10 Best Video Game Characters of all Time

Pull together a list of the most iconic video game characters of all time and chances are there would be very few surprises. Classics like Mario, Sonic, Pac-Man, Link, Solid Snake, Donkey Kong and Samus will always be phenomenally important to the fabric of video games, but all of them first appeared on the scene during a completely different era. They're unquestionably iconic, and the only argument is over what order they'd fall into the top 10. They each may have appeared in modern games (with varying degrees of success,) but they're ultimately children of the Eighties and Nineties. If you take that group off the table completely, and focus on the significant characters that made their first appearances this century, you get a very different picture of how video games now present their leading figures. Seen all together like this, they're a potent reminder that the tone of games, for the most part, has changed dramatically post-PlayStation 2 and Xbox.

1. Mario (Donkey Kong, Nintendo, 1981)

Mario is the main character in the Mario Bros . Franchise, who was created by the creative director and video game designer at Nintendo of Japan, Shigeru Miyamoto . Mario has appeared in almost every Mario Game, including spinoff series, as a playable character, with few exceptions including New Super Luigi U, Luigi's Mansion Games, Yoshi's Island Games, and similar counterparts . He is the most iconic character in video game history and is Nintendo's mascot . His franchise has grown to be the most successful franchise ever.

2. Link (The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, 1986)

Well, well, well. This is certainly a surprise. I honestly thought that Link would be top. Aside from the obvious fact that The Legend of Zelda is undoubtedly the greatest game of all time, let me just tell you why. First, Link is portrayed differently through each of the games. Whatever you like, be it the 16-bit Link with his hat bobbing in the wind, the gorgeously stylised Link from The Wind Waker, or the awesome realistic Link from Twilight Princess there is a Link for everybody. Secondly, unlike thug Mario jumping on people's heads, Link is a true Hero. He isn't big or strong, but he is truly courageous, and can think in the direst of situations to solve problems, and fool his enemies. A truly rare personality.

Lastly, the greatest thing about Link is this. He never speaks, but he can do anything. No matter what is thrown at him, he will always rise to the challenge, and will succeed. Link is defined by his actions. Your actions. The reason Link is the greatest gaming character of all time is because, Link, the Hero of Time, is you.

3. Solid Snake (Metal Gear, Konami, 1987)

Snake screams badass! He is just badass in every way! He got that deep raspy voice that just screams rugged and tough, he is charismastic, he has great courage, and he has strong determination and he will do whatever it takes to make sure the world and its inhabitants are in safe hands! He sacrifices so much for the betterment of the world! Truly a noble, brave, and tough-ass character! He is undoubtedly the best Stealth Killer.

4. PAC-Man (PAC-Man, Namco, 1980)

Pac-Man is the protagonist fictional character of the franchise of the same name by Namco, who was first introduced in the Japanese arcade game Pac-Man on May 22, 1980 in Japan, later released in the United States in October the same year.

He is one of the major reason why gaming became so popular.

5. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider, Eidos, 1996)

She's one of the coolest video game characters ever. She's more skilled than a ninja, Navy Seal, and spy combined, and not to mention, she's insanely hot. She's badass, sexy, violent, role model & an all around masterpiece!

6. Kratos (God of War, Sony, 2005)

"THE HANDS OF DEATH COULD NOT DEFEAT ME, THE SISTERS OF FATE COULD NOT CONTROL ME, AND YOU WILL NOT SEE THE END OF THIS DAY I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE" - kratos

All hail kratos, the most badass character in gaming history! He is the most Badass Character you'll ever see in a video game. He call kill Gods with his bare hands. He is My Favourite Gaming Character.

7. Nathan Drake (Uncharted Series, Sony, 2007)

The Uncharted series is awesome. It has everything from those adventure movies: The mentor, the girl, the crazy bad guy (who dies), and the smart-talking adventurer. Oh yeah, and they end up destroying what they were searching for. (Bye-bye, El Dorado)

He says everything you think and to have that much humour while your getting shot at 24/7 is legendary... And to top it all he's a good looking ladies man and a real smart ass... We can all relate to drake.

8. Pikachu (Pokemon, Nintendo, 1996)

Pikachu is one of the most famous characters. He's the star of more products than sonic will ever be. By the way, pikachu is a he, his tail isn't in the shape of a heart.

Of Course he is more famous in TV series but You can't ignore his popularity in Video Games too. We all remember Pokemon Go, Didn't we ?

9. CJ- Carl Johnson (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Rockstar, 2004)

Do I need to tell you why this guy is here in the list ? The man who took GTA series and open world gaming to next level. He was not only cool and a killing machine but also had a heart. When he kills his friend Big Smoke he says "we were like a family" And there is little sadness over his face for a friend who betrayed him.

10. Zelda (The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, 1986)

She is nice brave and guards the Triforce which takes mad skills. Princess Zelda is more mature then the other princesses. She actually acts like a princess with mysterious parents. She rules Hyrule like no other princess.

She's a badass, admit it. She's awesome and I believe that she is the most awesome princess ever; awesome magic skills, pirate, ninja, skill with sword , archer... come on!