Image via Complex Original
Where would we be without our friends? Dead, in jail, enslaved by a horrible organization? It's hard to tell, but after running down a list of some of the greatest gaming duos we could think of, we're pretty sure those are some of the gruesome possibilities. Partnerships go a long way when it comes to keeping each other away from danger. And we could all learn a thing or two depending on if there were no betrayals involved. These 25 Most Ass-Kicking Video Game Duos are destined to go down in history as some of the greatest we've seen.
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25. Tripitaka and Monkey
Game: Enslaved
Despite the fact that Monkey is pretty much forced to comply to Trip's demands by way of a device attached to his head that, upon Trip's death, will explode, it's nice to know the two are such good friends, even it is only because of the imminent threat of total annihilation. But when you throw out all the evidence of their abusive relationship, it's clear that the pair complements each other in many ways, considering how fantastically they work together. While Monkey tackles more physical legs of their tumultuous journey, Trip supports him with her extensive hacking prowess, even if she is a liability with her extremely limited combat abilities. She's kind of touchy though, so watch what you say about her -- you wouldn't want to die, or anything.
24. Bub and Bob
Game: Bubble Bobble
It may be hard to tell from the Bubble Bobble games at a glance, but these twin dinosaurs make a fantastic team, trapping enemies with their magical bubbles and ascending higher and higher with each stage and each delicious fruit collected. They're just too darned cute as a pair that they deserve a place on this list. Twin dragons are awesome, no matter the context.
23. Cole Phelps and All Of His Partners
Game: L.A. Noire
If we were alive to see the events that unfold within the L.A.P.D. in L.A. Noire, we'd want to be paired up with Cole Phelps. A far cry from his snarky, bumbling Mad Men role, Phelps is nearly the picture of a "hero" -- you know, if you excuse all of his indiscretions. The banter and the rampant self-loathing surrounding Phelps and most of his partners is both hilarious and sometimes distressing, but it makes for some entertaining situations, except for that one guy, that one time...we know he can't be trusted.
22. The Darkness and Jackie Estacado
Game: The Darkness
This morbid duo is based on a toxic, parasitic relationship, but the Darkness itself is a powerful ally to have when you're in a tight spot. The Darkness eats hearts, opens up hard-to-reach places, and Jackie is just a pretty cool (if heartbroken) guy. Together they have the potential to be completely devastating. Your best bet will probably be to never cross paths with one or both of them, if that were even possible.
21. Issun and Amaterasu
Game: Okami
Hey, Ammy! You and the miniscule flea-sized Issun make a bizarre but memorable team. Amaterasu may be more of the silent type, but Issun is the perfect answer to her silent radiance, the traveling artist who always comes packing a snide one-liner and a pickup line for a gorgeous girl. The relationship is a bit similar to that of Inuyasha and Myoga, only Ammy is much less rough around the edges. Regardless of how blunt Issun can be the two obviously make an adorable team. Who else would make such a cute pint-sized celestial brush-finding traveling companion?
20. Vito and Joe
Game: Mafia II
When you're a made man it's a good idea to keep an eye on who you're letting into your circle of friends. In the case of Vito Scaletta and Joe of Mafia II fame, you couldn't find a more mismatched set, but they're stuck together like glue despite their differences, making the end to Mafia II and even more startling one when it finally hits. The team can be likened to Niko Bellic and cousin Roman in a way due to Vito's more all-business nature and Joe's tendency to focus more on booze and women over the mission at hand. Through war and back, Vito and Joe remain buddies until the bitter end.
19. Agro and Wander
Game: Shadow of the Colossus
When wandering vast expanses of land with little direction other than a divine light that's bouncing off a raised sword, you're going to want a little companionship. The forlorn Wander rides atop his beautiful horse Agro in an attempt to defeat each and every colossus so that he may yet revive his fallen love. A strong, silent and magnificent beast and a young man who believes he may yet pull off the impossible end up making a pact that transcends all bounds and the game is all the better for it.
18. Sam and Max
Game: Sam and Max series
This quirky crimefighting pair have appeared in several adventures that have tested their bond as well as their ability to sustain continuous wisecracking throughout an entire case. But what would you expect from a cartoon dog and a wild-eyed ravenous-looking rabbit? Luckily Sam is always stalwart in his duties, enough that the crime solving is usually accomplished with a minimal amount of wasted time. Usually.
17. Marcus and Dom
Game: Gears of War
Even beefy, thick-necked soldiers need a friend to turn to, and the bromance between these two iconic Gears of War characters was nothing less than enviable. When Dom was close to the breaking point after losing track of his darling wife Maria, Marcus was a rock, pushing through hordes upon hordes of Locust to push back the oncoming storm and ensure his friend lived to see his wife again, even if the outcome was less than positive. When things were great the rapport between the COGs was positively hilarious, and an example of one solid, manly relationship second only to that of Salem and Rios.
16. Prince and Elika
Game: Prince of Persia
Never mind the fact that through Elika the Prince could be brought back to life over and over -- that very bizarre game mechanic wasn't all the Prince of Persia reboot had to offer. The conversations staged between the rugged young Prince and sprightly Elika played a major role in the game as a whole. And while the two ended up being complete opposites, they were able to play off each other fantastically. One without the other would have undoubtedly made for a very dull reboot.
