Image via Complex Original
The next time you find yourself posting a comment (like you may well do after reading this list) or replying with a snarky quote to some sobbing attention-seeker on Facebook, take a moment to consider its origin, especially if you pull out a “c-c-c-combo breaker” or congratulate someone with the words “a winner is you!” – you're tapping into some of the greatest video game-related memes of all time. And while we know there are far more than fifty, we've put together a list that should keep you going for quite a while. If you've not been keeping up with the times, you might even find yourself learning a thing or two. Sit back and enjoy the ride as we count down 50 of the greatest video game memes ever.
50. Balls of Steel
Origin: Duke Nukem 3D
Duke's a regular treasure trove of memes, but perhaps one of his most famous is "I've got balls of steel," which was the prime focus in YouTube sensation Ventrilo Harassment, where the sound bite was repeated incessantly to innocent members of the Vent server, who found themselves irrationally angry when dealing with the lewd sound clips, thus spawning one of the most guffaw-inducing memes ever.
49. You Must Construct Additional Pylons
Origin: StarCraft
The original StarCraft allowed players to choose the Protoss race a well as the Terrans and the Zerg. In order to play efficiently as the Protoss, you needed to enusre you erect enough pylons, or structures that allow for the building of others in the area. When you try to build without a proper amount of these, you're warned that you "must construct additional pylons." The phrase eventually hit YTMND, and exploded from there.
48. My Body Is Ready
Origin: E3 2007
Another nugget of E3 goodness. Reggie Fils-Aime spouted this old chestnut. It was E3 2007, and Reggie was about to demonstrate Wii Fit. Before stepping onto the Balance Board, he uttered the famous line: "My body is ready." Of course with an awkward delivery like that and bizarre phrasing, it was destined to become a humorous phrased use when anticipating a release or some kind of awesome event. It was written in the stars.
47. Riiiiiidge Racer!
Origin: E3 2006
Just another notable quotable from the embarrassment that was the series of press briefings at E3 2006. You may already be familiar with the travesty of the Genji: Days of the Blade presentation, and: Rrrriiiidge Raaaaacer!” is another special kind of horrible. Getting this excited for such a lackluster announcement should be criminal.
46. I Can't Let You Do That, StarFox
Origin: StarFox Adventures
Wolf O'Donnell no makes his home Photoshopped into far too many clever images that have him pulling a HAL 9000 on various items, like "I can't let you brew that, Starbucks!" The quote originated from a level in the game, "Fortuna," about disarming a particular bomb. But like most macros, it's grown into a huge fan with plenty of applications, most of which do not directly relate to gaming.
45. Gaijin 4Koma Reaction Guys
Origin: IGN
These 4-panel comics depict four "gaijin," (these are IGN employees, to be specific) reacting to a series of announcements from E3 2003. Used as the originator for many "At first I was like X, but then I was like Y" reaction images, these comics pretty accurately represent the emotions displayed by jaded gamers across the board.
44. Press X to Jason
Origin: Heavy Rain
If you partook of the intriguing experimental mystery Heavy Rain, you should have a good idea of what this meme is referencing. As Ethan Mars, early on in the game you find yourself wandering through a crowded mall, pressing the X button to shout your son's name in various intonations. Riveting stuff. So much, in fact, that a Flash game was spawned where you can repeat this action over and over to your heart's content!
43. Eh's a Cool Guy
Origin: Halo
We think this meme is a pretty cool idea. Eh makes us laugh and doesn't afraid of anything. As usual, you can trace this silliness back to 4chan, where an apparently English-challenged Anon posted an image of Master Chief along with the mangled quote. Hilarity ensued.
42. Battletoads
Origin: Battletoads
Are you trollin'? You are if you post an image of a popular game with the accompanying line "is this Battletoads?". Of course, this tends to happen most often around everyone's favorite image board, where an additional cavalcade of prank calls to GameStop began, asking about how and when it would be possible to preorder a "new" version of the classic game.
41. It's Dangerous to Go Alone
Origin: The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda inspired a metric ton of copycat imagery that drew from the famous line uttered by the old man, "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this." Originally, it accompanied an image of a meowing kitten in hand and contained a rar file with programs within meant to troll, known as Dangerous Kitten. The simple image macro is much less dangerous, only swapping out one ludicrous image for another.
40. Ramirez, Do Everything!
Origin: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
It's common knowledge to those of us who braved the MW2 campaign that Sgt. Foley thinks you're Superman and can fend off advancing soldiers, balance on your head, and ensure Burger Town is cleared of Russians all at the same time. And that's where the Ramirez macro originated -- the ridiculous amount of orders assigned to him throughout the course of the game, namely in the "Wolverines!" mission.
