Best Minor NPC’s That Made A Major Impact - August 2024

Best Minor NPC's That Made A Major Impact

Highlights

Major characters carry storyline, but minor NPCs can steal the show and become iconic.
Shopkeeper in The Messenger offers humorous dialogue, showcasing developer’s writing style.
Minor characters like Face McShooty in Borderlands 2 can provide memorable, absurd moments in games.

As a seasoned adventurer who’s seen my fair share of strange encounters, I must say that these two characters, The Adoring Fan and Patches, have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

As a passionate gamer, I can attest that developers pour an immense amount of effort into crafting their primary characters, particularly the protagonists. These characters must not only drive the narrative but also appeal visually for marketing purposes, align with the game’s tone and artistic style, and handle numerous other aspects. It’s this painstaking process that often results in a strong fit when we, as players, get the opportunity to step into the protagonist’s shoes upon release.

Regardless of the care put into shaping the main characters and those with significant roles in the storyline, it’s often the secondary or minor Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and incidental figures that capture fans’ hearts. Consequently, these seemingly overlooked characters become emblematic figures within their respective games. Whether they deserve this recognition or not is up for debate, but ultimately, it’s the audience who decides what makes a memorable character.

As a dedicated fan, I’m excited to share some fascinating insights! You might notice that several supporting characters have truly shone in their roles, earning recognition beyond the limelight. Today, it’s our pleasure to shine the spotlight on these remarkable minor characters and provide them with the main stage they deserve.

To clarify, we’re focusing on characters who had limited appearances, not major or secondary roles. Instead, these characters made a significant impact, often being the first ones that come to mind when recalling their corresponding games.

10 The Shopkeeper

What’s The Deal With That Cabinet Over There?

Best Minor NPC's That Made A Major Impact

We begin with “The Messenger,” an indie game reminiscent of “Ninja Gaiden.” Before Sabotage Studios became renowned for developing one of the greatest JRPGs ever, Sea of Stars, they were gaining recognition by producing one of the best ninja games available.

In this game, precision on platforms is crucial, and action dominates, but after overcoming each level segment, you’ll frequently be invited to meet The Shopkeeper, making it a delightful break since he shares captivating, lengthy tales that are philosophical and often humorous with each new checkpoint.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that playing Sea of Stars has revealed Sabotage Studios’ distinctive and humorously unconventional narrative style. It’s evident that their writing blueprint was carefully crafted with the Shopkeeper character serving as their sandbox for honing their writing skills. Each interaction with this character is a joy, and in a game where relentless action is the main attraction, that’s truly impressive.

9 The Butler

You Just Can’t Get Good Help These Days

As a devoted fan, when I reminisce about Tomb Raider, what immediately comes to mind isn’t just the clumsy tank controls, dinosaurs, or the exhilarating moments of firing dual pistols while performing backflips. Instead, it’s the numerous occasions I’ve found myself at Croft Manor, where I’d always manage to stir up some trouble as I delved deeper into Lara’s intriguing home, uncovering secrets and creating my own adventures within its walls.

While exploring the training ground featured in Tomb Raider, you’ll have an opportunity to enhance your abilities by tackling diverse platforming challenges and numerous other activities. However, the true highlight of this location is a small butler who accompanies you, making attempts to offer you tea throughout your journey.

As a devoted Tomb Raider fan, I can’t help but reflect on the profound influence of that old butler character. It was him who, naturally, led Lara into the mansion’s freezing cold cellar, and once we, the players, were inside, he had us lock the door. From that moment on, we were left to endure the chilling cold for what felt like eternity. Despite his small role in the game, that iconic scene has become a cherished memory for every Tomb Raider fan, making him an indelible part of the series’ history.

8 Face McShooty

Just Shoot Him In The Face Already!

