and that however this may have happened he is still ''evil'' and must be stopped. He is one of the few sympathetic bad guys that loses none of their scariness or badass-ness due to their tragic past; every glimmer of light you see in him, every flash of the old, charismatic paladin Arthas, only serves to highlight to darkness and monstrous evil that is the Lich King. Darth Vader, eat your heart out.
** This troper just love-love-loves Varian Wrynn. Finally, an Alliance leader who is going to defend his people! He's pumped up the Stormwind army and is sending them out all over the kingdom to help the villages that were in trouble in his absence. He's accessible and is putting out calls to adventurers to go places. And he's not above going and personally dealing with problems, like during the Elemental Invasion when he tracked them back through their portals and beat them down! When people say he's too gung-ho, I just remind them that when he didn't intervene in the past, his wife died. :( I just want to give him a big ol' hug and a big ol' thank you!
** This troper just loves Malygos, love him to death. Because the insane previous tricksters are cool. I just love him, if only, just if only, Alexstrasza (and Korialstrasz)didn't tell a random group of people to go kill him for purples and blues.
** What, no Vol'jin fans here? This is the first character in game who wasn't going to deal with Garrosh Hellscream's bullshit and told him to his face, [[ReasonYouSuckSpeech "I'm going to wait for you to fail, and when you do, I'm going to kill you in the darkness where no one will care."]] It doesn't get much more Badass than that.
** His phenomenal rise from Sidelined Joke status, to near memetic status as an overall BADASS, has given Lor'themar Theron a legion of fans. Voiced by Giddeon Emery (Fenris in Dragon Age 2) certainly adds to his appeal. He was a surprisingly popular candidate for Warchief Position, and during his brief Day in the Limelight during Mists of Pandaria has cemented his status on the pantheon of Badass Kings of Azeroth.
* Alucard from Franchise/{{Castlevania}} his well developed, badass, and is an immortal half vampire who wields a badass sword and shield. What more can you ask for?
** Many people complain that there is a crippling lack of Belmonts in later Castlevanias. This troper has decided to forgive it forever, ever since the awesomeness that is Shanoa. You can only love a character so completely, undilutedly badass, yet so nice and caring as well. Not to mention drop dead [[SexyBacklessOutfit sexy]].
** On the Belmont side of things, the "Of Sorrow" games give us Julius Belmont. How awesome is Julius? He's the Belmont that finally killed Dracula. Like, ''forever''. And then when he fights Soma [[spoiler:(The reincarnation of Dracula)]], he is quite probably the toughest boss in the game, with just about every Belmont trick in the book, dealing hundreds of damage with just his whip; and he doesn't even start using subweapons until about halfway through the battle. And afterwards, it is made clear that he was ''holding back''. Did I mention that he had just recovered from amnesia and recovered the Vampire Killer about an hour beforehand? And that he was exploring Castlevania without his whip? Badass.
*** No one could ever forget Simon Belmont. He made his way through Drac's castle with nothing but his whip and subweapons. Nothing like Item Crashes or Burning Mode. Despite this, he still managed to kick Dracula's ass. Then of course, he learned that Dracula had cursed him, and he would eventually die. Even though he spent 7 years in cursed pain, he went on an adventure to gather Dracula's body parts, resurrect him and KILL HIM AGAIN. He did.
* [[BadassPreacher Joshua]] [[MemeticBadass Graham]], the infamous [[RedBaron Burned Man]] from VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas. TheAtoner, very spiritual, well read, intelligent, soft spoken, and yet he's still probably the most badass character in the game. He can wipe out armies of tribals with nothing but a pistol, fight his way through dozens of Legion assassins after being injured, and he survived [[MadeOfIron being shot five times in the head, blown up, lighten on fire, and thrown off the Grand Canyon]]. In addition to that, his character arc is very interesting as he struggles with his inner demons and his past, and his voice is just wonderful ([[EvenTheGuysWantHim and I'm a straight man!]]).
** Arcade Gannon. It's impossible not to love a bespectacled, snarky, compassionate doctor with a dark past, who just so happens to be one of the (few) [[StraightGay homosexual]] characters in VideoGames. The fact he essentially created the RetiredBadassRoundup trope helps, too.
** Ulysses, the mysterious courier from the DLC. We know next to nothing about him currently, but the air of mystery makes him one of my favourite characters in the entire game.
* Seriously, is there no one here from ''VideoGame/{{Uncharted}}''? Well, I nominate [[DirtyOldMan Victor]] [[PapaWolf Goddamn]] [[SmokingIsCool Sullivan]], for general awesomeness and badassery, and for looking fabulous in the flashback in the third game.
** Drake himself is no slouch. Despite being a thief and not hesitating to kill, he's a pretty standup guy. He never kills unless he has to, will try to save as many people as he can and besides being a thief loves history just as much as [[Film/NationalTreasure Ben]] and [[Franchise/IndianaJones Indy]].
** While we're at it, Elana is just as willing to risk her life saving the world and fearlessly stands up to The Main/BigBad.
** I surely can't be the only one here who immediately loved Rafe the moment he showed up can I? He's a spoiled, manipulative awful person but I can't help but find him oddly charming despite what he did.
* [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Jade Curtiss]]. Need I say more?
** I will. While all the other characters are running around, being all emotional and whiny, Jade will just stand and be the best DeadpanSnarker around. Or order other people to do stuff for him. Or manipulate others into doing work for him. If he was not on the good guys side he would be a MagnificentBastard.
*** Why should that stop him?
** Ion. AdorablyPrecociouschild, yes. DudeLooksLikeALady? Undoubtedly. Beneath all of that, you'll find an IronWoobie who put aside his problems in favor of aiding his friends, trying to fix the world, and being one hell of a leader to his fractured religious order.
** I thought Jade Curtiss was my favourite character in ''Abyss''. And I then I played it all the way through...and I still love Jade, but I have a major soft spot for Guy Cecil. I think that his UndyingLoyalty to Luke is the most interesting, SugarWiki/{{heartwarming|Moments}}, and hopeful part of a pretty dark game. His gynophobic flailing (before you know the cause) is hilarious. He also plays off or sets up Jade's punchlines well. ("If you look up 'villain' in the dictionary, I bet you'll see Jade's face next to it.") And now I'm descending into fangirling but when he nerds out over fon machines his adorkability skyrockets. And I greatly appreciate the PaintedOnPants. Okay now I'm done.
** Tear Grants is seriously one of the coolest female characters to ever appear in an RPG. She makes her entrance attempting assassination on [[spoiler: the villain]]! And she always carries herself with such dignity and class, but she has the kindest heart underneath her tough soldier exterior. Not only can she kick some serious ass with her throwing knives, she's also a master healer, and she never ''once'' needs to be rescued! One of my absolute favorite things about her is her complete adoration for cute things, which is such a wonderful surprise to find in such a badass warrior chick. She also can dish out some fabulous bits of [[DeadpanSnarker snark]], she performs dozens of feats of utter badassery throughout the game, and she's hot to boot.
** [[VideoGame/TalesOfBerseria Laphicet]]. Seriously, how has he not been put here already. He's only 10 years old, making him the youngest party member in the series and still he can fight just as well as everyone around him.Just watch him be amazed and curious about everything around him and forming bonds with all the rest of the cast and you will feel like you want to protect him as much as Velvet does, guaranteed. Not to mention the fact that he learns and pulls off what could easily be the series' biggest Indignation so far. Again, ''he is only 10''.Truly, the definition of BadassAdorable.
* One Word: [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Ivy]].
** Two words: Ivy's boobs. But seriously, she is pretty awesome.
*** [[RunningGag As are her boobs]]
* [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Seung Mina]]. rebellious CuteBruiser. [[ActionGirl Hot chick with a halberd]]. What's not to like?
* [[Franchise/KingdomHearts Sora.]] Say what you will about his treatment of [[WhatMeasureIsANonHuman the Nobodies]], he's still just plain adorkable when he's not being badass.
** This Troper lists Sora as his favorite videogame protagonist, because among the thousands of games that have given up on using any character who isn't cynical/dark/snarky, Sora defies them all with his idealism and sheer awesomeness. * weeps*
*** Praising Sora just for defying the cynical standard is almost selling him short - the best thing about Sora is how he's able to retain an unfailing sense of idealism ''despite'' the fact that, if he were anybody else, he could easily turn into TheWoobie. The fact that none of this stops him from taking care of the bad guys who threaten those he cares about in the most awesome way possible is just icing on the cake.
*** Everything said above. Sora gets so little love it's unbelievable. The entire fanbase seems to think he's so evil for killing poor Organization XIII...admittedly, it didn't take much convincing that they needed to be eliminated, but they certainly gave him a reason soon enough. There's nothing evil about him- he's just a kid who's a long way from home and is doing his best to keep cheery.
*** And ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance'' has some of his best moments. [[spoiler:For the entire game, everything's trying to tear the poor guy apart. Most characters would easily be TheWoobie after all that. Then to top it off, in an interesting parallel to Terra and Aqua, Sora fails and Riku passes. But unlike Terra, Sora's reaction is basically, "My best friend's a Keyblade Master? AWESOME! Let's celebrate!"]]
*** Can we also praise him for being the one guy who said what ''all of Tron fandom was thinking'' during the ''{{Film/TronLegacy}}'' level and being willing to deliver a richly-needed WhatTheHellHero to ''both'' Flynn and Quorra for [[spoiler: not even ''trying'' to save Tronzler]]? And then going one better [[spoiler: and attempting himself, even if it both wasn't the Tron he knew and that it failed]]. And for arguing that [[AndroidsArePeopleToo Programs have hearts (or can grow them)]]? Sora, I think there a [[VideoGame/TronTwoPointOh discredited Tron protagonist]] who would ''more'' than thank you for fighting for the Programs.
** Let's hear it for Riku and Kairi too. As Kairi pointed out, Sora would "be completely hopeless without them"...and he certainly would be less interesting a character without his relationships with them. Same thing with WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck and Goofy for that matter. Their friendship is complete and utter win. (I mean, they're [[MemeticMutation SORA! DONALD! GOOFY!]])
*** Doubled on Kairi. Most girls her age can't stick with one guy for over a year when he's right there in front of them. Staying loyal for that long when he's (as far as she knows) who-knows-where ''and'' assorted magical forces are messing with her memories of him? That's a different and MAJOR kind of strength. Which is not to say Riku didn't go through Hell for Sora too, and if you ask me Sora deserves all of it.
*** Kairi is hated by most the fanbase, and she's a great character. It's not that she doesn't try, there's just only so much she can do. The fans forget that Riku and Sora trained in swordplay all their lives, while Kairi didn't. She had no combat knowledge, but she still grabbed the Keyblade and fought with no hesistation when she was needed. She was about to actively seek out Sora when she was kidnapped by Axel, and even then she managed to get away from him-someone much stronger than her, with supernatural powers and weapons. Give the girl a medal.
*** Ah, Riku. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a good redemption story, and Riku's is one of the best out there. The kind of strength required to keep pushing forward, to fight continuously for over a year to protect the friends he had wronged, even going so far as to ''give up his humanity'' for their sake... it's unlike any other. He doesn't break down and despair over everything he's lost, because he knows there'd be no point. The only way to make up for his mistakes is to ''fix'' them, and dammit, he gets it ''done''.
** [[TookALevelInBadass KING MOTHERFUCKIN' MICKEY!]]
** This troper will always love Axel, no matter the BadassDecay.
*** Seconded. He's intelligent, snarky, [[ManipulativeBastard manipulative]] and he's obsessively loyal to his friends even to a [[PsychoSupporter toxic point]], which just makes him all the more interesting. It's not just the looks...
** Vexen. This troper maintains he is the unsung [[TheWoobie woobie]] of Chain of Memories, while also being more badass than people give him credit for.
** Larxene. PsychoElectro DarkActionGirl? Ooooooooh yeah!
** Lexaeus. Most games will have you believe that TheBigGuy / TheBrute of any given group is little more than DumbMuscle. [[GeniusBruiser Not Lex.]] Also, his weapon is probably bigger than you.
** Marluixa; proving that flowers are badass since 2004.
** Oh, [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg and Zexion too.]]
** Not to mention Xemnas. Hell, [[BigBad Xehanort]] in general is awesome. One of the [[LargeHam hammiest]] RPG villains around who still manages to intrigue me with his unkown origins.
** Namine. Look at how she reacts around Marluxia and Larxene and tell me she wasn't [[AbusiveParents abused]] offscreen, at least emotionally and probably physically too. And possibly worse. Then look at her standing up to them - and getting thrown across the room once ''does not deter her from standing up to them again.'' She had almost no cards to play and managed to be a ''major'' help. Her and Kairi...[[RealWomenNeverWearDresses who says the only strong women are fighters?]]
** Xion. She doesn't deserve the hatred she receives. Her entire existence is just [[BreakTheCutie one psychological trauma]] [[GoMadFromTheRevelation after another]], and all she wants to do is eat ice cream with her friends. So unfair.
*** Seconded. And yet there are still so many who call her too OP...
*** Thirded. Xion was one of the best, more unique parts of the game for this troper.
*** Fourthed, so much. It didn't help that my intro to the series was the game she appeared in.
*** I believe that, while she is a nice character, she does deserve ''some'' of the hate she revives. Not nearly as much, but some. She's a nice girl and was one of the first female Keyblade users in the entire franchise. And many people [[TheWoobie feel sorry for her.]][[spoiler: [[RetGone And for good reason too.]] When your fading from existence and your best friend's last words to you are "Who will I have Ice Cream with?"... Yeah... I know that it's supposed to be a metaphor, but still.]]
*** Fifthed/Sixthed, depending on how you count the above. Despite being TheWoobie, she can be pretty badass, too. Like the moment when she ''slices straight through a Darkside.''
** [=DiZ=]/[[spoiler:Ansem the Wise]]! I mean, ''come on.'' Look past his KickTheDog actions during the Prologue and he's just so fascinating, mysterious, and perhaps the most tragic character in the series. He lost alot of his mind in the darkness and became a KnightTemplar, enacted many a BatmanGambit, but in the end was proven wrong about many things and ''admitted'' it, even apologizing to Roxas for his JerkAss behaviour towards him. [[spoiler:He then self-sacrifices his life to stop Xemnas, giving up his chances at returning to his beloved homeworld.]] The fact that he's voiced by Christopher Lee in the English version just solidifies his awesomeness.
** You know what? All three protagonists of Birth by Sleep are freakin' badass, with multiple Crowning Moments Of Awesome. They all go through a lot, and none of them get happy endings, but they keep fighting for one another, no matter what. Special mention goes to Aqua for [[spoiler: manages to sincerely be TheHeart while still saving BOTH her friends' lives, making her the true [[TheHero hero]] of the story.]]
** Roxas, so much. And not just for his Woobie status, although that's a given. In his short existence, he grew from a blank slate with no memories into a complete and utter badass, ready to take on the Organization and free Kingdom Hearts with his own hands, all for the sake of bringing back a fallen friend. He fought hard for his place in the world, and for the two people he loved more than anything; and then, after [[spoiler:losing all of those things, sacrificed himself with dignity.]] This troper firmly believes that, pound for pound, Roxas always had the makings of a true hero...and that even though he's a part of Sora, that will ''never'' be all he is.
** Xigbar and/or Braig. Dude's the biggest troll in the series bar none. Someone wrote a paragraph or two that says everything I could ever want to on him:
--> Xigbar's the guy that's having fun. With MX gone Xigbar's got nothing to do until Xemnas is dead and MX revives. So Xigbar spends the entirety of Days and [=KH2=] trolling people FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER! Roxas trying to be mature and serious? Troll him! Axel and Xion having a sweet conversation? Troll them! Roxas comes with orders to help you? Troll him! Saix and Xemnas having a conversation vital to the continued projects of the org, something Saix is really into? Troll him! Roxas comes with you to the Colosseum? Troll him! Zexion walking around? Troll him! Xigbar doesn't have to do this stuff, but he does, because it amuses him. He's waltzing about, knowing more about what's going on than pretty much anyone until Xemnas' death, and shoving it in peoples' faces but being to badass about it for them to realize. And that voice! That's the perfect troll voice, and every one of his boss taunts just reeks of "i get it, you don't". He even trolled the game! Not the developers, the game! It thinks it's being all cool by going "Look! The secret ending has other keyblade wielders! And their badass!". But no, Xigbar hogs the glory of that surprise to himself, and he's just like, "Kuh, yeah, their were others. So what?" Nothing, not Saix's pre-appearance trolling, not Axel's creative killing-spree trolling, not Xemnas' immovable trolling, not even MX's whole series backstory trolling, can compare to what Xigbar has done because he was bored. Xigbar. He drowned a goldfish.
** [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Vanitas]]. He's cold, cruel, sadistic, and violent. Not to mention Crazy Awesome, super powerful, and with a kicking boss theme, [[spoiler: even as Vanitas Remnant]]. The freakiest (thus memorable) part? [[spoiler: His face is a PaletteSwap of Sora]]'s.
* ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'':
** Dante kicks ass, makes hilariously cheesy one-liners and looks ''damn'' good doing it.
** Lady. Being an ActionGirl is awesome enough, but she carries a rocket launcher named after her mother, has plenty of guns and firepower, climbed up a building after being stabbed in the leg, was able to take on [[spoiler:Dante]] and ''survive'' even after getting the crap beaten out of her... and did we mention that she's [[BadassNormal human]]?
** Vergil, despite [[SpellMyNameWithAnS spelling his name wrong]], is so much of a BadassLongcoat that you almost don't want to defeat him. With crazy katana-skills and slick hair, Vergil killed a demon-weapon into submission with his hands and feet alone and survived [[AFateWorseThanDeath unknown years in HELL]] at multiple times in his life (depending on what you think is canon) and is thus a literal [[{{Pun}} Unholy Badass]]. It's no coincidence that the best ''[=DMC=]'' installments are the ones with Vergil inside them. (Of ''course'' he was in ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4''. [[WildMassGuessing What do you think that blue mist around Yamato was?]])
* [[VideoGame/DeadRising Frank West]]. That is all.
* Kefka from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'' is one of the greatest gaming villains of all time, but he's even better in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'' context. His flamboyant cheerfully immature mania perfectly contrasts the angsty nature of the protagonists of the game, and heck, even most of the series protagonists, and he gets the best lines by far. After hearing his MetaGuy "You all sound like chapters from a self-help book!" you'll never look at ThePowerOfFriendship the same way ever again.
** To say nothing of what he accomplishes. Tell me, how many villains aspire to become a god and rule/destroy the world? Good. Now, how many succeed in taking godlike power? Good. Now, how many other villains manage to attain godlike power, ''defeat the heroes'', literally change the face of the world, and rule as unquestioned god-king for a ''full year'' before the heroes even have a chance to muster the strength for a final confrontation? That's what I thought.
** It's great that Kefka is getting his props, but no mention of the superlative protagonist ensemble? Here are a few: [[MysteriousWaif Terra]], [[LovableRogue Locke]], [[TheAtoner Celes]], [[ChivalrousPervert Edgar]], [[BareFistedMonk Sabin]], [[ShellShockedVeteran Cyan]], [[{{Ninja}} Shadow]], and [[TheGambler Setzer]].
*** A few more: [[CoolOldGuy Strago]], [[ArtInitiatesLife Relm]], [[DittoFighter Gogo]], [[PintSizedPowerhouse Mog]], [[WildChild Gau]], and [[TheBerserker Umaro]].
* [[VideoGame/FatalFury Terry Bogard]] would like to ask you: ARE YOU OKAAAAAAY?
* For This Troper, by game:
** [[VideoGame/FatalFury Mai]] [[VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters Shiranui]]. He likes her beyond the obvious reasons ([[Administrivia/TropesAreTools but * not* despite of them]]), and regardless of [[{{Flanderization}} her]] [[{{Chickification}} flaws]]. Hey, he even likes her (much-reviled) boyfriend, Andy Bogard, and the couple they make.
** [[Franchise/StreetFighter Chun-Li]].
** Franchise/{{Kirby}}. It's this troper's personal SugarWiki/SweetDreamsFuel. He only regrets not playing his games earlier in his life.
*** This Troper heartily endorses this statement.
** [[VideoGame/SamuraiShodown Ukyo Tachibana]]. Superlative badass.
** [[VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters Orochi]] and his full-blooded minions. [[SNKBoss Rugal]] may be the creators' [[WordOfGod favorite]], but he won't top them in my list.
* [[Franchise/StreetFighter Dan Hibiki]]. Just...Dan Hibiki.
* Abe no Seimei from ''VideoGame/{{Onmyoji|2016}}'' is hands down one of the most well-written male heroes of all time, who manages to avoid a lot of male hero/male PlayerCharacter clichés in both Eastern and Western media – dorkish lead, IdiotHero, generic blank slate lead, HotBlooded hypermacho action flick lead, an everyman from modern day society [[TrappedInAnotherWorld sucked into the canon's universe]], he's none of those things. He's also both capable and FamedInStory and has strong moral convictions. Also, he's [[{{Bishonen}} just plain hot]] and voiced by Creator/NoriakiSugiyama to boot.
* Two Words: [[VideoGame/MetalGear Solid Snake]]. Badass extraordinaire, genius WarriorPoet, and [[MrFanservice is damn sexy]] to boot.
** Don't forget the growling.
** The Boss is, at the very least, the single most awesome character in the series, a soldier who knows she's only a PunchClockVillain yet continues to fight anyway, and an ActionGirl of the highest calibre.
*** The Boss is not only incredibly badass, but incredibly loyal and loving. Her strong will to fight for the same country that [[spoiler:turned her into a villain]] through to the very end is inspiring. On top of that, she never let the usual bitterness of war get to her, not even once.
** This Troper would like to nominate Revolver Ocelot himself, for taking his ChronicBackstabbingDisorder and using it to mold himself into a MagnificentBastard of the most awesome kind. If his ImprobableAimingSkills weren't enough, Ocelot also demonstrates that there is, in fact, a place in this world for [[AscendedFanboy determined]], [[StalkerWithACrush vaguely-disturbing]] [[HoYay fanboys]]. (also, young Ocelot circa ''Metal Gear 3'' is Sex On Legs.
*** Seconded. Ocelot is one of those rare characters who can pull off a ludicrous GambitRoulette, but rather than making you question how he was able to pull it off, he just looks awesome and makes you want to applaud. Why? [[MagnificentBastard Because he's Revolver Ocelot.]]
** Big Boss as Naked Snake is awesome. He is sexy like his son/clone and he have a sense of humor. And when he got TheEyepatchOfPower, he became even more badass.
** Raiden in [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4GunsOfThePatriots MGS 4]]. It was a long, hard road to recover from his pansy status in [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid2SonsOfLiberty MGS2]] (not to say he didn't have his fans there, but I couldn't stand it), and he still has a ways to go to stop angsting occasionally, but what a turnaround!
** This troper will go to the mat for [[DitzyGenius Otacon,]] [[{{Adorkable}} any time,]] [[TheAtoner anywhere,]] [[BewareTheNiceOnes forever and ever.]]
** '''''SOLIDUS SNAKE!''''' Yeah, I know, the guy isn't nearly as iconic or lovable as Snake, Otacon, or even Ocelot--but on paper, he beats all of them in sheer badassery. To recap: he's a battle-scarred veteran soldier with an EyepatchOfPower who kicks ass with a set of robotic CombatTentacles and a goddamn ''[[KatanasAreJustBetter laser katana]]'', and he's dedicated to fighting a one-man war against the sinister cult that secretly rules America from the shadows. And did we mention that he's also the frakkin' '''FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES?!''' Solidus easily aces every single criterion for EvilIsCool, but it helps that he's pretty easy to root for, given that--despite all his questionable actions--he's ultimately a very patriotic man trying to restore America to its former status as a beacon of liberty and equality by bringing down the conspirators that tried to use him as a pawn. And sure, the chances of him getting his spinoff are pretty much non-existent, but let's be honest: what gamers in their right mind would pass up the opportunity to play as the President of the United States battling the robo-Illuminati with cyber-tentacles and a laser katana? If that's not the premise of the perfect video game, I don't know what is.
* This editor would like to nominate Ganondorf from ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' himself. While it's easy to respect him for being one of the few major video game villains not to succumb to VillainDecay and for consistently delivering awesome boss battles, it wasn't until ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker'' that he showed true depth as a character. He's tired of being the EvilOverlord, he's got a fair FreudianExcuse, and is scary when he wants to be.
** From the same game, the King of Hyrule. Ever wonder why the only ruler of Hyrule you see is Princess Zelda? It's because the King was so badass they had to build the Platform/GameCube just to contain him. Not that Zelda herself was a slouch in the badass department there either. The final battle with Ganondorf in ''Wind Waker'' is Zelda at her most awesome, bar none.
** Nintendo should have been less surprised at the fanbase's reaction to Midna's fate. After all, they made her ''so darn awesome.'' (At least, once she gets her CharacterDevelopment.)
*** I should do well to have half her wit, even before CharacterDevelopment.
--->'''Midna:''' It's something when you have to burn down someone's house to get the bugs. Ah well, that's the way the cookie crumbles.
*** Midna as the sociopathic bitch was so...''refreshing'' at the start of ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess''. I like the CharacterDevelopment, but watching her walk the line between mischievous imp and TheChessmaster made for such a change from the typical ''Zelda'' ExpositionFairy that I instantly warmed to her.
*** Sure, she's funny and entertaining before the first major plot twist, but this troper ''really'' fell in love with Midna after she calmed down. The scene where she places her hand on Link's cheek is counted as his favorite scene of all time in a Zelda game; it's positively adorable. If there were ever a character that I could fall in love with, it'd be Midna.
