Characters From Our Childhoods
If you grew up playing video games, we know there are a few characters that will forever mark some of the best days of your childhood. Does the Duck Hunt duo or Crash Bandicoot ring any bells? Even if it's been a while since you last touched a console, it never hurts to revisit some of the nostalgic moments of our past. Today, let's walk through 20 of the most nostalgic video game characters we all grew up with. Which ones were your favorites?
1. Pac-Man
Pac-Man might be one of the simplest character designs ever made, but that never stopped him from becoming one of the most recognizable video game characters to date! In fact, Pac-man is so beloved, people see yellow circles all the time and automatically assume it's him. That's how much of a mark he made in everyone's hearts.
2. Mario
Making his debut in the beloved Donkey Kong arcade game back in 1981, the world has never been the same since. Arguably the most recognizable and beloved video game character to ever exist, Mario has been the protagonist of many iconic games and the face of Nintendo for decades. And with every "Mamma Mia!", he gains a new fan from somewhere in the world.
3. Donkey Kong
Speaking of the famous Donkey Kong arcade game, it wouldn't make sense if we left out Mister DK himself! Putting a smile on every kid's face ever since the 1981 platformer game first came out, this lovable character might look scary on the outside with his large and menacing gorilla body, but we all know deep down he's a fun and carefree soul.
4. Link
The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most successful ones in history with Link being the main protagonist across most of the games. At this point, he's a familiar face! With his signature shield and sword, green outfit, and blonde hair, you can always trust him to be there to save the kingdom and Princess Zelda from any and all evils. Even to this day, and many years since its first release in 1986, we know this hero will be here to save the day.
5. Charmander
One of the three OG starter Pokémon from the first generation of games, Charmander will always have a special place in people's hearts. Not only is it the most adorable Fire-type Pokémon to have as a partner, you know it'll one day evolve into the menacing and powerful Charizard that's so highly coveted among fans of the game.
6. Luigi
There's no way we would ever leave the other half of the Mario brothers behind! Though often left in the shadows, Luigi is arguably just as well-known and beloved as his titular brother, Mario. Known for his iconic bright green color, this skinny and mustached video game character is always right by Mario's side through the thick and thin. Who could ever forget a guy as reliable and loyal as that?
7. Sonic The Hedgehog
As one of the fastest speedsters alive, this energetic hedgehog did much more than just speed its way into our hearts, he's made a lasting impression we'll never forget. Sonic is such an iconic character from Sega that continues to make waves with new games and even big screen releases. He has one of the most memorable character designs ever thanks to his bright blue color and spiky hair.
8. Princess Zelda
Always in need of Link's help which is really your help, Princess Zelda is a memorable female character that many of us grew up saving in our childhood. Her beautiful pink dress, elf-like features, and golden hair stand out even among all the princesses in the video game world.
9. Bowser
The Super Mario games wouldn't have become such a hit if Nintendo wasn't able to create a villain as unforgettable, powerful, yet lovable as Bowser. Who could ever forget this Koopa King with his fantastic character design and iconic red, green, and yellow colors? We might be tired of seeing him kidnap Princess Peach time and time again, but that'll never stop us from playing the games!
10. Bulbasaur
Next to Charmander, we've got Bulbasaur, another OG starter Pokémon with a goofy face, cute bulb on its back, and a memorable green color you can't ignore. For all the Grass-type lovers, Bulbasaur was a solid pick and a great companion to accompany on your quest for greatness. Despite being unevolved, fans enjoyed this Pokémon's impressive array of strong skills right from the get go!
11. Agent 47
Making his first appearance in 2000 with Hitman: Codename 47, this fictional character has a simple, sleek design yet is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the game series. Because yes, he's more than just a guy in a black tux! For anyone who enjoyed a solid stealth game, this was always at the top of everyone's list, making Agent 47 an icon of the genre.
12. Princess Peach
You might be tired of having to save Princess Peach over and over again from the clutches of Bowser, but let's be honest, no matter how many times it happens you'll still always be there to save the day. That's because Princess Peach is a nostalgic damsel in distress that'll always have a soft spot in our hearts. We're racing out into the wild as Mario the moment we learn she's been kidnapped - again!
13. Squirtle
Last but not least, we can't leave out Squirtle if we mentioned both Charmander and Bulbasaur. If Fire and Grass types weren't up your alley, you always had good ol' adorable Squirtle as your backup choice. This Water-type Pokémon is incredibly reliable and strong, but above all else, he was a cute sidekick to have as you levelled up your Pokémon trainer skills to become the best.
14. Lara Croft
She might be dressed in simple attire, but that won't stop people from immediately recognizing Lara Croft. Her name is something of legend in the gaming community. First making her debut in Tomb Raider which came out way back in 1996, the franchise grabbed people's hearts with its fun action-adventure genre and memorable titular character. From exploring dangerous ruins to solving difficult puzzles, Lara Croft was always at the center of it all.
15. Crash Bandicoot
This sly and outgoing marsupial made waves in the gaming world for his fun character design that reminded fans of similar protagonists like Sonic the Hedgehog. Though the first of this platformer game released as far back as 1996, this lovable character set in a fantastical world made it so easy to remember him. One look at Crash and you'll instantly be transported back to days trying to fight back against the evil Doctor Neo Cortex.
16. Kirby
This cute and adorable pink ball of fluff has been around since 1992 with the release of Kirby's Dream Land which won over the hearts of many around the world. While Kirby's design is simple, people continue to love the creative ways the character transforms and uses its round shape to its advantage.
17. Duck Hunt Duo
A weirdly addictive game, Duck Hunt first came out in 1984 and gained massive popularity when it was made available on the NES. While you likely haven't enjoyed this game in a while, one look at the Duck Hunt duo likely brought back a flood of warm childhood memories.
18. Cloud Strife
With a massive sword basically the size of his body and spiky blonde hair that's sharper than a knife, who could ever forget Cloud Strife? As the lead protagonist in the beloved Final Fantasy VII series that came out in 1997, fans enjoyed getting to play as this character in this amazing role-playing game. Because with gameplay and stories that engaging, it was hard not to care about Cloud Strife and his adventures.
19. Ryu
Even if you don't know the exact name of this character, we wouldn't be surprised if you recognize his iconic red headband and white karate outfit. Ryu is the main protagonist of the iconic Street Fighter games that so many adults today grew up playing with. And if that still somehow doesn't ring any bells, does the word "Hadouken" do the trick? Only real fans will know!
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
20. Yoshi
For many, our most nostalgic memory of this amazing Nintendo character comes from the beloved 1995 platformer game, Yoshi's Island. As the player gets to control Yoshi (and not Mario for once!) and become familiar with his cool moves, you set off on an unforgettable quest to save baby Mario from the clutches of evil. It's a seriously addictive game that made everyone fall in love with this cute green dinosaur.
