Videogame designers - like screenwriters - tend to put most of their characterisation efforts into the lead role and his/her nemesis. The supporting cast members are often reduced to stock types, their under-written roles sketched in a couple of minutes to fulfil specific plot requirements.
But not always. Sometimes you encounter an NPC who rivals the lead for charisma, who gets all the best lines and who - as you plough through the 20-odd hours of gameplay - you feel you'd actually rather be controlling.
So, today's friday question - which have been your favourite non-player characters? Let's steer away from final bosses, that is a whole different question. I'm thinking of regular cast members.
To get you started, here are some of my favourites:
Tracer Tong - Deus Ex Ultra helpful Hong Kong-based tech geek from the Deus Ex series, supposedly based on the character Dr X from Neil Stephenson's influential sci-fi opus, The Diamond Age. How many other NPCs are based on cult literary figures, eh?
Barry Burton- Resident Evil Alright, so he gets the lead role in the risible GBA venture, Resident Evil Gaiden, but I don't count that. This burly STARS operative, with his ready wit ("you were almost a Jill sandwich!") and brute strength deserves a meatier outing in a major Resident Evil release...
Nozomi Harasaki - Shenmue No one before nor since has ever looked as good in a polo neck Aran jumper as Ryo's love interest. Admittedly, this isn't the strongest criteria for a favourite NPC, but these are subjective choices.
Alyx Vance - Half-Life 2 This fiery resistance operative somehow adds to Gordon Freeman's humanity, her spunky good humour in the face of alien armageddon contrasting with his steely silence.
I'm still thinking. But for now, it's your turn...
