Ever wondered which video game characters hold a special place in gamers’ hearts? GTA BOOM dove deep into the vast expanse of the internet (specifically, over 400,000 Reddit comments from the top 1,000 gaming subreddits) to uncover the most beloved characters of all time. The results are in, and they might surprise you!
The study analyzed mentions of characters within discussions about the greatest video game characters ever. They wanted to go beyond simple lists and tap into the genuine passion of gamers across the web. And what they discovered is a testament to the power of compelling characters and the enduring impact of video games.
The king of the pixelated hill: Mario!
Taking the crown is none other than the iconic Italian plumber himself, Mario! With a staggering 1,002 mentions – over 200 more than any other character – Mario proves his timeless appeal. From his debut in 1985 to his countless adventures across 24 mainline Super Mario games, this mustachioed hero has captured the hearts of generations.
From Gotham to gaming: Batman swoops in
Hot on Mario’s heels is the Dark Knight, Batman. With 779 mentions, Bruce Wayne’s alter ego demonstrates his popularity extends beyond comics and film and into the gaming world. His appearances in numerous video games, including the acclaimed Arkham series, have solidified his status as a gaming icon.
God of War, Zelda, and more: The top 10 revealed
The top ten is a diverse mix of heroes and heroines, showcasing the breadth of the gaming landscape. Here’s the breakdown:
| Rank | Character | Game Franchise | Mention Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mario | Super Mario | 1,002 |
| 2 | Batman | Batman | 779 |
| 3 | Kratos | God of War | 529 |
| 4 | Zelda | The Legend of Zelda | 491 |
| 5 | Ratchet | Ratchet & Clank | 438 |
| 6 | Clank | Ratchet & Clank | 375 |
| 7 | Master Chief | Halo | 319 |
| 8 | Max Payne | Max Payne | 308 |
| 9 | Ellie | The Last of Us | 284 |
| 10 | Joel | The Last of Us | 255 |
From the Spartan warrior Kratos to the heroic Zelda, the list highlights the enduring power of well-crafted characters. Even duos like Ratchet and Clank secured their spots in the top ten, proving that sometimes, the best adventures are shared. And let’s not forget Master Chief, Max Payne, and the emotionally resonant Ellie and Joel from The Last of Us, rounding out the list and demonstrating the impact of narrative-driven games.
We’re missing some key characters…
All things considered, plenty of other names could have appeared in this list. After all, Batman isn’t really a video game character, whereas the others all originate in video games. There is also something to be said about the inclusion of Ellie and Joel, two characters enhanced by televisual existence.
So, who might be added? Well, the star of Duke Nukem 3D would be an obvious choice. And while Gorden Freeman isn’t so much a character as an avatar, Alyx Vance is a strong option from the Half-Life 2 games. Then you’ve got Dizzy, Earthworm Jim… Sonic the Actual Hedgehog!… the list is long.
(Or you could opt for Elvis from Civilization II… – Ed)
The enduring power of gaming icons
Matt Gibbs, Founder of GTA BOOM, shared his thoughts on the study’s findings: “Games and their characters can truly occupy a place in the hearts of gamers who may have grown up playing them, and found real solace in their worlds and storylines. These beloved characters are proof of how deeply video games resonate with players worldwide, creating icons that stand the test of time.”
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This research underscores the profound connection gamers feel with the characters they control. These aren’t just pixels on a screen; they’re companions, heroes, and sometimes even a reflection of ourselves. They’re the reason we pick up our controllers, immerse ourselves in digital worlds, and keep coming back for more.
So, who are your favorite gaming characters? Let us know in the comments below!
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