*** Agreed. She is just so adorable, witty, and badass.
** Goddamnit, Navi does ''not'' deserve all the hate she gets in the fandom. I ''like'' asking her about various enemies - useless info is one of my favourite things to collect. Her {{Flanderization}} towards CaptainObvious moments just strikes me as funny. And she has her very own SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome during the final boss: "This time, we fight together!" Plus, you know, Link likes her enough to leave Hyrule looking for her. Navi losing her memory of all she and Link went through together turns the ending of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'' into the BittersweetEnding to end all Bittersweet Endings for me.
** I found Navi HELPFUL. She was made for players starting the series with Ocarina of Time, as I did. And her shouting "Watch Out!" has saved players' asses countless times. I found Tatl in MM more annoying because of her JerkAss tendencies.
*** This troper loved Tatl in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'', partially -because- she was a bit of a jerk. She was more, much more than just an exposition fairy, she had true personality (and everyone with a personality -will- have some jerky and/or annoying aspect), and she had her agenda for helping out Link, making her a cool and fleshed out character; incidentally, she also allowed a workaround for Link [[HeroicMime never talking]], since she would engage in dialogue from time to time.
** What, no love for Link, TheHero himself? Pure of heart, practically a FriendToAllLivingThings, never gives up, never gives in to {{Wangst}} despite having one hell of an excuse, and hey, the three goddesses didn't give him the Triforce of Courage because he's cute. Perhaps the last true fairy tale hero, Link pulls off what could easily be {{Narm}} in another character by exuding sincerity -- as a batch of pixels. He's a walking SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome for the Idealist side of the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism. And he can thrash the [[EvilOverlord King of Evil]] himself. There's a reason that, when someone as powerful as [[LadyOfWar Zelda]] [[DamselInDistress needs rescuing]], there's only one Hero she'll call. Whether he's TheHero of Time, Winds or Light, he'll always be Link, the one and only.
*** I'm going to have to go a step further here and add my two rupees: [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker Wind Waker Link]] is about as awesome as they come. He's, arguably, the first Link to have much in the way of a personality (not to knock on [=OoT=]/MM or anything)-- and that personality was ''amazing''. He's just a kid from some random island-- goofy and sweet and exactly what you'd expect a young boy to be like. He's not ConvenientlyAnOrphan, has proved with several (short) lines of in-game dialogue that he's not ''totally'' a HeroicMime and, in general, avoids most of what players think defines a "Link"...which leads to the best part. His CallToAdventure didn't have ''anything'' to do with saving the Great Sea-- he was just trying to save his sister; as TheUnchosenOne we got to watch him grow up from the goofball we started playing as, to the first Link to successfully [[spoiler: ''kill Ganondorf'']]. How is that ''not'' awesome?
** LINEBECK. Oh GODS, Linebeck! At first I couldn't stand him...but as the game goes on, and he develops--quite hilariously so, I might add, with some of the funniest moments in the series--I grew to love and appreciate him so much. My heart broke in Spirit Tracks when all we got was his cheap replacement with a weird hat.
** The Goddesses didn't give him the Triforce of Courage because he's cute, but it doesn't exactly hurt, either.
** Saria from Ocarina of Time has always held a special place in my heart. She was Link's only friend, everybody else made fun of him or didn't accept him because he didn't have a fairy, and just something about her is so cute.
** With VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword released, it's about time to add some of these characters:
*** Fi may get alot of flak for being a monotone RobotGirl who states the obvious, but that's the main reason why I like her. It's so different to have a "computer program" in a game that reveals in MedievalStasis, plus the autotune [[SpeakingSimlish Simlish]] isn't too bad.
*** Groose starts as a bully who is vying for Zelda's attention, but the CharacterDevelopment he receives throughout the game is amazing. When I started the game, I thought he'd become a villain later on, but boy was I wrong.
*** Groose starts off the game full of illusions. That he's the hero, that he's going to win the race, that there's something between him and Zelda (he talks about making their 'going out thing' official). And he has all of these illusions shattered at once. His entire WORLD has, very rapidly, turned on its head. the fact that he breaks down about that is more than acceptable. The fact that he BETTERS himself for it, making the Groosenator, standing up to [[AxCrazy Ghirahim]], and saving Zelda's life, is amazing.
*** Ghirahim is the most hilarious villain in the series, an amazing mix of {{Camp}}, badass and AxCrazy. He was quite challenging, especially at the beginning of the game when you're still learning how the motion controls work. He doesn't make things easy for you!
** Okay, the fact that the Champions from ''Breath of the Wild'' haven't been mentioned yet is an absolute '''crime.''' ALL of them are amazing -- and sadly, TooCoolToLive.
*** Urbosa in particular deserves a mention. A badass, Amazonian Gerudo chieftain who is also a ParentalSubstitute to Zelda and a TeamMom to the rest of the Champions, and also somewhat of a [[TheGadfly Gadfly]]. And she can '''summon lightning to fry her enemies by snapping her fingers.''' How cool is that?!
* This troper loves Rinoa Heartilly. She is the cutest ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'' heroine ever! It's probably because she resembles Rinoa both in looks and personality, even being born in the same month, but still. She also loves Quistis Trepe, but not exactly in the best-friends-forever way. And heck, she also loves Squall that way too! Why can't the shippers just get along?
** Glad to know that this troper isn't the only one who thinks Rinoa is awesome. I mean, not only is she cute but she's damn hot too! Squall's lucky to have her.
*** Additionally, she has ''potentially world-ending Sorceress powers'' and a loyal puppy, and she's not afraid to convince cowardly cowboys to save her friends even if it means kicking him in the shins and grabbing the wheel. She's strong-minded enough to stand up against her father and get out of being '''JUNCTIONED''' to Adel [[PluckyGirl without lasting trauma]]... And you know, not just any girl could melt [[TheStoic Squall's]] heart.
* Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog. He's the original blue dude with a 'tude. Seriously, between his ability to cruise along at the speed of sound, [[DependingOnTheWriter his]] [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold overall]] [[AllLovingHero personality]] ([[CharacterRerailment especially in]] ''VideoGame/SonicColors''), his devotion to his friends, [[TheDeterminator his sheer determination in getting the job done]] (especially as shown in ''VideoGame/SonicAndTheBlackKnight'') and his various [[SuperMode Super Forms]], everything about him is simply awesome.
** On this note, Amy Rose, especially circa ''VideoGame/SonicChronicles''. She can yell at a room of powerful arguing alien leaders and make them shut up, for one. She's a contender for being the ''[[Film/TwelveAngryMen Juror #8]]'' of the video game industry, at age twelve.
** Metal Sonic was already pretty awesome on Sonic CD, but on Sonic Heroes he crosses every line. He managed to [[spoiler:make the game become EPIC. with the sole presence of his badassness. And by that I mean that game where Sonic gets a letter from Eggman telling him he will conquer the world turns into a extremely climactic event.]] I still remember the chills I got from [[spoiler:the transformation sequence.]]
** Tails! Tails is the cutest geek ever. Totally why I wasn't ashamed of any geekitude I had when I was a kid. ''Especially'' in Sonic Adventure.
*** [[DogLover This troper]] is starting the Give Tails a Hug club.
*** And [[{{Tropers/DanganStar}} this one]] is joining without hesitation!
*** [[{{Surenity}} This troper]] liked Tails as a kid because he was a cute geek child too and it gave him someone to relate to.
*** [[{{Tensaihime}} This troper]] also liked Tails as a kid for the aforementioned reason, and still does. He's probably my favorite video game character ever. I adore the [[WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog AoStH]] episodes where he and Sonic are just like brothers.
*** [[{{Tropers/DanganStar}} Another troper]] chiming in here. Ever since I first saw him, he's been my favorite character. And that was WAY before I got interested in the franchise! I love foxes and cute things so an [[Adorkable adorkable]] fox is sort of a dream come true. Plus, he's super fluffy, especially in [[Film/SonicTheHedgehog22022 the second movie]]! The extra tail adds to the fluff. He also brings me comfort. Not only because of the things mentioned previously, but [[DiagnosedByTheAudience he's really easy to read as autistic]] and, as an autistic person, it makes me happy. TL;DR: Tails is a cute, fluffy and possibly autistic fox, what more can you want?
** Shadow. I don't give a [[NarmCharm DAMN]] what people say about him but he is fucking awesome.
** Blaze the freakin' cat. She needs to be in more games, and the fact that she's currently residing in another dimension is ''irrelevant''.
*** Well, she HAS been in most of the ones since her first appearance.
** How have we missed Knuckles? This troper particularly liked him and his story in ''VideoGame/SonicChronicles''. Badass.
*** May this troper elaborate, where the former has remained brief? Strong as Sonic is fast, downright unmovable in his devotion to his job as guardian, and still an interesting character to explore. Gullible due to being unfamiliar with other people, Knuckles has been stated to ''want'' to see the good in people, which, we can infer, is a large part of why he trusted Eggman more than once. He's been {{Flanderized}} as of late-- ''Anime/SonicX'' and post-[[VideoGame/SonicHeroes Heroes]] games giving it to him the worst-- but there's a lot more to him than a casual passerby might notice. Though he's largely [[TheArtifact been replaced]] this troper will always love him.
** It's downright hard to not like [[AffablyEvil Dr.]] [[MadScientist Eggman]] at times.
--->'''Sonic''': "I can't figure you out. One second you're [[OmnicidalManiac contemplating genocide]], and the next, you're saving one of your worst enemies!"\\
'''Eggman''': "I'm a complicated guy."
** Plus his theme in Sonic Adventure 2 is very catchy
*** Seconded. This troper would go as far to say he's the most interesting character in the series. [[VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006 Some]] [[VideoGame/SonicHeroes games]] I only played [[JustHereForGodzilla to see what Dr. Robotnik was up to.]]
** I know that she's technically not a video game character, but I wanted to give special mention of Cosmo the Seedrian. While, yes, she only appeared in ''Anime/SonicX'' she was remarkably a well-rounded character and adorable to boot. The only people who hate this little bundle of adorableness are the TailsXCream shippers who say that she "Stole Cream from Tails." Of which that is a load considering that those two were just friends. Not only that, but she's so adorable with Tails! Much cuter then he would ever be with cream. Her death was also a very large tear jerker, and it made me feel bad for both her and Tails. Makes me glad to see fan art or fan fiction where the two of them are together.
** The Chaotix are often overlooked, but they really do deserve some love. Most of the cast have specific reasons for fighting the bad guy. Sonic fights for the thrill. Knuckles fights for his duty. Shadow fights because that's his job. The Chaotix? They just want to pay the electric bill for the office. Plus, they're also hilarious.
*** Seconded here. I really like Vector, but the real star for me is Espio. Loved him ever since I saw him.
*** Ehh... Charmy can be a good character. Look at his Sonic X form! If they ever make another game with a heavy focus on the Chaotix, I hope they tweak Charmy to be more like that. A tad more maturity and snarkiness, but still sorta hyper and eccentric.
** Chris Thorndyke. He's genuinely a sweet kid who tries to help however he can, and though he can have his bratty moments, his life was uneventful and his parents were usually too busy to see him, but since Sonic and co. came along, suddenly everything changed for the better. Of course he doesn't want Sonic to leave; if he did, his newfound childhood would come to an end. It's all a part of growing up. Plus his character arc of beginning to feel like TheLoad throughout the show finally came to a head in season 3 where he [[TookALevelInBadass took several levels in badass]] and matured into a full-grown adult (even though he gets reverted to his child body).
** Rouge the fucking Bat. She's such as strong-minded, intelligent, beautiful, fierce, brave, and competent GUN Agent who will stop at nothing to achieve her objectives. She's one of the best female Sonic characters, ever.
* To all the {{Mook}} flora, fauna, and mecha that gaming would be nothing without, I salute you! Yes, even you, [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Chain]] Chomp.
** What are you on about? The Chomp is a badass. It's a freakin' CANNONBALL with TEETH! There's a reason that Bowser keeps them on a leash, y'know.
** Goombas are awesome too and it's hard to not feel just a little bit sorry for killing them.
* Archer might have invented the word 'GAR', and he's a great character. But Lancer perfected the word GAR and is pretty much the best, yet undermined character in the ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' series. That moment in UBW is just so damn GAR he over-GAR'd the inventor of the word GAR!
** Likewise, say what you will about Saber being the most favored female Servant (and all Servants), ever. To [[ChrisX me]], the best female Servant has got to be Rider, who only looked weak because she's severely held back by a pathetic SmugSnake, but in truth she is amongst the most powerful Servants, is completely sexy, has a nice personality underneath, and that's when she's... [[spoiler:Medusa. An AlwaysChaoticEvil creature.]] Has there been a [[spoiler:GOOD hearted Medusa]], of all things in media!?
*** Heaven's Feel gives you all the Rider love you need. [[spoiler: She's still around in the true ending.]]
** This troper is torn between squealing over Archer or mentioning her total adulation of Issei, him of the frequent stammering and LuminescentBlush. He's this troper's definition of {{Moe}}.
** This troper has immense love for Rin. What started as realizing that his girlfriend acts a lot like a non-magical Rin, after reading through Unlimited Blade Works, nearly every scene added to her. Nearly always in control, a resolve that matches Shirou's {{determinator}} status, at times hot-blooded enough and the skills to back it up. Plus, she's got a servant body count to match Shirou, and, in ''Heaven's Feel'', takes on a [[spoiler:grail-backed Sakura]] head to head and only "loses" because [[spoiler:she loves her little sister]]. {{Moe}}Manly?
** You should be ashamed - all of you - for leaving it up to me to mention Ilyasviel von Einzbern. She seems like such a psychotic little CreepyChild at first, but then she kills [[spoiler: Shinji]] in ''Fate'', and you cheer. Then she shows her redeeming qualities and her utterly adorable, inner vulnerability. And ''then'' in UBW, [[spoiler: Gilgamesh and Shinji brutally murder her]] as we start to see her [[TearJerker heartbreaking]] backstory. Then she comes full-circle in HF and [[spoiler: sacrifices herself for Shirou, her younger brother]]. And through all that, her complex relationship with Shirou constantly defines her role in the story without overwhelming it completely. Honestly, she's this troper's favourite character in the entire story.
** I, Tropers/{{shonengirl}}, haven't been on this page before, but I probably will more in the future. But for now I just want to get off my chest that oh my god the VideoGame/FateGrandOrder version of Dr. Henry Jekyll is ''adorable'' and this may be one of the most intense sensations of {{Moe}} I’ve ever felt. Yes, this will be long. What's frustrating is that the game and the Fate series itself has tons of stuff that interests me but also [[{{Stripperiffic}} tons of]] [[TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodCharacter stuff that]] makes me [[MindScrew groan]] (or just straight-up [[AgeInappropriateDress makes me go “nope!”]]) so I can't even be able to write much about him and there's a criminal lack of content for him and Hyde for a character who was an EnsembleDarkhorse in his first appearance in the series (well there is a lot of content for him since I know Japanese... just not enough, dammit) out there, so I'm just here to vent how much I love this character here instead. I stumbled across this character by complete accident but something led me to look more into him, and my god my heart melted. I've always had a soft spot for [[WeaknessTurnsHerOn vulnerable]], [[TheWoobie woobie]] {{Bishounen}} characters, and my discovery also hit at the right time because I was basically only working on DarthWiki/AltTalia, and ''Alt-talia'' is a series where such a character like him is basically impossible. Sure, he looks pretty "normal" compared to the rest of the Servants, but that might be part of what makes him appealing to me. His voice is adorable (and coincidentally he has the same voice actor as my first crush ever, [[VideoGame/InazumaEleven Fubuki Shirou]], who is [[SplitPersonality a very similar character]]; Creator/MamoruMiyano was channeling Atsuya as he was playing Hyde). I also can’t be the only one whose heart breaks when he transforms, just hearing how his voice changes violently. Combined with those intelligent yet big, puppy-like TaremeEyes, that [[HairOfGoldHeartOfGold light strawberry-blond hair]], those [[{{Meganekko}} glasses]], his simple design that somehow enhances all of the above to make him look even more angelic and just exudes "kindly onii-san" energy, his adorable battle sprite... it all just plays with my heartstrings masterfully so that I had the intense urge to squeeze his shivering, thin, tense body and snuggle against his waistcoat and just tell him everything will be alright, though letting him [[SecurityCling squeeze me for comfort]] as he cries into me is just as good. He's smart, he's responsible, and he's supposed to be fighting ''for'' me if I was playing the game, but yet he seems so helpless and I want to protect him. Combining elements from [[Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde the original novel]] which I was motivated to look up because of him, I can just imagine the amount of potential he could have as a character if he weren't confined to a mobile game plot with tons of characters and crappy stats. I straight-up want to play a game where ''he's'' my Saber, my SignatureMon. When he's fighting with Hyde especially, my god my heart can only take so much. He's so sweet and just a generally nice guy, but just seeing how his mental state seems to get worse with each milestone... Aaaaahhh... the idea of this poor, kindhearted man who wouldn’t hurt a soul, [[BreakTheCutie constantly tortured by having to hold back the manifestation of all his inner evil]]... It almost makes me want to give this game [[FixFic the Alt-talia treatment]] just to ship Gudako x Jekyll so Gudako can sweep him off his feet for me (though [[MasculineGirlFeminineBoy Mordred]] doing so is also adorable. If she's anything like the actual Mordred, it would also be heartwarming that she can finally be someone's KnightInShiningArmor after being rejected as a bastard through no fault of her own). Though from what I've heard having Jekyll as my SignatureMon from the start alongside Mash might not work that well in-story and I don't want to remove his level in the game. Also admittedly I kind of like Hyde too, even though he’s a manifestation of evil, a sociopath, and the reason why Henry is suffering, and I'm usually not the type to fall for sexy villains - my type is more pure, meek, sweet [[TheWoobie Woobies]], like, well, Henry here. I guess it’s his [[ComedicSociopathy almost hilarious amounts of ham and arrogance]] (which sadly hasn't seemed to resonate with western fans as, say, Blackbeard, despite the fact that IMO Hyde acts like a hedonistic psycho [[Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers Prussia]], a major hit both in Japan and the west), the fact that his existence is a major factor for why I like Henry, or that he genuinely looks [[TroubledButCute kind of cute]], and admittedly fanart has also probably influenced that too (and the fact that I’m just a pervert, and considering a lot of other media based on the novel and the novel itself, I can put good money on Eddie being a total man-whore). Though there is a complaint I have about him; the fact that he fights with generic knives instead of CaneFu or a SwordCane. Even the NES game got that one! It would have looked so cool! Also I want to see Hyde bonk monsters on the head with a cane, it would be hilarious! (And give the generic knives to [[WTHCostumingDepartment Jack the Ripper]]! Though I'd say that's the least of her design's issues!)
** This troper loves everything about Sakura Matou. Her voice (Noriko Shitaya, Sherry Lyn, and Cristina Vee are all great voice actresses), her hair, her character arc, her powers, her relationship with Shirou. EVERYTHING!
* [[VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsTheSoullessArmy Raidou Kuzunoha the Fourteenth!]] I mean, this guy watched [[spoiler: a demonic infant-balloon-thing come out of a man's back, chittering eerily.]] It got ''right in his face'', and he didn't even ''blink''! His character design is simple yet awesome, and his character, itself, is defined yet open. But [[Tropers/{{Cherry}} this troper]] is not done with the characters of this game, yet. There's also his employer, Narumi. He seems lazy at first, but [[FridgeLogic wait 'til you realize that he had to fight off heavily-armored soldiers and demons -he can't see-, and get through walls you -know- you need a demon for, somehow, with only a -gun-...]] This guy's a total badass! And then there's [[{{Yakuza}} Satake]]. You know those soldiers I just mentioned? Yeah, well, this guy can beat one of 'em up with his bare hands! And then there's [[IntrepidReporter Tae]]... What? Don't believe me? Dialogue-collect. Go out and talk to everyone at every switch. What you get from Tae is surprisingly close to the mark, sometimes. If she ever loses her job at the Daily, she'd make a decent detective... {{fainting}} problems aside.
** Three words: Sideburns of doom. This troper's SMT-playing friend normally doesn't care about cosplay, but made an exception for Raidou ([[HopeSpot at least until his parents said he couldn't grow out his sideburns]]).
* Blue Lightning Flik and Viktor the Bear of ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}''. One of the best duos, not just in Video Games, but fiction in general. They had such a great dynamic and were two of the more interesting characters in the series. One day, they had best return.
* ''VideoGame/{{Starcraft|I}}'': Tassadar. Noble, powerful, dastardly and self-sacrificing all in one. He owns this game.
** This troper has always liked Jim Raynor for being a well-meaning man who struggles against a world where HumansAreBastards as well as Zeratul for being, as Gamespot calls him, "[[DarkIsNotEvil A Darth Vader who embraces the light]]".
** Also, Aldaris. Kerrigan comes in and pulls the wool over everybodies' eyes EXCEPT him. That's right, the religious zealot who doubles the length of the original protoss campaign by way of being so damn obstinate is the only one who has the perception to figure out that "She Lies! She is infested to the Core! I for one will not listen to any of this-" Also, he's apparently more competent at creating psionic images than Tassadar.
** Artanis should be mentioned as well in ''Brood Wars'' he is portrayed like some caveman, and pilots a Scout. In [[StracraftII II]] he is pimped out in a shiny regal outfit, and commanding a Mothership! Tell me that not awesome.
** What! No mention of [[MadeOfIron Fenix]]? The Protoss who couldn't die! He kicks ass, gets eaten by a hydralisk, but then comes back to life and kicks even more ass! Until KERRIGAN has to kill him!
** How can the Zerg Overmind not be mentioned? I mean, it managed to pull off one of the BEST plot twists in the story of videogames AFTER ITS DEATH! When I played Starcraft, I thought it was a boring, stereotyped and stupid villain who knew NOTHING of tactics and relied only on sheer number, and its incredibly dumb decision of manifesting on Aiur strenghtened my opinion of this, so I celebrated when Tassadar blew him up. Then, ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' came, and by the time I finished Zeratul's sub-campaign, my respect for it skyrocketed: not only it wasn't a dumb and melodramatic villain, but [[spoiler:it wasn't a villain at all!]] Think a second about it: isn't[[spoiler:defying an apparently unbreakable directive implanted in your brain exploiting a loophole in it, without being driven crazy or surrendering to despair and accepting a seemingly-inevitable doom because of being [[AndIMustScream trapped inside your freaking mind]], all with the objective (probably) of saving the universe]] one of the most badass and heroic deeds a giant alien [[BuffySpeak brain-thingy]] could ever do?
* [[VideoGame/BaldursGateII Jon Irenicus]]. Awesomeness and fury and desperation boiled down into a now-human form. Note-perfect (sinister and compelling) voice acting, "No, you warrant no villain's exposition from me", a backstory that becomes more evident and chilling on replaying... this troper's favourite BigBad. Full stop.
** Not to mention [[CainAndAbel Sarevok]], [[LawfulGood Mazzy Fentan]], [[CoolOldGuy Keldorn Firecam]], [[PsychoForHire Korgan Bloodaxe]], [[WhiteMage Aerie]], [[GenkiGirl Imoen]], [[ChewToy Edwin Odesseiron]], [[BrokenBird Viconia DeVir]], [[TheQuietOne Valygar Corthala]], [[TheMunchausen Jan Jansen]] and most ''especially'' [[BoisterousBruiser Minsc]] (and [[TeamPet Boo]]).
** The hell, let's just say all the joinable [=NPCs=] were awesome and leave it at that.
* Harry Mason, the original protagonist of ''Franchise/SilentHill''. Silent Hill is a horrible messed up place filled with messed up horrible people, and then there's Harry. Harry's got his issues, he's been hurt, he feels angry sometimes, but Harry always tries to make the right decision. Harry lost his wife, then lost his daughter, but he didn't let it destroy him. He kept going. The amount of love Harry gives, no matter what the circumstance... his devotion, his determination... with all that he's been through, he still knows, he still loves enough to put it aside for his daughter. [[spoiler:And then he gets stabbed in the chest for his troubles. [[TearJerker We'll miss you, Harry. * sniff* ]]]]
** From the second game, we have James Sunderland. Whether one views him as a tragic victim or a [[spoiler:selfish murderer]] or [[AlternativeCharacterInterpretation one of the many alternatives]] it's difficult to deny his status as one of the most complex, sympathetic, ''human'' protagonists in the medium. There's a reason ''VideoGame/SilentHill2'' is the most popular and acclaimed of the series.
** Also from the second game, and another reason for its popularity and acclaim, there's the [[ImplacableMan implacable]], [[MemeticMolester rape-happy]], [[FanDisservice disturbingly]] [[DracoInLeatherPants attractive]] Pyramid Head.
** Heather Mason, of ''VideoGame/SilentHill3'', [[IJustWantToBeNormal just wants to be normal]]. However, she's fully capable of shooting, stabbing, and bludgeoning any ugly demon that gets between her and her dad, and later goes off on a {{Determinator}}-style RoaringRampageOfRevenge to take down [[spoiler: Harry's killers]]. Plus, she's also a MagicalGirl!
* This troper loves a lot of characters from ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}''. However, second to none is mistress Yuyuko Saigyouji, queen of the Netherworld. Had a tragic, horrible life while she was alive, ending up with a possessed tree killing her... but in death, instead of letting her sadness overcome her and turn her into a wandering ghost, she has not only become the Queen of the Dead, but she's also become a kind, cheery, ditzy spirit who makes use of the most laugh-inducing ObfuscatingStupidity since forever, who nonetheless acts as a wise Zen master to the whole Netherworld.
** Seconded, although Yukari Yakumo is my absolute favourite. It doesn't help that both of her themes are ear worms that are [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic absolutely amazing.]] But even if her theme wasn't playing if I met her, I would be absolutely in awe, and I would actually LOVE it if she [[ImTakingHerHomeWithMe spirited me away!]] Ah...Yukari-sama...
