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Mount Rushmore of Gaming Characters

Klosshufvud

Klosshufvud

Member
Judge Magister said:
F10tY6-XgAEDdoA
Click to expand...
This is it. Also nice of the Outer Haven sculptor to update Snake's face to his Old look.
 
Melfice7

Melfice7

Member
Mario
Sonic
Lara Croft
Snake
Kratos
Master Chief

Some of the mentions in this thread are way off and only work if its a list made for gamers only, even my list is being generous already with only half of them being worldwide recognized
 
tkscz

tkscz

Member
Have to think outside the gaming space at casual and non-gaming audiences, if they saw the character's face, would those people recognize them?

In this case, it would have to be
Mario
Sonic
Pac-man
Lara Croft
 
Tajaz2426

Tajaz2426

Psychology PhD from Wikipedia University
Whoever the main character in “Shadow-gate” is.

Jack Burton in “Big Trouble in Little China”.

That’s all, end of list. Two person Mt. Rushmore.
 
Redeeming Casualty

Redeeming Casualty

Neo Member
My top 4 would have to be the pong paddle, Nintendog Lab, Digger the Dugger of Dig Dug, and the Goldeneye Clobb. In all serious though I'm not sure who we put as Mount Rushmore figures in gaming but I know Mario and Pacman go on there, just not sure who the others would be.
 
Karak

Karak

Gold Member
Weird timing we just got that piped to us in the podcast on Friday. I liked it though it was hard for me.
I still say
A tetris block
Mario
Ryu
And Carmack
 
Represent.

Represent.

Represent(ative) of bad opinions
Sorry but Pikachi is not a gaming creation. We cant claim Pikachu anymore than we can claim Goku. Therefore he doesnt belong on the mount rushmore of GAMING.

Mario
Sonic
Pac Man
Lara
 
Last edited:
AJUMP23

AJUMP23

Parody of actual AJUMP23
I asked the AI.


Creating a "Mount Rushmore" of video game characters is a fun challenge! Since Mount Rushmore represents four iconic American figures, we could interpret this as selecting four characters who have had a major impact on gaming culture, history, and influence across generations. Here's a list that might reflect that:

### 1. **Mario (Super Mario series)**
- **Why?** Mario is arguably the face of video games, both in terms of Nintendo's influence and the industry as a whole. Since debuting in *Donkey Kong* (1981), he's become an icon recognized worldwide. With titles like *Super Mario Bros.*, *Super Mario 64*, and *Super Mario Odyssey*, Mario has been central to the success of both 2D and 3D platformers, and his character represents the joy and accessibility of gaming itself.

### 2. **Link (The Legend of Zelda series)**
- **Why?** Link is synonymous with adventure and exploration in video games. Since *The Legend of Zelda* (1986), Link has been at the heart of one of the most beloved franchises of all time. His evolution from a pixelated hero to the detailed figure in *Breath of the Wild* reflects the growth of gaming as an art form. *Zelda* games helped define the action-adventure genre and are often hailed as masterpieces of storytelling and gameplay.

### 3. **Pikachu (Pokémon series)**
- **Why?** As the mascot of Pokémon, Pikachu represents one of the most successful and expansive franchises in history. Pokémon revolutionized handheld gaming with the Game Boy titles and exploded into a global cultural phenomenon. Pikachu's image is recognizable to non-gamers and gamers alike, and its popularity has helped bring video games to mainstream audiences, especially with the animated series and movies.

### 4. **Master Chief (Halo series)**
- **Why?** Master Chief is a defining character in the first-person shooter genre and a key figure in Microsoft's gaming legacy. *Halo* was instrumental in making the Xbox console a success and helped establish online multiplayer gaming as a cornerstone of modern gaming. His combination of compelling storylines, iconic armor, and impact on competitive gaming cement him as one of the most influential video game characters of the 2000s and beyond.

### Honorable Mentions:
- **Samus Aran (Metroid series)** – One of the earliest examples of a strong female protagonist and a pioneer in atmospheric action-adventure games.
- **Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic series)** – Sega's mascot who was once the rival to Mario and has a huge legacy in the platforming genre.
- **Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)** – A key figure in action-adventure games and an icon of gaming's golden age, especially in the 1990s.

