There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, we’d like to highlight the 10 best mascots to grace the gaming community. From Mario to Master Chief, the mascots mentioned here left a great impact on gaming and deserve to be recognized here.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
Mario (Nintendo)
Mario is undoubtedly the greatest and most recognizable mascot of all time. This lovable plumber has been entertaining generations since his debut, and his enduring popularity can be attributed to various factors.
Firstly, Mario’s charm lies in his simple yet engaging video games. Whether it’s jumping on platforms or embarking on journeys, his accessible gameplay mechanics are fun for people of all ages and skill levels.
Furthermore, Mario’s versatility as a character is another reason for his status as a great video game mascot. Mario hasn’t only excelled in platforming but he’s explored other genres like racing, sports, and RPGs.
On top of having a likable personality, Mario will continue to appeal to future generations of gamers.
Sonic The Hedgehog (Sega)
Sonic the Hedgehog, a blue and anthropomorphic creature with supersonic speed, has carved his place as a beloved gaming mascot. Sonic’s greatness as a mascot can be attributed to multiple factors. He revolutionized the platforming genre with his title’s emphasis on speed and momentum. His ability to dash through levels provided players with a thrilling experience.
His character design and personality appeal to multiple generations of gamers too. Sonic’s rebellious spirit and catchphrases have warmed the hearts of many gamers from the 90s onward. His game’s ever-growing universe also helped him last long in the public’s eye. With introductions to characters like Shadow the Hedgehog and Silver The Hedgehog, the franchise continues to get bigger with each new installment.
While Sonic’s games had a decline in the quality department, he’s still a mascot worth rooting for.
Pikachu (The Pokémon Company)
Pikachu is not only iconic but it’s a fantastic mascot in its own right. This electric mouse has captured the hearts of millions since the debut of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue versions on the original Game Boy system. Pikachu’s design is appealing. With its yellow fur, red cheeks, and adorable features, it was the perfect candidate to become The Pokémon Company’s mascot.
Pikachu is an excellent Pokémon to use in the games too. He’s a highly versatile creature and one you’d encounter early on in the first generation of Pokémon titles. It even became the cover Pokémon for many mainline and spin-off entries. Some include the Pokémon Yellow version, Hey You! Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu respectively.
In addition to Ash Ketchum, the Pokémon anime’s long-term protagonist’s staple partner in the anime, Pikachu’s legacy will live on for years to come.
Kratos (PlayStation)
At one point, Crash Bandicoot was considered PlayStation’s mascot. However, after Activision (later Microsoft at the time of this writing) took control of his IP, someone new had to fill the orange marsupial’s shoes. While there were nice candidates like Astro Bot, many consider God of War’s Kratos to be PlayStation’s new mascot in the modern age.
His character embodies the essence of the God of War franchise with his relentless determination, brutal combat skills, and tragic backstory. Kratos’s journey throughout his games showcases his growth as a character. This makes him a compelling and iconic figure in the gaming sphere.
With his mythological powers, incredible characterization, and likable personality, Kratos is undoubtedly a great mascot for PlayStation.
Master Chief (Microsoft)
Master Chief, the enigmatic super-soldier from the Halo franchise, is a great video game mascot. His design’s iconic and helped him stand out from other shooter protagonists over the years. Master Chief’s design represents strength, resilience, and a sense of mystery, and has captured fans’ attention since the original Halo game.
Master Chief has a slew of abilities at his disposal too. He can utilize advanced human and alien weaponry on the fly. From SMGS to Banshees, there’s nothing Master Chief can’t handle when he’s determined to “finish the fight.”
Lastly, Master Chief’s cultural impact and recognition over the years cements him as a stellar mascot. While Halo Infinite hasn’t captured fans’ hearts as much as the original Bungie-developed Halo games, Master Chief will remain one of the best mascots of all time.
Mega Man (Capcom)
Mega Man is a great Capcom mascot. With his sleek design, unique abilities, and exciting gameplay mechanics, Mega Man has captivated audiences ever since his debut. Mega Man’s design is appealing on multiple levels. Not only does it capture his robotic nature but it gives players an idea of his heroic personality and his incredible abilities.
His games will fill players’ hearts with constant thrills. You’ll traverse numerous areas and battle Robot Masters. Each boss is as challenging as the last, requiring players to study their attack patterns and pinpoint weaknesses. This adds depth and strategy to every playthrough, resulting in a game that feels rewarding to play.
On top of branching off to different forms of media over the years, Mega Man is a great gaming mascot.
Pac-Man (Namco)
Before Mario, Master Chief, and Pikachu, Pac-Man was delighting audiences with his simple design and addictive gameplay loop.
Pac-Man’s design is timeless and recognizable. With his round shape, big eyes, and circular mouth, he stands out among many mascots old and new. It exudes charm and simplicity, making him relatable to people of all age ranges.
The Pac-Man arcade game is addictive and memorable. In it, you help Pac-Man navigate through maze-like levels to collect pellets and fruit and avoid and defeat ghosts. It’s an easy-to-understand gameplay loop that never gets old. There’s a reason why the company has developed different iterations of it over the years.
On top of being a versatile character, thanks to games like Pac-Man World and Fever, Pac-Man may be old, but he’s certainly not hanging up his legacy anytime soon.
Red (Rovio)
Angry Birds is an iconic mobile game due to its accessibility, lovable characters, and simple premise. While the game features many different birds for you to use, Red is the most iconic one of the batch. With his round body, simple features, and trademark angry expression, he perfectly captures the essence of the Angry Birds brand.
Secondly, Red’s personality lends itself to being a great mascot. His angered state adds humor and appeal to his character. Players can relate to Red’s frustration with his pig enemies as they play through the game’s more challenging levels.
Despite the many entries that release for Angry Birds, Red remains a consistent protagonist in all of them. This alone makes him a fantastic mascot in the gaming world.
Rayman (Ubisoft)
While he hasn’t had a new game in a long time, Rayman is a great Ubisoft mascot. With his unique design, engaging games, and endearing personality, he has everything he needs to please a gaming crowd. His lack of limbs allows his creators to implement him in a variety of different games. Whether it be in the upcoming DLC for Mario +Rabbids: Sparks of Hope or in his platforming games, Rayman is a highly versatile character Ubisoft needs to use more.
Furthermore, Rayman’s abilities shouldn’t be overlooked. He can glide, punch, and use power-ups in most games. This adds depth and variety to his arsenal, creating an enjoyable and immersive experience for people who play his games. Lastly, his popularity has only skyrocketed over the years because of his absence. It’d be hard not to watch a Ubisoft event without seeing several of his fans beg the company to give him a new game. This information alone showcases the colorful character’s grasp of the gaming industry.
Solid Snake (Konami)
Konami has a variety of compelling protagonists many consider to be great mascot candidates. However, Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series is often brought up a lot in that discussion. He’s a stealthy and complex character with an iconic design and an enduring legacy in the video game industry. He’s received great development throughout all his titles, making him one worth following.
His transformation from a lone operative to a seasoned veteran grappling with moral dilemmas gives him enough depth to resonate with audiences. Furthermore, his design embodies the stealth and militaristic themes found in the Metal Gear Solid series.
For military and action enthusiasts, Solid Snake is certainly one of the best gaming mascots today.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video game mascots through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!