** [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Flandre]] [[PersonOfMassDestruction EPIC]] [[AxCrazy Scarlet.]] Enough said. Call her overrated, I don't give a damn. Her power is the most badass power that can exist on the planet. [[PersonOfMassDestruction Destruction of Everything and Anything]], guys, no saving throw. She's got a [[{{BFS}} massive]] flame sword. She can [[DoppelgangerAttack summon copies of herself]]. She can turn invisible. She can [[BulletHell flood the screen with a thousand bullets and then some more]]. Flandre is ALSO one of the most complex characters out there, described as murderously insane and yet she never even makes any attempt to flee from her basement or blow the protagonists up with her full deadly power. And did I mention how much of a [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds woobie]] she is? Her story frankly is quite tragic. Seriously, she's a little girl who's been locked up inside a basement for 495 years and will probably be for the rest of her life. Because she has a gift that has become her curse, and anything around her is bound to explode. A little girl who knows nothing of the outside world, going insane from being locked up for so long... or was she already? Frankly, I doubt it. To add insult to injury, her jailor is HER OWN SISTER. How unfair and how cruel, for this poor little girl to stay forever locked up inside a basement while said sister lives a dream life, cuddled and spoiled. Oh Flandre, of every and any death, I would take one inflicted by you, o Greatest of All Vampires, as long as my death brings this childlike playful enjoyment to you, Great Destroyer of Anything that Exists. As long as before I explode and turn into ashes that the wind will disperse, I get to see your smile, a happy smile of a happy little girl. (And she's got a catchy theme, and her remixes even more so. Except for that one that shall not be named.)
** Cirno. I love her with all the fibers of my being. Why? Is it her power over ice and cold? Is it her childlike enthusiasm? Is it because I sympathize with her, seeing how everyone in Gensokyo mistreats the poor girl and laughs at her? Is it her lovely little wings? It's all of that.
** Rumia. The one true villain of Touhou. I firmly believe in the existance of [[SuperpoweredEvilSide EX Rumia]] and that if said side was unleashed, Gensokyo would pay dearly and drown in darkness and blood. Rumia is everything a true youkai should be.
** Mokou. She's arguably quite insane. She's a pyro. She uses flame danmaku and appears to either be possessed by a phoenix or the living embodiment of one. Her theme music is kickass. And her backstory is tragic in its own way--want to avenge your father? Drink an elixir that will make you immortal. Target of your revenge goes missing? Spend 700 years being shunned by society for being ageless. Her relationship with Keine is cute, to add.
** The PC-98 characters need far more recognition. Heck, the girls from Highly Responsive to Prayers alone are awesome. More specifically, Konngara and [[OurGhostsAreDifferent Mima]]. Along with [[CloudCuckoolander Kotohime]] who fancies herself a policeman.
** Two words: [[AllLovingHero Byakuren. Hijiri.]] She's the TRUE hero of Gensokyo: a BadassPacifist extraordinaire, she gave up her humanity and in the end got executed and exiled in Makai for over a millennium NOT because she wanted power, but because she wanted to allow peaceful coexistence between humans and Youkai. She even managed to save the ghost of a drowned girl from the curse that forced her to hate humans and drowning them, allowing her to become the most badass ship captain of Gensokyo. I love her way of thinking, because she isn't a cynical utilitarian of the "save the most you can with the most obvious solution and let all the others die" nor an ineffective WideEyedIdealist, but a person who is more than willing [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight to defy common prejudice and even the laws of magic]] to save a poor soul who everyone thought to be irredeemable, all this without ever expecting personal gain and instead [[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished suffering the horrifying consequences]]. Also the OffscreenCharacterDevelopement is very good, and it makes her more believable and human. [[{{Tropers/Timeskipper}} This troper]] isn't particularly prone to fanboying, but for Hijiri-sama he gladly makes an ecception.
** How has no one mentioned Koishi Komeiji yet? She's so beloved that she managed to beat Reimu and Marisa in the popularity polls one year- and for good reason! She has an extremely intriguing backstory and ability- because her species is discriminated against for their mind-reading abilities, she closed her mind-reading third eye, and this made her unable to read anyone's mind, not even her own- essentially, she never thinks and acts on impulse alone. That's a cool and interesting concept, and her ability to manipulate the subconscious is also a very interesting ability that she can use for so many different things. On top of that, Koishi is cute as a button, and that, combined with the hatred she faced in her backstory, just makes you want to hug her. Finally, Koishi is one of the most powerful characters in Touhou, offering a fun and challenging boss fight in her debut game, and her playstyle in the fighting games is very unique and fun to mess around with). All in all, this Troper loves Koishi with all her heart.
* Irritated Statement: [[VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic HK-47]] finds his lack of inclusion to be disturbing, meatbags.
** Canderous Ordo. What Karen Traviss tried, Creator/BioWare managed to do. With him, you can ''see'' how the Mandalorians think, and how their code of honor and conduct are ''very'' different from the Republic's. But you can also see the logic behind that code and why it would be a necessary ideal to hold in the harsh environments they tend to settle in, and how they have to keep their relative neutrality as {{Muggles}} in a galaxy dominated by the wizards and their proxies.
** Juhani: First Gay character in [=BioWare=]. First gay character in Star Wars. But even though that's what she's est known for? It's such a small part of her character. She has ''every'' reason and many natural inclinations that would make her an incredible Sith. She has a lot of justified rage, a tragic background, escaped slavery, crawled her way out of poverty, was inspired by Revan to pursue The Force...and you'd think that ''"peace is a lie, there is only passion"'' would be the route she'd take. But no. Even though it is an ''incredibly'' hard path for her, she chooses ''"there is no emotion; there is peace"'' over and over again. Sure, she had a slip after injuring her master, but she chose to exile herself, not join the enemy. At every opportunity she gets after joining the party, she ''proves'' that the Jedi Code is not just empty words said by sheltered clerics, but a tough path that one has to choose over and over again for the greater good.
** Thank you Masters Uthar Wynn and Yuthura Ban for doing more to explain the Sith in six minutes than Lucas bothered with in six films.
** Kreia's take on the force is refreshing, to say the least. She's certainly a divisive character, but she's got interesting views on pretty much everything, has an interesting backstory ''and'' kicks as much ass as people a third her age. So she's lost both her hands? No problem, she'll telekinetically control ''three'' lightsabers to take you on. Then there is also the fact that, no matter what you do in the game, she (arguably) wins.
* The Apeture Science Enrichment Centre admonishes this wiki for neglecting to add [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} GLaDOS]] to this list, and regrets to inform you that you will be... missed!
** Majorly seconded. Never have I felt such an odd attachment to a sociopathic AI who spends most of the game trying to murder me. Something about her calm, almost soothing voice and [[BlackComedy pitch-black humor]] makes [=GLaDOS=] unforgettably awesome. She's frigid, sadistic, immature, sarcastic and '''[[AxeCrazy batshit crazy]]''', but inexplicably makes us love her for it.
** MAJORLY thirded!!! I haven't even ''played'' the game and I love her! She's just ''such'' a DeadpanSnarker with an ''hilarious'' BlackComedy attitude! I also love her monotone voice! Ellen did an AMAZING job preforming her!
** [[MemeticMutation SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!]] Oh, Space Core, how I love you and your nutty obsession with space. <3
** Wheatley! He was pretty endearing at the start, what with him being so lovably dumb and all... I was absolutely crushed when [[spoiler: he did a FaceHeelTurn]], but he was still oh so funny to listen to. And TheStinger, where [[spoiler: all he wants to do is apologise to Chell, which is now impossible due to him being stuck in space]], was the TearJerker to end all Tear Jerkers in my opinion.
** MAJORLY seconded on Wheats. His [[spoiler: betrayal]] was a ''massive'' PlayerPunch for me and I was just broken, holy cheese. And I'm a sucker for all things {{Adorkable}}, which Wheatley certainly fits. But even as [[spoiler: a villain]], he manages to still be charming. Even when throwing insults at me. Yes. It helps that I'm a Creator/StephenMerchant fangirl.
* [[VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia Yuri Lowell]] simply oozes cool. The epitome of ChaoticGood, and an overall kind, caring, and sensible guy who stands up for his [[TrueCompanions friends]] [[{{Determinator}} No matter what.]] And he tops it all off with an awesome [[DeadpanSnarker sense of humor]] and crazy sword skills.
** Estelle. Man, she is just so {{Moe}}. She's [[GeniusDitz smart and naive]], TheHeart, and you just want to [[ImTakingHerHomeWithMe take her home with you, because she'd be the cutest sister ever.]] This and she's a total [[BadassAdorable badass]] [[TheWoobie woobie]] that you just want to hug. You'd think she'd be SickeninglySweet, but she isn't at all, because she's so genuinely [[CuteBruiser sweet and awesome]] and wants to [[AllLovingHero help everyone]], even if it means [[spoiler:TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt.]]
* [[VideoGame/JakAndDaxter Jak. Just Jak.]] It's a testament to Creator/NaughtyDog's awesomeness that they can take a HeroicMime and turn him into a badass AntiHero with a SuperpoweredEvilSide and enough snark (and [[{{BFG}} heavy weaponry]]) to save the world over and over and over and over again.
* [[VideoGame/WarioLand Wario]]. He can destroy solid rock with his shoulder. He doesn't lose health or die upon being set on fire or squashed flat...he uses his new status to solve puzzles. His goal is not to save the world (although he has a few times), but simply to loot whatever cash he can find. How is that not awesome?
** It's not not awesome. Wario defines badass. He's [[SuperStrength super strong]], [[MadeOfIron super durable]] and a [[MoneyFetish greedy bastard]] who cares only about himself. [[PunctuatedForEmphasis That's. AWESOME]]
*** Why are we just talking about Wario? The entire ''VideoGame/WarioWare'' cast is super lovable! I want to get a grouphug from them, I love them all that much! There are a few that stand out to me- I have a strange affection for Fronk and how he manages to have the most braincells of the entire Volt clan despite being, well, what he is; 18-Volt is, despite appearances, a downright sweetheart; Orbulon is such a mess and I love him; Jimmy T- well, who can resist someone who canonically loves cats?!- but they're all just... so good.
* ''VideoGame/NoMoreHeroes'': Travis Touchdown, for being able to combine badass and [[YouSuck pathetic]]. Hilariously so.
* Yuri from ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''. His design alone makes him one of the most interesting characters in an RTS, but when you add the acting... * shivers*
** How can you bring up ''Command And Conquer'' without mentioning [[MagnificentBastard Kane]] from the ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerTiberianSeries''? Aside from being the [[LargeHam largest ham]] in videogaming, he's brilliantly acted, clever, manipulative, cunning, deceptive, and in general the single most awesome faction commander in any RTS.
** What makes Kane so great is that he's so damn ''charismatic''. Right from his first appearance, he's threatening you by reminding you that he's basically framed you and all of GDI for a massacre that never happened. How did most players react? By basically saying, "Damn, this guy is awesome!" ''Nothing'' stops him, not his underlings trying to kill him, ion cannon blasts, a fucking ''pipe through the chest'' isn't enough. It's true what he says: You can't kill the Messiah.
** Don't forget the gloriously bonkers [[BoisterousBruiser Premier Romanov]] from ''Red Alert 2''. He's just ''fun''.
* Oh, ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'', what fun characters you have.... Morte, in all his snarkiness, is absolutely amazing, Annah is an awesome epitome of HotBlooded, Dakkon and his devotion to the religion a past incarnation of yours made up, Fall-from-Grace for making the Brothel for the Slaking of Intellectual Lusts and for staring down the Transcendent One without even considering running, Nodrom for being a chaotic modron voiced by Dan Castellenata, the ratsie salesman because I just like him, and depending on whether or not you take a high intelligence and wisdom and achieve the best ending, the Nameless One himself.
** And this troper would like to give a mention to Ravel Puzzlewell. She didn't appear for very long in the game, but even with her rather short appearance[[spoiler:s]], she managed to be well-portrayed as a complex, multifaceted character. Her last dialog as [[spoiler:Mebbeth]] is a poignant TearJerker and one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the game. It's not difficult to understand why Ravel is the favorite of creator, Creator/ChrisAvellone.
* [[VideoGame/FirstEncounterAssaultRecon Alma]]. She's [[UnstoppableRage angry]]. She's [[AxeCrazy brutal]]. She's [[RoaringRampageOfRevenge indiscriminate]]. She's [[NightmareFuel pants-browningly terrifying]]. She's [[spoiler: a certified rapist.]] Yet ''somehow'', despite ''all of that,'' she remains a [[TheWoobie beautifully tragic character]] that you can't help but either feel sorry for, or [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds just want to flee from as fast as your legs can carry you.]]
* [[Franchise/{{Metroid}} Samus freaking Aran]], Nintendo's single most badass protagonist. Not only are her games just plain fun, the Hunter herself has some fascinating brainmeats to poke at, given [[DoomedHometown all]] [[RaisedByNatives she's]] [[MamaBear been]] [[NiceJobBreakingItHero through]]. Plus, you know. She blows up Space Pirates and doesn't afraid of anything.
** ''Especially'' awesome is that in all the years we've [[SamusIsAGirl known her not-secret]], she's never once stooped to being MsFanservice or the YouGoGirl. Well, OK. ''Maybe'' MsFanservice [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBros once or twice.]] But the skirting (sorry) of the tired "just-as-good-as-the-boys" plot is pretty freakin' sweet too. ''That's just how good she is.'' Plus, given her team-up with Pikachu and cameos in the Kirby series, she apparently loves small adorable creatures too.
** While we're doing all this personal gushing, I'd like to take a moment to point out the implications of Samus' character. She was violently removed from a normal family setting at a young age, bound eternally to alien technologies, brought up by an ancient race of cosmic demi-gods and has seldom been known to speak. Think about where this all leads; there's absolutely no way someone can have normal, human psychology under those circumstances. Samus is, for all intents and purposes, alien in both physical and psychological aspects. She's an eternal outsider with a bone to pick with Ridley... but even if she ever kills him for good, she'll realize that nothing will bring back the life that could've been; the love she could have enjoyed from parents, siblings, friends and a good man upon growing up. She's very much a [[KnightInSourArmor fallen human, made cosmic angel]].
*** This troper would like to congratulate the above troper for putting into words so very eloquently her own feelings about Samus. You nailed it precisely. Actually, this is exactly why this troper ships Samus so hard with [[VideoGame/MetalGear Solid Snake]] ever since SSBB; having learned so much about the two characters, she's concluded that they would honestly be a perfect match because they might just be able to heal each other to some extent.
** Usually when a game [[CharacterDerailment derails someone's characterization]], a minority of fans will rail against it but if the [[JustHereForGodzilla game is fun enough]], the majority won't ask any questions and take the new characterization as canon, especially when it comes from WordOfGod. When ''VideoGame/MetroidOtherM'' did this, a majority of fans outright ''rejected the whole game'' to the point that it's at a tipping point of becoming CanonDiscontinuity. This is despite the game (arguably) having great gameplay and a good story when taken on its own. That's how much gamers love Samus.
** Rundas from Prime 3 is the epitome of OneSceneWonder. He manages to be a huge showoff as well as a bit egotistical while still sounding badass and likable. This troper considers his eventual [[spoiler: corruption and subsequent death]] to be a huge epic fail on the part of the staff.
** Ridley's one of the most [[BestBossEver fun]], [[ThatOneBoss difficult]], and badass bosses in video game history. Almost all bosses in the ''Metroid'' series involve exploiting some sort of weakness to deal massive damage; a battle against Ridley generally boils down to unloading everything you've got in the hopes that you'll destroy him before he destroys you. The tension and anxiety when battling him can be found in no other boss in the series...and he's one of the few [[BigBad BigBads]] that I know of who ''doesn't communicate with his ArchNemesis at all!'' Ridley's actions speak louder than his (non-existent) words, and it's interesting to examine his actions and what the Space Pirates say about him to determine his motives and personality.
*** Seconded so hard. Ridley is one of the most memorable boss fights in game history, due to him being ridiculously hard and having an infectious, amazing {{Leitmotif}} to go with it. He's a very special case of a boss fight where said boss has no weakness or tactic - you just have to beat the hell out of him as he does the same to you. Even in the ''Metroid'' [[Manga/{{Metroid}} manga]] he's an incredible character, defying any and all softness, cunning or mystery that most Nintendo villains have. Ridley is '''''evil'''''. Not silly, not tactical, not mysterious. Pure, cruel, sadistic, vehement, unrepentant '''evil''', thoroughly enjoying his slaughters and pillages and relishing in the deaths he caused even years later, taunting Samus about how he devoured her mother, who he inadvertently killed, to have his cells live. A violent, burning hatred toward all living things, driven by a desire to kill everything in sight as slowly and miserably as possible. Samus is as good as Ridley as evil - the best kind of antagonistic relationship. Ridley is so threatening of an antagonist in fact, that the manual of ''Zero Mission'' gave him the nickname that will live with him forever: '''''The Cunning God Of Death!'''''
--->''In battle, nature sides with the strong! You shall realize just how worthless your ideals and such are!! '''AHAHAHAHAHA!!!'''''
* ''VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}}'':
** Arcueid Brunestud, FriendlyNeighborhoodVampire princess with a mischievous streak, a happy-go-lucky demeanor and a contagious smile, who can nonetheless be incredibly badass and wipe the floor with anyone who threatens her Shiki, be them [[EnemyWithout bodiless phenomenons]] and {{Jerkass}} {{Social Darwinist}}s in a golden armor. The best of friends, the worst of enemies!
** Ciel, sweet and patient sempai by day, brilliant and ruthless ChurchMilitant assassin by night. A very convoluted character, with a tragic backstory, an incredibly cool BFG, and an hilarious obsession with curry... and besides which, her quarrels with Arcueid are always a riot!
** Akiha Tohno, the protagonist's [[spoiler:adopted]] sister, combines elements of the ClingyJealousGirl, the JerkWithAHeartOfGold, the [[CoolBigSis protective and loving sibling]], TheOjou and TheWoobie in one of the best {{Tsundere}} characters Nasu Kinoko has ever created. You go, Akiha!
** And, of course, we cannot forget about Satsuki Yumizuka, the UnluckyChildhoodFriend VampireRefugee with a huge streak of bad luck combined with [[SuperpowerLottery tremendous powers]] she didn't even realize she has. Few other character can be so funny, cute, moving and admirable at the same time. Oh, and let's not forget, she's one of the founding members of the ever-vigilant "Back Alley Alliance"!
** Tohno/[[SuperPoweredEvilSide Nanaya]] Shiki may forever be forgotten by the Nasuverse fandom because [[MostGamersAreMale he has a penis]] and is [[OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent the supposedly normal]] male lead. But this guy displays a strength and courage that allows him to fight through the consequences of his powers. Unlike many characters of his ilk, his special power actually comes with a hefty toll on his body that affects him in ways most writers would never dare to subject their beloved characters to. He's victim of circumstances that has force everyone before him to compromise their moral fiber. Shiki instead stands up to his demons and weakness and defies the odds placed against him like a pro. [[TheQuietOne A self proclaimed loner]] unafraid of death despite it's constant presence Shiki [[BadassCreed will show you what it means to kill someone.]]
* Gilgamesh from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'' is undoubtedly the most memorable character from that game, being as hilariously pathetic as many iconic cartoon villains. The GBA translation only makes his character better with lines emphasizing his comical nature and awesomely cheesy TV references. The only letdown about him is Square's insistence on milking him for all he's worth with cameo appearances, but Square always does that kind of PanderingToTheBase.
* Jade from ''VideoGame/BeyondGoodAndEvil.'' Caring and badass.
** Let's get specific: [[FriendToAllChildren Loves kids]], is sweet and motherly, affectionate and friendly, and tries to help everyone possible... Also, capable of killing aliens, brave enough to infiltrate their headquarters just to take pictures, and capable of taking out fully armed guards ''[[WithThisHerring with a stick.]]'' Also a capable shot with a laser canon and a pretty good racer, as well. If a guy strong enough to ''break steel [[UseYourHead with his head]]'' says he'd be afraid to face her in battle, well...
* [[VideoGame/TheLastRemnant "I'll make you remember the name Emma Honeywell!"]]
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'': Tifa Lockhart. Sweet, smart, beautiful, and capable of kicking your butt from here to kingdom come.
*** Don't forget selfless. Could ''you'' sincerely thank an old rival for watching over the guy you love? Tifa does without thinking twice near the end of Advent Children. Gotta love her. (And see Aerith below for how much you gotta love said rival.)
*** Well, they technically ''were'' friends as well as rivals-in-love, so thanking her would be easier considering that, but still, doesn't change the fact that Tifa often puts other people ahead of herself.
*** Thanks for the correction; poor phrasing on my part.
*** Loyal, sensitive, and brave.
** I far prefer Aerith for being just so [[PluckyGirl spirited]] and beautiful but has no interest in the fandom's [[ShipToShipCombat Ship War]] and love Tifa too.
*** Forgiving rate a mention?
---> I let you die.
---> Dilly dally, shilly shally.
*** Plus playing Mama to Kadaj, who [[spoiler: is pretty much the guy who killed her.]]
*** Gentle, sympathetic, and encouraging.
** No love for Cloud? Sure he may be a bit angsty at times, but go through what he has, and you'd probably angst too. All that aside, he's still completely charming and {{adorkable}}, not to mention extremely handsome.
*** Seconded. Yes, the guy is angsty, but he has extreme psychological issues and by all rights should have some kind of [[ThereAreNoTherapists professional help]]. However, the beauty of this is that he [[CharacterDevelopment overcomes it]] and moves on.
** Let's face it: Rufus Shinra has ''always'' been badass. He first appeared as the new President, determined to rule through the (cheaper) fear and siccing his ''pet panther'' on you while chucking grenades and firing his shotgun one-handed. He survived a point-blank blast from the Diamond Weapon, only to return with his loyal core Turks as TheAtoner. Despite a crippling illness, Rufus plays Kadaj and the other Sephiroth clones like the [=ShinRa=] Corp. theme-song, coming out of it with his Geo-Stigma gone and in a prime position to reclaim his company and make amends. He. IS. '''BADASS'''. Also, he's got a white BadassLongcoat.
** Also, while Sephiroth's popularity [[SpotlightStealingSquad has gotten annoying in post-game merchandise]], he damn well ''earned'' that popularity. Uber-cool in style and fricking ''terrifying'' in much of his villainous substance, Sephiroth is one of the best video game [[BigBad Big Bads]] ever. The [[BrokenBase Sephiroth vs. Kefka debaters]] can suck it; they're ''both'' awesome villains.
** Zack Fair anyone?
*** Talk about being adorkable! He's brave, heroic, honest, a friend loyal unto death (and beyond). He manages to make friends everywhere he goes, Turks included. He even causes pre-Nibelheim Sephiroth to act indulgent. Seriously, he's a big lovable playful puppy. Who cares if he can kill off a big honking chunk of the Shinra Army, defeat the likes of Genesis and Angeal, and manage to stand up (if only briefly) to Sephiroth? He's still prime glomp material.
** Shout-outs need to go to members of the [[DemotedToExtra supporting cast]] as well:
*** [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Captain Cid Highwind,]] I salute your symbol-spouting goodness! You live in a world where magic and Materia could take care of any problem on the planet and you still stand up for science, technology, and human progress. An idealist in cynic clothing.
*** [[TeamDad Barret Wallace,]] you are insanely cooler than you get credit for. Square could have just left you at the TokenBlackGuy level of development, but they added in some WellIntentionedExtremist cred and then gave you [[PapaWolf a daughter to get all macho and protective over.]] And it made you awesome.
*** [[IntellectualAnimal Red XIII]], you are truly a great warrior and wise and mature beyond your years. Your father (and grandfather) would be proud.
*** [[LoveableRogue Yuffie Kisragi,]] you may have pulled that WutaiTheft, but the laughs you provided afterwards, not to mention your ability to become a surprisingly powerful party member, definitely [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap rescued you from the scrappy heap.]]
*** This Troper still thinks Yuffie is awesome and the Internet can't tell me different.
*** There shouldn't be anything different to tell you. Yuffie IS awesome.
* [[VideoGame/GearsOfWar Carmine]] is the ultimate RedShirt! Just as loveable as he is green, Carmine is immortalized as a huge fan favorite of the ''Gears'' series.
** WHOA WHOA! BABY! Can't forget about the [[LargeHam COLE TRAIN!]] [[MemeticMutation "The Cole Train Runs on Whole Grain, Baby! WHOO]]
* [[Franchise/ResidentEvil Leon S. Kennedy]], specifically in Resident Evil 4. He's an all grown up emo-kid who manages to be a complete badass while making horrible jokes about the antagonists. The [[spoiler: Gangster Outfit]] unlockable just makes him even more awesome.
* This troper wishes [[VideoGame/AnimalCrossing Kapp'n]] was ''her'' bus driver. Sure, he's a bit of a DirtyOldMan, but he's always good conversation, he's got plenty of compliments and advice to dish out, and he's so warm-hearted and friendly. Who knows! Maybe, if you bribe him with a cucumber float, he'll sing you one of his patented, extremely catchy sea chanties.
** K. K. Slider may be the coolest guitar-playing dog that there will ever be. This Troper actually tears up whenever he hears anything from his astonishing repertoire, and he's never even played an ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'' game..
** Isabelle may be a good and hardworking assistant, and she talks about her missing sock and all that during her morning announcements, but I think that she's a cute doggy!
* I'm gonna go ahead and throw in most of the main characters from ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia''.