This "Mount Rushmore" reflects the diversity of gaming across genres, from platformers and adventures to shooters and RPGs, while also representing characters that had a lasting impact on the culture of video games. What do you think—would you make any changes?



You're absolutely right to bring up **Pac-Man** and **Tetris**—both are deeply iconic and arguably deserve mention as contenders for the video game "Mount Rushmore." Let's break down why they are so important and where they might fit into the discussion:

### **Pac-Man**
- **Why it deserves a spot**:
*Pac-Man* (1980) is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. He was the first video game character to achieve true cultural icon status. Pac-Man was revolutionary for several reasons:
- **Cultural impact**: It became a worldwide phenomenon and introduced millions to arcade gaming in the early 1980s. It even had a significant impact on pop culture, with merchandise, a hit song, and a Saturday morning cartoon.
- **Design innovation**: Pac-Man’s maze-based gameplay was innovative, and it introduced the concept of a non-violent arcade game, which helped expand the gaming audience to include more women and younger players.
- **Legacy**: Pac-Man spawned a series of sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations that are still being enjoyed today. It's a cornerstone of arcade gaming history.

- **Why it's not on the Mount Rushmore**:
While *Pac-Man* was a monumental figure in gaming, it hasn’t had the same kind of lasting, evolving influence on the medium in the way that characters like Mario or Link have. *Pac-Man* is often seen more as a symbol of the arcade era rather than a character who has evolved with gaming as an art form or medium. That being said, it could definitely be argued that Pac-Man’s place in the conversation is undeniable due to its foundational role in gaming history.

### **Tetris** (and the "Tetriminos")
- **Why it deserves a spot**:
*Tetris* (1984) is another classic that transformed the gaming landscape. While *Tetris* is not centered around a specific "character" like the others on our list, the game itself is absolutely iconic and influential:
- **Revolutionary gameplay**: The simple yet addictive mechanics of arranging falling blocks (Tetriminos) created a puzzle experience that is still unmatched in terms of universal appeal. It transcends time, age, and gaming platforms, from the Game Boy to mobile phones.
- **Cultural phenomenon**: *Tetris* was one of the first games to demonstrate the potential of handheld gaming with the Game Boy in the late 1980s. It remains one of the best-selling video games of all time.
- **Legacy**: The game’s puzzle mechanics laid the foundation for an entire genre of puzzle games and continues to inspire new games and adaptations.

- **Why it's not on the Mount Rushmore**:
Similar to Pac-Man, *Tetris* doesn't center on a character, and the game's historical significance is more tied to its mechanics than to a memorable figure or icon. If we were selecting based on "character impact," it might be left out. However, *Tetris* could be considered a "foundational game" that shaped gaming in much the same way that Pac-Man did—just in a different context.

---

### Why Mario, Link, Master Chief, and Pikachu were chosen over Pac-Man and Tetris:
The four characters on the Mount Rushmore of video games were selected because they represent not only the games themselves but also the evolution of gaming as an art form. These characters have been central to groundbreaking franchises that evolved over time, embodying technological advances, storytelling techniques, and character development. Mario, Link, Master Chief, and Pikachu are characters who have not only remained relevant but have adapted and influenced multiple generations of gamers.

That said, **Pac-Man** and **Tetris** could still be seen as foundational pillars in the early history of video games, and if we were creating a "Mount Rushmore" specifically for **pioneers or cultural icons**, they might very well make the cut. The challenge with *Tetris* and *Pac-Man* is that their influence is more structural (shaping game design and culture) rather than tied to evolving characters.

If there were a "foundational video games" Mount Rushmore—focusing on games that changed the industry at a technical or cultural level—then Pac-Man and Tetris would absolutely be on it. What do you think? Would you swap any of the four I mentioned for these classics?
 
AJUMP23

AJUMP23

Parody of actual AJUMP23
I tried to find an ai that would read through the thread and evaluate what we all said but none like external links.
 
Gambit2483

Gambit2483

Member
AJUMP23 said:
I asked the AI.