As a devoted fan, I must admit that the Borderlands franchise isn’t exactly shining at the moment, with its movie adaptation leaving audiences less than impressed. Nevertheless, for years, this IP has been a pillar of the First-Person Shooter genre, dishing out thrilling, high-octane sequences that have kept gamers hooked. Not to mention, it’s also provided countless hilarious, mind-bogglingly dumb moments that we couldn’t help but love just as much!

Among all these options, I personally find Face McShooty from Borderlands 2 as the most fitting mascot for our game. This Psychotic character thrives on being in the spotlight and would be thrilled if given the chance to be shot squarely in the face by you.

1. He’ll prance about and implore you to fire, wearing colossal arrow signs around his neck that point towards his face. It encapsulates the silliness and absurdity of Borderlands in a nutshell, making it one of the simplest quests you’ll ever accomplish in gaming. What’s not to appreciate?

7 Fantastic

The Best Scientist This Side Of The Mojave

In the Fallout series, there are numerous secondary characters to select from, such as your friendly companion Dogmeat or the enigmatic Mysterious Stranger who joins you in combat when needed. However, among all these characters, our favorite is the theoretical physicist stationed at Helios One in Fallout: New Vegas, nicknamed Fantastic.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent exploring virtual worlds, I must say that this seemingly insignificant character, whom you’ll only encounter if you finish ‘That Lucky Old Sun’ quest, has become one of my all-time favorites. The game developers have truly outdone themselves with the witty, humorous dialogue this character delivers. From their hilarious quips to the unexpectedly profound exchanges, they bring a unique charm to the game that I can’t help but appreciate. Their lines have a way of sticking in your mind long after you’ve moved on to other quests, making them an unforgettable part of my gaming experience. It’s characters like this one that remind me why I love video games so much – they can surprise and delight us in the most unexpected ways.

He’s the textbook definition of a man failing upwards and a great representation of the incompetence that constantly plagues the NCR. The fact that he has the position he does is a tragedy, really, but you’ll probably be too busy laughing at the whole situation to care.

6 The Merchant

What’re Ya Buyin?

1. Making another appearance is the in-game vendor, and if you’ve braved the terrors of rural Spain with Leon Kennedy, you’ll immediately comprehend why this well-known trader merits inclusion on this list. (Paraphrased)

His appeal among Resident Evil enthusiasts stems from the soothing effect he has on players, similar to the comforting sensation when discovering a Bonfire in Dark Souls. Just as you experience a strong feeling of relief, you get the same calming wave upon seeing this shadowy character.

But he’s also a standout character due to his memorable lines like ‘What’re Ya Buyin’, his mysterious backstory, and his ability to avoid the Ganados without issue. I guess we will never know the man behind the bandana, but in the end, that’s probably better, as it allows our imaginations to run wild.

5 Horrific Neck Tie

Truly A Crime Against Fashion

Among the supporting characters, this one stands out as the most peculiar, significantly more so than others, and you might not even encounter it during a typical gameplay session of Disco Elysium.

If you successfully perform an Inland Empire skill check while taking off your tie near the game’s initial zone, Harry might perceive the tie as a conscious entity due to his drug-induced hallucinations. This illusion makes it seem as though the tie has come to life, only in Harry’s distorted reality.

As a gamer, donning this tie introduces an unexpected challenge in the form of a skill test. In specific scenarios, it grants me unique choices – ones that might seem absurd to any rational person. But hey, who’s asking advice from a tie? So if you’re looking for unconventional decisions, this accessory is your ticket!

Delving deeper into this intriguing, multi-layered role-playing game marvel is like slipping on a groovy suit and inviting a buddy to dance the night away, in an attempt to revive the disco era!

4 Zote The Mighty

Fear Him, Or Face Life Ender’s Wrath!

In Hollow Knight, there are numerous remarkable Non-Player Characters to interact with, some of whom prove formidable opponents in combat. Cloth offers assistance in battling the Traitor Lord, while Quirrel extends aid against Uumuu.

