10 Best Friend Characters In Gaming History
6. Joe Barbaro - Mafia II
When Mafia II's protagonist Vito Scaletta returns home to Empire Bay, it's his childhood best friend Joe Barbaro who is there for him and introduces him to a life of crime.
Joe may be quick to anger and an undeniable loudmouth, but he's also a ton of fun to be around - the man's love of the gangster's life is infectious, and it quickly becomes clear he'll do just about anything for Vito.
Given that the Mafia franchise is defined by brutal double-crosses and loyalties that are only as good as the napkins they're scrawled on, Joe's genuine, undying loyalty to Vito is especially meaningful.
Hell, the pair even team up later in the game to go kill the original Mafia's protagonist, Tommy Angelo - ain't that sweet?
But again, he's just a thoroughly entertaining, gregarious presence to be around - enough that he even ended up getting his own DLC, Joe's Adventure.