In the expansive realm of video gaming, many iconic characters often rely on sidekicks, partners, or helpers as they embark on thrilling adventures. Typically, as a franchise grows, these secondary characters begin to receive more spotlight, showcasing their own unique capabilities apart from the primary heroes.
With the rise in popularity of certain gaming franchises, it’s common to see titles where these sidekicks not only take center stage, but also prove their mettle in overcoming challenges.This shift allows them to become heroes in their own right, revealing their potential to engage players in exciting narratives.
The gameplay in such spin-off titles may diverge significantly from the mainline series, particularly if the sidekicks have different skills compared to their counterparts. This opens up avenues for innovative gameplay styles and fresh experiences. Below are nine remarkable games that put sidekicks in the limelight and take players on adventurous journeys from a new perspective.
9 Daxter
Two-Year Pest Control
In the narrative of Jak II, both Jak and Daxter are thrust through a portal into the harsh environment of Haven City, resulting in Jak’s capture while Daxter narrowly escapes. Fast forward two years: after numerous escapades, Daxter miraculously manages to rescue Jak, leading to the burning question: What was Daxter up to during those two years?
The answer lies in the 2006 title, Daxter, a spin-off that fills the gap of those two years. Following a lackluster phase, Daxter stumbles into an extermination business where he dons equipment designed for combating Metal Bugs.
Though less powerful without Jak, Daxter compensates with a combination of humor and resourcefulness, utilizing a bug swatter and an extermination tank. As players progress, the tank evolves from basic bug spray to additional functionalities like a flamethrower and a jetpack.
8 Secret Agent Clank
As Seen On TV
Within the Ratchet & Clank universe, the fame of the titular heroes is undeniable, with Clank garnering immense popularity. Preceding the events of Up Your Arsenal, Clank stars in his own television series titled Secret Agent Clank, which served as inspiration for the 2008 game of the same name.
In both the TV show and game, Clank’s portrayal as a 007-esque secret agent showcases his martial arts skills and array of high-tech gadgets. He traverses the galaxy solving a mystery that entails Ratchet being wrongfully accused of a significant theft.
The game’s plot integrates snippets of Ratchet and Captain Qwark, with Ratchet caught in prison battling adversaries while Qwark pursues a means of self-promotion.
7 Luigi’s Mansion
A Lesson On Real Estate Scams
Before the early 2000s, Luigi was often overshadowed by his brother Mario, exhibiting a rather static personality. This changed dramatically with the debut of Luigi’s Mansion in 2001, establishing him as a character in his own right.
Launched alongside the GameCube, this game marked Luigi’s inaugural solo adventure. After falling victim to a scam, Luigi ventures into his newly acquired mansion, only to discover it’s haunted and Mario has vanished. Equipped with the Poltergust vacuum, his goal is to exorcise the spirits and find his brother.
This action-puzzle hybrid diverges from typical Mario gameplay, compelling players to strategically use the vacuum to capture a variety of ghost types. The game’s slower pace offers a unique charm, emphasizing a thoughtful approach over rapid platforming.
6 Tails Adventure
Sonic Wasn’t Available
Despite being a longstanding character within the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise since his introduction in Sonic 2, Miles “Tails”Prower has had a limited number of solo outings—only two titles, both released solely on the Sega Game Gear. These include Tails’ Skypatrol, a basic sidescrolling shooter, and Tails Adventure, which offers a more traditional platformer experience.
Unlike Sonic’s high-speed escapades, Tails Adventure is more deliberate and methodical. Players advance through various levels, using bombs for self-defense and occasionally taking flight with Tails’ twin tails.
Interestingly, elements of exploration reminiscent of Metroidvania are present, permitting backtracking to earlier environments to discover helpful items. However, the limitation of carrying only a select number of items adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to plan their inventory wisely.
5 Diddy Kong Racing
Needed A Stronger IP To Carry It
In an intriguing twist within the gaming landscape, completely original titles sometimes find themselves intertwined with existing franchises to boost recognition. This was the case with 1997’s Diddy Kong Racing, which originally featured Timber the Tiger as its lead.
To amplify excitement ahead of the holiday season, Rare convinced Nintendo to feature Diddy Kong, which explains why the game includes minimal connections to the broader Donkey Kong universe aside from Diddy and Krunch the Kremling.
Regardless of its marketing origins, Diddy Kong Racing stands on its own as an exceptional kart racing game, further solidifying its place in Rare’s development story, as it marked the introduction of beloved characters like Conker and Banjo.
4 Half-Life: Alyx
It Ain’t Half-Life 3, But…
After the anticipation following the launch of Half-Life 2: Episode 2 in 2007, fans endured a long and painful wait—13 years, to be exact—to learn the fate of Gordon and Alyx. In 2020, instead of the highly anticipated Half-Life 3, the franchise welcomed a VR title focused on Alyx, aptly named Half-Life: Alyx.
Taking place before the events of Half-Life 2, this installment centers around Alyx, who finds herself battling the oppressive forces of the Combine. Following an encounter with the police of City 17, she faces arrest, leaving players to navigate her daring escape.
This game distinguishes itself due to its VR gameplay, utilizing Alyx’s Gravity Gloves to interact with the environment while tackling combat with traditional firearms against enemies like Headcrab Zombies.
3 Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Jumping Doesn’t Solve Everything
Since Super Mario Bros., Mario has consistently received support from the Toad inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom. However, beginning with Super Mario Galaxy, the Toad Brigade began to play a more significant role, with Captain Toad assuming the leadership of the group.
Derived from his segments in Super Mario 3D World, Captain Toad was awarded his own adventure in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, released in 2014. The premise revolves around Captain Toad and Toadette embarking on an expedition only for Toadette to be captured by a giant bird, compelling Captain Toad to chase after her.
Captain Toad’s inability to jump—thanks to his heavy backpack—redefines traditional platforming, prioritizing clever puzzle-solving as players navigate creatively designed levels using the Wii U GamePad’s features, including touchscreen and gyro functions.
2 Yoshi’s Story
Shouldn’t It Be “Yoshis’ Story?”
Mario has a longstanding pact with the Yoshi species, deploying them whenever he requires aid in his quests. However, Yoshi’s story also deserves attention, particularly in Yoshi’s Story, where a younger Bowser takes center stage.
In this lighthearted game, an infant Bowser swipes the Yoshis’ Super Happy Tree, transforming their world into a pop-up book, resulting in the adult Yoshis being incapacitated while six baby Yoshis unite to recover what was stolen.
This game allows players to use the baby Yoshis’ abilities from Yoshi’s Island, such as egg tossing and flutter jumping. However, progressing through levels entails not only navigating from side to side but also consuming fruits to fill up the frame border comprehensively, introducing a unique gameplay twist.
1 Mega Man Zero
The Ponytail Lives On
Originally introduced in the first Mega Man X game, Maverick Hunter Zero became a staple character in the series. While closely following X in earlier titles, Zero eventually emerged as the sole protagonist in Mega Man Zero.
Set a century after the events of the Mega Man X series, this game allows players to control Zero as he awakens from stasis in a bleak world dominated by an unhinged X. Armed with his iconic Buster and Z-Saber, Zero is determined to dismantle the oppressive regime while uncovering the dark secrets that transpired during his slumber.
Featuring an intriguing blend of classic Mega Man gameplay and Metroidvania elements, Mega Man Zero requires players to revisit levels with newly acquired abilities to open up additional missions, earning its place as a beloved series in the franchise.
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