History BreakoutCharacter / VideoGames

** Laguna Loire from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'' is a HeroOfAnotherStory (an in-universe "Dream World" sequence) and can only be played five times. However, he became a very popular character due to his mature, yet light and humorous storyline/dialogues. He [[UnexpectedCharacter surprised many a fan]] by becoming the game's third representative in ''Dissidia 012'', over the likes of [[TheChick Rinoa]] or [[TheRival Seifer]]. He was also going to be in ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep'', (according to the Ultimania), but was cut when SE realized both games would be released at about the same time.

*** To the point that every new generation introduces another Electric-type rodent to keep the trend going: Generation II had Pichu, the pre-evolution of Pikachu; Generation III had Plusle and Minun, two more electric mice who were also designed to show off the newly introduced Double Battle mechanic; Generation IV had Pachirisu the squirrel, plain compared to the rest; Generation V had Emolga the flying squirrel, part Flying-type; Generation VI had Dedenne the hamster, part Fairy-type; Generation VII had Togedemaru the hedgehog, part Steel-type; Generation VIII had Morpeko, a guinea pig, part Dark-type; and Generation IX had the first evolution family of this category, the Pawmi line, which evolved into Pawmo and the part Fighting-type Pawmott.
*** Generation VII also introduced Mimikyu, a Ghost/Fairy type that disguises itself as a Pikachu in an attempt to be just as popular. It would also see Raichu being brought back into the spotlight as it is given a regional variant that pays a direct homage to Surfing Pikachu. Both of these are direct references to Pikachu being the series mascot.

*** To the point that every new generation introduces another Electric-type rodent to keep the trend going: Generation II had Pichu, the pre-evolution of Pikachu; Generation III had Plusle and Minun, two more electric mice who were also designed to show off the newly introduced Double Battle mechanic; Generation IV had Pachirisu the squirrel, plain compared to the rest; Generation V had Emolga the flying squirrel, part Flying-type; Generation VI had Dedenne the hamster, part Fairy-type; Generation VII had Togedemaru the hedgehog, part Steel-type; and Generation VIII had Morpeko, a guinea pig, part Dark-type.

** Aile from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' is the DistaffCounterpart of Vent, but she would overshadow him due to being the first true female playable protagonist (as opposed to be a playable side character) of the ''Mega Man'' franchise. While Vent did star as the main protagonist for the ''ZX'' manga adaptation back in 2006, Aile was chosen to represent ''Mega Man ZX'' in ''VideoGame/MegaManXDive'' in 2020 with Vent absent. In fact, [=DiVe=] would later chose Aile was ''again'' to represent ''Mega Man ZX Advent'' as her older self, rather than choosing [[PlayerCharacter Grey or Ashe]].

** Aile from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' is the DistaffCounterpart of Vent, but she would overshadow him due to being the first true female playable protagonist (as opposed to be a playable side character) of the ''Mega Man'' franchise. While Vent did star as the main protagonist for the ''ZX'' manga adaptation back in 2006, Aile was chosen to represent ''Mega Man ZX'' in ''VideoGame/MegaManXDive'' in 2020 with Vent absent. In fact, [=DiVe=] would later chose Aile was ''again'' to represent ''Mega Man ZX Advent'' as her older self, rather than choosing [[PlayerCharaceter Grey or Ashe]].

** Aile from ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' is the DistaffCounterpart of Vent, but she would overshadow him due to being the first true female playable protagonist (as opposed to be a playable side character) of the ''Mega Man'' franchise. While Vent did star as the main protagonist for the ''ZX'' manga adaptation back in 2006, Aile was chosen to represent ''Mega Man ZX'' in ''VideoGame/MegaManXDive'' in 2020 with Vent absent. In fact, [=DiVe=] would later chose Aile was ''again'' to represent ''Mega Man ZX Advent'' game as her older self, rather than choosing Grey or Ashe.