Creating a "Mount Rushmore" of video game characters is a fun challenge! Since Mount Rushmore represents four iconic American figures, we could interpret this as selecting four characters who have had a major impact on gaming culture, history, and influence across generations. Here's a list that might reflect that:

### 1. **Mario (Super Mario series)**
- **Why?** Mario is arguably the face of video games, both in terms of Nintendo's influence and the industry as a whole. Since debuting in *Donkey Kong* (1981), he's become an icon recognized worldwide. With titles like *Super Mario Bros.*, *Super Mario 64*, and *Super Mario Odyssey*, Mario has been central to the success of both 2D and 3D platformers, and his character represents the joy and accessibility of gaming itself.

### 2. **Link (The Legend of Zelda series)**
- **Why?** Link is synonymous with adventure and exploration in video games. Since *The Legend of Zelda* (1986), Link has been at the heart of one of the most beloved franchises of all time. His evolution from a pixelated hero to the detailed figure in *Breath of the Wild* reflects the growth of gaming as an art form. *Zelda* games helped define the action-adventure genre and are often hailed as masterpieces of storytelling and gameplay.

### 3. **Pikachu (Pokémon series)**
- **Why?** As the mascot of Pokémon, Pikachu represents one of the most successful and expansive franchises in history. Pokémon revolutionized handheld gaming with the Game Boy titles and exploded into a global cultural phenomenon. Pikachu's image is recognizable to non-gamers and gamers alike, and its popularity has helped bring video games to mainstream audiences, especially with the animated series and movies.

### 4. **Master Chief (Halo series)**
- **Why?** Master Chief is a defining character in the first-person shooter genre and a key figure in Microsoft's gaming legacy. *Halo* was instrumental in making the Xbox console a success and helped establish online multiplayer gaming as a cornerstone of modern gaming. His combination of compelling storylines, iconic armor, and impact on competitive gaming cement him as one of the most influential video game characters of the 2000s and beyond.

### Honorable Mentions:
- **Samus Aran (Metroid series)** – One of the earliest examples of a strong female protagonist and a pioneer in atmospheric action-adventure games.
- **Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic series)** – Sega's mascot who was once the rival to Mario and has a huge legacy in the platforming genre.
- **Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)** – A key figure in action-adventure games and an icon of gaming's golden age, especially in the 1990s.

This "Mount Rushmore" reflects the diversity of gaming across genres, from platformers and adventures to shooters and RPGs, while also representing characters that had a lasting impact on the culture of video games. What do you think—would you make any changes?



You're absolutely right to bring up **Pac-Man** and **Tetris**—both are deeply iconic and arguably deserve mention as contenders for the video game "Mount Rushmore." Let's break down why they are so important and where they might fit into the discussion:

### **Pac-Man**
- **Why it deserves a spot**:
*Pac-Man* (1980) is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. He was the first video game character to achieve true cultural icon status. Pac-Man was revolutionary for several reasons:
- **Cultural impact**: It became a worldwide phenomenon and introduced millions to arcade gaming in the early 1980s. It even had a significant impact on pop culture, with merchandise, a hit song, and a Saturday morning cartoon.
- **Design innovation**: Pac-Man’s maze-based gameplay was innovative, and it introduced the concept of a non-violent arcade game, which helped expand the gaming audience to include more women and younger players.
- **Legacy**: Pac-Man spawned a series of sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations that are still being enjoyed today. It's a cornerstone of arcade gaming history.

- **Why it's not on the Mount Rushmore**:
While *Pac-Man* was a monumental figure in gaming, it hasn’t had the same kind of lasting, evolving influence on the medium in the way that characters like Mario or Link have. *Pac-Man* is often seen more as a symbol of the arcade era rather than a character who has evolved with gaming as an art form or medium. That being said, it could definitely be argued that Pac-Man’s place in the conversation is undeniable due to its foundational role in gaming history.

