40. Death Adder (Golden Axe)
Golden Axe is a game known by nearly every gamer. Renowned for being fiendishly difficult to complete, its one of those addictive games that every gamer just has to complete at least once, a rights of passage if you will for the nerds among us. Part of the reason why Golden Axe became such a known challenge (ok a HUGE part of the reason why) is this behemoth Death Adder (NO hes not a snake, before you think otherwise) Death Adder is a huge barbarian whose goal is to usurp the throne from the real king, wielding the eponymous Golden Axe (see what they did there?) he is a force to be reckoned with, hundreds of gamers lost countless hours trying to reach the final fight let alone defeat him. This reason alone makes Death Adder a legend and gives him a place in my list.
39. Psy-Crow (Earthworm Jim 1&2)
Theres no doubt at all that Earthworm Jim is one of the coolest and craziest heroes you could create, so it stands to reason that the villains are just as off the wall. I've previously mentioned another genius villain but Psy-Crow couldnt be ignored. Psy-Crow is Earthworm Jims mortal enemy, actually responsible for Jims creation, due to a slip up he allowed the Ultra-high-tech-indestructible-super-space-cyber-suit to crash to earth, blocking the path of one worm. Psy-Crow constantly pops up throughout the Earthworm Jim games to cause trouble in all manner of ways from throwing puppies out of windows, kidnapping princess whats-her-name and even racing... Yes thats right Psy-Crow loves a good race, youll constantly have to beat him to the end of a level to stop whatever plan he has (including a race to the church to stop him marrying Jims lady!) All round hes a dastardly creature!
38. Lance Vance (GTA: Vice City)
80s business guys are ruthless as someone once quoted Im a shark, sharks dont have necks, you dont want a neck in this business However ruthless though theyve always got friends, friends they can trust right? Wrong, the only thing you can trust is that your friend will stab you in the back in he most horrible way possible, quickly helping you rise then helping to knock you down even quicker! Lance Vance is definitely a case of the latter! Lance loves the high life and loves power but is also sadistic and paranoid. Quick to think your player Tommy is betraying him he soon sets out on a campaign to take you down! Alongside this the story took you on a journey that ultimately led you to the decision of killing your best friend was brilliant, really showing why Rockstar are great at building adult games, with layered stories.
37. Pyramid Head (The Silent Hill Series)
What's more scary in a villain than a huge hulking menace with no face wielding an axe? Nothing at all! In Silent Hill 2 we were first introduced to Pyramid Head, a hulking great beast wielding a huge spear, with no voice and no reason behind his actions you immediately know that running is your only option. Created to symbolize the main character James Sunderlands desire to be punished for his sins, pyramid head definitely strikes fear into your heart whenever he unexpectantly crosses your path. It's because he is such an iconic and indeed frightening character, he's been seen in almost every Silent Hill game since (theres even a questionably similar character who crops up in Resident Evil 5!) A tastefully simple character and amazingly effective villain!
36. Tom Nook (Animal Crossing)
For most known as a family game you humour younger family members or girlfriends with, Animal Crossing looks at first glance really colourful and innocent with happy music and simple time consuming tasks, its nice, ultra-cute and friendly overall. No villains here. Except for Tom Nook. Sure he looks innocent enough, in fact hes so nice when you first arrive in town he helps you out and gives you a house...but dont be fooled, beneath his fuzzy warm exterior beats the mechanical cold heart of a maniacal tyrant whod do anything to make money and climb to the top of the food chain! Straight after giving you a home he lands you deep into debt and forces you to work it off A.S.A.P! You may think this is no big deal, but when the debts paid you wake up one morning to find your house has been expanded and the bill with it! Not only have you been conned, your crazed landlord has been sneaking into your home while youve slept! And who is there to stop him? No one! Curse you Tom Nook! CURSE YOU!