10 Most Influential Video Gaming Characters Of All Time

10. Duke Nukem

As gaming became a mainstream form of home entertainment, there was a certain stigma attached with those that sat in €˜dark rooms€™ playing video games. Perhaps these people were to be considered slightly €˜geeky€™ or€™ nerdy€™ (ironically, traits now that make someone €˜cool€™€™). Duke Nukem was a character that allowed these gamers to live out fantasies, be the person they wanted to be, and ultimately, provided a world without social conform. The Duke himself was a lose translation of the many 80€™s action heroes (think Sly, think Arnie, think JCD) that not only was cool, but was a hit with the (virtual) ladies too. Nukem games were famous for swearing, toilet humor and titillation, all aspects of gaming that were a million miles away from walking mushrooms and blue hedgehogs. Rocking around in dark sunglasses, carrying ridiculously oversized weapons and brutally destroying aliens, the Duke was the first real €˜bad boy€™ of video gaming. The games themselves ranged from the playable to the novelty, and by the time the 2011 title, Duke Nukem Forever, the shock value had worn off and the game play felt very tired. However, during the 90€™s, the Duke proved himself to be something of a cult icon, and well worth his place on the most influential gaming characters list. Did You Know? There are 18 official games in which Duke Nukem is listed as the main protagonist, with titles including Duke Nukem Land of the Babes and Duke Nukem Mobile €“ Bikini Project.