Hey now! Anna isn't so bad! You might recall Tekken 3 in which Nina, Anna's sister, lost her memory. Anna helps her and takes her to their parents' grave and Nina rewards her by slapping her across the face. Or punching her. Something like that.
Tiny me loved Anna for...obvious reasons. Ahem.
On the subject of Nina, I found two moves with Nina in Tekken Tag 2 that I just used over and over again and the computer never blocked the attack. They would just stand there and die.
Well no, she's not all bad. But let's face it, she's not going to win any sister of the year awards. Neither of them are. They're kinda psycho o.o
One of them got their own action spy game on the PS2. I don't recall it being all that good..
It was Nina and it wasn't that good. Although I think Nina's VA in the game was Mary-Elizabeth McGlynn who is awesome.
Isn't Ninja Gaiden the only example of a fighter spinoff that did well? That guy was from Dead or Alive i think? But compared to MK Mythologies Sub-Zero, Death By Degrees, Ninja Gaiden is a super hit.
Unless we count Dead or Alive XTreme Beach Volleyball. That did well.
He was in Dead or Alive, but they've been making Ninja Gaiden games since the NES days.
Really? I didn't know that. Interesting. So DOA is more like a spinoff of Ninja Gaiden, kinda-sorta.
You just play it for teh bewbies anyway.
I haven't hit puberty yet when I first played so I played it for the ninja.
In an attempt to stay on topic, Christie from DOA5 was a beast and I made my nephew cry.
Hitomi and Helena are my girls in that game. But if you want to talk about good fighting game spin-offs, the Shaolin Monks game from Mortal Kombat was pretty entertaining
Amusingly enough I'm playing two new games that were off my radar until this recent Steam sale. The Fall has you play as an almost sentient A.I. on-board a power suit that crash landed from orbit onto an alien planet that is home to a decommission station full of rogue A.I. that want to dismantle and recycle you. Your pilot occupant is unconscious and barely alive. You have full autonomy over the suit so you can attempt to find him medical treatment and hope to save his life. The suit's A.I. is called A.R.I.D. and one of the friendlier AI took to calling "her" Arid. And she quickly became one of my favorite video game characters. So blunt and to the point and robotic and super dedicated to her mission, just like an A.I. would be. Very well done
the-fall_screenshot6.png
And then there's Kovac from How To Survive who is writing a survival guide on the zombie apocalypse going on, on these islands the game takes place in. Whenever you find a chapter a little animation pops up narrated by Kovac. They're really entertaining and mildly educational to the ways of the game. One of the better tutorials, and one of the better tutorial characters in games. He's one of those engineer types whose motto is that "if it looks stupid, but it works; it's not stupid". And his zany no-care attitude towards you and the zombies helps push it that extra little mile into campy surreal over-the-top amusement. As one reviewer said, Kovac should have his own show
56621_medium.jpg
Hurray for obscure indie characters. It's been a good christmas. Hopefully I haven't typo'd very much and am at least mildly understandable. I'm a bit tipsy. First couple days off after the holidays in retail. Needed to relax. Enjoy my games. And share their awesome characters in the process~
It's been a while and, after pondering back and forth, I've selected a few new characters to add to the list.
Numbah 1!
Handsom Jack (Borderlands 2)
Did you know that some people actually don't like this guy? Like, seriously, some people don't. :o And maybe it's because they kind of grew attached to certain characters, or maybe they have that whole empathy thing down better than I do, but, I dunno, he kept me entertained the entire time I was playing Borderlands 2 and he's a pretty easy pick for my favorite in the game. I mean, Claptrap was almost close, what with his birthday party making me feel terrible for him and that scene where he's all ready to go after Jack and the door opens and . . . you know what, I love this game.
But, talking about Jack himself, he . . . is a complete self-absorbed jerk, claiming to be bringing peace to Pandora while being, quite simply, the worst thing to ever happen to it. He conducts live tests on animals and people, relishes torture, destroys towns, murders innocent people, intentionally sacrifices at least two people 'close' to him, twists his way into ownership of a massive conglomerate, and the list could go on. He is ingeniously devilish, and I love it.
