Top 10 Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Fans of the Resident Evil series should well remember the awesome intro cutscene in which we were first introduced to Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy. The rookie cop and the sister of S.T.A.R.S member Chris Redfield met in a pulse-pounding chance encounter that almost ended before it began (always check the backseat for zombies, guys.. c’mon).

From that moment on, their relationship was a roller coaster ride of awkward voice acting and last-gasp saving of each other’s lives as the duo quickly grew from tentative newbies to ass-kicking tough-nuts. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine might have been the first double act of the franchise, but positive reception to this new partnership saw Leon and Claire both enjoy their very own highly successful sequels: Resident Evil Code Veronica was one of Dreamcast’s showpiece titles, and Resident Evil 4 is arguably the series’ high watermark.

Claire is defined by her intelligence and bravery, minus the silly over-sexualization that often spoils female protagonists in video games. And Leon’s measured, brave personality was enough of a distraction that we forgave his boy-band haircut (they later changed that middle parting, thank goodness).

Ratchet and Clank

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Is there another duo in gaming whose name just rolls off the tongue so perfectly? Ratchet and Clank aren’t just fun to say, though, as the pair combine for some wonderful platforming and hilarious banter. Recently revived in glorious HD on the PS4, Ratchet and Clank reminded us once again what a formidable partnership they are. One headstrong, the other calculated and measured, they combine to produce a memorable and charming rough-and-tumble friendship that has spawned countless sequels, spin-offs, and more recently, a motion picture.

The personalities of both characters actually evolve somewhat throughout the series. Ratchet is always the adventurous teen-dude, but he becomes less stroppy and selfish in subsequent games. Notably, the dynamic between the two was reworked somewhat in the latest remaster of the first game. There’s less conflict this time around, more bouncing off each other, rather than clashing. It’s a more palatable meshing together — the bold and energetic Ratchet and the intelligent dry wit of Clank really gell in their latest (and arguably greatest) performance.

Nathan Drake and Victor Sullivan

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Nate and Sully are an adorable blend of action-movie heroics and hilarious banter, and their unshakable best-mate bond totally won us over. The Uncharted franchise is lauded for bringing all the heart-stopping intensity of Hollywood film, but it is the game’s accomplished characters and acting that exemplify its brilliance. Nate and Sully are the definitive partnership from that series, and their whimsical one-liners in between brilliant set piece action scenes articulate many of our favorite scenes.

Sully is Nate’s Mr. Dependable, always there right when he needs him, and the origins of their relationship are explored in depth throughout the entire series. Sully starts as an Uncle-like figure in the background, but he quickly becomes an irreplaceable mainstay character. Unlike Nate’s brother, Samuel, who players are only given a crash course about in A Thief’s End, our love of Sully is based on hours of adventuring by his side. No Uncharted game would feel complete without his helping hand somewhere in the mix, and Nate’s obvious affection for him is a truly endearing dynamic in the series.

Jak and Daxter

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Naughty Dog hit a home run with Jak and Daxter. The characters went on to become two of PlayStation’s most iconic, with cleverly written personalities tieing together excellent 3D platforming across the whole series.

The opening game of franchise is, perhaps, most fondly remembered. The Precursor Legacy was a standout title in the early days of the PS2, setting a new benchmark for open world platforming, with a setting that was remarkable for its beauty, and intriguing for its science fantasy theme. The game’s story formed the basis of Jak and Daxter’s relationship moving forward, as the two of them set off for Misty Island to return Daxter to his human form. Despite their cartoonish facade, the narrative explores darker themes and deeper character development than at first glance. The series’ plot becomes increasingly about Jack getting revenge for the dark eco experiments that were carried out on him, and Daxter, too, bitter about his transformation into a creature. The depth and progression of this duo, juxtaposed against the vibrancy and charm of their environment are firmly a part of what makes Jak and Daxter so brilliant.

Banjo Kazooie

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Banjo and Kazooie epitomize that old adage, opposites attract. Rare’s iconic duo couldn’t really be more different, and yet they work so hilariously well together: Banjo, the cartoonishly proportioned, not the sharpest tool in the shed, bear; and Kazooie, the sharp as a tack sarcastic bird perched on his backpack. The two are utterly reliant on each other, with one doing the fighting and the other doing the jumping. Individually, totally annoying, but together they’re one lovable team.

Adorably, Kazooie looks out for his pal when nobody else gives the pleasant but rather dim witted bear a chance. And while Banjo loves his relaxed lifestyle, he’s prepared to drop everything for an adventure with the up-for-anything Kazooie.

Together, their differences in personality translate to versatility in gameplay, combining to produce dozens of unique abilities. Gliding through the air, bombing enemies with eggs or smashing into them with shoulder charges, Banjo and Kazooie battle Gruntilda and all her goons to rescue Banjo’s sister Tooty.

