10 Video Game Characters Who Bared Nipples Before Mario

8. Ax Battler

Mario Nipples
SEGA

There's absolutely nothing untoward about Boris Vallejo's magnificent Golden Axe's boxart whatsoever. It's just a big, muscle-bound dude in his pants holding a sword, flanked by one of his bodybuilding pals in similarly skimpy attire, and a far more modest dwarf. It's completely appropriate for the target audience, and a perfect representation of the sort of side-scrolling hack 'n' slash action on offer. Nipples rarely feature on video game covers these days. Shameful times we live in.

Why is Capn' Blueknickers called 'Ax Battler' anyway? He's clearly brandishing a sword! Golden Ax Battler? That makes sense... I suppose. But if you are going to enter combat against opponents aiming to cleave you with a gilded magical axe, you should probably sling a jumper on at least. And some trousers.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.