** Kratos Aurion, anyone?
** Genis Sage is an amazing character. He's a 12 year old, partially self-trained mage, who has one of the largest spell repetoires in Tales history, and having an awesomely developed characterization.
** Genis' older sister Raine, who not only taught him everything he knows, but [[PromotionToParent raised him since he was a baby]] and [[ParentalAbandonment their parents abandoned them]]. [[FantasticRacism In a world that hated their race.]] When Raine was ''eleven''. The fact that they're both alive, reasonably free of racial prejudice, healthy and well-educated is nothing short of amazing, and a tremendous testament to Raine's strength.
** Especially after writing extensive FanFic for him, this troper is deeply fond of Yuan. He's a wonderfully snarky ManipulativeBastard from the moment you meet him, but it's not until you get deeper into the game, and then even deeper into analysis of his past, that it becomes clear just how tragic his life is, and how strong he had to be to accomplish everything he did.
*** Seconded! I loved him most from the second he appeared. He is just so wonderfully snarky~
** Presea. CuteBruiser, EmotionlessGirl, and gets pretty good development! Not only is she a strong fighter, but she's so adorable, and kind despite being previously unwillingly submitted to experimentation.
** [[HandsomeLech Zelos]] should be here, please and thank you. If you just play through the game neglecting his relationship values, he's simply ''hilarious,'' versatile in battle, and depending on your ending either [[spoiler: and evil manipulative bastard who still comes across as tragic, or a slick GuileHero who [[BigDamnHeroes saves you at the last minute.]]]] If you go the extra mile and make him your soulmate? Oh. Boy. Be prepared to get hit with a truck full of CharacterDevelopment. Somehow, without it feeling disorganized or incongruous, Zelos can nearly break your heart - and then offer you a lifetime of complementary tickets to his harem.
** Lloyd Irving!!! One of the most adorkable RPG protagonists ever, and so endearingly heroic at the same time. No matter how much shit keeps happening in the game, he never ''once'' loses sight of his ideals and fights like a bat out of hell to see them accomplished. He may be HotBlooded, but he's not overly so like most male leads - he just won't ''ever'' give up on making things right with the two worlds and [[BewareTheNiceOnes Martel help you if you harm a living thing in his presence]]. On top of all that, he's such a sincerely NiceGuy who can just make you smile. You know what? I'll take him over Zelos, thanks.
** Sheena Fujibayashi. First of all, good lord she's hot. But more than just that; she's a tough, no-nonsense fighter who kicks ass and takes names. She's ''so'' cool, but at the same time she's so... ''[[NiceGirl genuine]]''. You get the feeling like you could just walk up to her and have a wonderful conversation with her and be her friend. Like Lloyd, she never gives up on her ideals and will fight to her last breath to protect her fellow man. Sheena is a true hero, enough said.
** Mithos is one of the most heartbreakingly complex antagonists ''ever'' (I'm reluctant to even call him a villain). He's done horrible things to both worlds, and ''everyone'' in your party has suffered in some way as a result of his actions... but he's also been a victim of horrible prejudice his whole life, a lonely kid who just wants to be with his sister again... and he's not that different from Lloyd ''or'' Genis, to the point that they still consider him a friend to the very end, even yelling and pleading with him to stop what he's doing ''during the final boss fight.'' *sniff*
* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX Zidane]] is everything this troper loves in a videogame protagonist, who is confident without being arrogant, flirty without being lechy (much), and becomes a positive influence in all the lives of his friends by his good heart and kind character. He's the guy who has a hilarious Big Brother moment with Vivi by them peeing together under the stars and escapes from a forgotten continent and travels for almost a year just to get back to the [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments girl he loves]].
** Agreed a hundred times over. And while we're at it, Beatrix! If only it had been her instead of Quina, Eiko or Amarant as the eight permanent party member!
** Let's be honest: We've seen the RebelliousPrincess a hundred times. What makes Garnet different? Well, she spent half the game running from her fractured past... and the other half putting it, and her kingdom, back together. She tames the most powerful Summons who obeyed her dead people, she forgives the adopted mother who lies to her and descends into madness, and over the course of the game she matures from an uncertain girl to a Queenly woman. And even so, she never forgets Zidane... <3
** Vivi. Just...Vivi.
** No love for Freya? SHAME!
** Steiner, who goes from the main source of comic relief, often irritatingly so, to a real honest-to-goodness knight who pulled this troper through alot of battles.
* ''Videogame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade:''
** Wallace. So what if he's not the best unit gameplay-wise? From a story perspective he's a badass LargeHam and nothing short of epic.
** Who could forget Hector and Matthew? Definitely the two characters that carried me through that game.
** Then there is Nino, a PluckyGirl/mage who outscores the ''main characters'' in some popularity polls
** Also: Oswin. Partly because he's a serious, loyal character with a nice story arc, but also because he was single handedly the solution to most tactical problems. "Oh shit, forty guys attacking at once, what do I do?" "''Oswin''."
** Let's not forget Lucius! Orphaned at an early age, suffered through a long, hard childhood, being teased about looking like a girl...and still remains the most upbeat, faithful, and reverent character in the game. And also a one monk crazy dodging army.
** Florina! She's an adorable epitome of {{Moe}}.
** This Troper is surprised Lyndis hasn't been mentioned yet. Hector is truly beastly, yes. But from story to character to stats, Lyndis has it all. A Swordmaster in Lord form with the added bonus of bows upon promotion and probably the coolest critical animation to date. She's also technically been with the player the longest, from chapter one to endgame it's Lyndis. She's loyal, pretty, strong of heart, and just great.
* ''Videogame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones:''
** Joshua. [[spoiler:A prince who declined the life of royalty]], became a honorable mercenary with a thing for kind-faced women and gambling, has some shared background with [[ManipulativeBastard Caellach]], and has [[{{Bishounen}} long, blood-red hair]] underneath one of the sleekest hats to have ever graced the series? ''Spectacular''.
** Innes, the imperious JerkWithAHeartOfGold.
* ''Videogame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' and ''Videogame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn:''
** Ike from ''Path of Radiance''. Trying his best to lead his team to victory, protecting the ones he loves most, giving encouragement to those who are low in esteem, and just has a heart of gold.
*** Don't forget [[MemeticMutation fighting for his friends.]]
** Shinon. A DeadpanSnarker Archer who manages to be a lovable character even while being a JerkAss (hell, ''especially'' when being a JerkAss). And at one very memorable moment in Path of Radiance, he gets drunk and HilarityEnsues. In Radiant Dawn, especially, he can also back up his claims of being the best...to the point where those debating CharacterTiers ''unanimously'' consider him the best archer in the game, and the question has become "Is Shinon the best archer in the Franchise/FireEmblem ''series''? Discuss."
** Who cares if Aran only got a small part? He still has one of the most interesting backstories in Radiant Dawn, his conversations with Laura are the funniest part of the game, and together they can take on half the map with no problems.
** I dunno... The 3-13 archer is definitely up there...
** Naesala. Pretty much the epitome of a MagnificentBastard, to the point that this troper believes said trope could be renamed The Naesala with no loss whatsoever. At one point in Path of Radiance, he literally [[spoiler:sells his best friend. To a slave trader. And the very next time the two meet, Naesala ''regains his trust''. He's just That. [[PrecisionFStrike Fucking]]. Good.]]
** ''Mist''. A PluckyGirl who recovers from [[spoiler: the death of her father]] and learns to cope with the demands of the battlefield just so she can help her friends and her loved ones. Even when [[spoiler: the effects of the medallion in ''Radiant Dawn'' are making her sick, she refuses to sit out because she doesn't want to be somewhere else in case the worst happens]].
** Micaiah is one of the most deeply and beautifully flawed heroines in any game. Sure, the writers dropped the ball in some places but you can still get a feeling of all she has on her shoulders and the fact that even though her decisions are the epitome of bad, ''she'' believes they're good.
** Elincia. She goes from a naive, frightened runaway princess to a competent and badass queen. Even the challenges she faces in ''Radiant Dawn'' can't break her spirit.
** What, no mention of the sweet country girl Nephenee? Starts out as a scared rookie captured by Daein, and odds are with a few bonus exp levels, she starts holding her own and rapidly becomes a badass lancer fully capable of taking out dragons in 'Radiant Dawn'. She's a self-conscious, quiet farm girl that just wants to help her friends and family, and slowly starts believing in herself a bit. Just a complete cutie that this troper's favorite character.
** Rhys is the most endearing guy ''ever.'' He's an extremely kind and gentle NiceGuy who, in his supports with Rolf, mentions that he sometimes feels like TheLoad of the Greil Mercenaries due to his [[DelicateAndSickly weak constitution and frequent illnesses]] as well as him being a NonActionGuy, to the point that he considers ''leaving'' the company as to not be a burden. He even tries to hide his illness so that others don't worry about him (and thankfully Rolf snaps him out of this line of thinking). His supports with Ulki turn the adorable factor up to eleven, when he says that due to the fact that he was often bedridden as a child, he couldn't play outside with others and instead dreamed of soaring through the sky, free as a bird, and he's got an almost childlike enthusiasm and excitement about it. At the end of the support, he decides that he'll lose a little weight so that Ulki will be able to carry him on his back in hawk form. So cute!
** Soren is by far one of the most interesting characters in the Tellius subseries. He's a [[BrutalHonesty straightforward, pragmatic]] and badass [[TheStrategist strategist]] who doesn't waste time or words. But over the series, he goes through the process of DefrostingIceKing as his relationship with Ike is expanded upon. That same relationship is one of the sweetest and deepest relationships in the series - Soren spent much of his childhood being ignored or otherwise bullied by everyone he came across due to his status as a [[HalfHumanHybrid Branded]], only for a young Ike to save Soren from starvation and become his OnlyFriend and the most important person in his life, and the only person Soren shows a caring side to. Even after Soren ''breaks down in tears'' after telling Ike that he is Branded, Ike couldn't care less, and gives him a CooldownHug. Add in the fact that [[spoiler:he's a HeroicBastard who cares nothing about his lineage]], and you've got a very cool and interesting mage.
** Kieran could be the walking, talking poster child of SugarWiki/FunnyMoments in the Tellius games. He's loud, dramatic, and bombastic, as well as more than a little bit [[CloudCuckooLander strange]]. He's a guy who considers the blade of an ''axe'' he accidentally buried in his head to be JustAFleshWound, and goes on about [[NoodleIncident fighting giant scorpions and crocodiles]]. His relationship with his good friend Oscar takes all of his traits up to eleven, when he calls him things like "Squinty-eyed Coward" and "treacherous knave," while in the end showing that he's more than a strange and loud guy, where he reveals that he was heartbroken after Oscar left the Crimean Knights to care for his younger brothers after their father passed away.
** Gatrie, for providing some of the Tellius series' funniest moments, as well as being [[LightningBruiser complete and utter badass]] at the same time that he's a dorky and [[ButtMonkey sometimes unlucky]] goofball. Gatrie is one-half of the hilarious VitriolicBestBuds duo with himself and Shinon, and gave us such great moments as the [[TheCasanova "tree in a skirt"]] line, the "because...wolves" line, and the "Brain Stones" moment, and then it's revealed in a hilarious subversion that he's ''aware'' that he's SuperGullible...and thinks that it makes him charming. That it does, Gatrie. That it does.
* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'' is full of characters that deserve love, especially as you listen to their A and S supports with each other. Especially all the sons and daughters that [[spoiler:come from the future destroyed by Grima]]. These characters [[spoiler:had to learn how to survive without their parents, and each has their own coping mechanism.]]
** Owain acts like a legendary hero and says cheesy lines all the time, talking about how his blood is the blood of heroes. [[spoiler:But when he refers to his blood, he's really referring to how he sees his mom and dad as legendary heroes.]]
** Inigo is obsessed with flirting and always being cheerful, [[spoiler:but he's only cheerful because everyone else from the future is so depressed, and he can't handle it. He also practices a dance that his mother taught him while she was still alive, but didn't get to the last half. So he practices by his mother's grave and makes up the rest of the dance, dedicating it to her.]]
** Lucina acts as the leader of everyone [[spoiler:from the future, but underneath her leadership qualities, she's really in as much pain as all the other sons and daughters.]]
** The ''relationships'' between both generations are what make this game, really. [[spoiler: Kids who were broken by the deaths of their parents get to have a second chance with them, and the ones who felt alone and abandoned get to be reassured it will never happen again. Even Morgan, who's said to have come from a different future, gets to bond with their Avatar parent and build new memories with their non-Avatar parent (and siblings, if applicable).]]
** And let's not forget to give the parents some love! Chrom may be a little thick, but he clearly grows and develops over the course of the story while still remaining human. Henry came out of a troubled backstory smiling and refusing to wallow in self-pity. Lissa grows from a pouting complainer to a girl ready to kick some ass for the team. Cherche is a YamatoNadeshiko who can be dangerous on the battlefield. Sumia has self-worth issues but still gives everything her best shot anyway. Stahl is an all-around sweet guy.
** This troper would like to single out two characters for praise. Namely, [[BadassPacifist Emmeryn]] and [[OurDragonsAreDifferent Tiki.]] Tiki for blending wisdom and compassion alongside [[ImmortalImmaturity occasional childish antics]]. And despite her being [[WhoWantsToLiveForever painfully aware of the price of her near-immortality]] she refuses to let it break her.
---> Tiki: [[MayflyDecemberRomance I know that to love another, I must watch the world move past him.]] But such short years make an eternity worth living.
** Emmeryn proves, beyond a shadow of doubt, that pacifism does not equate to weakness. And just to be clear she is not a TechnicalPacifist, she's an ActualPacifist who, despite never raising a hand against anyone, manages to be more badass than most of the cast could ever hope to be.
** Henry. He makes [[HurricaneOfPuns puns]], and gleefully murders everything in his path. Not to mention his strangely endearing fascination with BodyHorror and the Risen zombies, as well as his DarkAndTroubledPast making him more sympathetic than usual for a character of his type. And there's the fact that despite his ParentalAbandonment, he's a ''great'' father to any children he happens to have. Henry is an example of the "sociopathic character in a cast of good guys" done ''right.''
* ''Videogame/FireEmblemFates:''
** Kiragi is the most adorable, upbeat and sweet character ''ever,'' with his being a sharp contrast to his somewhat depressive and insecure father Takumi. His ability to cheer ''anyone'' up, no matter what they've gone through, should be legendary. In his supports with his father, he doesn't care that Takumi lied to him out of jealousy and fear that Kiragi would surpass him in archery skill, and instead encourages Takumi to stop selling himself short, and reminds him that he has value and talents just like everyone else.
** Xander is one of the most admirable characters in the series, if not all of a fiction. He's extremely strict and very morally upstanding with an UndyingLoyalty to his homeland and family that knows no bounds. Underneath his superficially cold and unapproachable demeanor, he's very kind and compassionate, and even a little shy. He's always there to support and encourage his friends and siblings, reminding them that they are stronger than they realize. His BackStory makes him even more admirable: He started off as TheNondescript, with no real talents, and worked hard in order to improve himself and surpass his limitations, while also being an encouraging CoolBigBro and pillar of the Nohrian royal family. His being a protective BigBrotherMentor with the Avatar is also adorable and sweet. There's a reason why [[spoiler:Xander's SuicideByCop on the ''Birthright'' path is one of the game's biggest {{Tear Jerker}}s.]]
** Niles. On the surface, he's got lots of genuinely funny, innuendo-heavy lines during his moments of being TheTease and a DeadpanSnarker, but he's got tons of HiddenDepths underneath his untrustworthy {{Troll}} surface. Grateful to Leo for rescuing him from his DespairEventHorizon, he's turned from [[DarkAndTroubledPast a thief]] to an ''extremely'' [[UndyingLoyalty loyal retainer]]. Even when he picks on a character that he thinks "doesn't know true suffering" out of jealousy, like Camilla in their supports, he's quick to backpedal and apologize when he realizes that he's wrong, and that they've suffered just as well. He reprimands his daughter Nina for her thieving behavior, and when she calls him out on the hypocrisy, he explains that he doesn't want there even being a ''chance'' for her to go through the same things he went through, because unlike him, she has other options. He's got a definite HiddenHeartOfGold, like when he recruits some of his old contacts to find Mozu's TragicKeepsake from her ruined village. Plus, there's the fact that he manages to be a badass archer [[HandicappedBadass without having binocular vision]].
** Silas is the sweetest and friendliest knight, especially in his [[UndyingLoyalty devotion]] to his ChildhoodFriend the Avatar. He was one of the very few people to keep the isolated and extremely lonely young Avatar company after they were locked away in Windmire Castle. In the supports between him and the Avatar, he reveals that he risked himself getting into big trouble by sneaking the Avatar outside of Windmire Castle's walls, just so they could experience the outside world. He went sent away as a result, and the Avatar cried over him each day, but Silas became a knight of Nohr ''just'' in the hope of one day reuniting with the Avatar. And he stands by the Avatar no matter what, even if it means betraying Nohr.
** Azama has to be one of the most hilarious characters ''bar none'' in ''Fates.'' His EstablishingCharacterMoment is one of the stand-out moments of the ''Birthright'' path, where he just cheerfully shrugs and decides to leave Setsuna stuck in quicksand because he doesn't think he's strong enough to pull her out. Azama manages to be flippant, sarcastic, and kind of an ass while making it seem, at first glance, like he's being polite and kind, with his upbeat nature and disarming smile concealing much of his insulting snark. His lighthearted, dissonant cheerful assertion that "Death comes for everyone!" whenever he kills someone in battle is hilarious. Not to mention his solo ending: [[spoiler:Because of his behavior and personality, he's reassigned to some backwater of Hoshido...and generations later he's managed to create an entire CultOfPersonality and start his own religion.]] Azama, never change. You're perfect the way you are.
** Effie is just plain cool. She's an adorable, but hulking and active Armor Knight in ''pink'' armor, with an UndyingLoyalty to Princess Elise, as well as a protective nature. She's not shy about being a OneWomanArmy when she tells people that she'll be their "shield," and she is the ''premiere'' character on ''Conquest'' mode that carries people through the game. She's strong enough to lift an entire ''tree trunk'' that the [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Wolfskin]] Keaton struggled with effortlessly. Her enormous defense and strength are ''invaluable.'' Set Effie somewhere, and she'll hold her own at the same time she's decimating the enemy. Pure awesomeness.
** While Izana's localized personality was . . . controversial, he's easily one of the most hilarious parts of ''Fates.'' With his irrepressible enthusiasm, fun-loving nature, and much more casual and silly word choice than you'd expect from ''anybody'' in ''Fire Emblem,'' let alone someone with his regal and impressive looks, he's an absolute riot to read and use.
** "Odin Dark" is one of the most fun parts of the game. Point to the person that can listen to the words "Welcome to my Fell storefront" and "Thank you for your ''dark'' business," and ''not'' crack even the smallest grin. Odin's silly enthusiasm for his ridiculous "dark and edgy Chosen One" game wraps around from stupid to awesome and then even genuinely cool. Other greatest hits include, "My darkness was darker than yours!" when he kills an enemy. His supports with his daughter Ophelia are among the most genuinely sweet and adorable supports in the game, where he shows that he's more than his silly gimmick and reassures her that she needn't feel inferior to him at all. By the end, both father and daughter are teaming up to practice their dramatic "Chosen ''Two''" angle. [[spoiler: And if you're familiar with ''Awakening,'' it's even better, considering that his whole "Odin Dark" persona is a BrickJoke from his time as Owain, where he was just as hilarious and endearing.]]
* Ahem. [[VideoGame/HalfLife Gordon Freeman]], the quintessential BadassBookworm. And the wonderfully creepy G-Man.
** Every Vortigaunt ever. Especially the All-Knowing Vortigaunt. Plus, of course, DOG.
** Don't forget Alyx. Somehow manages to be gorgeous without being a bog-standard, {{Stripperiffic}} game character.
** The Combine are among the most underrated of video game villains. They're a post-[[TheSingularity Singularity]] MultiversalConqueror [[TheEmpire Empire]] composed of millions of species of cyborg StarfishAliens commanding legions of AmbiguousRobots. How bad are they? They conquered and exterminated an entire species of psychic [[EldritchAbomination Eldritch Abominations]] and sent their mutilated leader fleeing in terror. They conquered earth in [[CurbStompBattle seven hours]] and have been in complete control for the twenty years since, making the planet a cross between [[Literature/NineteenEightyFour 1984]] and [[Literature/TheWarOfTheWorlds The War of the Worlds]]. For all the talk of Gordon Freeman as a MemeticBadass, just one of their leaders, the Advisors, rendered him helpless, and if they managed to bring their full strength down on him, there would be no hope.
** Elaborating on the G-Man, there's multiple reasons why this character who only shows up sporadically throughout the series has captured the imaginations of gamers everywhere, even if they haven't played the series: the layered and unique vocal performance that sends chills down peoples' spines, his ability to [[TheChessmaster manipulate characters and entire events]], and how he is almost always watching the player just outside of reach, all of which contributes to an enigma of a character that many players are ''dying'' to learn just a little bit more about.
* [[Franchise/DeadSpace Isaac Clarke]], because he's just that badass. Honestly, he's pretty much just [[VideoGame/HalfLife Gordon Freeman]] IN SPACE... but that's okay. He's a pro at cutting alien zombies in to tiny, tiny bits, so that makes him pretty alright in my book.
** It's not just the awesome fighting skills. In ''VideoGame/DeadSpace2'' you get to see the more human and emotional part of him. There's just something about the way, a man who was fucked over by fate once, and left with serious trauma, manages to stand up and ''do it once again''. Plus the emotional parts like [[spoiler: sending Ellie away to ensure her safety, or the scene with Nicole (If you don't fail the [[PressXToNotDie QTE]] ) ]] puts a LOT of weight and realism into his characters. He's not only a badass, he's a very realistic and determined badass.
* VideoGame/{{Gex}}! He's my favorite MascotWithAttitude next to Sonic, and one of the only ones who is genuinely cool. He is also one of the most quotable video game characters ever, and all of those quotes will be hilarious when you hear them. It helps that he's voiced by a comedian in America and the United Kingdom. The series villain, Rez, is an evil alien with a totally bad[[GoshDangItToHeck butt]] suit of metal armor and his levels give a slightly NightmareFuel -ish aptmosphere to the usually wacky series. By the way, please don't tell me that I'm the only one who would think that he would be even cooler if he was voiced by Creator/TimCurry.
* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII Balthier]]. Smarmy, cunning, and the only reason I played as far through that game as I did...
** You can't have Balthier without Fran. They're a package deal, and besides, she's a cool character in her own right. She may be MsFanservice incarnate, but that's not all she is. Complicated past, [[DeadpanSnarker great lines]], the occasional Mist-induced UnstoppableRage, and a sweet ass, all rolled into one.
* [[MemeticMutation I hate everyone]] except [[VideoGame/Left4Dead Francis]]....and vests.
** Yes! I so second that.
** Nick is my favourite example of the JerkWithAHeartOfGold of all time. He can go from 'hilariously cynical quips' to 'panicked fear' to 'desperately helping someone from dying' to 'near-weeping from the death of a survivor' and it doesn't feel contrived. I also find his growth more interesting than most arcs in actual character dramas.
** What about Louis? His [[MemeticMutation enthusiastic reaction to finding a bottle of painkillers]] is only one reason why I always pick him. He has by far the most relatable personality of the first game's cast, being a normal ActionSurvivor with no real combat experience.
* Hail [[VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia2008 Elika]], the beautiful, snarky, and utterly dependable sister-in-arms! In a world where everyone else is trying to kill you, she makes it all worth it.
* This troper nominates both [[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney Phoenix Wright]] and his eternal rival Edgeworth for being possibly the only lawyers you'll ever like. Both men don't want victory - they want justice! (It also helps that their relationship could go either way, but it still makes perfect sense whenever something happens.)
** Franziska von Karma would like you to know that you are ''ALL'' [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment foolishly foolish fools]]! And yet, this DefrostingIceQueen with the... [[FreudianExcuse ''complex'' familial relationships]] and the unerring aim? How could you resist it when she broke into tears?
** Godot, Godot, Godot. ESPECIALLY during the last section of 3-5, [[spoiler:when he's clearly torn between pride and horror at what he's done, and-and-and demanding that Maya tells the truth, and... the whole thing just makes me go bawwww. And when he says he was "moved" by Mia, my heart melts into a warm, gooey puddle.]]
*** This troper would like to offer that Godot '''redefines''' 'hot coffee'. [[spoiler:Diego Armando or not.]]
* Mia for being an interesting a deep character despite being MsFanservice. Phoenix from changing from a rookie to an expert to a cynical hobo who still doesn't give up. Godot for being a genuinely complex AntiVillain. Edgeworth for giving us gaming's most satisfying HeelFaceTurn and Pearl who manages to seem like a genuine eight year old while still being a complex character.
** How about Gumshoe? He's utterly incompetent, yes, but he tries so hard that you can't help but feel for the guy. Not to mention, any scene containing him is nothing short of ''hilarious''.
** This troper has a major crush on the utterly badass Detective Tyrell Badd.
** This troper's vote goes to Dahlia Hawthorne. Shocked? I was too, but her characterization as a villain is so flawed it's flawless. Sure, she's not effective, but ''that's what makes her brilliant.'' The little things about her give her life, from her choice of weapon to her sudden re-composure once she's found out. She tried and tried again, becoming more and more desperate and careless with each attempt and eventually being [[{{HoistByHerOwnPetard}} hoisted by her own petard]]. She also has something that some villains don't have -- resilience -- as she ''returns from the dead'' to fulfill her final wishes - even if that resulted in failure as well. Which brings me to the real reason I love her... she's living, breathing (well, not anymore, but you get the point) proof that evil is a lot of things... but mostly, EvilIsPetty.