15. Chris and Jill
Game: Resident Evil
While Jill spent a considerable amount of time with Barry in the original Resident Evil, we mustn't forget how close Ms. Valentine is with her partner Chris Redfield. When a man goes after the One-wannabe lookalike himself (Wesker) to retrieve his lost partner, you know there's a special bond at play there. Forget Chris and Sheva. Jill's where it's at.
14. Salem and Rios
Game: Army of Two
If you've ever played an Army of Two game, you'll know how hilariously close these two really are. Drawing aggro to keep the other out of harm's way, bro-fisting and bro-gratulating each other on a job well done are only a few touching examples of how tight Salem and Rios are. And if you go into a co-op game with a friend to play either Army of Two, legend has it you'll soon become as close to your friend as these two silly dudes.
13. Maya Fey and Phoenix Wright
Game: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
Maya Fey may not be anywhere as suave as her older sister Mia, but that doesn't make her any less capable of getting to the bottom of mind-bendingly difficult cases. She may seem coy and innocent, but Maya is an extremely gifted spirit medium who acts as counsel and a breath of fresh air to Phoenix once he thinks he's exhausted his arsenal of clues. We simply have no objections to their flourishing as a partnership.
12. Ratchet and Clank
Game: Ratchet and Clank
Not only do their names just mesh well together, they're also a formidable team that plays off each other's strengths fantastically. Clank's an adorable but sassy little robot and Ratchet appears to be more than a little jealous of his clout, but as the series progresses his scorn for the diminutive robot softens and melts into that of a push-and-shove friendship that we can't help but cheer for.
11. Jak and Daxter
Game: Jak and Daxter
Another famous Sony partnership, Jak and Daxter seem to make a rather unlikely pair, especially once the games take a turn for the darker in subsequent releases. If our best friend happened to turn us into an ottsel (a strange hybrid of an otter and weasel) we're not so sure we'd be okay with it as Daxter seems to be. Daxter's always around to help out in a pinch and even becomes controllable/receives his own spinoff game. Plus, they look kind of cute and cuddly as a team. Don't let Jak hear you say that, though.
10. Banjo and Kazooie
Game: Banjo and Kazooie
What's an oversize cartoonish bear without a shocking orange bird tagging along? Kazooie may spend most of her time in Banjo's backpack, but that doesn't make her any less useful. Together the duo clash with Gruntilda and all her goons to rescue Banjo's sister Tooty. It's a bizarre friendship, but we've seen weirder pairings in fanfiction.
9. Jade and Pey'j
Game: Beyond Good and Evil
Jade wanders the countryside of Hillys cataloguing wildlife as part of a freelance assignment and Pey'j tags along while they both uncover horrible secrets about their community and the world they live in. To look at them, you've got a regular Beauty and the Beast situation going on, but the duo excel in balancing each other out beautifully.
8. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong
Game: Donkey Kong Country
This brutish father and son pair tear up the jungles with their unique brand of platforming -- that is, when DK isn't messing around with bongos or terrorizing princesses.
7. Nathan and Sully
Game: Uncharted
Old-timer and womanizer Sully acts as a father figure to the wisecracking Nathan Drake of Uncharted fame, but in the end these buddies go way back, never hesitating, even a moment ot cover each other's backs, as long as there's treasure out there to plunder.
6. Gordon and Alyx
Game: Half-Life 2
Think back for a second to the first time you played Half-Life 2. Where, exactly, would you be without the courageous, capable, and intelligent Alyx Vance? Still whacking away at your problems with a rusted old crowbar? We thought so.
5. Master Chief and Cortana
Game: Halo
How many AI constructs would you brave the innards of the Gravemind for? If you're John-117, we're betting one very lucky lady: Cortana. The spitting image of her creator Dr. Halsey, Cortana has acted as a shining beacon of knowledge and support for the faceless hero, wisecracking and acting as the occasional comic relief through the Halo series as one of the most memorable partners throughout the history of shooters. Even though Chief is a man of few words, we can always rely on Cortana for her take on the situation.
4. Link and Navi
Game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Hey! Listen! Hey! No, really, listen: Link and Navi comprise the dream partnership we grew up with: the flitting fairy and the young Link set off on a fantastic adventure that transcends time, and so Navi's always ready with a valuable nugget of advice like how to Z-target or what a sign says. But the journey wouldn't have been the same without her, and we're sure we don't need to sing Link's praises.
3. Sonic and Tails
Game: Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic's the fastest thing alive, and Tails can fly. Not only can he fly a jet, but he can hover above Sonic as well as using his own appendages as a helicopter of sorts. Together, they're a force to be reckoned with, even if it ay seem like while playing the game, Sonic really does all the work. But where would one be without the other? That's almost be like Shadow without Maria. Or ten thousand times better, actually.
2. Snake and Otacon
Game: Metal Gear Solid
If you've any doubt as to why Solid Snake and Hal Emmerich belong at the top of this list, stop what you're doing and play Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Wipe your eyes and then come back and argue with us. Seriously.
1. Ash (Red) and Pikachu
Game: Pokemon Red and Blue
From the beginning of the journey to becoming a Pokemon master, Pikachu was right there by Ash's side, and throughout Pokemon lore across time, we know these two will be partners for life, even if Pikachu still vehemently refuses to evolve into a Raichu.