39. Giant Enemy Crab
Origin: E3 2006
Attacking weak points for massive damage was clearly a new trend in gaming, if E3 2006’s presentation featuring Genji: Days of the Blade was to be believed. Also, realistic crabs. Look at this crab. You decide how realistic it actually is.
38. Not Gonna Raichu A Love Song/Poképuns
Origin: Pokémon
Pokémon is a prime source for macros, especially over at Digg, where the first Poképun macros were said to have originated, mimicking the popular song lyrics, "I'm not gonna Raichu a love song," featuring a picture of Raichu and poorly-Photoshopped words included to complete the picture.
37. Herd U Liek Mudkips
Origin: Pokémon
Let's be clear: we know Mudkips are Pokémon, but this phrase originated over at DeviantArt amongst a group of Mudkip lovers: the MudKip Club, whose primary format of invitation to the club consisted of messages posted on other users' walls, beckoning "so I herd u liek mudkips." And the rest, as they say, is history.
36. Grabbin' Peels
Origin: Left 4 Dead
Of course, we all know he means "pills," but it's just so funny when we step back and change up the spelling all willy-nilly like this. Oh, and making fun of how Louis speaks is hilarious on its own merit.
35. I Like Shorts! They're Comfy and Easy to Wear!
Origin: Pokémon
Well, we suppose they are. This line was actually uttered by a Youngster trainer, in all its bizarre glory. Why's he walking up to strangers while talking about shorts, anyway? At least he's not making any claims about his Rattata, we suppose. That other guy sure told some tall tales about his.
34. Shut Down Everything!
Origin: Pandemic
If you've ever picked up the popular strategy game Pandemic, you're likely familiar with how quickly Madagascar shuts down all their ports and access to the country within. These images depict the imaginary back and forth between officials in the country when a man halfway across the world begins to cough – that means the virus is coming there. ABSOLUTELY. Not really. But it certainly seems that way.
33. You Have Died Of Dysentery
Origin: Oregon Trail
Remember racing to be the first kid in computer class to get the infamous Oregon Trail so you could ford rivers, hunt game for enough meat to survive, and strategically plan your every move
32. Spies Sappin' Mah Sentry
Origin: Team Fortress 2
For any player who's logged countless hours in Team Fortress 2, this little gem should be more than familiar by now. If a Spy happens to come along and sap an Engineer's gun, this phrase is uttered. It may be a normal part of gameplay, but that certainly doesn't make it any less silly.
31. Fifty Thousand People Used To Live Here
Origin: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Think back to the heyday of Modern Warfare. You booted it up and the same line used to ring in your ears - the rueful line "50,000 people used to live here…now it's a ghost town." Skip past that, hurry! Your friends are already waiting in parties! Hurry and get to the multiplayer menu! At least that's how urgent it felt back in the day. And so the infamous phrase lives on, in the hearts of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare fans everywhere.
30. Nice Everything You Have There
Origin: Minecraft
Creepers gonna creep. When they're done creeping, they're going to make like the pigs in "Insane in the Membrane" and blow your house down. Actually, they're going to blow it up - or at least a sizable chunk - enough to inconvenience you, because that's what they do, leading the phrase "That's a nice everything you have there. It'd be a shame if something happened to it." And it always is, especially when you lose hours worth of hard work.
29. You Fail It (Fail)
Origin: Blazing Star
You've probably heard the phrase "fail" a few half-billion times, chances are its been tossed around in your face when you've done something particularly stupid - or you've just been a jerk and it's fun to knock you down a peg with this retooling of an Engrish foul-up that lends itself perfectly to an insult.
28. Giygas' True Form
Origin: Earthbound/Mother 2
When players came face to face with the true Big Bad of Earthbound, they're greeted with this chilling and often frustrating line when trying to go on the offensive. And now it's become a fantastic source for trolls to pull from when mocking the game.
27. Konami Code
Origin: Contra
Gamers everywhere have this handy cheat code memorized and it's been referenced in everything from songs to movies to t-shirts. Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, select, start originally granted you extra lives and acted as a boon to gamers everywhere who needed that extra boost to succeed. Now players with an eye for waster eggs and hidden secrets eagerly scramble to find evidence of this code in other, unrelated games - and find it often.