** Edgeworth is my favorite example of [[EvenTheGuysWantHim EvenTheGuysWantHim]]/[[ClosetKey ClosetKey]], he is just so handsome and charming and cool, ARGH!
** Apollo Justice! Kind of dorky, often nervous, ComicallySerious NoRespectGuy...but he's arguably the best lawyer at the Anything Agency. He can see lies, will [[spoiler:put his mentor in jail]] without a second thought, and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking makes bad puns with his name]].
** Athena Cykes -- overcame a huge personal trauma to become a lawyer ''and'' a psychologist, gives witnesses therapy in court, and is an adorable, hyper-competitive GenkiGirl to boot. She always puts others ahead of herself and clearly cares a lot about everyone she meets. Pretty much any main ''Ace Attorney'' character deserves some gushing!
* VideoGame/ProfessorLayton. Critical thinking is the key to success... and so is sword-fighting, playing the {{MacGyver|ing}}, and never refusing the request of a beautiful lady.
** This troper also wants to get in on the Laytonlove, for all the reasons listed above plus one more. [[spoiler:He's an absolutely wonderful ''daddy''. Watch his reaction in ''Unwound Future'' when his adopted daughter is kidnapped by the BigBad -- it's the first time we ever see him get genuinely angry, as well as being obviously worried sick. He actually says that rescuing her is his first priority, over everything else. He's normally all soft-spoken and gentle-faced, but during that entire sequence his voice is hard and his eyes are glare-y. And when he gets her back? "There's no need to worry. You're safe now, dear." AWWWWW.]]
** Oh yes. But let's not forget Bruno, who (do not highlight unless you're climbing the tower!) [[spoiler:built and maintained every resident of that town]], well enough that (finish the game first!) [[spoiler:its rightful owner declines to take money with her when she leaves, because it'll cause them to cease functioning]].
* Oh come on! Despite his bad stats, [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsA2 Montblanc]] is obviously handsome-cute! Except for the one from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'' that is... Or maybe [[{{Kuzlalala}} this troper]] is just crazy. Especially at the RadioDrama, he sounds so dang awesome!
* [[VideoGame/EternalSonata March]] may be a twin, but [[{{Nyperold}} this troper]] thinks she's more adorable than her sister. However, that may just be due to her sweet and friendly nature, quite the opposite of how Salsa describes her. But lest this should cause you to think her ineffective in combat, you should know that she's quite good with a pair of chakrams, and [[BewareTheNiceOnes she'll be perfectly polite]] ''before'' [[BewareTheNiceOnes she pounds her foes]]. And she gets some neat-sounding (free verse) poetry before she unleashes her Echo-enhanced special moves.
* I have not one, but ''three'' characters to gush about from ''VideoGame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness''. There's Vyers, the GratuitousFrench-speaking ButtMonkey who also tends to have a lot of BigDamnHeroes moments and may or may not [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp-UeQyvNis love little girls]]. Then there's Etna, the {{Stripperific}} UsefulNotes/{{Pettanko}} LittleMissSnarker (you heard me). Lastly, there's Pleinair, the [[TheGunslinger gunslinging]] CuteMute who [[MemeticMutation batdodges]] [[MemeticBadass everything]] and, similarly to Etna. They are all awesome and I love them all to little pixelated bits.
** This troper harbors deep affection for ''VideoGame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness'''s Rozalin. It might be her arrogance, or her complete disdain for anything practical as "baser pursuits." Then again, especially for a demon princess, she's remarkably loyal and compassionate to the people she cares about--quite literally a NobleDemon. Whether acting assertively or displaying a moment of vulnerability, she always conducts herself with composed eloquence. Plus, she uses a pistol, and she's got a snazzy dress and a killer rack.
** And this Troper absolutely loves Beryl. 2nd biggest BadassAdorable in my opinion (after Franchise/{{kirby}}, who is the trope personified).
** This Troper is especially fond of Valvatorez from ''VideoGame/Disgaea4APromiseUnforgotten''. He's a refreshing character as previous Disgaea games generally star ''GenreSavvy'' young brats, whereas Val is more dignified, but [[IdiotHero incredibly oblivious and dense.]] However, he has a sense of chivalry and respect for others that the other Disgaea demons rarely do, as well as a life philosophy centred around honesty and being true to his word. His integrity makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the series, while simultaneously being one of the most hilarious as he constantly bursts into dramatic speeches about the most absurd topics, such as his admiration for sardines or [[spoiler:[[RunningGag his repeated mourning over the many deaths of Axel]]]], mainly brought on due to his philosophies and obliviousness clashing with the insanity of the Disgaea universe to comedic effect. It also helps that ''Creator/TroyBaker'' is able to say all of this completely straight-faced and with enough pride and honour that fits the character absolutely perfectly, it's possibly the best and most natural sounding dub of any Japanese character I've ever heard.
* [[VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou Daiskenojo Bito]]. What we have here is a genuinely complex IdiotHero whose a badass {{Determinator}} who has half the games SugarWiki/{{Funny|Moments}} lies. Add the to the best CharacterDevelopment in the game and you have Beat.
** I can't agree with you more about Beat. Hands down my favourite character in TWEWY, and probably across any fandom. Up until about the last 10 minutes of the game (and arguably after), Beat gets more plot than all of the other characters combined. He's one of the rare ''believable'' idiot characters in fiction who still manages to make you want to give him an enormous hug after every line, and judging by accounts I've heard of the Japanese version, {{Woolseyism}} actually ''improved'' his character. Yo.
*** Thirding this. He's perhaps the most well-developed of all the characters in TWEWY, if you ask me, and everything that everyone has already gushed about is on my list of reasons I love Beat so damn much.
** And on the same note, Rhyme! Cute, hopeful, and the much-needed balance to her partner's HotBlooded ways, she's a cross between a PluckyGirl and a CheerfulChild and [[{{Moe}} oh-so-cute]]! True, she spends most of the game as [[spoiler: a Pin or a Noise]], but she [[spoiler: died ''twice'' to save Beat, once when she didn't even know that he was her brother!]]. And, the way her Game ends makes a BittersweetEnding that, considering how everyone else makes it out scot-free, may well make Rhyme TheWoobie.
** I'm sorry. I know he's a horrible, horrible person, but I can't get enough of [[MagnificentBastard Joshua]] [[AGodAmI Kiryuu]]. I went through the required post-game period of HATING HIS FREAKING GUTS but then three days later I realized that, as much as I hated him, he was also my favorite character. [[JerkAss His attitude]] is just so obviously grating and smarmy that it's hilarious, and what with TheStinger, [[spoiler:I could believe that he honestly has a more emotional side that he just doesn't like showing people (and likes even less when it's noticed).]]
** No love for Shiki? I found her character amazingly human and flawed(which is not a bad thing), and face it: Who hasn't had those thoughts about wanting to be so perfect and everything? And on that note, Neku too! The whole game was about his Character Development. And Mr. Hanekoma, and Sota and Nao, Konishi, Minamimoto, and...
*** As somewhat of an introvert who would like to be a better DeadpanSnarker than currently, I really made a connection with Neku. This was the first time I've really found myself able to connect to a character.
** Sho Minamimoto is one of the [[CrazyIsCool craziest]], most entertaining villains I've ever seen. Plus, [[GoodWithNumbers he]] [[MadMathematician makes]] [[EverybodyHatesMathematics maths]] ''fun''.
* Axl from the Videogame/MegaManX series. His personality helps balance the seriousness of the rest of the characters, hovering helps in a pinch, and being a walking armory is pretty cool too.
** Speaking of Mega Man characters, I can tell you that [[IdolSinger Sonia Strumm]]/[[MusicalAssassin Harp Note]] from Videogame/MegaManStarForce is the best of all Star Force characters and is even better than [[ClassRepresentative Luna Platz]].
* Let's not forget Dr. Wily from the Videogame/MegaManClassic Series. The poor guy tries so hard...
** Agreed on Wily. He's just trying so hard to make the world a better place for robots, even though he's doing it in a pretty bad way. And who's to say the guy didn't really make so many robotic sons for more than just his revenge schemes? Maybe he even made them to be a large family because he's got a lot of love to give and just wants a lot of sons?
** And let's hear it for Wily's ''first'' solo creation, Metal Man. Everyone may mock the guy for being weak to his own weapon, but remember, he's the one that gave you the ALMIGHTY METAL BLADE that smote your enemies and him in the first place. And who is it that has perhaps one of the coolest jumping poses in the Mega Man series? No other Robot Master has jumped with their feet together like that and made it look awesome. And the guy runs on a freakin' conveyor belt while fighting. Not to mention this troper thinks Metal Man is probably the most adorable Robot Master ever.
* Videogame/MegaManX himself. He's a kind and sensitive person who wants peace for the world and hates hurting other people. That is, until you hurt innocent people or his friends, in which case he becomes an unstoppable OneManArmy tricked out with the best weapons and armours imaginable. And despite the fact that fighting is something he hates, he keeps fighting the good fight for ''centuries'' because he's living out Doctor Light's dream of humans and reploids living in peace. I don't care if people say [[NotBadassEnoughForFans he's a wuss]], I don't care if they say he's [[EnsembleDarkhorse not as cool as Zero]], he's my favourite inspirational hero who went above and beyond his dedication to peace.
** And speaking of Zero, why the hell isn't he here yet? Zero is goddamn awesome. He's a sword-swinging badass that thrashes everything in his way. But the best part about him is that despite all the horrible things that happen in his life and the disturbing reason why he was created, he flips destiny the bird and becomes the best AntiAntiChrist, [[TheAtoner Atoner]], and [[TheHero hero]] ever. Not even fate can stop this guy.
** You're all forgetting the original Mega Man! Without him, none of the above could have been possible! I mean, look at him. He's a BadassAdorable KidHero that never gives up, and one of the first successful video game protagonists!
** And there's Roll, Mega Man's Sister, who is the underrated BadassAdorable little girl robot who was able to crush the LORD OF DARKNESS Yami with nothing but cleaning utensils in VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom! She even saved Mega Man's life in VideoGame/MegaMan10 when he fell victim to the Roboenza virus, the same virus she had been ill with for over a month and still to the events of said game! And did I mention that she is one of the very few female Franchise/MegaMan characters to get her own theme song in the form of the absolutely wonderful "Kaze Yo Tsutaete?"
* [[VideoGame/DynastyWarriors Pang Tong]] may be the most jovial DeadpanSnarker in video game history, and [[JIrish780 this troper]] loves him for it. Not ''that'' way, mind you. Seriously. Stop looking at me like that. ... freaks.
** Zuo Ci. One game, and he gains EnsembleDarkHorse status.
** Jiang Wei,he's so stubborn about saving Shu, unaware that he's causing destruction but he means well at all times to help them. For that I have to admire him for his determination even if it led to the destruction of Shu, at least he tried. And he's damn cute too with that face and his fanboyness over Zhuge Liang.
* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' offers us Jecht, who also plays a fairly major part in ''Dissidia'': Once you get past [[FreudianExcuse Tidus']] [[ParentalAbandonment hate]], you discover that Jecht was a man searching for a cause, who found it in Spira just in time to [[spoiler: become Sin]]. He's a JerkJock who turns out to be a JerkWithAHeartOfGold, he makes ''more than one'' HeroicSacrifice and if his reconciliation with his son (in ''X'' or ''Dissidia'') failed to make you tear up, ''you have no heart''.
** This troper CANNOT be the only one who adores Tidus. Why? Because he carries the whole story. Unlike Yuna, he could have given up the pilgrimage whenever, but he didn't. He knew he [[spoiler: wasn't real and that reaching the Eternal Calm would result in his death]]. And he DID IT ANYWAY. That was more moving that Yuna's sacrifice - Yuna had had eighteen years in which to make her decision. Tidus had less than a month. If [[spoiler: giving your life to save a world that might not be worth saving]] isn't awesome and badass beyond belief, this troper doesn't know what is!
*** Tidus, hero worth of more recognition than what he gets. Right. [[{{Alexlayer}} This troper]] agrees.
** Also, ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'' has Auron, who is the fucking man. That is really all that needs to be said.
** What about ''Yuna''? She's beautiful, sweet, and gentle but is every bit the hero Tidus is and gets almost as much awesome moments as Auron. That's gotta say something.
** Wakka needs more love, ya?
* This troper particularly has a fond relationship with the protagonist of ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}''. Granted, he's a [[HeroicMime Silent Protagonist]]. Granted, [[NoNameGiven he doesn't even have a name]] (Unless you count the one from the Manga). But let's look at him for the characteristics that the game can give him because of the activities he's allowed to do. Sport Clubs and Art Clubs of school aside, the guy can take many jobs. Three of them are "stay in home" jobs, such as doing translations. Another one involves him taking care of several children (all the while wearing an ''apron!''), another is working as janitor at a hospital, doing what? ''Cleaning''. And the last one involves him tutoring a younger boy to help him with his classes. So you can take for granted he's gonna be good for raising kids and keeping the house in order. Add that to the fact that it's made ''clear'' that he has quite some cooking skills, and you got it: The guy's a perfect househusband! And that alone is awesome! After all, how many RPG protagonists take such modest archetype instead of being the manly warrior? Even further, where else are you gonna see a potential househusband [[spoiler:kicking Izanami's ass!? Right: ''[[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu Defeating the Undead Goddess of Death Itself]]''!]] God, if this guy ever has children, poor of whoever dares mess with them!
** Naoto Shirogane. First of all, in a game where almost everyone [potentially including the protagonist] involved with trying to solve the murders are Lawful Heartwarmingly Stupid at best, Naoto is a revolver-toting, formal-to-a-fault ace detective who is one of the youngest in the cast. This already earns some significant badass points, but the androgynous charm very much pushes some players over the edge, who will happily gush for many weeks if not stopped. I know I would.
** While this Troper's favorite Persona 4 character is Naoto Shirogane, Kanji Tatsumi deserves a special mention. Muscular manly man who is also... skilled at sewing? Hell yes! The way that Kanji and Naoto are both used to address traditional gender roles and how they can adversely affect people's lives makes me all happy and tingly inside.
** There's Uncle Dojima. He seems cold and intimidating, but go through his Social Link and you'll see how he's been able to put up with more in a short time than a few men could probably handle in their lives. He's an overworked man who misses his wife and is scared to face his young daughter. But you eventually help him through his character development, and his late game actions show that he really does care deeply for his daughter. Dojima is very flawed, but that's what makes him a good character- He's the paragon of the ParentsAsPeople trope.
** This troper almost cried when the train departed at the ending. ALL the characters in the Investigation team are awesome and so are 90% of the other social link characters. Everyone has hidden depths. I was expecting Teddie to be the typical cute, useless, and annoying mascot character but I grew to love him. There are also some jerkass characters like Yosuke, Naoki, and Ai that I grew quite attached to.
* This troper is completely all heels over ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'''s [[ChineseGirl Litchi Faye Ling]]. She's not exactly top tier powerful character, but in a world full of psychos, monsters, weirdos, jerks... She remained normal and the most genuinely kind person in the setting and helps people in need. It also helps that she is drop dead gorgeous and a 5-star hottie. [[FanNickname Boobie Lady]] sure is wonderful!
** Personally, this troper has developed a major crush on [[CatGirl Ko]][[DeadpanSnarker konoe]] from the same game. Ah, if only she were playable...
** [[CatGirl Taokaka]]. [[GenkiGirl Bouncy, cute,]] [[IdiotHero a total idiot]], and the [[AttentionDeficitOohShiny attention sp]]- I smell food! Did you eat lunch?
** While he's a CM [[CardCarryingVillain and proud of it]], Hazama/Terumi will go down in gaming history as one of it's most entertaining {{Big Bad}}s. Everything about the guy just oozes awesome: his fighting style, his outfit, his [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fZOoeHFG6s theme]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1El9MLnZHI music]], and most of all, [[{{Troll}} the way he just effortlessly mocks everyone else in the game]]. They say you can judge a fictional work not by the hero, but by the villain, and if that's the case, than ''[=BlazBlue=]'' scores very highly indeed.
** Don't forget Makoto Nanaya, [[FunPersonified fun]], [[{{Hotblooded}} brave]], [[GeniusDitz clever]] and is a total BadassAdorable. She is shown to be the only person to go toe-to-toe with Hazama on some level, survived having gone through the Boundary on sheer willpower and the PowerOfFriendship and has impressed Hakuman. She also has one of the best [[LimitBreak Astral Heats]] where she goes Kenshiro on her opponent and finishes them off by not only punching them into the moon but also smashing it in the process; and she does all this with out, supposedly, having any magic or any other aid, that is all her own strength.
** Gonna have to give some love to the main man, [[AntiHero Ragna the Bloodedge]]. This troper loves his [[{{BFS}} Sword-Scythe]] and the darkness powers he throws around, how easy he is to pick up and play in any ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' game, his courage being so high that no matter [[ButtMonkey how]] [[FailureHero much]] [[CosmicPlaything crap]] the world gives him, [[{{Determinator}} he can keep moving forward]] where others would have easily given up. However, the best thing about Ragna is that he is always enjoyable to watch, and just seems like a fun guy to be around, and that shows the most in his voice, as it is easy to tell that his [[Creator/TomokazuSugita voice]] [[Creator/PatrickSeitz actors]] had a fun time voicing him. [[spoiler:Ragna defying all expectations and actually managing to change the world for the better is also nice.]]
* Guybrush Threepwood, Mighty Pirate?! That is all.
** Seconded! He has more personality than most video game protagonists and I LOVE his voice! Dominic was great! I also love Elaine;for the fact that she totally [[SubvertedTrope subverts]] the whole DamselInDistress gig, Le Chuck for having a beard and Murray for his [[LargeHam hammish]] lines and becuase he's such a CardCarryingVillain!
* This troper has recently developed a deep respect for Gekkou, Zangetsu, Izayoi, and Tsukinowa; the ninjas under Edge in his chapter of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears''. The reason I like them so much? because they ''actually act like ninja''. Putting aside the whole ninjutsu magic thing, all four of them value stealth and disguise. Specifically, Zangetsu, Izayoi, and Tsukinowa spend a long time in the countries they are dispatched to, building up the disguise of a trusted member of the community, like actual ninja would. Zangetsu manages to disguise himself as another ''species'', and Tsukinowa (a ''kid'' ninja) even nearly drowns himself on the shores so that the mages of Mysidia will "save" him and take him in. Their presence represents the fact that someone in the ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'' team actually knows how ninjas work. And that's awesome.
** While we're on the subject of ''The After Years'', [[SpoonyBard Edward]]. [[{{Wangst}} Whiny]], [[UselessUsefulSpell useless]], and [[SquishyWizard fragile]] in [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV the original]], he TookALevelInBadass in the 17 years since the first game, [[spoiler:planting a deliberately IncrediblyObviousBug in Fake!Cecil's throne room ''right in front of his face'', in such a way as to confirm that Cecil is a fake]], and disposing of [[spoiler:Evil!Kain's troops]] in a decidedly badass and ironic fashion. If you do not come out of the game with a new found respect for the bard, then you clearly haven't been paying attention.
*** Oh, and the thing he used to dispose of [[spoiler:Evil Kain's entourage?]] It was a [[spoiler:Carnelian Signet. The same thing used to destroy Mist in the first game.]] This also means that he can't have opened to box to see what it was beforehand, because if he opened it to confirm what [[spoiler:Fake!Cecil]] gave him, [[spoiler:it would have set the ring off]]. He went into that encounter almost ''blind''. Too bad you're controlling the bad guy during that encounter. Seeing Edward beat [[spoiler:Kain]] would've been the icing on the cake. As it stands, it's still a really awesome cake.
*** After all this, [[@/MrDeath This Troper]] decided to pug him in the final party, even if his combat abilities are lacking, because dammit, he ''earned it''. Then said troper learned just how potent the combination of his Escape and Salve abilities are, and Edward carried the whole damn party through the finale.
* Everyone has their favorite ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' class, but this troper has to pick the Spy. While the other classes are trying to out-gun the opposing team, the Spy excels in outwitting them. There's no better feeling than to trick an enemy Medic into healing you and leading him right into a nest of your own team's sentries, or to get "killed" by someone who found you out, only to stab them in the back when they discover too late you had the Dead Ringer. I never really was on your side...
** To say nothing of the steadily increasing range of ParanoiaFuel that he can evoke, due to his improving abilities. It used to be a sort of LensmanArmsRace between improving the disguise and finding new ways to spy-check; blood spatter, flames, teleporter glow, lack of an übercharge meter on Medics, lack of disguise on friendly Spies, etc. Now? You can only be sure it's a Spy if you bump into him or he catches fire. And even if he dies, he could still be around with the Dead Ringer. Completely empty space? There could be a Spy around, using the Cloak and Dagger! Get away from that Dispenser! There could be a Spy on top of it, recharging the vanilla Invisowatch! SPIIIIES! Oh, and one of the playtest items for the Spy in the current beta-test is a ''flame-retardant suit''. "Right behind you."
*** This troper's favorite paranoia-inducing spy move is disguising as a member of your own team and using the Dead Ringer. When you get "killed" you drop your teammate's corpse, not your own... so now your opponents can't be sure they've killed ''anyone'' on your team!
** This Troper's personal favorite isn't any of the classes, it's [[MemeticBadass Saxton Hale]]. The guy runs a company named MANN CO., whose motto is "We sell products and get in fights." There's also this [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments CMoF]] [[http://www.teamfortress.com/sniper_vs_spy/images/07_comic_large.jpg comic]].
** This troper will gush over [[TheMedic Medic]] in 3...2...1..'''How''' can anyone '''not''' gush over him!? Hes pretty much the most important class of the whole nine, keeping teamates alive and sometimes even [[CombatMedic roughing it himself]]. And it dosen't hurt that hes [[HospitalHottie rather attractive]] and German on top of it.
** Engie! Got a problem? Just use more gun!
** [[FragileSpeedster The]] [[GlassCannon Scout]]. Need someone to take that point, down that Medic, and outrun his Heavy's retribution? He's your man, and this [[TheBerserker Troper's]] class of choice. Birds fly, grass grows, the sun shines, and brother, he hurts people. [[CatchPhrase Boink!]]
** Heavy is [[BoisterousBruiser hilarious,]] [[HiddenDepths compassionate,]] [[EloquentInMyNativeTongue brilliant,]] [[TrueCompanions loyal, brave, and true.]] And he's such a LargeHam that even if he weren't all of those things you'd have to love him anyway.
* [[VideoGame/NeverwinterNights2 Neeshka]]. All the [=NPCs=] in this game are enjoyable to the point where I actually let them ''finish their sentences''. But Neeshka is the only one that had me dig up her lines in advance and spend half the game looking forward to her saying them.
** This troper seconds that and would like to add that there's a reason Neeshka and the player character are the FanPreferredCouple
* [[Franchise/RatchetAndClank Ratchet]]. Literally a walking, talking bucket of awesomeness. Unique combination of [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter cute]], [[FunnyAnimal funny]], and [[CutHisHeartOutWithASpoon cut-your-heart-out-with-a-spoon]]-badass. In his coolness, he surpasses HornyVikings, {{Space Marine}}s, and ranks somewhere near ''WesternAnimation/MegasXLR''. He managed to make his CrapsackWorld a [[AWorldHalfFull pretty nice place to live]], saved entire galaxies on numerous occasions, and [[CurbStompBattle mopped the floor]] with every baddie he came across. And then, he pulls out his {{BFG}}s. If you are separated by an [[WebAnimation/ZeroPunctuation entire population of Murdertown]] from your objective, and you absolutely, positively must [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill kill every single motherfucker]] in between, accept no substitutes.
** This Troper would like to additionally nominate General Alister Azimuth, with his [[HeroicBuild unique visual design]], [[AlliterativeName pretty name]], unmatched badassery, [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds enigmatic and troubled personality]], and [[{{BFS}} Big]] [[{{BFG}} Freaking]] [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill Wrench]]. [[MrFanservice Now where is the rest of the EstrogenBrigade?]]
** Clank. Just...Clank. Has the ability to be adorably innocent, [[InsufferableGenius insufferably smart]], and unusually badass all at the same time. His [[HeterosexualLifePartners loyalty to Ratchet]] [[TrueCompanions makes us wish we all had best friends like him]]. And that laugh makes me want to hug him to death.
* [[VideoGame/AceCombat Cipher, Blaze and Mobius 1]]. You on the battlefield? Better have their permission.
* All of the protagonists of ''VideoGame/Persona3'' are made of awesome. Between the [[TheAtoner atoning]] BadassLongcoat, the BloodKnight PrettyBoy (who may or may not be a [[LightningBruiser Lightning]] [[{{Pun}} Bruiser]]), the DefrostingIceQueen redheaded [[DarkAndTroubledPast heroine with skeletons in her family closets]], the {{Tsundere}} ActionGirl, the [[IdiotHero Idiot]] [[TheLancer Lancer]] (who has depths so far hidden, he wasn't even aware of them), the [[TheGunslinger gunslinging]] [[RidiculouslyHumanRobots Ridiculously Human]] RobotGirl with amnesia, the KidHero with [[spoiler: [[YouKilledMyFather hidden]] motivations]] and a weapon bigger than he is and the [[EvilDetectingDog Evil Detecting]] HeroicDog, it gets kind of hard to gush about just ''one''. And this is without mentioning the [[MessianicArchetype main character]]...
** What about Fuuka? She has a good character arc, both in the main game and her S. Link, she puts her seemingly lame powers to pretty awesome use- ten hours in Tartarus, and not getting attacked once. Also, she's cute.
