25 best video game sidekicks ever

Catwoman (Batman: Arkham City, 2011)

A sidekick? Batman's feline-themed antagonist would scratch your eyes out for calling her that. Truth be told, for a good chunk of Arkham City, the master thief is a playable character in her own storyline – at least if you bought the game new, or ponied up for the DLC. It was a controversial move, given that Catwoman's storyline was integral to the plot. Mind you, Selina Kyle would probably have enjoyed all the fuss.

HK-47 (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

Forget C-3PO and R2-D2 – the best robot in the galaxy far, far away is clearly this homicidal assassin droid, always eager to engage in some unadulterated violence against "meatbags." Query: Who wouldn't want him in their party?

Dog (Fable II, 2008)

What could possibly make for a better sidekick than man's best friend? Fable II's dog tracks down treasure and even fights enemies for you – and the game's ending uses the emotional attachment you've build up with your hound over the course of the game to force an heart-wrenching dilemma on you.

Navi (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, 1998)

While her cries of 'Hey, listen!' were borderline maddening, Navi's help and guidance were invaluable to the young fairy-less Link as he grew into a strong enough warrior to defeat the evil Ganondorf. Fun fact: She was also the first character in the series to have voice acting.

Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie, 1998)

A red-crested breegull that resides in the backpack of a bear called Banjo might not sound like one of gaming's greatest sidekicks, but Kazooie's wisecracking attitude and plethora of talents – ranging from flying, shooting eggs, running up slopes and pecking enemies – was welcomed by gamers and bears alike.

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