And his dialogue, man oh man, I find most villains end up the most interesting characters in games, but Jack is a cut above the rest. Usually there is a point where I'm not terribly interested in what they are saying and just want to continue the game, but this is one of the few instances where I was almost always looking forward to hearing him, even when he was just babbling about looking forward to killing me. He's always so mocking and condescending, and it makes getting under his skin just that much more satisfying, especially his reaction to relatively minor things like destroying his statues in Opportunity. His voice actor does an amazing job too, and really brings the whole character to life.
I honestly had pretty low expectations for Borderlands 2, since it fits snugly into TWO genres I don't enjoy, but this character ALONE made the game worth playing, regardless of the fact the game outside of him is super enjoyable. Mr. Jack, I tip my hat to you.
Numbah 2!
Aran Ryan (Punch-Out!!)
So, funny story, I love the Punch-Out series, and Punch-Out!! on the Wii is actually my favorite in the series so far, and no small part of that is due to the added character each opponent was given through their pre-fight cutscenes and ring animations. Everyone has TONS of character to them and SUPER enjoyable to fight, ESPECIALLY when the rematches happen and, quite frankly, trout gets completely ridiculous (A manhole cover, really? That . . . that's allowed?!).
The biggest surprise of the game, for me anyway, came from Aran Ryan, an opponent added in the previous installment on the SNES. An EXCEPTIONALLY BORING and EASILY THE MOST DISAPPOINTING addition that game made. When I saw he was the first match in the final circuit of the new game, I was sooooooo disappointed, especially after the Flamenco fight. Seriously, what the hell were they going to do with this guy? Uggggh. Then his loading screen came up.
I was completely sold.
Aran is pretty well COMPLETELY remade for the game, and, much like Jack, he is a complete DICK. He is hyperactive during the loading screen, hopping around and yelling in your ear, he's a menace and a vandal in his cutscene, and he is all over the place in the fight. Even better, not only is he constantly moving, he is one of two fights with unique mechanics to them, as his attacks have to be countered instead of dodged to do any meaningful damage to him, so you have to shake up the normal strategy to fight him. OH, and if the intro scene didn't give it away, he is completely down with cheating during the fight and packs a pretty nasty headbutt, then in the rematch a brick (I think it was) inside a glove. He's an easy fight in both matches once you know what you are doing, something shared with his SNES counterpart, despite cheating, but it still adds tons of flavor to what was otherwise a crazy generic character.
That said, he's also extremely entertaining outside of straight fight mechanics as well. His corner actions between rounds can be extremely amusing, as sometimes the crowd boos at him while throwing things and he yells at them. I'd almost feel bad if I wasn't always amused by the event. He also taunts you while you are down, as seen in the image above, which other people kind of do, only not really, while he has a complete blast with it.
After finishing both runs through the game and, after God knows how any attempts, finally beating Donkey Kong, Aran Ryan was EASILY my favorite fight in both the game and series, and that makes him my easy Punch-Out pick.
Also, to highlight JUST how much of an improvement he got between Super Punch-Out and Punch-Out!!, here are videos of both fights with him (they aren't that long, don't worry).Numbah 3!
(SPOILER)
Cranky Kong (Donkey Kong Country)
I just realized my entire list is composed of jerks so far. <_<
Cranky, however, isn't so bad as the previous two, and I have a lot less to say about him. I just love his 'everything was better in my day' attitude, and he always amused me. There's just something about that cranky old grandpa character beating people with sticks. It's too bad he never yelled at DK to get off of his lawn.
Really, that's all I've got for the guy too. I mean, he showed up and did more stuff in the series (See also: mad scientist in DK64 for whatever reason. :o), and he does offer semi-helpful tips for finding secrets in DKC, but I just visited him for the silly scoldings between stages.
And, finally, numbah 4!
