10 Most Influential Video Gaming Characters Of All Time

4. Sonic The Hedgehog

Growing up in the 90's, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who hadn't played Sonic The Hedgehog. The games received cult status for their simple controls, wholesome family message (saving the animals!) and enjoyable game play. This was in no small part down to the main protagonist, the blue hedgehog himself. In the 90's, Sonic was cool. He wore red shoes, was lightening fast and had attitude. At a time when the young gamers of the late 80's were reaching their teenage years, Sonic provided a logical next step that featured familiar game play mechanics in a smoother, edgier package. Being the official face if Sega, Sonic also became an immediate household name, with books, cartoons and merchandising a plenty. As Sega became one if the most dominant forces in gaming during the 90's, the influence the blue hedgehog had was immense, with many copycat games popping up both on Sega consoles and rival hardware. Even in 2014, young gamers can identify and relate to the character, a trait that makes him a true gaming icon. Did You Know? Sonic has exceptional popularity in the furry Culture, a subculture interested in fictional anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics.