3. Ryu – Street Fighter series
Oh Ryu, where have your youthful looks gone?
Whilst the Alpha sub-series is often forgotten about in favour of the more popular numbered Street Fighter titles, they give fans a unique window into younger variants of their favourite characters. Though the moves are largely unchanged, it is a must for any Street Fighter fan to see how their players of choice evolve over the years. Any character could be worthy of this list, but Ryu steals it on account of his severe involvement in general gaming culture and his instantly recognisable signature moves.
2. Solid Snake – Metal Gear Solid 4
Though there isn’t a huge chronological jump between Metal Gear Solid 2 and number 4, the fox die cells that remain in Snake’s body cause him to age rapidly, to the point where he appears as a much older gentleman in Guns of the Patriots. That said, Snake is just as awesome as an old man as he was in his youth. Though his hair is paler, and his stubbly goatee now transformed into a bushy white moustache, Snake is just as capable an operative as ever, and his classically cynical attitude suits him well in his old age.
1. Link – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
One of the greatest and most influential tales of growing up in gaming as we know it, no one forgets the first time you witness Link in his adult form in Ocarina of Time. Having gone through a series of dungeons as kid Link, you then travel forward in time with the help of the Master Sword, witnessing Link’s instant evolution into adulthood. It’s a powerful example of a metaphorical and literal coming of age that gives Link and effective characterisation in spite of his lack of direct dialogue.
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