Unlocking Nostalgia: The Most Iconic Gaming Heroes of the 90s You Forgot About!

In the ’90s, we were graced with some of the most daring, eccentric, and indelible video game characters—these weren’t merely on-screen sprites, but icons who embodied entire series. Some have grown into intricate symbols, while others remain timeless, forever fixed in their original form like pixelated relics, yet all left an undeniable impact on the medium, shaping it profoundly.

In other words, regardless of whether they originated from grimy survival-horror passageways or zoomed through Green Hill Zone at top speed, these games shaped the last decade and indelibly impacted video game culture.

8. Leon S. Kennedy

Resident Evil 2’s Rookie Cop in 1998, Is Now A Walking Bioweapon Magnet

On his first day at work, Leon Kennedy wasn’t supposed to have a terrible experience, but Resident Evil 2 ensured that it was so. Launched in 1998, he arrived at Raccoon City expecting to issue parking tickets. However, what awaited him was more than knee-deep encounters with zombies, secret labs, and a plot intertwined with Umbrella Corporation – one of the most significant fictional corporations in gaming history.

Leon’s distinctive trait that continues to capture our attention, despite the passage of time, is the remarkable transformation he undergoes across different games. In Resident Evil 2 (RE2), he was a greenhorn, struggling to keep his optimism afloat amidst chaos. However, by the time Resident Evil 4 arrived, Leon had evolved into a character who navigated flaming villages, bodyslammed cultists, and quipped at parasites as big as Volkswagens. The remake of RE4 in 2023 further developed his character, scaling back on the cheesiness while maintaining his swagger.

Leon isn’t just notable for his distinctive haircut and fashionable coat, although these certainly stand out – it’s because he embodies the transformation of Resident Evil from a subtle horror experience to an all-out action-thriller. Despite battling numerous Plagas, Tyrants, or G-virus mutants, Leon maintains that tragic, stoic appeal that draws fans back again and again.

7. Cloud Strife

Final Fantasy 7 Features The Guy With the Sword Bigger Than His Existential Crisis From Back in 1997

In 1997, Cloud first graced the screens in “Final Fantasy 7”, significantly transforming the Role-Playing Game (RPG) genre. Initially presenting as a common hire-for-hire plot, it evolved into an intricate web of shattered memories, identity confusion, corporate conflicts, ancient sorcery, and a villain whose wickedness was exemplified by the threat to destroy the planet with a meteor.

In the game Final Fantasy VII, Square put a lot of effort into making the character seem tough, but he shines most when he’s not. Underneath the Buster Sword and his stoic demeanor lies a man struggling to understand himself. The original version subtly suggested this through intricate plot developments and flashbacks, but the Remake delved deeper into his past traumas, revealing that his tough exterior is actually quite fragile.

He’s evolved beyond merely being a typical JRPG hero; now, he symbolizes the complexity, unpredictability, and emotional depth that gaming stories can achieve. Remarkably, he also gained recognition as an iconic combatant in Super Smash Bros., even though his game wasn’t originally on a Nintendo console. That’s quite versatile!

6. Spyro the Dragon

A Small Dragon, With A Big Wingspan, Relishes In Fantasy Since 1998

In 1998, Spyro the Dragon made his debut on PlayStation, embodying the spirit of platformer mascots while also delivering on its mechanics. Unlike gritty antiheroes or determined plumbers, this character was a literal purple dragon with an arrogant side and the power to cook sheep instantly when needed.

The unique aspect of Spyro stood out due to its delightful movement sensation. The glide feature played a significant role in level construction, prompting players to venture, tinker, and at times, jump off cliffs merely to check if they could land on something engaging. Every element, from the Stewart Copeland-composed jazz-fusion soundtrack to Spyro’s oversized horns, carried a captivating allure.

In the early 2000s, Spyro found himself wandering between different studios and art styles. However, it was only in 2018 with the release of the Reignited Trilogy that he was reborn. These remakes highlighted the passion that had been poured into those early adventures, transforming Spyro from a character initially meant to compete with Mario and Sonic, into a legend in his own right.

5. Kirby

The Pink Puff That Can Steal Your Powers—and Your Heart, Way Back From 1992

Kirby, appearing as a mere floating pink blob, seems uncomplicated at first glance, with his perpetual grin and habit of transforming adversaries into meals. However, beneath the candy-like exterior lies a character who has engaged in fierce battles against cosmic deities, ruthless automatons, and terrifying entities that could easily be found in a Junji Ito comic.

Originally, Kirby didn’t have his copy abilities when he debuted in “Kirby’s Dream Land” for the Game Boy in 1992. These abilities were introduced in “Kirby’s Adventure,” which was released a year later. This addition revolutionized Kirby’s capabilities and brought a new level of strategy and creativity to the franchise, keeping it vibrant and engaging even after several decades.

It’s mind-blowing to see the variety of genres Kirby has been involved with! From classic platformers and mini-game compilations, to racing in Kirby Air Ride, and even pinball! Yet, amidst all this diversity, he’s always been a beacon of joy – a relentless force of cheerful chaos, balancing the edge between ordinary worlds and cosmic terror.

Despite his adorable appearance that could grace a cereal box, Kirby is undeniably one of the strongest and most adaptable main characters Nintendo has ever developed. Remarkably, he remains silent throughout.

