Guys like Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston from AMC’s hit-show Breaking Bad deserve such initial praise for delivering unique “chemistry.” More so, they’ve both achieved Emmy awards; one for best TV actor; and more importantly, best supporting actor.

You see, to me, you can’t have the show without one another. Their work together towards distinctness goals and attitudes (while trying to tear each other apart) is what makes the drama so interesting. Glad they decided not to kill Jessie off in Season One because of the brilliant performances.

That brings me to videogames. Think of secondary characters as Aaron Paul – he/she still achieves that spotlight and fame – although more often than not they’re overlooked, shadowed by the leading character. I know what you’re thinking, Luigi is a perfect example. But some of these characters are given smaller roles that aren’t that appreciated; nor recognized.

For kicks and giggles, when you mention the best sidekicks, it’s an impossibility not to brainstorm the worst. You know, the one’s in which you anticipate their death in a game (or TV show). Sorry Skyler…Walter doesn’t need you anymore.

Ebisumaru (Dr. Yang)

Debut: The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (SNES) 1991

I don’t know why, but I immediately related Mr. Yang to George Costanza of Seinfeld fame. Who wouldn’t want to play as this dude? Oh wait, it's a she, isn't it? This karate kicker carried a mean stick and knew how to use it. That suit and bizarre hat made his personality, honestly. He also referenced a pussy; scared when threat arrived. Weird... yet funny.

Tails

Debut: Sonic 2 (Genesis) 1992 

Sure, Sonic can run faster than DC's super-dash hero Flash, but Tails could to something better: Fly with his spinning tail. It was more like gliding, but it made superior and hard-to-reach items easily accessible. What Sonic couldn’t do, Tails can do better.

Rush

Debut: Mega Man 3 (NES) 1990

The Magnet Beam was very unique and made Mega Man’s adventure more forgiving when acquiring in the latter. But instead of continuing the weapon, it was eventually replaced by Rush; a robot-dog that the blue bomber could use to hop on the mutt for the coil spring, a submarine, and even a jet.

Rush gave Transformers a run for its money. Furthermore, in Marvel vs. Capcom 2, the hyper-combo gave Mega Man an oblivious attack that transformed him into a huge mech-warrior. Mega Buster? That’s a thing of the past.

Zero

Debut: Mega Man X (SNES) 1993 

If I wrote this eighteen years ago, the obvious thing I would to state is that Zero deserved his own game. A dream came true with the Mega Man Zero series on Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.  Slowly, he was teased as a playable character in Mega Man X3, but let’s face it – you can only use Zero once and if he took enough damage it was he would retreat. Mega Man X4 brought the pleasure of controlling the blonde-hair maverick hunter, and his sword/maneuvers dictated more damage to enemies than X’s arm cannon.

Falco

Debut: Star Fox (SNES) 1993

Falco’s relation with Fox was interesting – it reigned jealously and competition. At first, I despised the blue bird, making remarks like “Oh, I was saved my Fox, how swell” or “Hey Einstein, I’m on your side!” But a good flyer always backs you up, even against Star Wolf. He was the other character I took seriously, and he thrived to win.  

Bowser

Debut: Super Mario Bros. (NES) 1985 

Wait, huh?! Bowser is Mario’s main nemesis, is he not? Correct, but my favorite moment in the Mario saga was when the oversized-dragon turtle teamed up with the plumber in Super Mario RPG. Special magic attacks; including a giant Boo, were some of villain’s brilliant offensive tactics. Don’t ever take over Bowser’s castle, my friends. The irony truly was magical. That laugh gargle was hilarious too.

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