However, in our heart of hearts, we all know that the strongest NPC of all is the Invincible, Fearless, Sensual, Mysterious, Enchanting, Vigorous, Diligent, Overwhelming, Gorgeous, Passionate, Terrifying, Beautiful, Powerful Zote.

If the string of descriptors didn’t already make it clear, this situation is a joke. Throughout your journey in Hallownest, you’ll frequently come across Zote, a small insect who appears pitiful. Despite being rescued multiple times, he won’t show the slightest gratitude for your efforts.

It’s consistently funny how Zote is portrayed, even though he’s a bit delusional, obstinate, and impolite. But somehow, you find yourself liking him despite these traits. Moreover, in the Colosseum of Fools, there’s an opportunity to teach him a lesson, so don’t worry too much about his behavior because he’ll eventually face the consequences.

3 Scratch

Who’s A Good Boy? You Are!

Isn’t it only fitting that we include at least one animal friend on our list, don’t you think?

In the game Baldur’s Gate 3, there is an abundance of notable Non-Player Characters (NPCs) to select from due to its unparalleled amount of content in a single Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Among these characters, our favorite by far is Scratch, the lovable canine character.

As a seasoned adventurer with years of dungeon-delving under my belt, let me tell you that this little fella is one of the most endearing companions I’ve ever had. His adorable little snout and those big, trusting eyes just about stole my heart the moment I laid eyes on him. But don’t let his cute exterior fool you – this guy’s got a fierce loyalty that’ll stand by your side in even the toughest of battles.

I’d go all out for this guy, he’s my top pick, and I’d risk everything to safeguard him. So, Mind Flayers, you’ve been warned!

If you don’t have the ‘Speak With Animals’ spell active, this all may go over your head a little, so I would urge you to cast or learn this skill.

2 The Adoring Fan

By Azura, By Azura, By Azura!

“By Azura, by Azura, by Azura, it’s the grand champion!”

I can almost imagine him speaking those words, as his distinctive golden spiked quiff charges towards me. The Adoring Fan is an NPC that made its debut in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and after completing The Arena questline in the Imperial City, he becomes a companion for the player.

But, he’s more of an inconvenient associate due to his excessive infatuation, bothersome behavior, and lack of assistance during conflicts.

Despite their fondness for it, players might have enjoyed the Adoring Fan feature for unconventional reasons. They would devise various brutal and bizarre methods to eliminate The Adoring Fan, such as pushing them off Dive Rock or catching them at the bottom of Cheydinhall’s flooded well.

1. To be fair to all gamers, it’s an incredibly relieving activity, so I can’t fault them for indulging in it. Additionally, if you’re looking for additional engagement with your fans in the game Starfield, you might also find yourself able to enlist them as part of your crew, given you select the appropriate character trait. This is a character that we both love and loathe, and has left an indelible mark on Bethesda’s gaming community.

1 Patches

“I Swear, I’ll Have His hide!”

When it comes to a character who we can’t help but dislike yet find endearing, it was clear from the beginning that there would only be one main character, and that’s our mischievous darling, Patches.

In various games like the Dark Souls series, Demon’s Souls, and Elden Ring, you’ll encounter a character named Patches. He frequently appears as a vendor for players, offering useful items. However, he has a sinister streak; he often attempts to deceive players, usually luring them into falling down a hole, where they find themselves surrounded by hordes of monsters in an area below.

He’s a prankster at best, and a murderer at worst, but it leaves players with a dilemma. While it is so satisfying to kill him for daring to cross you, he is more beneficial to the player if left alive.

Yet, this doesn’t imply that he won’t attempt another attack on you, finding amusement, much like a hyena, during the act.

Though Patches doesn’t have significant screen time or a prominent role in the captivating tales of the Soulsborne series, he stands out as a notable secondary character. However, always be cautious if he urges you to look over a ledge, as it might be better to keep an eye on your own back.

2024-08-15 16:10