*** Generation VIII: Hisuian Zorua/Zoroark[[note]]The Normal/Ghost variant of Generation V's Zoroark line, Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark managed to find immense popularity thanks to their unique typings, [[WoobieSpecies tragic backstory]], and cute/CreepyAwesome designs respectively. A shiny Hisuian Zorua (later Zoroark) is featured heavily in ''WebAnimation/PokemonHisuianSnow'', while Hisuian Zoroark was among the first Pokémon to be confirmed to return in ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet''.[[/note]]

*** Generation I: Charizard,[[note]]Charizard was the fan favorite starter, and thanks to popularity poll results and merchandise sales, can be argued to be the most popular Pokémon [[AmericanKirbyIsHardcore in the]] [[GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff United States]]. It was one of two Pokémon to get two Mega Evolutions in ''X'' and ''Y'', and was also depicted as the main Pokémon in ''Anime/PokemonOrigins'', the first animated Pokémon feature directly aimed at the PeripheryDemographic. Charizard's popularity also led to the one used by the main character of the anime to consistently be depicted as a total badass, and aside from the ever-present Pikachu he's the most common of Ash's season one team to make return appearances.[[/note]] Pikachu,[[note]] As noted above, thanks to the initial popularity of the anime, Pikachu was made into the official mascot of the franchise. Pikachu's popularity even warranted a RecursiveAdaptation, ''[[UpdatedRerelease Pokémon Yellow]]''.[[/note]] Jigglypuff,[[note]]During the early days of the franchise, Jigglypuff was the second most popular Pokémon in Japan -- again, due to the anime -- and was one of the most prominent recurring characters in the anime, although its popularity has waned since then. After 14 years though it was brought back for the ''Sun and Moon'' anime.[[/note]] Meowth,[[note]]Meowth is by and large a regular Pokémon in the games, but the anime is where its true popularity lies: most prominently is Team Rocket's Meowth, it is unique in that it is one of the very few Pokémon in the whole franchise to talk the human language, thus he acts more human-like than all other Pokémon and sets himself up as "Pikachu's main rival", much like ''Tom and Jerry''.[[/note]] Eevee,[[note]]Eevee and its evolutions quickly became fan favorites for their adorable designs, and being the original Pokémon to have a branched evolution. Its popularity was so overwhelming that Eeveelution merchandise are frequently top sellers, and later generations would introduce more evolutions, with Sylveon in particular being used heavily in promos for ''Pokémon X & Y'' to show off the new Fairy type.[[/note]] Mewtwo[[note]]Like Charizard, Mewtwo got two Mega Evolutions and ranks very high in popularity polls. Starting off as a BonusBoss in the original game and being the star of ''Anime/PokemonTheFirstMovie'' led to Mewtwo also becoming one of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise.[[/note]], Gengar [[note]]Its evolutionary line made an impression on players as the only Ghost type Pokémon in Gen 1. Coupled with a design that many considered to be terrifying. Even with the introduction of other Ghost types, Gengar is still competitively viable and is always put on the team of a Ghost type gym or Elite Four members. It placed 10th in the 2020 popularity vote and is the most requested fighter when asked for ''VideoGame/PokkenTournament''. Its popularity is, no doubt, why it was featured on Ash's team in ''Anime/PokemonJourneysTheSeries''.[[/note]], Magikarp/Gyarados[[note]]Magikarp became the franchise's poster child for the MagikarpPower trope (of which it is the TropeNamer), and captivated many fans due to its being an extremely weak and dopey fish that evolves into the gigantic badass sea dragon Gyarados. Both of them have received a lot of merchandise, especially with Magikarp in Japan where it regularly gets Pokémon Center promotions and special videos. Gyarados' Shiny form is also one of the most well-known in the series, being a mandatory encounter in ''VideoGame/PokemonGoldAndSilver'' and garnering a lot of attention for its [[RedIsViolent deep red coloration]].[[/note]]
*** Generation II: Wooper/Quagsire[[note]]A line of derpily adorable salamanders. Though relatively ignored at first, the Wooper line exploded in popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to their adorable, carefree designs, as well as Quagsire being [[LethalJokeCharacter deceptively useful in competitive play]]. Aside from becoming more prominent in merchandising, Wooper got a Poison/Ground Paldean variant in ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet''. Additionally, Wooper often appears in promotional media relating to the Johto region. The Pokémon Company has also [[MemeAcknowledgement acknowledged]] certain memes surrounding the line, namely the "[[https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1554855868469952512 This]]" meme shortly after Paldean Wooper's reveal.[[/note]], Lugia [[note]]One of the two Legendary Mascots for Generation II, both ''Silver'' and ''[[UpdatedRerelease SoulSilver]]'' ended up becoming the best selling versions. Lugia's popularity led to it making several extended appearances in the anime, and even served as the focal Pokémon of the [[Anime/Pokemon2000 second movie]].[[/note]]

