Top 5 Animals in Video Games

There have always been crazy creatures in video games: Sonic is some sort of human-like hedgehog, Felicia is a cat-girl, and I can’t even begin to explain what a Brumak (Gears of War) really is. Today, on the other hand, we are here to honor those animals who gave some games that extra bit of charm to become great. Grab your dog Rex and your cat Fluffy, because it’s time to take a look some of the best animals in video games.

#5: No More Heroes’ Jeane

At first glance, Jeane is just a cute little kitty that doesn’t do much. However, if you hang around your apartment with her long enough, you’ll see just how much personality that little cat actually has. While it seems as though she isn’t truly important to the overall story, it is known that she helps to advance the plot during the game’s “Speed Buster” chapter. If that isn’t enough to make you love the adorable little fluffball, browse around your apartment a little bit more until you see her spinning in a circle while clinging to the ceiling fan. Silly kitty.

#4: .hack// Series’ Grunties

In a game series with such a heavy and sometimes downright depressing storyline, the grunties are there to brighten your mood! In the original four part game series, the grunties are used as a means of transportation, similar to horses. Though they look more like giant pigs, they do have a certain “cute” factor. In the second, three-part .hack// series, the grunties’ overall appearance and means of use completely change. From giant pigs who walk on four legs, now you see a tiny version of the same animal that walks on two legs and has a habit of changing its appearance to match yours. Coming in to guide you in specific quests and maintaining your guild, grunties are far from useless.

#3: Fable II’s Dog

You probably have not spent as much time with this pup as you should have, and shame on you for that! Your dog in Fable II is one of the smartest AI companions in a game to date. Finding treasure, alerting you when enemies are near, and even fighting alongside you, this dog is really man’s best friend. Not personal enough, even though he follows you around everywhere and listens to your every command? Well, you’re in luck: you have the ability to name and rename your doggy at any time you’d like! Personally, I wouldn’t change Sir Scruffy’s name even if he begged me…which he seems to be doing right now. Not to mention interacting with your new found friend also nets you some relatively easy-to-get achievements. Score!

#2: Okami’s Amaterasu

Proud, brave, valiant, and…silly? With a single word never being spoken, it is apparent that Amaterasu has more personality in her than many other characters that have enough dialogue to fill a book. Making you laugh while simultaneously keeping you focused on the task of saving the world is a hard task, but Ammy does it with ease and style. Just remember not to make her mad or she may unleash her devilish “brown rage” on your brand new shoes.

#1: Shadow of the Colossus’ Agro

Never has there been a supporting character to surprise gamers more than Agro. Being your main mode of transportation through the game, it is hard to think of him as anything more than a taxi service. Later you find out he is more than that, especially when he helps you take down some of those giant Colossi, and in the battles where Agro cannot accompany you, he waits for you, ever faithfully, to return. There is just so much more to say about this amazing horse, but any more information risks spoiling the surprises in store. Do yourself a favor and play the game to see what fate has up its sleeve for you and your ever-reliable hoofed companion.