I dig critters. Call me a misanthrope, but I prefer the company of animals to that of humans eleven times out of ten. The digital world is no exception. So, because precisely nobody asked, here is my list of fave-raves. They're only in order because that's how this kind of thing works.
10. Jabu Jabu
How many people do you know who can say they had a bioelectric anemone in their stomach?
Best dressed giant god-like fish thingy on the block
9. That Smart-a** dog from Duck Hunt
You gots to respect a dog that will laugh in your face. Or not.
Do it! He's not real. Do it!
8. Ratchet
Alright, anthropomorphised animals count. It's my list, anyway. Plus, he has cool weapons. And candy. He's gotta have candy. I mean, just look at him. Yeah, he's got candy.
Ratchet teaches us the value of friendship. And weapons. And candy. He has candy, right?
7. Yoshi
Because if you don't like Yoshi, you're some kind of weird commie from Mars.
Don't be a Martian commie
6. Reggie Fils-Aime
'Cause he's a big cuddly teddy bear.
See? A bear. Cuddly.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog
From the first Sonic game. 32 bits of cooool.
"Are you looking at me?"
4. Kratos
Because you could pretend that gorgon was your annoying coworker who won't shut the hell up and is always trying to be your friend even though he's kind of creepy and you have nothing in common and he just won't stop so you vicariously rip his guts out and then tear his head off so you won't ever have to hear his voice again except in your recurring nightmares that therapy at $250.00 a damn hour doesn't begin to touch.
Phew...
3. Epona
Epona, like, totally has your back.
Except, what the hell is this all about?
2. Amaterasu
The protagonist in a game that actually rivals Zelda. Whoa.
Check 'er OUT! Yeeeah, boyeeee!
1. Agro
The steed from Shadow of the Colossus. Code orange spoiler alert! If you don't want a sniff of story in a game you haven't played, but might, don't read on. Because I give a whiff.
Agro exhibits a trait that elicited a reaction that I rarely have to a game. Games are fiction, but Agro's sacrifice for her master was quite touching. Wander follows a selfish path to his own destruction, taking Agro with him. But she still saves him. That's what faithful companions do.
Give that horse a cookie, you big dummy
