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 steer your direction elsewhere in this article and highlight the best video game pets and companions.
Whether it’s the faithful Palico from the Monster Hunter franchise or Nintendo’s beloved green dinosaur, Yoshi, you’re likely to have developed a fondness for one of these pets/companions below.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below!
Palico (Monster Hunter series)
The Monster Hunter franchise continues to please Capcom fans worldwide with its riveting gameplay, fascinating creatures, and captivating graphics. While the series went on to introduce another faithful companion to assist you with your hunts via Palamutes, many prefer the staple Palico companions.
These small, anthropomorphic felines are not only adorable, but they play a crucial role in supporting the players during hunts. They can distract monsters, deal damage, and even heal the player when necessary. Additionally, Palicos provide a great sense of companionship within the game and players will adore training and customizing them to their liking.
For their versatility and charm, Palicos deserve to be recognized as a faithful gaming companion.
Trico (The Last Guardian)
Trico, the fantastical creature from The Last Guardian, is a creature players will adore establishing a deep and emotional connection with. Trico’s lifelike behavior and animations make it incredibly believable and endearing. From its realistic movements to the ways it reacts to the game’s locales, you’ll love the amount of care that went into designing it.
Trico’s gameplay mechanics make it an essential partner too. Players must interact with Trico to progress through puzzles and obstacles, fostering a sense of collaboration and teamwork. It is through cooperation with Trico that players develop a strong bond, as they rely on each other’s strengths to overcome the game’s challenges.
Pikachu (Pokémon Yellow Version)
Pikachu is known as The Pokémon Company’s mascot for a reason. Pikachu’s an adorable electric rodent with a captivating design and cheerful demeanor that’ll entice players to forge a solid bond with it. Moreover, Pikachu’s interactions and expressions throughout Pokémon Yellow reinforce its role as the number one companion.
Pikachu responds to the player’s actions by displaying a range of emotions, such as happiness and frustration. This level of authenticity adds depth to this title’s virtual pet experience.
In addition to Pikachu achieving solid growth throughout your endeavors in the Kanto region, it’s a no-brainer for it to appear among these other solid companions.
Yoshi (Super Mario Bros series)
Yoshi is a fantastic video game pet and companion throughout the Super Mario Bros. series. Its charming design captivates players of all ages. With its round body, big eyes, and cute noises, Yoshi is undeniably endearing. This adorable factor plays a role in helping players establish a beautiful connection with its kind, regardless of the game Yoshi appears in.
Moreover, Yoshi is a useful ally with great abilities. From his flutter jump to his egg-throwing abilities, Yoshi can be a powerhouse during your exploration through the Mushroom Kingdom.
In addition to showering players with unwavering support and safety, Yoshi is one of the best Nintendo dinosaur companions you’ll ever team up with.
Epona (The Legend of Zelda series)
Epona may not appear in many The Legend of Zelda games, but she’s provided Link with the transportation he needs to get through Hyrule’s most notorious areas. Epona’s realistic animations, sound effects, and movements make her feel like a living creature, enhancing players’ overall immersion and care for her.
Epona comes with nifty game mechanics. Riding Epona allows players to travel to locations at a quicker pace, saving time and enabling them to travel further. Epona can also jump over obstacles and navigate challenging terrain, making her an invaluable asset in exploration and combat. Despite her minor role, Epona deserves a spot on this list.
Shadow (Dead to Rights)
In Dead to Rights, Shadow plays an instrumental role in helping you get through it. In the game, players can give Shadow commands during battles, allowing him to take down enemies. Shadow’s agility, speed, and biting attacks make him a formidable ally, providing crucial support to the player in helping them even the score with enemies.
Moreover, Shadow’s presence contributes to the overall immersion and tone of Dead to Right’s world. Shadow’s loyal demeanor reinforces the protagonist’s determination and enhances the narrative by creating a strong bond between them and him.
On top of the emotional depth Shadow receives as you progress through Dead to Rights’s tale, he’s proven himself worthy of a spot on this list.
Dogmeat (Fallout 3)
Dogmeat is undoubtedly a fantastic video game pet and companion. Its loyalty and unwavering dedication to the player’s character is unpaired. Once players recruit Dogmeta, he becomes a solid companion, always by your side, ready to protect you at a moment’s notice. Dogmeat’s fearless attitude in fights provides players with grand support too.
You’ll be thrilled to see it deal damage to enemies by ferociously biting them. Moreover, Dogmeat displays excellent tracking and scavenging capabilities. It can search for items, weapons, and resources, ensuring players that no valuable loot goes undetected. It can even lead you to undisclosed locations and secrets.
Coupled with its realistic animations and sound effects, Dogmeat is a fantastic canine video game companion.
Ikaros (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
Ikaros was a fine addition to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It serves as an invaluable scouting tool, aiding players in navigating the expansive, diverse world of Ancient Greece. As a golden eagle, players can command Ikaros to fly above the landscape, revealing points of interest, mission objectives, and enemy locations. This ability allows players to strategize and plan their routes carefully.
Moreover, Ikaros adds a layer of realism and immersion to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. As players explore the game’s stunning locales, they’ll adore seeing Ikaros soar through the skies. Its realistic movements, animations, and sound effects make the world feel authentic and truly special.
In addition to fostering an emotional connection with players during their playthroughs, Ikaros is a noble eagle and a great ally to depend on in the game.
Rush (Mega Man franchise)
Rush is an iconic gaming companion in the Mega Man franchise. His ability to transform into various mobile units like a jet, provides Mega Man with enhanced mobility and newer abilities. Whether it’s flying over challenging obstacles or reaching inaccessible platforms, Rush’s transformation makes exploring Mega Man’s levels immersive and fun.
Further, Rush adds more depth to the games. As you venture through hazardous levels and fight menacing enemies, Rush becomes a reliable companion, reflecting Mega Man’s determination and resilience. His energetic animations coupled with his helpful actions reinforce the connection between players and him.
Coupled with the solid character development he receives in the games, Rush is a great companion to depend on.
Blob (A Boy And His Blob)
Lastly, Blob from A Boy and His Blod is another remarkable ally worth mentioning here. Blob’s unique ability to transform into various objects adds an exciting and innovative gameplay dynamic to this game. Players can command Blob to transform into different shapes like ladders and parachutes. These objects allow players to approach puzzles and obstacles in creative and thought-provoking ways.
Moreover, Blob’s endearing nature adds a sense of charm and wonder to The Boy and His Blob. Blob displays a range of emotions and behaviors, from bouncing around gleefully to expressing concern for players when they’re in danger. These emotions will help players foster an emotional connection with this being.
From Blob’s useful abilities to its joyful nature, it’s definitely earned a remark here.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video game pets and companions 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!