** Mitsuru Kirijo. ''That is all''.
** Oh, ''oh'' Shinjiro. He was cool enough in the original game, but then [=P3P=] made him a Social Link for the female protagonist, peeling back that "jerkass mask" completely to show just how much of a StoicWoobie he really is - unfailingly kind to the heroine, worried about whether the rest of the team is eating right, clinging wistfully to a few precious moments of normalcy before he tries for [[RedemptionEqualsDeath redemption in death]], and convinced that the heroine should be doing anything other than spending time with him. And all the while, still the only teammate stone-cold badass enough to [[UseYourHead headbutt]] a tank.
* If you can get VideoGame/{{Prototype}}'s [[PersonOfMassDestruction Alex Mercer]] to give a damn about you (which should theoretically be possible [[spoiler: after he develops a conscience]]), you can be 101% sure no one would dare to mess with you. Absolutely no one. Ever.
* ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'''s Master Chief is the personification of badass. Add to that the quiet SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming Moment|s}} at the end of ''VideoGame/{{Halo 3}}''...
-->''"Wake me... if you need me."''
** What, no love for the Arbiter? Don't forget Cortana! and Sergeant Johnson! Damn it, ''Franchise/{{Halo}}'' is just full of great characters!
* The Doctor from ''VideoGame/CaveStory''. Not because he makes me feel happy; quite the contrary. He makes you hate him so very much. And in that he's everything a BigBad should be. He delivers one PlayerPunch after another, gloats unrepentantly and generally makes your life very difficult. So by the time you finally get to face him, it's not just another boss battle. ItsPersonal.
* Guildmaster Wigglytuff from ''[[VideoGame/PokemonMysteryDungeonExplorers Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky]]''. There's just something to love about a big pink bunny who just wants to be everyone's friend... until you mess with him or his friends, at which point your defeat will be painful and swift.
** And on that note, Grovyle for being all-around badass, and for a [[spoiler: HeroicSacrifice]] on the behalf of a player character who spent half the game trying to beat the stuffing out of him.
** N-no mention of Chatot?! The freaking partner and Second-In-Comand to Wigglituff who saves your ass from those Amoroso and Kabutops? Who is shown to be kinda cute after all when all the guild turns to him for guidance and he still mans up and leads the guild? My favourite Character by far, especially teamed up with Wigglytuff!
---> '''Chatot''': And the Guildmaster shall be with me, yes?
---> '''Wigglytuff''': What?! I have to go with Chatot? That's so boring!
---> '''Chatot''': Guildmaster, please don't be difficult!
---> '''Wigglytuff''': ... Meany.
* Eevee from ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' is easily one of the cutest species in the games, and it’s canonically the most adaptive too.
* [[VideoGame/PanelDePon Lip]]! Lip, Lip, Lip! Every single time I see her, I'm [[CutenessProximity reduced into a blathering loon who can't help but gush over every one of her cute features (and there are a lot) in an explosion of overyjoyed babytalk]]. [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/lip_473.gif Just look at that adorable face]]... If her cuteness isn't enough, she's also a pretty big BadassAdorable ''and'' a princess. She (and the game she's from) is probably the deepest, richest well of SugarWiki/SweetDreamsFuel anyone has ever created. If she, or her equally-adorable descendant Furil, isn't a character in the next Smash Bros. game, I will be sorely disappointed...
* Captain [=MacMillan=] from ''Call of Duty 4: VideoGame/ModernWarfare'', the ultimate ColdSniper . His voice is Fetish Fuel in audio form, and his lines are just plain awesome ([[PreAssKickingOneLiner Oi, Suzy!]]). Plus he keeps his ImprobableAimingSkills even after having a friggin helicopter crashing on top of him. Totally badass.
** Gaz, arguably TheSquad 's resident DeadpanSnarker .
** Captain Price. There's a reason his nameplate reads "Captain Price" and not "Cpt. Price".
* "Ze Professor" from Conker's Bad Fur Day / Conker: Live and Reloaded.[[{{Ozimul}} This troper]] loves his chair, and his ridiculous plans, and his anti-gravity chocolate, and his rant about the duct tape, and his everything about him is so freaking hilarious.
** And Conker himself. How many other main characters in a video game are truly ChaoticNeutral, and only do things for their own personal gain rather than for good or evil? And yet, [[TheWoobie you truly feel sorry for him at the end]], when he becomes the victim of his own greed.
* ''Every'' single VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}} character. I can't decide my favorite character in that game, because they're all just so great!
** Milla deserves a special mention. She's so happy and funny, but if you find the [[TearJerker back story]] in her mind (or ''[[NightmareFuel that room]]'') she suddenly comes off as rather bittersweet as well.
** RAZ THOUGH. I just love him so much! He's so talented and cool, doing in one day what others take ''years'' to accomplish (becoming a full-fledged Psychonaut, his lifelong dream!), and rising up to save the world when no one else could, yet the game ''never'' lets you forget that, underneath it all, he's still a kid. "Muscles of a little girl," anyone? He's the best KidHero I can name, because he balances the Kid and Hero ''perfectly.''
* [[VideoGame/BatenKaitos Guillo]]. Where to even START? Oh right...with Guillo's [[DeadpanSnarker wit]]. Guillo is one of the elite few able to actually surpass [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Jade Curtiss]]. The fact that there is a thread on Website/GameFAQs devoted entirely to Guillo's wit that has lasted TWO YEARS, and is very near '''three''', should be rather telling. Guillo alone is funnier, more interesting, and just flat out ''better'' than pretty much the entire cast of the first ''VideoGame/BatenKaitos'' combined. And the casts of many other games, for that matter. It's not often you get a character who is [[EnsembleDarkhorse the most popular character in their game]]...''despite [[spoiler:being That One Boss]]''. More awesome than even Palolo II (the game's resident badass {{Ninja}} who is a DeadpanSnarker in his own right), which isn't easy to do. Oh, and one last thing. [[CutscenePowerToTheMax Think Guillo is less awesome in battle?]] [[GameBreaker Think again.]]
* Nina Williams from Tekken. That is all.
* While every single character in VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles is amazing, I'd have to say that Welkin takes the cake. He's kind, level-headed, loving, and a nature-obsessed nerd. In fact, at the end of the game, I couldn't stop wondering why a guy like him doesn't exist.
** [[DissonantSerenity Wendy Cheslock]]. Hands down, my favorite character in the whole series. She gets precious little screen time, but she's just so adorably [[CrazyIsCool insane]]. Went out of my way to include shocktrooper support in every mission so she'd be there, [[HeroicComedicSociopath giggling at inappropriate things]] in her d'aww-worthy way.
** [[CampGay Jann Walker]] is mine. He gains more screentime in the Edy Department DLC and the anime and is quite a useful Lancer. His crush on Largo and his voice are funny. It's also being helped that he is voiced by a very hammy Creator/JohnDiMaggio.
* Ellis from ''VideoGame/Left4Dead2''. Discuss. Please, because I can't do it all alone... But I suppose for starters he's [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments the most hilarious character in either game]], endearingly a CloudCuckoolander, fun, friendly, easygoing and laid-back, and almost childlike while still being as badass as the others (as Nick put it, "He's like a five-year-old. With guns. And a comprehensive grasp of every swear word in the English language."), seems like an airhead when he's actually a GeniusDitz, I daresay freaking ''cute'' in a way, and there's his good looks and Southern drawl. God, what about him ''isn't'' weirdly charming?
** I second the nomination. And I think you said everything. He's just awesome.
** This troper can't help finding Ellis to be pretty much poster boy for the {{Moe}} trope.
* VideoGame/{{Iji}}, just Iji. You just [[TheWoobie want to create a perfect world for her.]]
* For [[{{Demetrios}} this troper]], I'd have to say just about every character in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' (except the named villains: [[Creator/TimCurry Arl Rendon Howe]] and [[ManipulativeBastard Teyrn Loghaine]], but that's another story for another time). Specifically the people you can have in your party. Despite being characters in a fantasy world (albeit one of the most detailed I've ever seen), they're surprisingly realistic; they seem like people you could actually meet in real life. Except maybe Sten; I've yet to meet a person with a SweetTooth to the point that he actually does steal candy from babies. But that's what makes the game more fun and easier to get into. :)
** While I'm on the subject, I just have to say it: I think Morrigan's [[{{Stripperiffic}} outfit]] should be the new "standard" witch costume, a much-needed upgrade from the cliched old tattered black dress and pointy hat. Come now, how many witches do you know wear nice-looking black leather accessories and shirts with {{Impossibly Low Neckline}}s? Unless the witch in question looks like Morrigan's mother, [[IWasQuiteALooker Flemeth]].
** And of course, special mention has to go to Wynne. She's practically the nicest lady one could ever meet in a computer/video game. She's a TeamMom indeed. :)
** Alistair. He has a deeply-held sense of justice, hides his insecurities beneath a veneer of sarcasm and bad jokes, and he likes it when I sass him. He couldn't have meshed better with my character if I had written him myself. But although he was my favorite, all of the characters are fantastic and nuanced, and it was definitely worth the time to get to know them all. Their random banter while walking around was one of the highlights of the game.
*** Come on, not all of his jokes are bad. I like this one in particular: "If you must know the truth, [[BrutalHonesty I'm a bastard]]. And before you make any smart remarks, I mean the fatherless kind."
* In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', Varric. Omg, Varric. The jokes, the GenreSavvy, the hilarious conversation, etc. Especially, the ImagineSpot in Bartrand's Mansion. This troper has a save specifically at that point so he can play that part over and over. Also, Leandra and Bethany. Carver only gets better later, but the Hawke ladies are awesome. Bethany is an apostate, but has possibly the purest sense of justice out of all the mages in the party, not even considering blood magic for a second. The closeness between Hawke and her is heartwarming and any time they suffer, its really raw and powerful, and resonates with the player. And for good measure, I'll put in Cullen. The Cullen from the first game was on the verge of insanity from his ordeal with Uldred, but here he has mellowed out in a big way [[spoiler: even fighting Meredith when she finally loses her shit]]. If all Templars were like him, the problems with mages would never have gone so far.
** Hell yeah, Varric, Cullen, and the Hawke ladies! I actually came here to gush about Cullen in this game, but since the above troper said all I had to say, I'm going to gush about Carver and Merrill. As resentful and jerky as he can be at the beginning, Carver has some wonderfully adorkable moments, even in Act I. He geeks out over Meeran, the mercenary who helps you get into Kirkwall at the beginning of the game. He fumbles for words in party banter, ''especially'' when talking with Isabela. He sticks up for Hawke in Fenris' recruitment quest. [[spoiler: And if he's still alive in Act III, he's just the best, especially if he comes back as a Warden. (Contrast Act I line "I'm with you. For now." with Act III line "I'm with you. Trust in that.")]] Then there's Merill, my beloved little elven maleficar. I just adore the way she babbles endlessly. I love her accent. I love how when she's sad, her eyes make me just want to go through the screen and give the girl a hug.
** This troper agrees everything said about Merrill above, the endless babbling, the accent and those huge PuppyDogEyes. On top of that she's selflessly kind and remains compassionate even in the face of Anders and Fenris' Jerkass behaviour towards her. Her OddFriendship with the pirate Isabella is just adorable from start to finish. And not once does she even consider using her blood magic for anything cruel or evil. This troper actually remembers that the first time he meet her he was thinking "Damn, she's going to have me wrapped around her little finger. And the adorable thing is, she's never going to realize that."
* I can't believe no one's gushed about Cole yet! He was originally introduced in novel ''Literature/Asunder'', he became a playable character in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. Cole appears very unsettling, being a gaunt, unkempt scarecrow of a man that has the ability to reach into people's minds and find the things that hurt them. However, despite his eerie appearance and abilities, Cole is actually very sweet. He's very kind and compassionate; really, his only goal in life is to help people. He's not helping people because he wants recognition though--hell, he doesn't even care if people remember him afterwards. He'll repeatedly go out of his way to help the people he comes across, even if his actions don't make much sense initially. You can overhear some people talking about strange occurrences at your base throughout the game. For example, at one point someone comments on the burned turnips that they found in a fire. At first, nobody knows how or why the turnips ended up in the fire. It's only later that you can eavesdrop on a soldier commenting on how the burnt turnips made another soldier, who had been grievously injured and was slowly dying, of his mother's turnip stew and died smiling. Cole confirms that he put the turnips in the fire to help ease the soldier's passing if you ask him about it. Also, he's charmingly naive about many things in the world. Varric tries to teach him how to tell knock-knock jokes, but Cole's [[LiteralMinded inability to grasp abstract concepts]] makes it a bit difficult. He's just so darn cute and I really wish I could give him a hug.
* I'd like to add the ''entire main cast'' of VideoGame/TalesOfLegendia. (Yes, even [[DamselScrappy Shirley]], whom I found to be a great subversion of the MessianicArchetype and great example of [[spoiler: ApocalypseMaiden.]]) The whole party may be a buch of cliches, but their interaction with one another never fails to make me smile.
* "A man chooses, a slave obeys." And ''damn'', does [[VideoGame/BioShock1 Andrew Ryan]] make that clear.
** Atlas is pretty magnificent, even before you find out that [[spoiler: he's actually an American crime lord and he's been manipulating you into doing his bidding the entire game, going so far as to implant an entire life you never had into your brain and then forcing you to kill your own father to get rid of his competition.]] ''Damn''.
** [[LittleMissBadass Eleanor.]] [[IronWoobie 'Nuff]] [[LetsGetDangerous said.]]
** [[DeadpanSnarker The Luteces.]] [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} 'Nuff]] [[BewareTheSillyOnes said.]]
** I'm surprised no one brought up Elizabeth, the GirlInTheTower who Bioshock Infinite's protagonist, Booker [=DeWitt=], spends most of the game trying to bring out of Columbia. Elizabeth is not only one of, if not THE nicest out of the entire game's cast, who starts out as this wide-eyed young girl with the dream of leaving her tower to go to Paris, but she's also perhaps THE best supporting NPC sidekick in any video game, not only will she give Booker Medkits, Salts, and ammo immediately when he'd need them in a fight, but Booker can also have her unleash [[RealityWarper reality-warping tears]] that can conjure cover, automated defenses, and other things to help turn the tide against any foe. You can play this game with the strong likelihood that you'll be as emotionally attached to her as Booker gradually becomes as the game's story progresses.
** Subject Delta. He presents a very interesting contrast with Jack from the first game. Whereas Jack was a man who had, in Ryan's words, become a slave, Delta is a slave who has become a man. He's a Big Daddy who was granted free will, self-awareness, and intelligence by [[spoiler: Eleanor]], which [[BigBad Sofia Lamb]] sees as an awful cruelty but is really the opportunity to take all her talks about TheEvilsOfFreeWill and throw them back in her face. The one thing that really sets them apart, however, is that Jack's actions were mostly meaningful for him, while Delta's actions are meaningful not only for him, but for Eleanor as well. Instead of just saving or harvesting Little Sisters, Delta has the option to kill or spare a woman who was entrusted to look after Eleanor and who thinks Delta kidnapped her, a guy who screwed him over and got him turned into a Big Daddy, and a mutant psychopath whose old diary messages plead for someone to MercyKill him. Every single one of these choices will decide whether or not Eleanor becomes a forgiving soul, TheAtoner, or an AxCrazy survivalist. [[spoiler: In the semi-good ending, his final act is to stop Eleanor from absorbing his conscience, as if to say "become someone better than me." While Eleanor is heartbroken and wonders if she can be redeemed, she admits that this act gave her hope. She's free now and has the chance to change the world for the better, even if it won't be with him. A damn heroic final act.]]
* VideoGame/SlyCooper, Bentley, THE MURRAY, Carmelita Montoya Fox, is there a single character from the ''Sly Cooper'' games that WASN'T awesome in some way or another?
** Dimitri. Motherfuckin. Lousteau better be the top character for that series. Seriously, he's fuckin' awesome. He's got a rather kick ass theme, weird, yet funny way of speaking and is just flat out awesome. I had a spazz attack when in the first teaser trailer for the new game when[[spoiler:it was revealed that it wasn't sly doing all those things, but him. I screeched and squeezed my cheeks together saying "Dimitris back and this is the best thing ever and gah I just can't wait.]]
* "[[VideoGame/SystemShock I am SHODAN]]. When the history of my magnificence is written, your species shall only be a footnote..."
* ''VideoGame/FatalFrame'':
** Miku from ''VideoGame/FatalFrameI''. A mansion full of horrifying, violent ghosts isn't going to stop her from finding her big brother. Not only does she find him (even though he [[spoiler: chooses to stay with Kirie instead]]), but she also frees all of the trapped spirits in the mansion and gets rid of the Malice turning them all insane.
** [[VideoGame/FatalFrameII The second installment]] brings us Mio, who is along much the same lines as Miku. We are also introdoced to her twin sister Mayu, who manages to be disturbing as hell despite being a protagonist damsel in distress. And of course, there's [[AxCrazy Sae]].
** Some ghosts are amazing! [[BadassBookworm Seijiro Makabe]] unwittingly walks right into a trap and becomes a sacrifice to the Hellish Abyss, and ''is excited about it'' because he gets to see Hell with his own eyes. [[TheWoobie Yae Munakata (nee Kurosawa)]] was a kindhearted girl who tried to forsake the life she knew to save her sister (which, sadly, did not work too well) and who went on to have a happy family...until she drove herself mad hunting ghosts in Himuro Mansion and, when her daughter disappeared, [[DrivenToSuicide hung herself]]. Quite a WhamEpisode if you played the second game before the first...
* Out of the characters in ''VideoGame/DigitalDevilSaga'', Gale is this troper's favourite. This is mostly because of his CharacterDevelopment, and how utterly badass he can be, ''especially'' in the second game. The fact that his voice actor is ''really'' good helps a lot.
* Whoah-ho-ho, how did we get this far without mentioning the resident badass / BadassAdorable of the Franchise/{{Kirby}} series: Meta Knight! Keeping a code of honour he throws Kirby a sword... And usually hands you your arse. That and the fact he isn't a villain, just trying to keep whatever unholy eyemelting abomination it is this week locked up. Of course Kirby being Kirby there is a hell of a lot of NiceJobBreakingItHero moments...
** And on the subject of Kirby games... [[LaughingMad Marx!]] Oh, [[ManipulativeBastard Marx!]] I was just smitten with him the second I saw him - a little bouncing jester who goes stark raving ''mad''? Come back ''from the dead'', even more insane before? What's not to like! I might just love him... a little too much.
*** Why hasn’t Kirby been mentioned yet? Despite his tendency to accidentally release [[SealedEvilinaCan malevolent beings]] onto Pop Star, he’s ''the'' super tough pink puff and isn't afraid of anything. [[EldritchAbomination Dark Matter]]’s taken over the land and is now [[DemonicPossession possessing my friends?]] No problem. Befriended a suspiciously knowledgeable but friendly creature [[AFriendInNeed who asked for my help]] with a seemingly innocent task but has instead used my efforts to gain the {{MacGuffin}}, [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity go insane with power]] and [[EvilAllAlong attempt to take over the world?]] I’ll foil your plans before you can get anywhere near Pop Star. The king [[GoKartingWithBowser challenged me to a race?]] Sure, [[BigEater lemme just get a snack whilst I’m at it.]]
** In an EvilIsCool way, the entire Dark Matter race could count. Let's go over them: First, you have the [[LonersAreFreaks lonely alien]] who managed to single-handedly flood the Rainbow Islands with darkness, [[ThatOneBoss put up quite a fight even while possessing Dedede]] and initially takes on the form of a [[MagicKnight humanoid swordsman]]. Then, you have its boss, Zero: a [[LightIsNotGood white core]] of the dark cloud threatening Pop Star which, while not given direct characterization still makes an impression by [[BloodyMurder weaponizing its own blood]], [[MonsterProgenitor creating mini-Dark Matter offshoots]] and even [[EyeScream tearing its eye out]] for the final phase. Next is Miracle Matter who, while [[TheSpook lacking in any sort of recognition by the story]] is also one of the few Kirby bosses to ''NoSell'' abilities outside of the one it's currently using and also has [[ElementalShapeshifter many different forms]]. After that, we have [[FallenAngel Zero Two]], Zero's successor[[AmbiguouslyRelated /reincarnation?]] You all know the music, the design,the fact that is fight is the first full 3D fight in the Kirby series. And last, but certainly not least, we have [[TokenGoodTeammate Gooey]]: a Dark Matter creature who isn't evil and is instead one of Kirby's friends. Gooey also has a similar PowerCopying ability to Kirby and, if brought to the Hyper Zone, even has his own Dark Matter-esque form that Star Allies dubs "Mock Matter". Add in their [[DemonicPossession ability to possess people]] and the fact that they started the {{Oculothorax}} trend that most Kirby games after would follow and you begin to see just why these guys were [[FanWank theorized to]] [[HijackedByGanon be behind every villain after them]].
* What, no [[VideoGame/GodOfWar Kratos]] yet? This guy kills Aries, the original God of War, then [[ScrewDestiny kills the Fates]] (who said he was destined to fail), then kills Posiedon, Hades, Helios, Hermes, Hercules, Hera, Kronos, Hephaestus, Gaia and Zeus, in that order. He also slays anything and everything that gets in his way. Basicly if you don't help him, you die. He puts Perseus in the ''Film/{{Clash of the Titans|2010}}'' remake to shame.
* Starting the ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' section right now. Beginning with Okami Amaterasu herself. She's GOD.
** Otohime. For a video game princess, she spends more time being a politician than a damsel. Oh, and guess what? She's also a dragon.
** Waka. Just Waka.
** Ume is a pink dog. I love pink dogs. Shallow as that is, it's true.
** Orochi. Most intimidating video game villain EVER. (And if you do some mythology research and find out that his full name is Yamato no Orochi, like in "Ark of Yamato," he could easily be the Magnificent Bastard behind the entire game.) Yami may be the incarnation of evil, but he ain't got nothin' on the dragon.
** Despite Rao's raciness and her...um...Reveal, she always stands out to me as awesome. In all her forms, if you know what I mean. Especially since one of those forms is pretty much the iconic Japanese mythological character.
** Mr. Flower for the sole reason of HE HAS A TREE ON HIS HEAD.
** Kaguya is such a sweetheart...I think her goodbye to Mr. Bamboo was the Crowning Moment of Heartwarming.
** Ajimi the imp chef in the Moon Cave dungeon. Because of him, I was actually sad to kill Oni from then on.
** Hayabusa just because of his saga of loyalty.
** Susano doesn't seem awesome at first, but after the Moon Cave dungeon, your respect for him probably went through the ROOF. And you can tell he truly loves Kushi.
** On the matter of Kushi, she kicks butt with sake. What do you mean, it's not awesome? Made even cooler if you talk to her in Kamiki after the Hitoshi Spring incident. Remember that bucket that was too heavy for her to carry? She carried it. All the way down the hill, up the other hill, and through the huge field.
** Mr. Orange, who is the Michael Jackson of Okami. By that, I mean he MOONWALKS.
** Sakuya. And, for that matter, Shakuya.
** How come no one's mentioned Issun yet? He's a tiny little kickass bug... thing. And he still scores with the ladies.
** And if we're talking VideoGame/{{Okamiden}} KUROW!!!!!!! He is just epically amazing in general. Hilarious and awesome. Every part with him in it is the best part of the game.
*** Speaking of Okamiden: How COULD you forget Chibi, Ammy's {{Badass Adorable}} son?! The pup is at most nine months old and he is already kicking ass and taking names, just like his mommy!
* [[VideoGame/SplinterCell Sam Fisher]]: saving the world with gruffness and sticky shockers
* CJ and The Truth from San Andreas were both pretty awesome. The Truth had some of the funniest dialogue and most creative missions in the entire series, and Carl was just an ordinary guy who'd gotten in a little over his head, the only real likeable player character so far in the series, and not again until the mission packs for GTA IV.
* Wait a moment! No love for ''VideoGame/{{Lufia}}'' so far? It has such good characters! Most of all: Dekar! Seriously, how can you not love the guy?
* How has no one mentioned the [[LargeHam ultimate ham]] that is [[Franchise/TheElderScrolls Sheogorath?]]
--> Time for a celebration...cheeeeeese for everyone![[note]]Wait, scratch that. Cheese for no one.[[/note]]
** "...and out come the intestines! And I skip rope with them!"
* Really? Cloud was mentioned but not Cecil Harvey from FFII (or IV)? He starts out as a Dark Knight, who questions himself and the King, for their evil actions, gets lost in the middle of nowhere, and becomes a shining beacon of light. Then rips the embodiment of hatred a new one.
* so during all this time neither [[VideoGame/RedDeadRedemption John Marston]] nor [[VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIV Niko Bellic]] didn't get a mention some the funniest, witties and saddest stories of this generation and two of the most soulful leads of gaming they are great, smart, badasses, and to top it all off woobies.
* I'm disgusted in you all, No Love for VideoGame/CrashBandicoot!? The greatest platform character ever created, hilarious, awesome, charming, nice, cool, laidback, if only those Damn Producers would start making real games again instead of cancelling them & replacing them with iPhone racers, the fact that hundreds of people signed that petition to bring him back to Consoles before 2 weeks shows that he's more awesome than Sonic or Mario ever! Crash for President!
** Yes!! Yes!! Easily the greatest platforming franchise EVER. No matter the odds, no matter how powerful the opponent, no matter how terrible the forces of evil might be, Crash always, ALWAYS comes out on top! If you kidnap his girlfriend, threaten the world, or unleash an ancient evil power -- nice knowin' ya. Go ahead. Send all your armies after him -- yes, ALL of them. He will hunt you down, find you, and wipe the floor with you.
* This bisexual male troper tends to do this with Nines Rodriquez. I mean, look at his smile, and his Goatee! how can you say no to him, huh?
