25 best video game sidekicks ever

Dogmeat (Fallout, 1997)

If proof were needed that dogs will be man’s post-apocalyptic best friend, Fallout is the hypothetical evidence. So faithful a companion is Dogmeat, you can find him in all the Fallout games. To scavenge and protect.

Peppy Hare (Star Fox, 1993)

Legendary member of the Star Fox team and mentor to Fox McCloud himself, Peppy Hare is most famed for his Star Fox 64 line, “Do a barrel roll.” Inevitably, it’s become an internet meme – just try typing it into Google.

Max (Sam & Max Hit the Road, 1993)

Based on the Steve Purcell comic, crime busting duo Sam and Max brought their contrasting characters to video game land in 1993. While Sam was the main playable character, Max came with his own useable inventory which came in handy (in tune with his character) when a bit of violence was required.

Heels (Head Over Heels, 1987)

A pioneer of multiple controllable character gameplay, Head Over Heels had two characters (Head and Heels) with different skills that had to be combined to progress through the game. Head, for instance, could fire doughnuts to paralyse enemies, a strategy that never took off in the real world.

Murray the demonic talking skull (The Curse of Monkey Island, 1997)

“You may call me 'Murray’! I am a powerful demonic force! I am the harbinger of your doom! And the forces of darkness will applaud me as I stride through the Gates of Hell – carrying your head on a pike!” – mighty strong words for a skull with no appendages. Still, we have to admire the spirit of Guybrush Threepwood's evil companion, bless him.