26. In Your Base Killin' Your Dudes
Origin: StarCraft
Though its much contested origin lie in StarCraft history, this phrase has since become popular amongst RTS players and even those in multiplayer games of other genres as a sarcastic response to "where are you?" Obviously, in your base, killin' all of your dudes, like any good opponent would be.
25. Zerg Rush
Origin: StarCraft
The term "Zerg Rush" comes from the practice of manufacturing so many Zerg units in StarCraft that enemy forces are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and force of the numerous advancing units, and it's a wildly popular tactic. As far as internet usage, it's common to see this phrase as different types of macros depicting a large group of people/items/etc ganging up on a singular person/item - like a million fanboys dog-piling on the last special edition of an action figure they've been waiting for.
24. Weegee
Origin: Hotel Mario
First, the internet had Pedobear. Then along came Weegee, the horrific depiction of the other plumber brother we know as Luigi, creeping into our photos, screenshots. and even other games to ensure we're properly disturbed. I mean, just look at him. Do you really want to run into that face while alone in a dark alley?
23. Fus Ro Dah!
Origin: Skyrim
Like, fus ro duh! Your first "real" shout learned in Skyrim is iconic in that it's now become the phrase associated with the massive action role playing game. Now, excuse us - we've got to do something about this nagging pain in our knees.
22. Guile's Theme
Origin: Street Fighter
Well it's true! It's a well-known fact that Guile's theme music fits perfectly as an accompaniment to any event. Try it next time on your own home movies.
21. He Never Asked For This
Origin: Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Much like we never really asked for a lackluster entry into the Deus Ex series! We kid. This actually references the line from the original Deus Ex: Human Revolution trailer in which Jensen actually means his new augmentations. Now it's snarky to use it in context of some kind of content you didn't actually want to see, or perhaps spoilers in a thread you accidentally peeked in.
20. Time Paradox
Origin: Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater
This meme should be pretty self-explanatory but just in case it's not, here's a word of caution to you - just don't kill anyone in Snake Eater before their time, or you'll meet with a rather untimely end.
19. The Cake Is A Lie
Origin: Portal
Undoubtedly one of the most overused memes in the gaming universe, this line refers to the infamous cake GLaDOS promises you during testing - there's no cake that awaits you (unless you count the sequence after the game) - just death. This graffiti scrawled along the wall at Aperture was an early nod to the game's climax, and an enormous spoiler alert for those who had not yet made it that far.
18. I Hope You Made Lots Of Spaghetti!
Origin: Hotel Mario
Hotel Mario spawned quite a few memes, but this particular one is a little more obscure. You'll mainly find it used as a snarky Reddit comment here and there or used in reference to a video game ending, originating from the completion of 3DO abomination Hotel Mario, where Luigi (in reference to Princess Peach) pops off with this little gem.
17. Objection!
Origin: Phoenix Wright
Phoenix Wright has spawned hundreds of comparably hilarious one-liners, but the famed "Objection!" is he most widely-known, used everywhere from trolling forums to real-life cosplayers, shouting the phrase whine pointing the famous accusatory finger. Hey - you're not going to find us objecting.
16. Niko, My Cousin!
Origin: Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV will forever be looked upon fondly as the GTA that changed the game on current consoles and the first one to feature non-American protagonist - Niko Bellic. Of course, you can't count out Roman, who was always keen to greet Niko with a hearty "Nikoooo, my cousin!", which quickly became the quotable of the century for GTA IV and its fans, and it's fun to yell, at that. Give it a try and tell us it's not addictive!
15. Metal Gear!
Origin: Metal Gear Solid
Throughout the original Metal Gear Solid, it became nearly customary for a for a customer to shout "Metal Gear!" in numerous plot-revelatory segments, making this quick snippet a nugget of gaming meme goodness that is often repeated in similar situations. It may not have the most interesting back story, but darn if it isn't catchy.
14. Leeroy Jenkins
Origin: World of Warcraft
The battle cry of every guild member about to pull something exceedingly stupid, Leeroy Jenkins is now a familiar name in the World of Warcraft universe who showed up late to an in-depth battle strategy, then charged into battle, nerving his entire party. Let's do this, indeed - even if the popular video was staged, it still made an enormous splash.
13. Finish Him!!
Origin: Mortal Kombat
The universal prompt for "tear this ugly schmuck to pieces" began life as a lowly announcer line from Mortal Kombat, pushing players to perform brutal fatalities and finishing moves to decimate the competition. That's the only way, after all.
12. What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse!
Origin: Castlevania II - Simon's Quest
More like "What a horrible way to force players into suffering through what we have to say!" This message flashed on screen during transitions and has since become a staple in most gaming circles when it comes to the most recognizable quotables - especially annoying ones like this one.
