This post was a list of the most irritating characters I have found in computer games. The entrants this list included cowardly protagonist, sarcastic superiors, annoying allies, impossible task setters and a supercharged hero. This list was personal to me, so I have only included characters from computer games I have played and ones whose characteristics were irritating to me. I have also only included named characters in the list and not enemy types.

10. Issun from Okami

Okami is an adventure game featuring the heroic deity Amaratsu, who is joined by a travelling artist called Issun. Issun, who is microscopic in size, provides much of the dialogue as he talks to the other characters in the game and makes comments to Amaratsu, while the main hero maintains her silence throughout the game.

Unfortunately, I have to question the reasoning for Nintendo to include such a character in the game. While much of the game seems to be suitable for all ages, some of Issun’s lines do seem inappropriate for young children to read. For example, whenever the player meets a young woman in the game, Issun will suddenly start remarking on her beauty. When he is not being sleazy, his speech seems to use a lot of slang, which makes him seem like a teenager from a children’s film.

9. General Rieken from Rogue Squadron

In Rogue Squadron, the player controls a spacecraft and has to fight battles and complete missions to liberate planets from the tyrannical rule of the Empire. Sometimes, however, the heroes fail because the Empire has destroyed too many civilian structures or killed too many innocent civilians. When this happens, the player hears the gruff voice of General Rieken telling them to “Return to Base, Commander, and we will discuss your tactics in private”. Continue reading →