Let’s take a look at which franchises (both action and arcade based) truly evolved the video game industry and with that created iconic characters that kicked all kinds of ass and are still widely popular today. With so many games to consider, it’s definitely hard to come to a definitive conclusion. Take a look below to see who made the final cut.
Ryu – Street Fighter
My first pick comes from the popular series Street Fighter. Premiering as the only playable character in the first game, wearing a tattered white karate gi with a white hachimaki (headband), red gloves, and red shoes, Ryu became a quick fan favorite. He was a karate master and often labeled as a wandering warrior. His trademark move was Hadouken(the wave motion fist). The move is achieved by the character thrusting their palms forward, sending a surge of spirit energy (or ki) flying towards the opponent. There are very few trademark moves in video games today that are remembered as fondly as this one.
Ryu Hayabusa – Ninja Gaiden
Another fan favorite was born with the release of Ninja Gaiden. This intense title hit the US in 1989. Oddly enough, the star of this game is also called Ryu. Through the years this series has introduced cutting edge cut scenes (for its time), insane difficulty and unprecedented action. With a trilogy on the NES and multiple appearances to follow, Ryu Hayabusa has accumulated a cult following. Whether it involves fighting other ninja clans, werewolves or demons from another world, few guys hack and slash their way to victory in such epic fashion.
Joe Musashi – Shinobi
One cannot forget the deadly assassin Shinobi. This was Sega’s answer to Ninja Gaiden. Under the gi you will find Joe Musashi. His peaceful existence in the mountains of Japan is shattered when the totalitarian crime syndicate Neo Zeed rises to power and threatens to take over the world. The Oboro clan is hunted down by Zeed’s minions, his master assassinated and his girlfriend Naoko taken hostage. Musashi swears revenge on all responsible. His trademark weapon was the shuriken and as the series grew it eventually shifted to a ninjato. His patented move was one of a double jumping somersault. This ability however was not implemented until Shinobi III. Following this were nearly 10 other releases which kept Sega’s iconic master ninja in steady action and gamers hooked.
So there you have it, my top three picks for not only the ultimate badasses, but truly iconic characters within the video game world. Who would you have chosen?
I liked your picks, even if you seemed to have martial artists on the brain… but here’s the 3 that I would have picked….
1. John-117 -(Halo) Master Chief evolved combat for console shooters, asked for a weapon in the sequel, then finished the fight in Halo 3. Based on what was said of Noble 6 in Halo Reach, he is classified as a “Hyper Lethal Vector.” Man of few words, he let gamers feel almost invincible as a Spartan-II in the 26th century.
2. Kratos -(God of War) This former man turned god killed every single god of note in Greek Mythology including the king of the hill, Zeus. Nuff said.
3. Marcus Fenix -(Gears of War) This man wields a chainsaw on a machine gun, after being sentenced to 40 years in prison for trying to save his father, then picks up a lancer and becomes man’s best hope to reclaim Sera.
all great, except- they’re all characters you find in exclusive games and as i’m sure we all know there is a never ending console “war” going on…
Another one i could think of (partially exclusive) is “Snake” or well one of his names anyway… he went from pixel badass to Old legend in 10 years!.
Great picks Krypto! I did seem to have martial artists on the brain huh, haha. I picked these guys because they are legends now that are synonymous with video games. John 117, Kratos and Marcus Fenix will no doubt stand the test of time too. I’m looking forward to both Gears of War 3 and Halo CE this fall.
Interesting picks, i would put Ryu in my top 3 swell.
however i would change the other two. My picks:
1. Ryu – Street Fighter
2. Scorpion – Mortal Kombat
3. Sephiroth – Final Fantasy VII
No subzero/scorpion makes me sad
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Kratos!
Honestly the list is great except its missing the most badass person of all. And thats Snake. You really can’t have a list about badass legends if hes not included…just sayin.
Great hammer of Thor, those are some bad ass guys! haha
I can see Marcus Fenix as a “iconic” badass but both list are nice I myself would have to go with:
Kratos (God of War Series) – Bent on revenge that fuels is rage, Kratos demands that the Gods bleed. Traveling to the depths of hell and across Mount Olympus, Kratos’ journey can by his bloody path. While slaying God after God he often replenishes his rage with rough make out love with every woman he sees because he…is..God of WAR.
Mario (Mario Series) – Even as an Italian plumber he takes a bit out of crime. With death defying acts such as spitting fireballs and flying in a raccoon suit, Mario saves the day and gets the princess.
John-117 (Halo Series) – Though his woman was just a hologram, he still saved the world from destruction…long live Master Chief in Halo 4.
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Will be creating a FB account soon! Thanks for visiting the site, more content on the way =)
Don’t forget Duke Nukem, haha.
Arbiter