### **Tetris** (and the "Tetriminos")
- **Why it deserves a spot**:
*Tetris* (1984) is another classic that transformed the gaming landscape. While *Tetris* is not centered around a specific "character" like the others on our list, the game itself is absolutely iconic and influential:
- **Revolutionary gameplay**: The simple yet addictive mechanics of arranging falling blocks (Tetriminos) created a puzzle experience that is still unmatched in terms of universal appeal. It transcends time, age, and gaming platforms, from the Game Boy to mobile phones.
- **Cultural phenomenon**: *Tetris* was one of the first games to demonstrate the potential of handheld gaming with the Game Boy in the late 1980s. It remains one of the best-selling video games of all time.
- **Legacy**: The game’s puzzle mechanics laid the foundation for an entire genre of puzzle games and continues to inspire new games and adaptations.

- **Why it's not on the Mount Rushmore**:
Similar to Pac-Man, *Tetris* doesn't center on a character, and the game's historical significance is more tied to its mechanics than to a memorable figure or icon. If we were selecting based on "character impact," it might be left out. However, *Tetris* could be considered a "foundational game" that shaped gaming in much the same way that Pac-Man did—just in a different context.

---

### Why Mario, Link, Master Chief, and Pikachu were chosen over Pac-Man and Tetris:
The four characters on the Mount Rushmore of video games were selected because they represent not only the games themselves but also the evolution of gaming as an art form. These characters have been central to groundbreaking franchises that evolved over time, embodying technological advances, storytelling techniques, and character development. Mario, Link, Master Chief, and Pikachu are characters who have not only remained relevant but have adapted and influenced multiple generations of gamers.

That said, **Pac-Man** and **Tetris** could still be seen as foundational pillars in the early history of video games, and if we were creating a "Mount Rushmore" specifically for **pioneers or cultural icons**, they might very well make the cut. The challenge with *Tetris* and *Pac-Man* is that their influence is more structural (shaping game design and culture) rather than tied to evolving characters.

If there were a "foundational video games" Mount Rushmore—focusing on games that changed the industry at a technical or cultural level—then Pac-Man and Tetris would absolutely be on it. What do you think? Would you swap any of the four I mentioned for these classics?
Click to expand...
I would argue that MGS/Solid Snake proved that videogames could be more than simple videogames and instead cinematic experiences...

Case in point: I'll never forget the time my cousin and I were playing MGS at his house in their living room and once we got to the DARPA Chief scene, my Uncle took notice and said, "Are you two playing a videogame??". We chuckled and assured him it was a game and not a movie.

That was the moment I realized a videogame could be more than a videogame.
 
Last edited:
Calico345

Calico345

Gold Member
I feel like it will be lists that are objective versus subjective, so I guess I will attempt a list for each. It is a very cool topic, though.

It is much harder than I thought it would be.

Objective list:

Mario
Pac-Man
Sonic
Master Chief

Not sure on my subjective list just yet.
 
Last edited:
FunkMiller

FunkMiller

Member
You should probably represent the major players in games history, so:

Mario
Master Chief
Sonic
... I actually have no idea for who to represent Sony.
 
AJUMP23

AJUMP23

Parody of actual AJUMP23
FunkMiller said:
You should probably represent the major players in games history, so:

Mario
Master Chief
Sonic
... I actually have no idea for who to represent Sony.
Click to expand...
Sony really does not have a lasting iconic character.


I would also like to see the Atari Fuji logo in stone.
 
Last edited:
Jinxed

Jinxed

Member
The lack of Steve from Minecraft is disturbing, Minecraft being the best selling videogame of all time
 
Arsic

Arsic

Loves his juicy stink trail scent
Most iconic and noticeable, or most impactful or what?

Common scrub answer:
Mario
Sonic
Steve from Minecraft
Master Chief

Giga Chad answer:
Solid Snake
Leon Kennedy
Arthas
Doom Guy
 
LMJ

LMJ

Member
Mario arguably the most recognized face in gaming
Crash bandicoot the only real Mascot to see games in every gen not belonging to nintendo and represents Sony/PS
Sonic the face of Sega and the only real challenger mascot Mario has ever faced
Masterchief the face of Xbox and a turning point in gaming

Super Mario GIF by GIPHY Gaming



Video Games 90S GIF

Charging Up Sonic 2 GIF by Sonic The Hedgehog

Master Chief Yes GIF by CANAL+
 
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