In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the best sidekicks to appear in any video games. I’ll explain why I think they deserve a spot on this list. Like any list, it’s purely subjective. I’d love to hear your thoughts as to whether somebody else deserves to be on this list or if one of these entries doesn’t deserve their spot, so please do comment below. Also note that each entry has been added in no particular order. It’s not a countdown.
1) CL4P-TP/“Claptrap”, Borderlands.
A good sidekick knows that their primary purpose isn’t to be cool. After all, they wouldn’t want to outshine the main hero. Sidekicks do often provide comic relief though and few do it better than the hilarious CL4P-TP fromBorderlands. Okay, so he does create a Claptrap army and try to destroy you. So perhaps he’s technically not the most useful sidekick. But he’s so endearing, so when he returns to you inBorderlands 2,it’s still tough to stay angry at him.
2) Luigi, Mario games.
It wouldn’t be right to do a video game sidekicks list without including Luigi. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find that such an act is against the law. I have personally always found Luigi to be more of an endearing character to Mario. It is partly Luigi’s cowardice that makes me love him as a character. This was part of what made me like theLuigi’s Mansiongames. Fingers crossed they make a third one someday.
3) Ellie, The Last of Us.
Wise beyond her years, Ellie is arguably the most well-written entry on this list. Her relationship with Joel was very believable and made the game’s ending all the more amazing. I can’t wait forThe Last of Us Part II.
Clementine is a similar entry to Ellie, in that she is a child growing up in a harsh post-apocalyptic world. There is no time for innocence. You must teach her how to survive. It was nice to see Clementine go on to become the star in season 2. However, I personally preferred Season 1 partly due to the bond between her and the main character, Lee Everett. I’m still hoping that we’ll eventually see Clementine as an adult character in a laterWalking Deadseason.
5) Elizabeth, BioShock Infinite.
As the majority ofBioShock Infiniteis basically an escort mission, it could have been very frustrating. However, in addition to being a likeable character who you actually care about, Elizabeth is both extremely powerful and useful, opening portals and throwing you supplies.
6) Garrus, Mass Effect trilogy
Garrus is your best bro and a potential romance option inMass Effect 2if you’re a female Shepard. Despite playingMass Effectas Fem-Shep, I couldn’t bring myself to romance Garrus. Not because I didn’t like him but because I didn’t want to risk romance ruining a good thing. He was my constant companion throughout the originalMass Effecttrilogy. I love you, Garrus! Hmm…maybe I should do a Garrus romance play through after all…
7) Elika, Prince of Persia (2008)
I love the banter between the “Prince” and Elika. And just like Elizabeth fromBioShock Infinite, Elika is another powerful entry. She constantly saves you from death throughout the game. How’s that for a useful sidekick?
8) Weighted Companion Cube, Portal
There are very, very few video games which make you develop a deep emotional attachment to an inanimate object. But the Weighted Companion Cube is special. It is the closest thing to a friend and ally that you have inPortal, helping you to solve puzzles. And as Ronan Keating sang, “You say it best when you say nothing at all.”
Was your favourite video game sidekick on this list? If not, who is it and why do they deserve an entry? Please comment below and let us know.
So, I hope that you liked this article. If so, you may be interested in theRPG Moralityarticle. Alternatively, you could read theWorst RPG bosses everarticle instead.