Ash and Pikachu

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

When you finally do get the Thunder Stone to evolve your Pikachu into a Raichu, you’re suddenly faced with a moral dilemma: do you really want to say goodbye to your pal? Ash and Pikachu are best of buds across both the game and the popular television series that so many of us grew up with. So while Raichu might be superior, Pikachu’s popularity as the iconic Pokemon sidekick probably meant few people opted for the upgrade. And who could blame them? Pikachu is Ash’s best friend, always there for him and proving a fearless Pokemon in battle. Known for his never-say-die attitude, he becomes a bit of a leader figure throughout the many games, episodes, and movies that comprise the Pokemon franchise.

Perhaps what defines Ash and Pikachu’s relationship is that the two of them share so many similarities in personality. Ash is the young, rookie trainer that is mature beyond his years and proves himself a capable and responsible leader. He’s also doggedly determined to “become the best” and he constantly showcases both spectacular skills and bravery. Pikachu is his Pokemon equivalent, the little guy that never gives up and rallies the troops in the name of a good cause.

Solid Snake and Otacon

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Let’s be real, you can’t really blame Hal Emmerich (Otacon) for cowering in a locker having just witnessed a cyborg ninja decapitate an entire platoon of genome soldiers. But the moment when trouser soaked, frightened Otacon meets battle hardened gruff Snake is notable beyond its comical awkwardness. This marks the beginning of a key relationship in the Metal Gear series, and it also marks an evolution of their individual personalities. They both foster and encourage the understated side of the other’s character: Snake, the all-American hero learns to let out his emotional side; Otacon, the nerdy engineer, proves himself brave and heroic.

Beyond the deeper meaning of these narrative themes, though, we just love this duo’s dynamic. Hearing Snake check in with Otacon (in that voice) becomes a comfortingly familiar part of every game. Otacon is always there for guidance or background information, reminding Snake of the importance of their cause, or objecting to his behaviour on the basis of compassion. Despite Snake’s toughness, he has affection for Otacon and respects that while he’s different, he’s equally courageous and strong.

Ellie and Joel

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

That ending epitomizes a bond like no other. Joel and Ellie’s journey is marked by an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs — a battle for survival in a world that has gone to hell; a world in which they only have each other to depend upon, and they won’t ever let go no matter what the cost. The sequence of the game’s final moments is so poignant only because of the incredibly genuine and convincing bond between Joel and Ellie. The superlative acting performances of Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson and the brilliant writing of game director Neil Druckmann combine to create one of the best duos gaming has ever seen.

Joel is no conventional hero. He’s a tired, slightly reluctant protagonist that transforms throughout The Last Of Us, changing from viewing his role of delivering Ellie from merely “getting a job done” to desperately protecting her at all costs. As Joel learns to love Ellie’s intelligent but rough around the edges demeanour, so too does Ellie’s affection for Joel flourish, as her coming of age under his guidance becomes a central theme in the game.

Truly, one of the gaming’s best experiences, highlighted by two of gaming’s best characters.

Sonic and Tails

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

Sonic and Miles “Tails” Prower were SEGA’s answer to Mario and Luigi, and while they never quite reached the lofty heights of Nintendo’s iconic characters, they’re equally synonymous with the gaming industry. Although Sonic used to adventure solo, Tails appeared soon after and made a big impression. Trailing the Blue Blur, Tails proved a useful partner in taking down the notorious Dr Eggman, sometimes proving his mettle by taking center stage, too.

Thanks to Tails’, er…tails, he added a new dynamic to gameplay, flying Sonic through the air and providing some extra punch versus Eggman’s robotic henchman. While fans of the Sonic series were maybe inundated with one too many colorful characters as the series progressed, Tails remains a loved supporting character. We’re stoked to see the duo return to their former glory in the brand new Sonic Mania, which adds new polish to the 16-bit clothes that suit the two characters best.

Mario and Luigi

Best Dynamic Duos in Gaming

You can’t talk about video games without mentioning Mario, and you rarely does one conjure an image of the Italian plumber without his twin brother, Luigi. These two are easily the most recognizable duo in gaming, but more than just a timeless brand, they’ve taken center stage in some of the best video game experiences of all time.

Luigi has been Mario’s sidekick in virtually every major Mario title, each earning critical acclaim and constantly redefining the platforming experience. But the pair has also transcended genre, appearing in role-playing, fighting, and sports titles. Luigi, himself, has even starred in his own highly successful series, Luigi’s Mansion.

Luigi started life as nothing more than a sidekick to his brother, but he’s since been fleshed out with his own personality and traits. Mario no longer feels right without his taller, slender, happy-go-lucky brother by his side.