*** Generation IV: Piplup,[[note]]Piplup is extremely popular in Japan, moreso than its future evolutions. Part of it might have been due to the [[Film/MarchOfThePenguins penguin]] [[WesternAnimation/HappyFeet craze]] around at the time, but Piplup's popularity was solidified when it became Dawn's starter [[Anime/PokemonTheSeriesDiamondAndPearl in the anime]] and given co-star treatment next to Pikachu only several episodes in. Since then, Piplup has appeared prominently in the franchise, being the starter Pokémon for protagonists such [[Manga/PokemonDiamondAndPearlAdventure Haerta]] and [[Manga/PokemonAdventures Platinum]], as well as the main hero in the ''Mystery Dungeon Explorer'' specials. Dawn's Piplup in particular has led to several {{Expy}}s such as Ash's Oshawott and Clemont's Chespin. If that wasn't clear already, Piplup appears as a starter for one of main characters in the [[Anime/PokemonIChooseYou twentieth movie]] despite being neither a Gen I or VII Pokémon.[[/note]] Bidoof,[[note]]Despite being a ComMon, Bidoof would get a lot of attention from official and unofficial sources, thanks to memes surrounding its derpy appearance and status as a BoringButPractical HM Slave. In addition to receiving a good amount of merch, for April Fools' Day 2021, Pokémon's social media pages became entirely Bidoof themed, and later that year they announced a new fandom holiday in the form of Bidoof Day and the animatedshort ''Bidoof's Big Stand''.[[/note]] Lucario, [[note]]Lucario's popularity exploded upon release, quickly overshadowing the starters of the gen as the most popular Pokémon. Lucario became the focal Pokémon of [[Anime/PokemonLucarioAndTheMysteryOfMew the eighth movie]], a gift Pokémon in ''every'' subsequent game released after its introduction, became a fighter in the ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, and even given an expy in the form of Zoroark. It's even set to be prominently featured in the [[Anime/PokemonIChooseYou twentieth movie]] despite the fact Gen IV is not being advertised at the time. Ash himself eventually got one in the ''Journeys'' anime as well.[[/note]], Garchomp,[[note]]Garchomp is commonly considered the most popular [[InfinityMinusOneSword pseudo-legendary]] Pokémon in the franchise, and often ranks second in popularity to Lucario as far as Generation IV goes. It is the SignatureMon of the aforementioned Champion Cynthia, and was made playable in ''VideoGame/PokkenTournament'' due to its popularity.[[/note]] Darkrai [[note]]Despite being a Mythical Pokémon, which are usually treated as in-game secrets that get one anime movie in the limelight, its [[WhiteHairBlackHeart JRPG villain aesthetic]] made it popular enough to be an antagonist in several spinoff games along with its expected role in ''Anime/PokemonTheRiseOfDarkrai''. It had a memorable appearance as the TrueFinalBoss of ''VideoGame/PokemonMysteryDungeonExplorers'', and was also the FinalBoss of ''[[VideoGame/PokemonRanger Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/PokeparkWii PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond]]''[[/note]], Arceus [[note]] Being the at the time absolute strongest Pokémon and InUniverse CreatorDeity quickly helped Arceusgain a lot of mainstream appeal for a mythicalPokémon, which culminated in it getting it's own game years down the line in ''VideoGame/PokemonLegendsArceus''.[[/note]]
*** Generation V: Zekrom [[note]]Similar to Lugia before it, its appearance on the cover ensured that the ''White'' version ended up becoming the best-selling version. Like Rayquaza, Zekrom was one of Oda Nobunaga's most prominent Pokémon in ''VideoGame/PokemonConquest'', and is the closest one can get to the main Pokémon of the game. Zekrom proved to be so popular that ''Mega Charizard X'' ended up being [[{{Expy}} modeled]] after it.[[/note]]
*** Generation VI: Braixen,[[note]]The fact that Braixen wasn't the fourth Fire/Fighting type starter in a row is what gave it even more lovely reception than the detested Pignite and Emboar, and while it evolves into the Fire/Psychic type Delphox, the Braixen stage itself happens to be more popular (which puts it in a position where the middle stage is the most popular). But what really gathers so much appeal for Braixen is its unique design which likens it to a {{Tsundere}} girl, which is so prominent that you'll often see much fanart online with behaving like a Tsundere, even calling people baka, and many people will breed or soft reset their game so that they get the female Fennekin and will choose not to evolve it to its final stage. Its popularity grew even further when the anime Serena's Fennekin evolved into a Braixen, and even when Braixen was revealed as a playable character in VideoGame/PokkenTournament.[[/note]] Greninja,[[note]]Greninja became the fan favorite starter of Gen VI, quickly becoming both the most used starter of the gen and voted the most popular. It got handpicked, coincidentally, by Sakurai to serve as the Gen rep for ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' and was also the starter given to Ash in the anime, complete with its own unique [[SuperMode transformation]] [[CanonImmigrant that eventually made its way into]] ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon''.[[/note]] Goomy [[note]]When first revealed at the start of Gen VI, it quickly reached memetic status due to the [[OurDragonsAreDifferent juxtaposition of it being a small cute slug while also being a dragon-type at the same time]]. It also helps that its evolutions are more peaceful and kind compared to most pseudo-legendaries, which is reminiscent of Gen I's Dragonite. This popularity resulted in lots of Goomy-related merch and even having a spot on Ash's team in the X and Y anime. It's even available in ''Sun and Moon'' and is the only Pokémon from an older generation to be given out at an Easter Egg event in Japan and Korea.[[/note]]

