Summary
Small characters are the favorites of many. Who wouldn’t want to have a village of tiny animals or solve puzzles with a group of tiny creatures? There’s a connotation that tiny means cute and cozy. But not every game that features a little pal is relaxing.
From action platformers to puzzle games, small characters are everywhere, not just in cozy games. Who is the best of the small but mighty characters? Who can destroy their gigantic enemies while looking effortless? Who is brave enough to look in the face of their oppressors and decide that they aren’t going to fight them outright? Let’s find out.
8Kirby
Kirby Series
Pink and tiny?Kirbyis everyone’s best friend. This character may be predictable, butKirby is so iconicthat it’s impossible not to include him. The Kirby series is a big one with a multitude of games on every Nintendo console, all featuring the little guy himself as he sets off on his quests through the artsy platforming game.
He is well known for being a happy character, and with his cute appearance, he’s a fan favorite, but he never falters in the face of danger. His home usually depends on him being able to defeat his enemies.
7Slugcat
Rain World
Rain World, a steadily growing Metroidvania game, offers a unique blend of survival and exploration. In this post-apocalyptic setting, you play as Slugcat, who is the combination of a slug and a cat and possesses countless abilities like climbing and combat. This balance of when to fight and when to stay just out of reach creates a unique take on the beloved genre.
Slugcat is a survivor, for better or for worse. Like many games in the Metroidvania genre, death and rebirth is a part of the experience. Rain World is harsh, the environment is just as hostile as the enemies that thrive there. But Slugcat never stops trying.
6Yi
Nine Sols
Nine Sols, an action platformer described as being Teo Punk, is a story-focused game in an electric setting. You set out as Yi, and journey through a bizarre realm on your quest todestroy the Nine Sols— the tyrant-like overlords of the realm.
You’ll really want to dive into the story and the artwork. This may be a little presumptuous, as Yi is the newest addition to this kind of character in the gaming world and is sure to become a favorite of many.
5Frisk
Undertale
In 2015,Undertaletook the gaming community by storm. In this RPG, you play as a human child, Frisk, who finds themself in the world of monsters that humans have locked away. You must find your way back to the surface by going through the very heart of this underground world.
Of course, there are two ways to play, and the most common is making Frisk a non-combat character, making this a slightly controversial character. However, Frisk shows bravery by journeying through the underground world, complimenting monsters to get out of sticky situations, and having a huge boss fight in the end without having built up any fighting stats. It would be shameful to think of Frisk as anything but brave, thereby making them worthy of this title.
4BD-1
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The Star Wars Jedi series follows Cal Kestis, who journeys through the galaxy with his buddy BD-1. Though BD-1 may not be the main character, the way the fandom treats him, he may as well be.
BD-1 is not combat-driven, and although he may be a droid, he doesn’t ever shy away from his mission. He sneaks around, hijacks enemies, and is also best friends with someone who isn’t supposed to exist, which is undoubtedly hardcore.
3Captain Toad
While Toad from Mario is not traditionally considered a strong character, Captain Toad changes all that. Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a puzzle game that expands upon the Mario world. But it’s done very differently. you’re able to’t jump, which is essential in these games. You’re on a quest of your own violation, and sometimes you have to rescue Toadette, which ismore along the lines of classic Mario.
Toad isn’t a fighter. In fact, sometimes, he needs rescuing. Needing a lending hand is actually quite nice to see, and with a little luck and determination on his side, he accomplishes his goals.
2Cuphead
Cuphead
This classic-looking run-and-gun game entered the market strong with its incredibly hard gameplay, art style, and story in 2017. Yet, what makes the game so charming is the main character, Cuphead. Cuphead may make some bad decisions, making deals with the devil and all that, but he’s got a good heart and is gonna shoot his way out of this one boys.
It’s true that many minor enemies are smaller than Cuphead (and Mugman). However, they are absolutely vicious. It is also no secret that all the bosses in this hand-drawn game are huge, whether it is because their soul is owed to someone else or to emphasize that they’re children, you can’t really say. Fighting against the person who owns your soul is a wild thing to do, but boy does he do it.
1The Knight
Hollow Knight
This beautiful game features a bug-inspired underground world, home to The Knight, a tiny bug-like creature. Hardly anyone is a stranger to Hollow Knight these days, as it isone of the most popular Metroidvanias of all time. Follow the Knight as they fight ghosts, hone their nail, and explore an underground kingdom while making unlikely friends along the way.
There are enemies that are smaller than the Knight, but as far as speaking characters and bosses, they’re by far the smallest. But that little ghost has more power than you’ll know what to do with once you get into the meat of the game.