4. Crash Bandicoot

The Spinning Marsupial Sony Didn’t Know It Needed Until 1996

Crash Bandicoot wasn’t created in a lab—he was crafted there instead. To be precise, in the 1996 game, Crash Bandicoot, the narrative begins with him breaking free from Dr. Neo Cortex’s cruel experiments, followed by his dashing, leaping, and spinning through levels teeming with dangerous flora and abyssal pits. He was Naughty Dog’s initial blockbuster success, predating the conception of both Uncharted and The Last of Us.

Crash had an amusingly peculiar quality about him. Instead of speaking, he produced sounds similar to a squeaky rubber chicken caught in a washing machine. His movements were over-the-top, reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes characters, and the camera angles, notably the ones where he ran towards the screen, were both memorable and annoying at times.

What sets Crash Bandicoot apart is his role as the symbol of the PlayStation during its initial period, appearing in advertisements where he taunted Nintendo and stood outside their offices with a bullhorn. This bold, eccentric marketing strategy was successful. Following some challenging years post-PlayStation 1, Crash experienced a complete comeback with the N. Sane Trilogy in 2017, reminding people of his enduring appeal. Recently, he received a long-awaited sequel fitting of his origins with the release of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.

3. Gordon Freeman

Half-Life’s Silent Protagonist, But Somehow He’s Still the Loudest Voice in the Room Since 1998

In a surprising twist for the genre of first-person shooters, Gordon Freeman, initially thought to be an ordinary theoretical physicist with a crowbar and lab coat, found himself in the midst of chaos caused by one of the government’s most questionable experiments. However, unlike many other experiments, the game Half-Life (1998) didn’t spoon-feed players or use cutscenes to guide them; instead, it offered a captivating immersion experience that revolved around Gordon and his actions.

In silence, Gordon was always in action as players observed, with the world around him consistently responding. Scholars called for aid and soldiers aimed to eliminate him instantly, while G-Man, an enigma of unknown nature, seemed to struggle to keep Gordon under his influence like a chess piece he couldn’t fully master. As Half-Life 2 was released, Freeman had evolved into a powerful symbol of resistance.

It’s strange yet true that Gordon, a mute and faceless character, has become one of gaming’s most impactful figures despite this. He challenged the norm by redefining what a protagonist could be in a narrative-focused shooter. Instead of depending on dialogue for presence, he had tools like gravity guns, headcrabs, and an extraordinary ability to withstand alien invasions. Even though we haven’t seen Half-Life 3 yet, the legend of Gordon Freeman remains strong. In fact, his silence might have made him even more iconic over time.

2. Lara Croft

She Was A Tomb Raider Before It Was Cool (And Way Before Post-1996 Became Cinematic)

In 1996’s Tomb Raider, Lara Croft didn’t merely appear; instead, she made an explosive entrance, firing pistols and gracefully swan-diving into ancient catacombs. With her self-assured dual-wielding style and unparalleled agility, she quickly became a pop culture icon, leaping ahead of any character before her in bridging the gap between video games and mainstream media.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, the early Lara Croft was quite the character – a blend of her era, with sharp angles, over-the-top action, and let’s not forget those tank controls that sometimes felt like they had a mind of their own! Yet, she was irresistible, bold, inquisitive, and brainy to the core. She’d breeze through crumbling temples and ancient ruins as if it were an ordinary day off, with a treasure-filled backpack and not a care in the world for structural soundness.

2013’s reboot significantly transformed Lara into a character who seemed more authentic and fragile, which proved to be just the right change for the series. Her journey from hesitant survivor to seasoned explorer felt organic rather than contrived. Among many characters, she stands out as one of the rare ones that continue to resonate across generations, gaming platforms, and genre boundaries, all while staying true to her initial adventure into an ancient, long-lost tomb.

1. Sonic The Hedgehog

The Fastest Hedgehog Alive Has Outrun Irrelevancy Since 1991

1991 saw Sonic’s debut, not just the introduction of a character, but a bold declaration by Sega. In a bid to compete with Mario, they sought a mascot who wasn’t conventional. They chose an edgy blue hedgehog wearing sneakers, radiating attitude, and possessing speed that made the loading screens on the PS5 appear leisurely in comparison.

Moving from the Green Hill Zone to the Chemical Plant, Sonic didn’t just move swiftly; he moved with panache. For a time, this approach was successful. The games from the Genesis era were hugely popular, seamlessly combining fast-paced platforming with adaptable level design and one of the most adored soundtracks of that decade.

Although Sonic’s history hasn’t always been without bumps, his transition to 3D gaming was particularly challenging. Games like “Sonic Adventure” achieved success despite their unconventional camera controls, while others, such as “Sonic 2006,” didn’t fare as well. Nevertheless, Sonic has consistently kept a place in the spotlight. Be it through classic Saturday morning cartoons, massive internet memes, big-screen adaptations, or unexpected hits like “Sonic Mania,” he has managed to stay relevant and captivate audiences.

Among characters from the ’90s, none has traversed such a tumultuous, remarkably durable path as Sonic. Despite numerous highs and lows spanning over decades, this speedy hedgehog maintains an indomitable spirit. It’s that distinctive sensation that, no matter how many rings might be scattered en route, he’ll spring back quicker than anyone else.

2025-04-25 06:55