If there’s one thingNintendo is known for, aside from creating fun games that the entire family can play, it is their likable protagonists from every franchise. The company started right with Mario — after all, who doesn’t love an Italian plumber with a noble heart and a heroic drive to save a princess?
After more than four decades since the introduction of Mario,Nintendo has written many more storieswith protagonists that every player would like to have in their friend group. To mention some of them, here arethe most charismatic protagonists in Nintendo Games.
Starting off strong with thesavior of Hyrule,Linkhas been there for Zelda and all the inhabitants of the kingdom more than once. Whenever there’s a threat or Ganondorf wants to fight, Link finds the courage to stand up to the challenge and become strong enough to defend those who can’t defend themselves.
One of the most admirable things about Link’s charisma, is that he never truly utters a word, only sounds and screams. This is true for most of Nintendo’s characters, so he’s not special because of this necessarily. Rather, it’s because, even without proper communication, he’s won over the love and respect of thousands of gamers worldwide — and plenty of in-game characters too.
AlthoughDonkey Kongoriginally entered the Nintendo world as a barrel-throwing maddened ape enemy in 1981, he’s since redeemed himself and gainedthe reputation of a hero, a great uncle, and an overall fun character. Many veteran gamers probably had their first encounter with DK in the Nintendo 64 classic,Donkey Kong 64, a fun platformer that had Donkey Kong fight hordes of enemies alongside his nephew and his nephew’s girlfriend, Dixie.
In addition to DK’s obvious love for his family members and willingness to help others, one of the things that make him so charismatic is his style. After all, it’s really hard not to like an easy-going giant ape wearing a red tie.
The concept ofKirbyis a weird one, there’s no denying that. A sentient pink ball with red shoes that gets the traits and powers of anything it swallows probably didn’t go over well the first time it was pitched in one of Nintendo’s meeting rooms. Luckily, the character was approved and players have been able to get to know Kirby better over the years.
One of the few secondary characters in the Nintendo world who actuallyhad an animated series in the early 2000s, Kirby proves that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes. He shows that cuteness, toughness, loyalty and unmatched bravery can all fit within one plump pink ball with permanent rosy cheeks. As opposed to Link or Donkey Kong, Kirby’s charisma doesn’t come from always saving the weak or having an outgoing personality, but rather from his overall appearance and often clumsy actions.
Being the main representative of a multi-billion dollar franchise like Nintendo is no easy task, yet Mario manages to wear the crown gracefully, without ever letting it fall to the ground. Ever since the Italian plumber’s early days in the 80s, Mario has been an iconic protagonist with a few catchphrases and a lot of jumping noises.
Mario is not only charismatic because he’s Nintendo #1 man, but because he never hesitates to come to the rescue. He doesn’t have a hero’s build, as he’s neither tall, nor extremely muscular. He doesn’t even have inherent powers. Yet,he looks danger in the eyeand jumps into action to save his beloved Peach, his friend Toad, his brother Luigi, and any other human or being that needs a helping hand.
For a while, ranking Luigi as more charismatic than Mario would have been a controversial opinion, to say the least. However, as the years have gone by, more players have noticed how little credit the green-clad Italian plumber gets. After all, no matter how many people he saves or what heroic deeds Luigi adds to his personal anecdotes, he always seems to live in his twin’s shadow.
One of Luigi’s most admirable feats is how he’s able to overcome his fear to save his friends. As stated above, neither Mario nor Luigi have heroic builds, yet they choose to face danger. However, Luigi has always seemed to be more fragile and much more easily scared. The fact that, despite his weaknesses, he finds greater strength in the love he has for his friends and in his desire to save them, makes him the biggest hero in Nintendo history, and an extremely charismatic protagonist overall. These admirable traits are clear to see inevery Luigi’s Mansion game to date.
