As games take on more and more elements of literature and films, it is only natural that the characters begin transcending their sprite or polygonal forms and become something momentarily living, or at least something that lives on in the imagination. Does Sinistar's voice still cause uneasiness, or does Sephiroth continue to inspire unending rage? These characters mean more to us and stick out as cultural icons.
Rather than discuss those that have become elements of pop culture, I would rather share the characters that have stuck with me.
Kyle Hyde, Hotel Dusk: It may be because Hotel Dusk was the first DS game I could not put down, but Kyle Hyde is one of the most well developed characters I have seen in recent years. Gruff, tormented, but not without humor, Kyle's views on the characters and surroundings of Hotel Dusk transforms the adventure game into a true interactive novel. Kyle won me over the moment I examined a shelf holding copious amounts of alcohol and his response was: Bless you shelf.
That's a character with charm and completely aware of his own weaknesses.
Kristoph Gavin, Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice: Though Kristoph makes more peculiar blunders than a Lecter-esque character should, even Lecter was imprisoned. Kristoph is stylish and petty, but also possessed of a superiority that makes him a wonderful villain. He has his smarmy, sinister ways but also uses clear nail polish and has an amazingly furnished cell. That kind of class will stick with you. I like the image Kristoph presents, but I am not a fan of the girls who try to cosplay as him. Nooooooo.
Look at that suit though. You wish you could rock that tie, right?
Captain Blasto, Blasto: I keep my copy of B
lasto out of memory of Phil Hartman. Though the gameplay is verging on terrible, Hartman's voice sooths all and turns Blasto into a lovable space adventurer stereotype rather than an annoying one. The entire game played up the Sci-Fi camp and in my mind there was no better voice actor at the time. Blasto is worth returning to just for the presence of Blasto's voice, and this game has left me thinking all Space Captains should have that Duke Nukem regard for mutations and women.
Also, he has some amazingly dainty ankles for such a muscular torso.
Albert Wesker, Resident Evil: Even in the ill-advised books, Wesker has an undeniable air of nastiness. I will not go so far as to say he is attractive, but the gradual transformation of Wesker from a guy with really bad hair to the sinister vaguely British character in the later games is appealing and totally fits the role. I was outraged by the last RE film for many reasons, but the portrayal of my absolute favorite villian nearly crushed me. He looked like a frat boy in an expensive suit, not a genetically mutated mastermind. He's got style, charm, and an appropriate stance on virtually indestructable women with snakes coming out of their heads.
Also, he looks a bit like Bowie now. A beefier Bowie, but still.
What characters stick with you?