Star Man (Pro Wrestling)
Hey! The first person on the list who might be a genuinely nice person! I mean, once you get past the kicks /punches to the chest / face, suplexes, brainbusters, and body slams. And flying cross chop and somersault kick. Man, bro's 6' 3" as well, never noticed that. Ack. X_X
Anyway, if you've never played Pro Wrestling, there's no story, just matches, so there isn't any backstory or personality to Star Man. What he does have, however, are two super easy special attacks and a rocking pink outfit. The somersault kick is easily the most visually impressive attack in the game, unless you manage to brainbuster someone out of the ring, and the crowd applauds whenever you land it, which pretty much makes you a total badass for using it. You do have to lock up with people to pull it off though, which can be a bit shady if you aren't as quick with your fingers as they are.
Fortunately, you also have to magical ability to propel yourself at high speeds into their face with the flying chop (I swear it's really an elbow to the face), also garnering applause, which is also, it turns out, completely badass, and thus makes an excellent plan B if you space yourself right. Like, seriously, that thing comes out super quick and does great damage. It does suck if you miss though, because you fall on your face and the enemy will totally take advantage of that, but it's worth the risk.
Everything is worth the risk when you do it for the crowd.
So yeah, Starman had great offensive options, cool looking attacks, an awesome pink suit to shame your foes, and is my favorite wrestling game character.
Ooooh I was actually planning to do this myself because I has new game characters from playing new games
I haven't played any of the games you've listed though :<
Flonne (Disgaea):
In game use: Flonne is an Angel type, and she is best at magic, starting off with healing and learning attack magic later on.
Ninninnin.png
Why I like her: Well, she's adorably sweet, but more than that she's just funny. She's not the brightest by any means, so she comes out with some weird stuff. Such as her introduction of telling someone she's an assassin. And her sneaking, "sneaking", which includes her going through the halls like "Nin nin nin nin nin". I don't even know. Buts she makes me laugh
Medli (Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker):
250px-Medli_The_Wind_Waker_HD.png
In game use: Medli can kind of be controlled for a little while in the Earth Temple. Her main use is as a non playable character where she assists Link in other, spoilery ways.
0011_1.jpg
Why I like her: Well she just looks adorable to begin with. But I was happy to find that she's very kind and very polite. Someone I would love to have as a friend. She takes her duties seriously and she works really hard.
Eryn (Fair Fencer F):
In game use: Eryn is a Fairy and inhabits the main characters Fury (weapon). She defaults as a sword, but can also turn his weapon in to an axe, knuckle, and gun. So for those of you confused, she is basically playable in battle as a weapon to the main character.
fff_01_thumb.jpg
Why I like her: Eryn plays kind of the straight man for a good chunk of the game, calling the main characters out on their crap. But she does it because she cares. She's also a part of what I think is (surprisingly from this of type of game) one of the better love triangles I've seen, acknowledging who the object of her affection really has feelings for an respecting that, staying his true friend until the end. She gets annoyed but she's very caring and sweet.
Pearl/Blackpearl (Legend of Mana):
258px-LegendPearl.png
In game use: As Pearl, gameplay wise, she's fairly useless. However, as Blackpearl she is one of the best guest characters in the whole game, being able to kill certain bosses with minimal effort.
PSD3D017.jpg
Why I like her: If you remember from the Eclair post, I enjoy characters with split personalities. On the one hand, Pearl is as sweet as can be, which I really like and would have also added her to this list if she was just Pearl. But Blackpearl is awesome in a different way, coming off as strong but with her own issues to face. They're both well written and interesting characters merged in to one
I love Flonne; she's the only reoccurring character from the original game I'm always happy to see.
That said, she's actually tied for my favorite character from the series, and since you already got her I'll go ahead and pick my other favorite! \ ^_^ /
(And a few other NIS characters)
Seraph Lamington (Disgaea: Hour of Darkness)
Depending on how one looks at it, either Lamington or Vulcanus is what can be considered the 'villain' of the original game, though Vulcanus generally fills the role more accurately, being the generally despicable asshat that he is. Lamington is actually a pretty damn nice guy, perhaps even a bit unfortunately so, and is fully worthy of the praise Flonne gives him, even if it isn't apparent to the player why until the end of the game.