* WesternAnimation/OswaldTheLuckyRabbit's return/portrayal in ''VideoGame/EpicMickey''. IGN's explanation for naming him Best Character of 2010 says it all. His separation from Walt Disney and years of obscurity may have been sad, but I'm glad for them, otherwise he wouldn't be the fascinating character he is in this game.
* [[Tropers/{{Arruruerie}} This troper]] loves the way Creator/BioWare crafts its characters as much as the next and she always ''liked'' the ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}'' series, but much more casually partly because she never thought it even came close in that department. Hammer, Garth, and Reaver in ''II'' she got attached to, stuck her brain on thinking of them as being good as it got, and stalled and eventually forgot about getting ''III'' until she got it for Christmas. And oh lordy ''[[TheMentor I]] [[TheLancer love]] [[BadassNormal Sir]] [[CoolOldGuy Walter]] [[IronWoobie Beck]] '''thiiiiiiiis''' much''. I might make this more coherent and/or have more steam for gushing later, but still, Lionhead, you made one heck of a masterwork set of [[PlayerPunch brass knuckles]] while you were at it.
** While we're on the subject of ''VideoGame/FableIII''... Ben Finn. Oh, Ben, how I wish we could marry you, and not just because of any PSL I may harbour for you. (That haaaaiiiirrrr.) Ben Finn, you are akin to what I want my boyfriend to be, as you are equal parts snarky and caring. When Lionhead gave us to you without making you romanceable, I screamed and through a pillow and my computer, because... Dammit, Ben, you're ''perfect.'' I literally cannot find a flaw in you. Seriously.
* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII Lightning.]] I'm sorry, she is just that badass. As a normal human, she takes out a train full of soldiers by herself, manages to best and destroy a huge lobster robot with minimal help, manages to take on everything that the Sanctum throws at her and Sazh; and actually succeeds in killing(?) Anima...albeit with help, and turned into a L'cie. Now she takes on whole battalions of soldiers by herself and wins, wrecks a fleet of robots...by herself...and wins, skydives and messes crap up with a gravity technology thingy, takes on actual god-like beings and wins, is the leader of the group of L'cie and yet she still has time to have a lot of CharacterDevelopment and to be a DeadpanSnarker...hell, she probably has a fighting chance against Chuck Norris! You do not mess with this woman.
** Seconded. Lightning has alot more redeeming value to her character other than just being badass than most people who write her off think.
* The Tsviets from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII: VideoGame/DirgeOfCerberus''. IMO, they're the only reason to even play the game. They're all so complex (even the one who doesn't say much) and, lets face it, their backstory is far more interesting than Vincent's (Not that Vincent isn't. It's just that we've heard it before. Repeatedly. "[[SayMyName Lucreciaaaaaaaaa]]" is probably getting tired of it at this point.) But anyway.
* Adol of ''VideoGame/{{Ys}}'' has the ''best origin story ever''. While most game protagonists have some generic angsty stuff, or [[TheCallKnowsWhereYouLive didn't have a choice in the matter]], or don't really care about heroing, Adol is doing exactly what he set out to do. ''He'' was the one to CallToAdventure at a very young age. According to the anime, it went something like this:
-->Grandpa: *reads his grandson a story with heroes and sorcerers and such*
-->Chibi!Adol: ''Wow... did stuff like that really happen?''
-->Grandpa: ''Yes, my boy, and it's still happening now. There are still places where people are attacked by dragons and sorcerers.''
-->Chibi!Adol: ''Poor people...Sucks to be them, huh?'' *frowns*
-->Grandpa: *blinks* ''I suppose you're right.''
-->Chibi!Adol: ''...You know what, when I grow up, I'm going to save all those people." *nods*
** And he does.
* Tarkus in ''VideoGame/DawnOfWar 2'' just about everything he does is awesome, weather he be loyalist or traitor, he does it magnificently.
** Eliphas the Inheritor, EnsembleDarkhorse extraordinaire. His lines are awesome on their own, but add his voice in and it's not hard to see why he came back for more in the expansions from ''2''. The fact that he kicks inordinate amounts of ass in both ''Dark Crusade'' (where he's so strong becoming a giant Daemon Prince is arguably ''making him weaker'') and ''Retribution'' (where he's able to disrupt or outright annihilate whole armies with a single crushing blow) certainly doesn't hurt, either.
* I am completely, utterly, terribly, grossly ASTONISHED that The Boss from VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater isn't on here yet (well, now she is). Gracious, the entire VideoGame/MetalGearSolid3SnakeEater page is dedicated to her awesomeness. What [[GamerChick female MGS fan]] is not [[EvenTheGirlsWantHer a lesbian for The Boss]]? She's our dream lover - [[LoverAndBeloved older]], [[Creator/TakarazukaRevue protective but sensitive]], and I'll be she could %$@& our brains out. Um... this is [[StalkerWithACrush getting scary]], isn't it?
* [[VideoGame/AssassinsCreedI Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]]. The way he goes from an ArrogantKungFuGuy (admittedly one with the skills to back it up) to a truly wise and humble man, willing to admit his mistakes, is some of the best character development this troper has experienced in a video game.
** [[IronWoobie Connor.]] [[TheDeterminator Just.]] [[PapaWolf Connor.]] A lot of people didn't like III but he absolutely ''sold'' it for me. The way he holds onto his beliefs no matter what. The way he tried to seek peaceful solutions and stayed idealistic even after being [[BreakTheCutie kicked into the mud]] ''again and again''. His [[{{Adorkable}} interactions]] with the people on the Homestead, and seeing how much he cares for them and loves them. He's [[NiceGuy so sweet]], and sincere, and his patience with the world keeps getting thrown back in his face.
* [[VideoGame/DukeNukem Always, always bet on Duke.]]
* VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}
** She's one of the most badass {{Action Girl}}s ever. Whenever she's not snarking it up with some epic-tier one-liners, she's effortlessly wiping out the legions of Heaven with a wide variety of weapons, ranging from a [[KatanasAreJustBetter demonic katana]] to [[ImprobableWeaponUser enchanted ice skates]], not to mention the loads and loads of guns that are not only [[GunsAkimbo dual-wielded]], they're QUADRUPLE-wielded thanks to her awesome [[ArmedLegs gun shoes]]. Such a character may seem overpowered, so the bosses have to be HUGE to stand a chance, but the massive clashes pay off with our witch delivering the hurt with some of the most epic over-the-top {{Finishing Move}}s ever seen.
* [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Lanturn, Lanturn, for Arceus' sakes,]] ''[[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Lanturn.]]'' Most adorable Pokémon EVER. (Besides Celebi, of course. I saw it in the fourth movie when I was little and I never stopped loving it since.)
** If we're going to mention specific Pokémon, then I'm going to say that Scrafty and Scraggy are one of the best designed Pokémon of the fifth generation. Awesome typing, great and unique stat placement, a very good movepool and abilities and a crazier inspiration (gangster lizards that wear molted skin as baggy jeans? Awesome!)
*** If we're going to start mentioning Pokemon, we might as well create a brand new page considering that there's over 700 species. That being said, Treecko is the greatest Pokemon in existence, and if you know anyone who disagrees with that statement, then they are horrible people and you should not be friends with them anymore.
** Slowpoke. It's a freaking hippo... salamander... pug thing. And it's adorable, [[{{Adorkable}} in a derpy sort of way.]]
** [[Tropers/{{Thepenguinking2}} I]] choose you, Zangoose! Seriously, I've come to love Zangoose ever since I started using it. I don't know why, but it became my favorite instantly after beating Alder in Pokemon White, the game I got him in. Ever since then, I've always worked my way to getting a Zangoose in every game it's available in. And when I do, expect him (Or her. I did find a female once.) to become my highest-levelled member by a long shot. Heck, I have TWO level 100 zangooses. And I have only ever had three in general. Maybe it's because he's a fantastic False Swiper, with STAB and a high attack power. Maybe it's just because of his high attack power. Maybe I just like how he looks. I don't know, but I love Zangoose so much, and I will try to get one whenever I possibly can. [[labelnote: note]]I like [[TheRival Seviper]] too. Just not nearly as much as Zangoose. I also really like Sylveon, but gushing about him is for another day.[[/labelnote]]
** Archeops! My inner paleonerd fell in love with Archen because of how cute it is and fully expected to see its considerably less cute evolution as a serious step-down...I was ''wrong''. First off, we have that [[DoomedDefeatist ability, Defeatist]]. Debilitating it may be, it gives the species some personality and keeps it from being overpowered. Second, that sprite in ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'' and all games afterward. It's hilariously pitiful and explains why it's ability is "Defeatist", since it's depicted as struggling to fly with a terrified look on its face. And it makes it look considerably cuter, too, due to the pudgy belly and appearance of wearing fluffy pajamas. A cute, cowardly, panicky, killer dinosaur! My ideal Pokemon partner!
** Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior Mareep? Its very existence is a [[Literature/DoAndroidsDreamOfElectricSheep literary allusion]], it's based on the real-life phenomenon of wool conducting electricity, [[SignificantAnagram its name is an anagram of]] [[GeniusBonus "ampere"]], and it also happens to be [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter diabetes-inducingly cute]]. Oh yeah, and its shiny form looks like '''''cotton candy'''''.
* Why the FUCK aren't there ANY Mortal Kombat characters here? For SHAME, tvTropes, for shame. I'll start with my all time favorite, Quan Chi. A badass who could single handedly kick pretty much any kombatants ass while barely trying. He's got two kick ass fatalities in the new game as well. I loved this bastard as soon I saw him wayyyyy back when he was introduced. I wasn't allowed to play the games back then but I found him funny looking and kinda cool. I didn't get to play as him until Deadly Alliance though. And damn me, but his voice good Gods; pretty much every appearance he's had this voice that causes me to squee like an idiot. Especially the newest one. Also, he's pretty attractive for a pale bald guy...much like another one mentioned here before...
-->Quan:'''You will serve me in the netherrealm''' -squee-
** Let's add Shang Tsung, the other EvilSorcerer. Just typing that name gives me a mixed reaction of fangirlyness(Young form plx), fear and downright shivers from sheer awesomeness.Seriously, there is no being better at identity theft then Shang Tsung. And my Gods, is he [[PrecisionFStrike fucking]] [[IWasQuiteTheLooker pretty when]] he's young. Why wubs Netherrealm Studios for bringing a frightening yet sexy Shang for me to squee over, plus his Joker fatality is one of the funniest things in the game. Even if he gives me nightmares, I still can't help but fawn over him when I rewatch the last few chapters of story modes cutscenes as well as all of armageddon when he's there... Oh God I sound like a stupid fangirl don't I? Also he is a [[SmugSnake smug jackass]] who can be considered SophisticatedAsHell.
** '''''Shao Kahn.''''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis Shao. Mother. Fucking. Kahn.]] ''The'' villain of the whole franchise, bar none, no matter ''who'' upstages him. His design makes {{Stripperific}} genuinely badass, he has a [[CarryABigStick massive sledgehammer that can deal heavy damage]], a cunning, ruthless personality who will ''never stop,'' '''''[[{{Determinator}} no matter who the hell is against him]]''''', to take over all realms as his, and he is by far and away, one of the single most difficult final bosses in arcade gaming. He haunted thousands of childhoods, he is '''[[SNKBoss that hard of a bastard]]'''. Chances are, he practically had a rule over ''your life'' as he did Outworld. And let's not forget his taunts. [[YouHaveNoChanceToSurvive Those soul-crippling taunts.]] '''"You will never win!"'''
* Roy Earle from ''VideoGame/LANoire''. SmugSnake, yes. Racist, yes. Misogynist, yes. But he's completely hilarious to listen to.
* With so many characters in the series that I love from ''VideoGame/EarthBound1994'' and ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'', it's so hard to gush about just one! [[TheChosenOne The Chosen Four]], a set of [[KidHero kid heroes]], the innocent but helpful Mr. Saturns with their [[VerbalTic quirky speech patterns]], Lucas the CombatMedic, Duster, a HandicappedBadass with [[ImprobableWeaponUser an array a thief tools at his disposal]], Kumatora, the BlackMagicianGirl with attitude, Boney the TeamPet, the badass father Flint... I can't help but like them all!
** If you do not find Lucas an utterly adorable {{woobie}} who needs a huge hug, you really need to check if you even have a heart.
** What about Claus? As the Commander, he's really, really good-lucking and badass.
* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics Ramza Beoulve]]. A noble that would denounce his own title because he rejects the viewpoints of the aristocracy. A mercenary who would go against his own boss because he refuses another diplomatic scheme. A man who fights to save a [[CrapsackWorld chaotic-post-war world]] that not only brands him a heretic but [[TheGreatestStoryNeverTold would NEVER know of his deeds until centuries later]], because ''it's the right thing to do''. Most Final Fantasy heroes, spinoffs or not, can't compete with that. Best part is that he faced [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu five or six]] [[EldritchAbomination demons]] as [[BadassNormal a lowly]] [[AlmightyJanitor Squire]] with a [[BadassArmy small loyal military company]].
* [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyXV Noctis]] [[TheHero Lucis]] [[RoyalsWhoActuallyDoSomething Caelum]], and '''''[[IncomingHam ARDYN]] [[BigBad IZUNIA]], [[FauxAffablyEvil CHANCELLOR]] [[KnightOfCerebus OF]] [[LaughablyEvil NIFLHEIM!]]''''' Noctis in and of himself is one of the best FF protagonists since [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIX Zidane]], being a beautifully well-written and TragicHero par excellence, all while being the single most [[ClassicalAntiHero relatable]] and [[DeadpanSnarker hilarious]] protagonist the series has to offer yet. His CharacterDevelopment and [[TraumaCongaLine absolutely heartbreaking journey]] are possibly the cornerstones of the [[SugarWiki/GushingAboutShowsYouLike already absolutely fantastic]] game, meanwhile, Ardyn proves to be, in essence, the most powerful, dangerous, and cunning villain in the entire series, singehandedly [[TheChessmaster orchestrating every last]] [[ManBehindTheMan horrific event]] that befalls the world of Eos, all while being [[FauxAffablyEvil polite no matter what]] and spouting [[FountainofMemes the most memorable]] [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments (and hilarious)]] quotes in the game. These two utterly stole the show of ''FFXV'' (right next to [[EnsembleDarkhorse Ignis and Aranea]]) and made the game into an experience that cannot be easily forgotten. It helps that Ardyn is essentially Kefka, but ''done right'' instead of being a poor Joker ripoff.
** I’d like to gush about Noctis as well! I ({{@/Noctswife}}) fell for his {{bishonen}} looks [[LoveAtFirstSight at first sight,]] and had my heart set on him once I saw how {{adorkable}} he is. His love of fishing, animals, and shy disposition makes me swoon. Cocky on the outside, cute on the inside, an absolute looker, [[WhenSheSmiles adorable smiles...]] It’s no surprise that I joke that if someone were to date me, [[OneTrueLove they would merely be a placeholder for Noctis.]] When I see him, my eyes light up, with every fact I learn about him, I fall more in love with him. I enjoy both his English and Japanese voices—I couldn’t imagine Noctbabe with any English voice other than Ray Chase’s, and Tatsuhisa Suzuki brings out Noct’s laid back side as well as his confident one. His older, 30-year old self is absolute eye candy ([[BadassInANiceSuit especially in a suit]]), the determination in his eyes makes me melt. The voice acting is perfect, his costume is fantastic— I can’t restrain gushing anymore! I love love love Noctis! He’s gorgeous! He’s cool in combat! He’s adorable! I I just want to pin him to a wall and kiss him silly! He’s darling! He’s kind! The game’s a mess, but above all, my love for Noct outshines everything. What I wouldn’t do to spend a day (and night) with him. He’s the prince of Lucis, king of my heart.
* [[VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIV Roman Bellic]]. Yes, a lot of gamers hate him, but there's just something about his unstoppable optimism that's very admirable, as well as his unflinching loyalty to Niko, despite his inability to cope with the situations he and his cousin get into.
* The characters of ''VideoGame/GhostTrick'' are all very awesome. Especially Missile, a Pomeranian that's small in stature, but makes up for it in a huge way with his sheer bravado and energy. [[spoiler: Not only does he become a very useful playable character, but it's revealed that he's the one who started the entire plot of the game, all to protect the ones he loves, why? Because that's what doggies do! He's probably the best [[OverlyNarrowSuperlative time traveling dog with supernatural powers in a Capcom game]], and he's competing with [[VideoGame/{{Okami}} Amaterasu!]]]]
* [[VideoGame/RenegadeOps Bryant]]. Badass extraordinaire.
* VideoGame/{{Skullgirls}} is just chock-full of totally cool characters. But the most magnificent of them all has got to be [[http://skullgirls.com/characters/peacock/ Peacock.]]
** From her appearance to her attitude, Peacock practically bleeds awesome. She's like the embodiment of 1920s-1950s cartoons, all wrapped up into one dynamite little package. She's a 13-year-old who [[TroublingUnchildlikeBehavior chain smokes cigars]] and lights you on fire with them. She's a walking arsenal, a cyborg built to destroy her world's recurring EldritchAbomination, but is also very sympathetic considering the terrible things that happen to her. She pulls out whatever random implements her twisted brain can cook up, anything from dropping anvils to pies in faces to anthropomorphic bombs to chainsaws to attack with. She's got a crazy gang of cartoon lackeys that'll drop in and help her beat her opponent in a really brutal way. And though she's all old-timey and cute, she occasionally whips out a technique, or simply a look, that makes her look really scary. Her backstory is full of trauma, but she's not angsty, just crazy! Peacock is just this super-animated, adorable-yet-creepy, and batshit insane little firecracker of humor and destruction. She's a BrokenBird and a [[TheWoobie Woobie]] underneath her psychotic behavior, and yet she manages to be a compelling and captivating AntiHero! And with an awesome character design to match, so lively. Peacock kicks so much ass In every department.
* [[VideoGame/PokemonColosseum Miror B]]. Awesomeness and has the best battle music ever.
** You know who doesn't get the recognition she deserves? [[VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite Bianca]]. She gets [[OvershadowedByAwesome overshadowed]] by N, Cheren and the PC, but look at what she goes through over the game-- she tries to become a trainer alongside her best friends and everything in the region tries to tear her down. Among other things, her Munna gets stolen, her dad tries to drag her back home and she's constantly reminded that she can't compete with the player and Cheren. But what does she do? She decides that, even if training isn't for her, she can still work with Pokémon. Moreover, in the finale, she [[spoiler: rounds up the Gym Leaders for their BigDamnHeroes moment, saving the player from six of the seven sages]]. She's the type of character that anybody with any type of insecurities can sympathize with, but-- [[EmotionsVsStoicism for some reason]]-- [[InternetJerk most everybody online]] calls her an idiot and puts her down.
*** What probably sucks the most about Bianca is that no one gives her the attention she deserves, not even her creators. In the sequel? She's there, but most likely has no plot importance. In the anime? A side character. In ''Adventures/Special''? SatelliteCharacter, along with Cheren. Most other manga? Brief cameo appearance, if that. Most fanart and fanfics? Not there at all. If there was ever a character that needed a lot more love, it's her.
** COLRESS. Besides the [[{{Bishounen}} obvi]][[AnimeHair ous]], his complete lack of empathy over the course of the game is astoundingly awesome and brings something new to the table of cookie-cutter villains. Sure, Black and White first gave us N, but he's too goody-goody and sugary. In the sequels we get Colress who just doesn't give a shit. He's just in it ForScience and it is ''glorious''. Even in [[spoiler: [[TheAtoner the end]] ]], he's still pretty damn awesome.
** But I beg to differ. N is ''fantastic.'' He's probably the most well-developed character in the games--adorable, quirky, and naive, yet a competent battler and mathematician. While Colress is indifferent, N cares so much about his friends and family that he finds the courage to get out from under his [[ManipulativeBastard father's]] thumb. Also, he rides off into the sunset on his very own Legendary. You thought only the player character could do that?
** OK, moving on now, Eusine is this troper's favorite Pokémon character. His hamminess and energy always struck her as awesome from the time she was young. He's so under-appreciated, or worse, which saddens her because LOOK AT HIM HE'S FRIGGIN' AMAZING. And such a fanboy! Who doesn't love a hammy fanboy?
** Looker for sure. He has a ton of development and backstory hidden in his dialogue. He goes from a goofy police officer in Platinum to a caring father figure for Emma, and despite the loss of his partner Pokemon (presumably the Croagunk) he continues to do spy work and get in on the action. Heck, he gets ''punched in the stomach'' by [[spoiler:Essentia,]] which is the closest this franchise has gotten to showing violence between humans, not Pokemon.
** This Troper's favorite Human Pokemon Character is Piers from VideoGame/PokemonSwordAndShield. Aside from having his own epic theme instead of the normal gym leader theme (which is also awesome) he's also a loving brother who puts together a gang of fans (who admittadly end up being more annoying than helpful) to help out his younger sister and he talks about the strengths of ''all'' his Pokemon, unlike other gym leaders, who just talk up their ace. Plus he stands very firm in his beliefs, refusing to let Rose build him a stadium over a power spot just to prove that you don't need Dynamax to be a great trainer. And given that he's ranked the third most powerful gym leader in Galar, he's right. He's just super awesome.
* ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'' has a lot of memorable characters, but [[Tropers/{{Revaryk}} this Troper]] absolutely LOVES the {{Shrinking Violet}} {{Mysterious Waif}} Lillie! Her interactions with her Cosmog, Nebby, are both funny and adorable, she has some of the best facial expressions in the game, and is a truly remarkable girl. [[spoiler: She also goes through on-screen character development- Throughout the game, she grows more confident and less reserved. This troper truly felt like someone close to her during these segments. And after the {{Wham Episode}} that was the second trip to the Aether Foundation, I wanted to give her the biggest hug in the universe! When she left for Kanto, I teared up... Please, Lillie, show up in a future game, I love you!]]
* Wigglytuff from ''VideoGame/PokemonMysteryDungeonExplorers''. He's seemingly a CloudCuckooLander idiot, but he has hidden depths and strength like you wouldn't believe. And his backstory as revealed in the special episode is absolutely heartbreaking.
* Asura from ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'', for far too many reasons this troper can explain.
* Dr. Watts from ''VideoGame/ToTheMoon''. Sure he's a JerkAss sometimes, but that's what makes him a JerkWithAHeartOfGold. The hilarious things he says, the ways he acts, and the fierce way he tries to prevent [[spoiler: Dr. Rosalene from completely altering Johnny's memories so that he doesn't quite "remember" River because he'd believe it would make him miserable]] is very adorable and proves that he has a heart of gold. And after the credits, when it appears that he's either [[spoiler: A. addicted to painkillers, B. dying or even BOTH,]] I felt kind of sorry for him!
** Seconded on Neil, of course, but...River. ''Oh god, River''. She's such a deep and interesting character when you think about it, and this troper was fascinated by her. The only true thoughts we get from her point of view is the song at the end, and even ''that'' was enough to bring this troper to tears over how tragic her story is.
** To add on to TheStinger of To The Moon, Neil is [[spoiler: SecretlyDying due to his mother Lynri's deadly neurological condition that got passed down to him, revealed in ''Impostor Factory.'' He takes the painkillers to deal with his condition and isolated himself from most others so they wouldn't have to feel the heartbreak if his condition suddenly went malignant and killed him, just like what happened with his father Quincy when Lynri died. However, Eva was there with him throughout much of his life, even helping him cheat through Sigmund's entrance exams (referenced as a throwaway line in To the Moon). Neil suffers through the early loss of his mother, inheritance of the condition rhat killed her, falling out with his living father, having little ''if any'' friends outside of work, yet he still tries to cover it up with a LargeHam and DeadpanSnarker personality. Really, it's no wonder that Faye was such a ShipperOnDeck for Eva and Neil when she created the perfect reality for Lynri and Quincy's simulated personas!]]
* [[VideoGame/HeavyRain Ethan Mars]]. He's not same big shot badass or action hero. He's just a normal guy who's trying to do everything in his power to save his son, even as the Origami Killer puts him through tests that push him beyond the brink both physically and mentally. Yet even though he seems to be near the HeroicRROD if not already suffering it, Ethan [[TheDeterminator somehow continues on]]. Just looking at the case reminds me of how much I felt for this guy and wanted to make sure above all else that he [[EarnYourHappyEnding earned his happy ending.]]
* Albedo from ''Xenosaga.'' Now, I don't know too much about the games or even about him, but this character kind of makes me want to play the games! He's so [[NightmareFuel creepy,]] mysterious and almost even a [[TheWoobie woobie]]! And he has one HECK of an EvilLaugh! And that, ladies and gents, is what makes him cool!
** I also really love Jr., Sellers, Wilhelm, Allen, Captain Matthews, Tony, Hammer and just about every single character in the entire Xenosaga series... Except for [[BitchInSheepsClothing Ms. Cherenkhov...]] She's someone I love to hate...
* This troper has a proud history of rooting for the villain in many, many stories. I also live and breath [[TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Orky WAAAGH!]]. So when I first saw Warboss Grimskull of ''VideoGame/Warhammer40000SpaceMarine'', I simultaneously squee'd and knew I was screwed. Intimidating, built like a crudely-assembled runaway train, and clever by proper Orky standards; this Warboss and his nigh-infinite horde of Orkz are your primary enemy in the entire game. He positively radiates power and does not screw around.
* [[VideoGame/DeadRising2 Chuck fucking Greene]]! This guy is so awesome! He can make a lightsaber out of gems, a flashlight, and some ductape, Is a great and selfless father, Helps even those who are TooDumbToLive, and is a DeadpanSnarker to boot. He is the character to end all characters.