11. Princess In Another Castle
Origin: Super Mario Bros.
This phrase has haunted gamers since the dawn of Super Mario Bros., where Toad greeted players in World 1-4 after downing a Bowser clone. Those expecting Princess Peach were instead told the princess is actually in another castle. And because it also doubles as an ace sarcastic remark, it's peppered throughout trolling forum posts and replies as well as a great way to mock and discourage those who seem to be posting in the wrong place - memes do all seem to be all about the mocking, no?
10. Disingenuous Assertions
Origin: Mass Effect 2
Commander Shepard's out risking his own life to save the entire galaxy. He doesn't have time for journalists harshing his vibe and spreading possible misinformation - of course, some of it is true, but not everyone needs to know that, do they? No, especially reporters, because they get punched in the face. Twice, if Shepard's having a really bad day.
9. I'm Commander Shepard
Origin: Mass Effect 2
"I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite list on the Citadel." - or if you've been on the internet at all in the past few years, this is my favorite X on the Citadel. When shopping at various boutiques located in the Citadel in Mass Effect 2, players can choose to endorse a certain shop, where a likeness of Shepard parrots that infamous phrase. It's goofy, but those alien shopkeeps know featuring the first human Spector really brings in the business.
8. Falcon Punch!
Origin: Super Smash Bros.
Captain Falcon utilizes the extra-strong Falcon Punch! move in Super Smash Bros., though he never had anything of the sort in F-Zero. It can, however, can be seen in the last episode of the anime series, F-Zero GP Legends. With the power of the mighty falcon, he lunges forth with an exuberant "FALCON PUUUUUUUNCH!" and it's lights out. It's also now a euphemism across the internet for many less pleasant occurrences that we won't go into here.
7. Well Excuuuuuuuse Me, Princess!
Origin: The Legend of Zelda Cartoon
Well, excuuuuuuse us, internet! The 13 episode animated series The Legend of Zelda aired during The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! and featured an annoyed Link who would often whine this catchphrase, usually due in part to Zelda's excessive nagging or incompetence. And it's important to keep in mind that this was an '80s cartoon already, so it relied on that extra flamboyant zazz to stay funny. That didn't keep it from falling into internet infamy, though.
6. Do A Barrel Roll!
Origin: StarFox 64
While in combat in StarFox 64, Peppy Hare is incessantly and doggedly barking at you to "do a barrel roll!" or a 360 degree spin as an evasive maneuver while approaching laser-firing turrets. Ever since then, it's been an image macro favorite. Even Tom Green's unwittingly been in on the fun.
5. Arrow To The Knee
Origin: Skyrim
As much as we'd love to pretend it just doesn't exist anymore, you can't deny the popularity of this particular phrase, culled directly from the poor soul in the latest Elder Scrolls adventure, Skyrim. Though the line is actually "I used to be an adventurer like you, then I took an arrow in the knee." Thanks, NPC guards! You've launched a seaworthy bandwagon everyone wants to jump on.
4. Combo Breaker
Origin: Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct got it right when back in 1994 it introduced "C-C-C-Combo Breaker!", or on-screen text that appeared when players used a move specifically meant to disrupt special chain attacks. Now it's utilized as sardonic commentary and a way to break up similar forum posts and pedantic piece-by-piece image uploads.
3. Can It Wait For A Bit? I'm In The Middle of Some Calibrations
Origin: Mass Effect
Yes, Garrus, the fate of humanity can absolutely wait since you're in the middle of calibrations. We'll just slink off to our quarters and come back when you're less busy – are you kidding?! No, it can't wait! And that's not what you were saying when we walked in on you and Tali, now was it?
2. All Your Base Are Belong To Us
Origin: Zero Wing
Another shining example of shoddy English localization launched a million (or probably more) clever images plastered all over the internet. Zero Wing is also responsible for the ever-popular "for great justice," but the original "all your base" has been seen everywhere from Weezer videos to YouTube maintenance messages to a report done by Wired, which arguably got the ball rolling on this tremendously popular meme.
1. A Winner Is You!
Origin: Pro Wrestling
Though used throughout online forums and bulletin boards these days as a sarcastic form of "congratulations," this phrase was found originally in the 1989 sports cult classic Pro Wrestling for the NES. After felling an opponent, the message would flash on screen in all its glorious broken English infamy. Leave it to Japan to grace us with such mangled praise that the entire internet has since adopted.