** Nemesis from ''[[VideoGame/ResidentEvil3Nemesis RE3]]'' originally was more of a MonsterOfTheWeek and simply called “Pursuer” and in Japan wasn’t even in the title of the game [[note]]which was called ''Resident Evil: Last Escape''[[/note]]. But Nemesis quickly became as synonymous with the franchise as the zombies thanks to his ImplacableMan behaviour and appeared frequently in other ''RE'' and Capcom media as well as a hotly anticipated [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil3Remake remake]].

** [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Knuckles the Echidna]]. He initially showed up as an antagonist tricked by Eggman to oppose Sonic, but he proved popular enough that he [[VideoGame/KnucklesChaotix headlined his own game]] the following year, and a few years later, he became part of the "Big Three" along with Sonic and Tails. This even extended to [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics the Archie comics]] where Knuckles had his own spin-off book that at one point almost surpassed Sonic's in popularity. By the noughties, he appeared in just about ''every'' game in a major role up until the 2010's when he began to fall OutOfFocus. His popularity seems to have revived in lieu his debut in Film/SonicTheHedgehog22022 film, where not only is a significant part of the marketing surrounding the film was his initial rivalry with Sonic. To the point where even before the film came out, a spin off series about him was already announced. The Japanese title for the film is even called ''Sonic vs. Knuckles'', giving him equal billing as the main character themself.
** [[AntiHero Shadow the Hedgehog]] is probably an even better example than Knuckles as he debuted after the Classic era. He's far from the only EvilTwin that Sonic's had, but his personality and fleshed out backstory proved so popular that several games afterward centered on him in some way, to the point where [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog the last one in his story arc]] starred ''him'' and not Sonic. Even after the series started to [[DemotedToExtra downplay]] the secondary cast into smaller roles, he's still one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but, thanks to his snarky, yet friendly personality, defiance of virtually every popular dwarf cliche, and his excellent chemistry and endearing friendship with the PlayerCharacter of said game[[labelnote:*]]while it is possible to form a rivalry with him, it's almost impossible to do so unless deliberately antagonizing him[[/labelnote]], that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case. Of those two, he's the only one who was the party member in two base games.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but, thanks to his snarky, yet friendly personality, defiance of virtually every popular dwarf cliche, and his excellent chemistry and endearing friendship with the PlayerCharacter of said game[[labelnote:*]]while it is possible to form a rivalry with him, it's almost impossible to do so unless deliberately antagonizing him[[/labelnote]], that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but, thanks to his snarky, yet friendly personality, defiance of virtually every popular dwarf cliche, and his excellent chemistry and endearing friendship with the PlayerCharacter of said game, that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but, thanks to his snarky, yet friendly personality and excellent chemistry and endearing friendship with the PlayerCharacter of said game, that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but, thanks to his snarky, yet friendly personality and excellent chemistry and endearing relationship with the PlayerCharacter of said game, that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case.

