The 10 Most Iconic Characters in Retro Gaming, Ranked

The 10 Most Iconic Characters in Retro Gaming, Ranked

Retro gaming has given us some of the most beloved and iconic characters in the world of gaming. From the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, these characters have become synonymous with nostalgia and have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 most iconic characters in retro gaming, ranked from 10 to 1.

*10. Qbert (1982)**

Qbert, the orange, cube-shaped character from the classic arcade game, is a staple of retro gaming. With his ability to change the color of cubes and avoid enemies, Qbert has become a recognizable figure in gaming culture.

9. Pitfall Harry (1982)

Pitfall Harry, the adventurous explorer from the Atari 2600 game Pitfall!, is a classic character from the early days of gaming. His iconic red hat and backpack have become synonymous with the game.

8. Donkey Kong (1981)

Donkey Kong, the giant ape from the classic arcade game, is one of the most recognizable characters in gaming. His rivalry with Jumpman (later known as Mario) has become legendary.

7. Pac-Man (1980)

Pac-Man, the yellow pellet-munching character from the arcade game, is an icon of the 1980s. His simple yet addictive gameplay has made him a beloved character around the world.

6. Link (1986)

Link, the brave hero from the Legend of Zelda series, is one of the most iconic characters in gaming. His green tunic and cap have become synonymous with the action-adventure genre.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Sonic, the blue blur from the Sega Genesis game, is a symbol of speed and coolness. His rivalry with Mario has become legendary, and his iconic spin attack has become a staple of gaming culture.

4. Mario (1985)

Mario, the mustachioed plumber from the Super Mario Bros. series, is one of the most iconic characters in gaming. His red cap and blue overalls have become synonymous with the platformer genre.

3. Samus Aran (1986)

Samus Aran, the intergalactic bounty hunter from the Metroid series, is a symbol of strength and determination. Her iconic power suit and helmet have become a staple of gaming culture.

2. Lara Croft (1996)

Lara Croft, the adventurous archaeologist from the Tomb Raider series, is a symbol of intelligence and bravery. Her iconic dual pistols and tank top have become synonymous with the action-adventure genre.

1. Mario Bros. (1985)

Mario, Luigi, and their iconic mustaches have become synonymous with the platformer genre. Their rivalry with Bowser has become legendary, and their iconic jumping and hammering abilities have become a staple of gaming culture.

There you have it, folks! The top 10 most iconic characters in retro gaming, ranked from 10 to 1. These characters have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and continue to be beloved by gamers around the world.