Needless to say, as the leader of Celestia he is much better aware of the events in the Netherworld than it initially appears, and his thoughts are a lot more in line with Flonne's than Vulcanus'. Assassination isn't his card, so there's a lot more to his intentions than meet the eye, especially when one begins to examine Vyers. I won't say anymore because it's something the player should piece together, but when all is said and done in the game, Lamington ended up the most interesting character to me, and although he's basically been forgotten by NIS he's an easy tie for my favorite character in the franchise.
Marona (Phantom Brave)
You know who puts up with a lot of crap? Marona. She uses her special abilities to help everyone, and they basically spit on her for it. Still she presses on, hoping against hope that eventually people will appreciate her, doing what she's doing because it's the right thing. She even gives up her shot at her dream to help someone who has not only done nothing but mean things to her, but was effectively trying to steal that dream from her in the first place.
Now, normally this hyper-self sacrificing personality doesn't especially resonate with me, but there are a few things she says during the game, and the fact that she is 13, that I find make it work, as I can believe in her unwhittled optimism and determination to both make things better and that they will become better. She's one of those fairly rare characters I felt the ups and downs with as I played the game, and I greatly appreciate her for both that and her personality.
Asagi (various NIS titles)
The card says it all. Asagi is a character without a game, as her's was continually delayed until inevitable cancellation, who often invades other NIS titles with the intention of beating the main character and stealing the game from them. I believe she first appeared in Makai Kingdom (at least that's where I first saw her), but my personal favorite appearance of hers was in Soul Nomad where she has a legion of fans cheering her name. She doesn't have the most consistant personality, nor does she have much of a story to speak of, but she is generally hilarious and probably the NIS character I most look forward to seeing in any game, barring perhaps the Pringer-X. I also really love her visual design.
That's all I've got for now.
Last edited by Rez09; 01-21-2015 at 03:38 PM.
I'm planning to play Phantom Brave soon! I played a little bit but not enough to know how well I like the characters
Some mores
Neptune (Hyperdimesnion Neptunia Victory):
02cc01ab37a5b3df77806224e68fc6e5.jpg
In game use: Neptune does a good amount of damage, and can also take a decent amount. She's not as good with the debuffs and buffs as a lot of the other characters though. She's kind of good at a lot of things but not great at many type of character.
Why I like her: Because she is ridiculous. I wish I'd written down all the things she says so I can give you some examples. Her slang is both the best and the worst thing ever and I wish I talked like she does because my goodness. She's also the biggest ham ever. She's just such an absurd character that I can't wait to see what she does next
Gaius (Rune Factory 3):
tumblr_n5icrwBm4z1sbvttno1_250.png
In game use: You can bring him along with you in fights, where he uses a greatsword,but his main use is the blacksmith dude who makes the weapons for the weapons shop.
1414bf2a9e1c86265344651bf7d3b5a0.jpg
Why I like him: Because he's adorable and sweet and funny. He has a crush on a certain lady and it's really cute. He's also ridiculously in to his work and he won't sleep or eat unless his supplies are rationed out so he has to wait for them. Overall just an great guy
I hope you enjoy Phantom Brave as much as I did when you get to it.
I really want to play the Hyperdimension games, but no one I know owns them. T_T They look hilarious from what I've seen.
I've only played Victory and it is pretty funny. I really like it. But a lot of the content is... inappropriate let's just say, so if you have a low tolerance for that then I wouldn't recommend it. But I do like it, and I've actually learned a surprising amount amount the game industry in the 80's (before my time) because of it, since I had to look up some of the references
I am looking forward to Phantom Brave. Disgaea was a bit too difficult for me, but I've heard this one is a little easier, so we'll see. I hope I like it~
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