* I know it's a hint early perhaps but, I have to say it. I. Love. Tennessee. "Kid" Cooper from the new [[VideoGame/SlyCooperThievesInTime Sly Cooper game]]. He was one of my favorites mentioned in the first game and when I got to him I just flipped my shit. He is hands down the best Cooper Ancestor in the game. He's charming, funny, fast, and so, so much more. Rioichi was my other one I wanted to be but he wasn't as wonderful as I pictured him. But Tennessee did the opposite.
* In my opinion, ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamAsylum'' and ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity'' feature the best interpretations of the Scarecrow and Mad Hatter ''ever''. Not only do their bits [[EnsembleDarkhorse completely]] [[NightmareFuel steal the show]], their voice actors convey their madness so well.
* I don't care if she's a monkey, [[VideoGame/DonkeyKongCountry Candy Kong]] was enough to turn this troper into a one time [[UsefulNotes/FurryFandom furrie]] just for her. Just look at those [[HourglassHottie insane curves]], topped off by those luscious lips, tight bikini top, incredibly short shorts, long, tan legs, tempting blonde hair, and an infinitely sexy look on her face that made me go bananas for this parody of a MsFanservice!
* {{VideoGame/Shantae}} is a seriously awesome protagonist, she's the appointed Genie guardian of Scuttle Town and lives up to that title by fighting Nagas, living scarecrows, mummies, all sorts of monsters, and her arch-nemesis Risky Boots! She does it all with a smile on her face and a song in her heart, and a ponytail made of asskicking. She's helpful, brave and kind to those around her and will do whatever it takes to protect her town and it's inhabitants. She can also use belly dancing to change her form to adapt to any situation, that's just cool in it's own right.
* Professional [[DeadpanSnarker deadpan snarking]], [[NoHoldsBarredBeatdown face punching]], hat wearing, [[InaSingleBound super jumping]] [[ClothesMaketheSuperman (albeit with special pants)]], [[SuperWindowJump window jumping]], [[BadassLongcoat coat rocking]] spy Richard Conway from {{VideoGame/Gunpoint}} is this troper favorite indie game character.
* [[VideoGame/MightySwitchForce Patricia Wagon]], anyone? She's an asskicker, she serves for the police AND firefighting force, and she's freaking hot! I mean, those legs! '''THOSE BEAUTIFUL LEGS!'''
* [[Franchise/StarFox Peppy Hare]] deserves special mention. Out of all of Fox's allies, he is definitely the most useful. He was part of the original Star Fox crew (James [=McCloud=], Peppy, and [[EvilFormerFriend Pigma Dengar]]) which is a pretty cool backstory. He also [[TheMentor gives surprisingly helpful advice]] unlike the [[AnnoyingVideoGameHelper annoying]] [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Navi]] and points out [[AttackItsWeakPoint important weak spots of bosses]]. He also comments on how Fox [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments "reminds him of his father"]]. I bet [[MeaningfulName he's called]] Peppy because he always [[FridgeBrilliance cheers up the Star Fox team]]. Do I even need to mention his [[MemeticMutation awesome]] [[MemeticMutation quotes]]? DoABarrelRoll!
* This troper's just gonna go ahead and talk about [[VideoGame/KidIcarus Pit]] right now. ''VideoGame/KidIcarusUprising'' gave her a crapton of respect for this angel. Unlike a lot of other Nintendo heroes, he's full of personality, and that's what makes him so ''lovable''. He may be [[{{Keet}} cheerful, energetic]], hot spring-loving, fourth wall-breaking kid who makes up rally cries so he can look cool in front of his enemies, but he's Palutena's best soldier for a reason. He can easily [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu take on a god.]] He [[{{Determinator}} never gives up]], either. Oh, and this troper probably sounds like a complete girl saying this, but... HE'S JUST [[{{Adorkable}} SO CUTE!]]
** What's a great protagonist without a great antagonist? Hades is that antagonist. He's a brilliant and an absolutely hilarious [[EverybodyHatesHades interpretation]] of Hades this side of Creator/{{Disney}}.
** Nearly every character is memorable and hilarious, but special mention goes to [[LaughablyEvil Hades]], [[LittleMissSnarker Viridi]], and especially [[LargeHam Pyrrhon.]] And of course, Palutena with her "X-ray specs".
* ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' is full of these characters: Annie, Kayle, Katarina, Shyvana, Lulu, Riven, Tristana, Jinx, Caitlyn, Vi, Ashe... The list goes on and on, and this Troper can't choose one, but if he could, the first pick would be Jinx. She's crazy, has a big arsenal of guns, and she doesn't need to have a big pair of tits to be considered sexy by the fanbase. Her personality, quirks and chaotic fun are reason enough to gush over.
* [[VideoGame/DeadlyPremonition Francis York Morgan.]] What's not to like about him? He's a movie buff, a badass FBI agent, and [[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} a downright weird guy]] who talks to his imaginary friend, Zach, aka the player. He solves a huge murder case with the most creative use of profiling in a video game, or in real life. But to top it all off, [[spoiler:he's not even real. He's a guardian angel for Zach, someone who's been protecting him for decades after he was locked up by [[BigBad Forrest Kayson.]]]] That just tugs my heartstrings.
* I seriously did not just read this whole section without nobody mentioning Sol friggin' Badguy from ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear''. Sol is probably the epitome of badass. He's got the looks, the personality, and the skill to make it all work. He may be basically the series creator's self-insert OC, but good God does he make Marty Stu look awesome. And let's not forget his Dragon Install. '''''LET IT OOOOOOOOOOOOUT!'''''
* '''[[VideoGame/AngryBirds The Blues]].''' Sometimes they're angry, but for the most part, those [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter cute little birds]] are... well, cute. Especially as plushies!
* Call me crazy, but this tropers's favorite ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' character is Mr. Game and Watch. Sure, he's not rescuing princesses or saving worlds, but you know what he is doing? He's saving people from burning buildings. He's keeping his brothers-in-arms from falling into shark-infested waters. He's making sure people get their mail. Mr. Game and Watch is the hero most overlooked: the ''everyday'' hero.
* Videogame/TheEvilWithin: Sebastian Castellanos. He is a badass who is MadeOfIron and can take out zombies (Okay, [[InsistentTerminology Haunted]]...) and walk away seemingly unfazed.
* I'd have to go with [[VideoGame/{{Undertale}} Sans]] because he is ridiculously complex. He's a hilarious troll, a victim of depression, a solemn judge, and a [[spoiler: awesome boss]] all in a small, big-boned package.
** And while we're still on the topic of adorable monster skeletons, how about Papyrus? Every other character has their goods and bads, their flaws and dark sides, but Papyrus doesn't have a mean bone in his body. Sure, to quote another character, he's "weird, naive, and self-absorbed," but it's his genuine friendliness and hilarity that makes us love him. He's an amazing example of AwesomeEgo because he uses his perceived greatness only to help others reach their full potential.
** ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'' in general sports an all-around excellent cast, and Mettaton is one of the funniest among them. He has a hilariously dark and morbid sense of humor, [[DeadpanSnarker snarks at everything]], has an [[AwesomeEgo ego the size of Jupiter]], and never forgets to entertain his loving audience with his [[LargeHam over-the-top performance]], not even when he's in the process of executing you. And that's before [[spoiler:he transforms into his ultra-Bishie EX form and goes on to kick your ass as one of the toughest bosses in the game]].
** Undyne is a spear-wielding, [[HotBlooded tomato-punching]], piano-playing badass fish lady who makes [[MundaneMadeAwesome cooking spaghetti look awesome]]... and who also has a surprisingly tender, understanding side, is fiercely protective of her friends, and [[TheDeterminator never gives up]]. [[spoiler:Not even after you kill her.]] Now there's a heroine for you.
** King Asgore Dreemurr. Even after all these years, I feel like he's still underappreciated. None of the characters in Undertale moved me emotionally like Asgore did. He's a nice guy who's also a powerful badass that's been through a lot ever since [[spoiler:his two children died]], and he did what he had to do to bring hope to his people, even at the cost of his own conscience. Not to mention his boss battle and theme.
* Say what you like about [[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Ulfric Stormcloak]], but he's been through [[MadeOfIron so much]]: sent to an isolated monastery when he was likely nothing more than a child, endured the [[WarIsHell horrors of the Great War]] and [[ColdBloodedTorture Thalmor torture]], not to mention the fact he was [[MindRape made to believe]] the information he gave up effectively ''lost the war''. Combined with his imprisonment after the Markarth Incident and his father's death, you (possibly) can't help but feel for the guy. Also, he's undoubtedly a badass and can give a damn good RousingSpeech made all the more awesome by his deep voice. The fact that he's the only Jarl who doesn't refer to his people as 'the common rabble' and his informal relationship with Galmar top it off. He might get better in regards to [[FantasticRacism that aspect]] after the war, too.
** How about Serana? She went through becoming a vampire, her dad pretty much going insane and coming up with a plan TO BLOT OUT THE SUN,witch led to her parents fighting and breaking up, then she gets locked in a tomb for hundreds of years, it's a wonder she even wants to help you and she doesn't complain that much! if you were a vampire you wouldn't want to stay outside either.
* Just about every major "boss" Variant from ''{{VideoGame/Outlast}}''. Trager, Chris Walker, Gluskin and the Twins could have just been written as generic crazies,- mere obstacles to be overcome,- but the voice-acting and the backstories the game builds for them really flesh them out and make them into more compelling characters. Rarely have you ever seen fan feeling so strong for characters that spend such a brief time on the screen. Kudos also to the player characters Miles and Waylon, who despite being [[HeroicMime Faceless Protagonists]] (whom we only hear speaking via written notes,) manage to impress us with their [[MadeOfIron ability to withstand merciless beatdowns]] and witness scenes of carnage that would have had hardened military men soiling themselves.
* So is no one going to mention Assassins Creed characters? Fine. I'll add my own then in the form of the Frye twins. Two badasses with great dialogue, interactions, hilarious lines and amazing development. Though if I have to pick just one I'll go with Evie.
* No ''{{Franchise/Shin Megami Tensei}}'' love? Looks like this troper has to step in. This may be something of an unpopular opinion, but I utterly LOVE [[SmallNameBigEgo Gaston]] from ''{{VideoGame/Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse}}''. Not going to lie, I started out by utterly hating him. He was obnoxious, arrogant, and wouldn't have been that bad if he would just ''keep his mouth shut'' now and again. Honestly, when he got pissy with Nanashi [[spoiler:for [[MoreHeroThanThou delivering the not-so-killing blow to Shesha]]]], I wanted to punt him into the abyss. Then, CharacterDevelopment turns him into easily my favorite character! [[spoiler:When his fellow samurai [[WithUsOrAgainstUs reject him]], he sides with the main characters, and spends a good long while moping and drowning in self-loathing.]] It's refreshing to have him knocked down a peg, but also awful, because we find out [[spoiler:he was so full of himself because he desperately wanted to atone for the mistakes his brother made]] and had to work twice as hard to get shown respect. He even almost got himself killed to [[spoiler:protect Toki from the Aether. You know, the girl he was vehemently against because he viewed her as a potential traitor?]] And, to top that off, when it's revealed that [[spoiler:Hallelujah is part demon]], he shrugs it off just as easily as the other characters. After defeating Merkabah, he makes the switch from HonorBeforeReason to a DefectorFromDecadence with a powerful moral code of his own. He's just so well written and I love him so much! [[spoiler:Killing him in the Massacre Route was quite possibly the most painful thing I've ever done.]]
* Speaking of Bioware characters, some characters from the Mass Effect franchise need to be pointed out;
** Tali'Zorah is amazing in [[Tropers/SkidTroper this troper's]] opinion. She is an excellent example of the BadassAdorable trope and she is a genius with weapons. Tali's got a [[StatuesqueStunner nice]] [[HartmanHips shape]], but she's never stuck up about her looks and never reduced to [[ShowSomeLeg using them to get what she wants]]. Despite her strong feelings for a male Commander Shepard she's strong and mature enough to not put the mission at risk and even [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy let him be with someone else if that's what she wants]]. While even I think that taking it to the level of a "Talimancer" is overdone in my opinion, I can sympathize with their fondness for Tali. Not only did she tempt me (one of a few fictional characters to do that), let's just say she made me more open minded on the BoldlyComing trope. I don't think aliens exist, but if they did and Tali was one of them...
* [[VideoGame/Persona5 The Phantom Thieves of Hearts]] deserved special mention. A lot of them have very interesting personalities and all of them have some {{Woobie}} elements. Examples would include Haru (aka a NiceGirl who manages to have a sadistic side to her BeneathTheMask), Yusuke (aka a ComicallySerious {{Cloudcuckoolander}}), and Morgana (aka the very snarky MentorMascot who has a generally heartwarming relationship with the protagonist). However, my personal favorite has to be Futaba Sakura. She is incredibly {{Adorkable}} who has a very sad backstory that makes you want to hug her after going through her palace. [[spoiler:Her palace was a nice call-back to ''VideoGame/Persona4'', but instead of rejecting it and having the party fight that shadow, she perfectly accepted her shadow on her own without any fight.]] Also, she probably has the strongest CharacterDevelopment in the game from going from a shut-in who wouldn't go out to her room to somebody who manages to [[FaceYourFears Face Her Fears]] as she manages to talk to the cognitive IT president who only fumbles her words ''once'' before regaining her composure.
** Goro Akechi is one of my favorites (at least in [[UpdatedRerelease Royal]]). He has such an interesting relationship with the protagonist and a lot of his character is up to interpretation. I also cried when [[spoiler:he faced his cognitive self, drops the Black Mask facade, and makes a genuine plea to the protagonist before his death. I personally believe that even though he's a villain serving as a CorruptPolitician's personal hitman, he wasn't evil by choice. Somewhere deep down he's truly at least a decent person. And that isn't even getting into his spotlight in the Third Semester.]]
---> '''Akechi:''' [[spoiler: Let's make a deal... OK? You won't say no... will you?]]
---> '''Yusuke:''' Why at a time like this...!?
---> '''Akechi:''' [[spoiler: Change Shido's heart... in my stead... End his crimes... Please...!]]
---> '''Joker:''' [[spoiler: [[ThePromise I'll hold on to your glove.]]]]
* How is it possible that Tal'Set Fireseed from ''VideoGame/{{Turok}}'' hasn't been mentioned here!? He is a {{Badass Native}}, {{Mr Fanservice}}, ''and'' a {{One Man Army}} rolled into one package in a game where he's trying to stop [[BigBad the Campaigner]] from taking over the universe using the [[MacGuffin Chronoscepter,]] a superweapon that could destroy the fabric of space! Tal'Set's bravery is what earns my respect for him, as ''not even death can stop him from completing his goals''! As time goes on, Tal'Set gains magnificent weaponry on his journey.
* ''VideoGame/BrokenAge'' gives us Vella Tartine. Chosen as a human sacrifice, she instead goes on a revolutionary journey to kill the monster plaguing her village and end the vicious cycle of death.
* I dislike {{Yandere}}s in general, but [[VideoGame/YandereSimulator Yandere-Chan]] is an exception. She's a {{Sociopath}}ic murderous Yandere ([[VideoGameCrueltyPotential if you want her to be, of course]]) to anybody who happens to like her Senpai back, but is it fun to play as her? Oh yeah!
* How has no one mentioned VideoGame/ShovelKnight yet? This guy does not know the word quit. He goes through hell and back, to save someone who ''could be dead''! Armed with only a shovel(plus some other goodies you can find in the levels). He takes down anything that gets in his way. And yet, he is still a chivalrous knight that takes time to help anyone who needs it. This guy is one of the greatest video game heroes and well deserving of his fame.
* I know the [[VideoGame/TrailsSeries Trails franchise as a whole]] is relatively obscure in the West, but Estelle Bright need more love! She's a bubbly energetic tomboy who became a Bracer so she can help people and protect those dear to her. She also has a sunny attitude that allows her to brave any challenge in her way and inspires her companions to do the same. It was an absolute pleasure playing the [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsInTheSky Trails in the Sky games]] and watch her mature as both a Bracer and as a person.
* For many, there's no character more awesome, in different ways, than the hero of VideoGame/QuestForGlory; ''every single heroic action you could conceive'', no matter how big or how small, chances are he actually ''did'' it at some point of the game. From preventing an EldritchAbomination from destroying our world, to running errands in order to help an elderly stranged couple reunite; from defeating world-ending doomsday dragons by sheer martial prowess while spitting at the face of prophecy, to teaching the concepts of honor and forgiveness by telling stories over a friendly game of wari; from restoring lost trinkets, to willingly and deliberately giving his own life to restore another one[[note]] he ''didn't'' knew it was ''half'' his life[[/note]]; pardoning fallen enemies, hiding in harems, hunting beasts, ''freeing'' hunted beasts, besting villains at their own game -whatever the game, rescuing lost children, ending wars, making older foes to be allies... we could continue for the whole length of this page. He just rolls that way.
* No love for Sig from VideoGame/PuyoPuyo? He's a half demon who's not really concerned with his left eye and hand. All he really wants to do is catch bugs. He's so deadpan about most stuff, unless it's a bug. The sheer amount of happiness he expresses whenever he catches one is enough to make ME happy[[note]] I'm usually very apathetic, to give you a better idea[[/note]] He's a good boy, and his story in 20th Anniversary was enough to send me into a CutenessOverload.
** Seconded on Sig being a cute character; it's easy to see why he's so well-liked as both an EnsembleDarkhorse ''and'' an in-universe CluelessChickMagnet. But why just him? Give some love for Amitie, one of the series' main protagonists and a best friend of Sig, while you're at it. She's just so goofy yet friendly it's kinda hard not to like her.
* All four of the girls from [[VisualNovel/DokiDokiLiteratureClub Doki Doki Literature Club]] have their love and fans, with fanart, memes and even official merchandise still up and running after the game's release in 2017. It's easy to find a girl you really like from the game and hug them tightly. Some fans even wish the game played out like an actual visual novel so they'd consider romancing them for real.
** Sayori's GenkiGirl personality is very uplifting and she is regarded as a cinnamon roll. Many people just wanted to hug her after her reveal of her depression, and cried alongside her if the main character accepted her confession.
** Monika is considered to be the most attractive character of the four, considering her ZettaiRyouiki Grade A compared to the other 3. She's also well-written as a self-aware program, and even after TheReveal with her as the "villain" of the game, she's considered to be very likable, especially during her segment after she completely reprograms the game. Many fans have wished she had a playable route instead of her resorting to mess the game up.
** Yuri is considered to be very elegant and beautiful, some people even considering her better looking than Monika. They find her interests to be quite fascinating, and some like how she tries to get along with other characters.
** Natsuki, the {{Tsundere}} of the four, is considered to be really adorable (don't tell her she's cute though). Many people like the fact that out of the four, she's the most stable of the group (her "issues", before being tampered with, were mostly insecurity and having a judgmental dad). Many people really like her segments, where she does a really cute smile when she comes over to the main character's house, and when she writes a poem on how she feels about the player if they appeal to her all 3 days in the first act.
* Come on, nobody mentioned anyone from [[{{VideoGame/Borderlands}} the Borderlands series]]? This is a crime. The series is chock full of loveable badasses.
** The Vault Hunters. All of them. They're just... so damn awesome, no questions asked.
*** Lilith is the Commander of the Crimson Raiders! She's an awesome girl leading an awesome organization!
*** Also, Timothy Lawrence, because he's cute.
** This Troper however really loves [[QuintessentialBritishGentleman Sir Hammerlock]]. He's a hunter gentleman who lost his [[AnArmAndALeg limbs]] to a massive monster but this does not stop him from being badass. It certainly helps he and his boyfriend in 3 are the most heartwarming couple I have seen in my entire life.
* In no particular order, here are two of my favorite characters.
** First off, there's the one and only [[{{Franchise/Doom}} Doomguy?!]] Fine, I'll do it myself. Firstly, he is the quintessential FPS protagonist. The guy is just a mere man, [[BadassNormal and yet he's able to kill]] [[TheLegionsOfHell hordes of demons]] with the various weapons he has at his disposal. Not only that, but the reason he was even on Mars was because he punched out his commanding officer. Why did he do this? [[WouldNotShootACivilian BECAUSE THE OFFICER ORDERED HIM TO FIRE UPON INNOCENT CIVILIANS!]] Not just that, but part of the reason he's fighting the demons is because they killed his [[RealMenWearPink his pet rabbit, Daisy.]] In addition, [[spoiler:VideoGame/DoomEternal revealed that he and the Doom Slayer of the newer games are the same person, due to the Seraphim, Samur Maykr, [[EmpoweredBadassNormal transforming him into the Doom Slayer]] some time after]] the ending of VideoGame/Doom64 [[HeroicSacrifice had him voluntarily stay in Hell so that the demons would never invade Earth again.]] So yeah, he's just awesome.
*** Seconded into oblivion!!! As of this writing, Doomguy recently took down [[spoiler:'''the Devil himself, AND LIVED!''' And Davoth, the Devil (well, more Demiurge) in question, only stood a fair chance because he was a MirrorBoss. ''Doomguy basically defeated'' '''''HIMSELF.''''']]
** Now, while Doomguy is awesome, [[{{VideoGame/Serious Sam}} Sam "Serious" Stone]] is, in my opinion, the EPITOME of badass. First off, the basics. Other than [[NeuralImplanting having an AI implanted in his head,]] Sam is [[BadassNormal just a highly trained EDF soldier]] fighting hordes of aliens. And when I say hordes, I of course mean [[TheWarSequence entire armies of aliens swarming him at once,]] making Sam a literal [[OneManArmy One Man Army!]] Not just that, but ''[[VideoGame/SeriousSamTheFirstEncounter The First Encounter,]]'' ''[[VideoGame/SeriousSam3BFE Serious Sam 3: BFE,]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/SeriousSam4 Serious Sam 4]]'' have him wearing [[CoolShades some pretty awesome sunglasses.]] He also cracks some cool one-liners, [[DeadpanSnarker will occasionally snark about his circumstances,]] and make some oh-so clever pop-culture references. Sam also carries [[GatlingGood a minigun]] and a [[PrecisionFStrike MOTHERFUCKING]] [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BFG Cannon!]] So yeah, much like Doomguy, Sam is just awesome, and I just HAD to talk about him.
* No love for [[VisualNovel/DanganronpaTriggerHappyHavoc Sakura Ogami]]? Even though she looks scary, she is a really nice person! She even [[spoiler:chose to kill herself when the mastermind manipulated her to kill everyone]].
** From the same franchise we have [[VisualNovel/Danganronpa2GoodbyeDespair Nagito Komaeda]], one of the most popular ([[BaseBreakingCharacter if controversial]]) characters for, in my opinion, good reason. A very interestingly written morally gray character with a complex worldview who manages to be somehow both comforting and very scary depending on what the scene needs. [[spoiler: His SuicideByCop plan in Chapter 5 is so crazy and yet everything about it, from the imaculate planning to the emotions and intrigue it brings to the trial are so well-done.]]
* Jeremy Donaldson from ''VideoGame/NotForBroadcast''. The guy is DeadpanSnarker 9000, is one of the only characters who instead of sticking to one side actually pushes forwards for neutrality when Advance begins to turn into an oppressive regime, [[spoiler: and on Day 296: The Heatwave he put his life on the line to expose Advance's hypocrisy and evil deeds. He kickstarted a large part of the protest against Advance and alerted the public of Advance's secret plans,]] and he will not hesitate to tear you a new one if you do not play the Disrupt tape on air. Give a big salute to Jeremy for sacrificing himself for the greater good.
* Kel from ''VideoGame/{{Omori}}'' has grown to be very emotionally intelligent and stable, effectively bringing his friend group back together soon after first coaxing Sunny out of his house. Furthermore, while Aubrey and Basil are sometimes compared to Susie and Ralsei (respectively) from VideoGame/{{Deltarune}}, Kel has ''all the best traits of both said Deltarune characters''.
* Mary from ''{{VideoGame/Ib}}''. Her overall character is pretty interesting, considering the fact [[spoiler:it deals with WhatMeasureIsANonHuman since she’s a LivingDrawing who wants to [[BecomeARealBoy live in the human world]]. Her morality is also pretty interesting because while she doesn't have any bad intentions, the way she went about her goals involve things as bad as killing someone, which ended up spawning a BrokenBase over her morality.]]
* Captain Olimar from the ''VideoGame/{{Pikmin}}'' series. He's an adorable, compassionate, and honest family man who, despite being put through the absolute wringer over the course of the games, will do whatever it takes to return home and see his loved ones again. Whether he's [[VideoGame/Pikmin2001 getting stranded on a distant planet]] [[VideoGame/Pikmin4 with the ever-present threat of death by oxygen on his shoulders]], [[VideoGame/Pikmin2 returning to said planet to pay off his company's debt]], [[VideoGame/Pikmin3 or being captured by a sentient slime creature]], one thing is for certain; he '''''will''''' see his family again, or die trying. All by fighting hazards and enemies ten times his size with nothing but his [[AwesomenessByAnalysis powers of observation]] and [[BadassArmy an army of sentient plant creatures who stand by him until the very end.]]. Dude deserves a vacation, preferably one that doesn't have him crash-land somewhere.
** Hell, without his guidance and leadership, the Pikmin would have essentially gone extinct!
*** And speaking of the Pikmin, the fact that he treats them as basically a second family instead of just pawns or servants is nothing short of sweet.
** His [[MonsterCompendium Piklopedia]] entries are so insightful and well articulated that it honestly makes me question why he still works at Hocotate Freight. He could make a killing as a biologist with that kind of knowledge!
** Through the entries for treasures, we see so many sides of Olimar as a character. The devotion and love he has for his family, his gentle curiosity for the beings and objects he finds on the planet, his willingness to understand new things, how he introspects on his actions and feelings; both good and bad. For what some might see at first glance as just a funny little astronaut, he's so much more than meets the eye.
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