* Varric Tethras from ''Franchise/DragonAge'' debuted in perhaps the [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII most controversial game]] of the series but that has not slowed down his popularity at all. He's the only party member from that game to be universally well-received and since then, he was a main character in three comic series as well as being one of the only two party members of the entire series to return as a party member in a sequel, ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' in his case.

** Minsc with his hamster Boo was originally thought as a comic side-kick in the first game. He is so popular among fans that not only he comes back in BGII whatever your alignment is, but he is also referred in some easter eggs in other Bioware games and is probably the most iconic character of the entire saga. ''Videogame/MassEffect2'' for example clearly refers to him in two occasions.

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'' has Mog, who is easily the most popular moogle in the entire franchise. Which is funny considering he is a relatively minor character. ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIV'' has multiple references to him, and they even named the real money store, Mogstation, after him.

%%Needs more context about her popularity.** Jill Valentine originally just the [[GameFavoredGender easy gameplay option]] to Chris the MC, soon became the main ActionGirl and central female character of the franchise. Only three years after her debut in Jill would get her own game in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil3Nemesis'' and subsequent appearances in ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilRevelations'' and ''[=RE5=]''. Jill has also starred in the most crossover titles such as ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom2 MVC2]]'', ''[[VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3 MVC3]]'', ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'' and ''VideoGame/{{Teppen}}''.

%%Needs more context about his popularity.** Albert Wesker was just TheMole in the original ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil'' who gets HoistByHisOwnPetard. He made a badass return for ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilCodeVeronica'' and immediately [[BreakoutVillain cemented himself]] as the series’s BigBad, making subsequent appearances in games and crossovers right up until ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil5'' [[spoiler:where to fans’s dismay he is KilledOffForReal]]. Wesker has even appeared proudly alongside the [[Franchise/MarvelUniverse Marvel supervillains]] in ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'' and is a main character in ''VideoGame/{{Teppen}}''.

** Asuka Kazama quickly became one of the series most popular characters and eclipsed Jun in the public conscious. She was even [[https://twitter.com/harada_tekken/status/173276861663686656?s=21 considered to have her own movie with Lili]].

* Emilie "Lili" De Rochefort from the ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' series. Originally appearing in ''Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection'', she eventually became widely popular. Today, she's perhaps the most recognizable female character in the series, besides Nina Williams. She even makes guest appearances in the ''Anime/QueensBlade'' franchise.

*** Generation VII: Rowlet,[[note]]Of the starters, Rowlet has grown to be the most popular starter in its generation's line-up and arguably the most popular Grass starter period for its cute and round design, for being the first Grass starter since Bulbasaur to have dual typing from the beginning, and for its final form taking a turn with its Ghost-typing, though its first form is definitely most popular. Its anime incarnation, with its sleepy personality, definitely gave it a cuteness boost. As a side effect, its fully evolved form Decidueye was added to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch port of ''Pokken Tournament''.[[/note]] Mimikyu,[[note]]A cute Ghost/Fairy Pokémon that wears a shabby Pikachu costume because it wants to be as popular; this quickly became a SelfFulfillingProphecy in the real world. It was one of the most marketed 'mons and got a special ImageSong. It also helps that Mimikyu is a genuinely useful Pokémon, thanks to a good typing, high Speed and Attack, and an Ability that lets it avoid damage for a single turn.[[/note]] Alolan Vulpix,[[note]]A variant of the Generation I Pokémon Vulpix found in Alola, undoubtedly thanks to its adorable appearance and major role in the anime. In response, Alolan Vulpix has received more merchandise than any other Pokémon introduced in Alola. Also helping its popularity is its evolution, Alolan Ninetales, which is very useful competitively, especially in double battles. Alolan Vulpix also retroactively made the regular Fire-typed Vulpix popular once more.[[/note]] Lycanroc[[note]]A Rock-type wolf Pokémon that comes in three forms; the Midday form, the Midnight form, and the Dusk form. The Midday and Dusk forms are quadrupedal, while the Midnight form is bipedal, resembling a werewolf. Together with their pre-evolution Rockruff, they are among the most promoted Pokémon of their generation, with the Dusk and Midnight forms being owned by Ash Ketchum and Gladion respectively in the anime.[[/note]], Incineroar[[note]]The most prominent of the final form starters in the anime, belonging to Cross (Ash's rival) in the 20th movie and Professor Kukui and eventually Ash himself in the anime proper. It would later be revealed as the final newcomer in the base roster for ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate''.[[/note]]

*** Generation II: Wooper/Quagsire[[note]]A line of derpily adorable salamanders. Though relatively ignored at first, the Wooper line exploded in popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to their adorable, carefree designs, as well as Quagsire being [[LethalJokeCharacter deceptively useful in competitive play]]. Aside from becoming more prominent in merchandising, Wooper got a Poison/Ground Paldean variant in ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet''. Additionally, Wooper often appears in promotional media relating to the Johto region. The Pokèmon Company has also [[MemeAcknowledgement acknowledged]] certain memes surrounding the line, namely the "[[https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1554855868469952512 This]]" meme shortly after Paldean Wooper's reveal.[[/note]], Lugia [[note]]One of the two Legendary Mascots for Generation II, both ''Silver'' and ''[[UpdatedRerelease SoulSilver]]'' ended up becoming the best selling versions. Lugia's popularity led to it making several extended appearances in the anime, and even served as the focal Pokémon of the [[Anime/Pokemon2000 second movie]].[[/note]]

*** Generation II: Wooper/Quagsire[[note]]A line of derpily adorable salamanders. Though relatively ignored at first, the Wooper line exploded in popularity in the late 2010s and early 2020s thanks to their adorable, carefree designs, as well as Quagsire being [[LethalJokeCharacter deceptively useful in competitive play]]. Aside from becoming more prominent in merchandising, Wooper got a Poison/Ground Paldean variant in ''VideoGame/PokemonScarletAndViolet''. The Pokèmon Company has also [[MemeAcknowledgement acknowledged]] certain memes surrounding the line, namely the "[[https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1554855868469952512 This]]" meme shortly after Paldean Wooper's reveal.[[/note]], Lugia [[note]]One of the two Legendary Mascots for Generation II, both ''Silver'' and ''[[UpdatedRerelease SoulSilver]]'' ended up becoming the best selling versions. Lugia's popularity led to it making several extended appearances in the anime, and even served as the focal Pokémon of the [[Anime/Pokemon2000 second movie]].[[/note]]

*** Generation II: Lugia [[note]]One of the two Legendary Mascots for Generation II, both ''Silver'' and ''[[UpdatedRerelease SoulSilver]]'' ended up becoming the best selling versions. Lugia's popularity led to it making several extended appearances in the anime, and even served as the focal Pokémon of the [[Anime/Pokemon2000 second movie]].[[/note]]

** [[AntiHero Shadow the Hedgehog]] is probably the standout example in the series. He's far from the only EvilTwin that Sonic's had, but his personality and fleshed out backstory proved so popular that several games afterward centered on him in some way, to the point where [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog the last one in his story arc]] starred ''him'' and not Sonic. Even after the series started to [[DemotedToExtra downplay]] the secondary cast into smaller roles, he's still one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.
** Metal Sonic went from being one of ''three'' different [[RobotMe evil robotic knockoffs]] of Sonic to becoming one of his stand-out rivals, even seizing BigBad duties from Eggman in ''VideoGame/SonicHeroes''. He's now the second most recurring villain in the franchise behind Eggman himself.

** Blaze The Cat is one of the few characters that both classic and modern fans like which is saying something when it comes to [[BrokenBase this fanbase]]. Her debut in ''VideoGame/SonicRush'' was well received for being one of few female characters in the series who could go toe to toe with Sonic and she's even the only female Sonic character with a super form. She continuously appears in future games, mainly as a playable character in spin-off games. Her stages in ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'' are often regarded as the best ones in the game due to being the [[GameBreakingBug least broken]] compared to everyone else's stages. A lot of fans wished she would have her own game that would explore more about her backstory and her world.