Top 10 Reptiles/Amphibians in Gaming (Excluding Dragons)

Since I really liked the Top 10 Wolves in Gaming article yesterday, I've decided to make another animal-based article, this time on Reptiles and Amphibians. Be aware though, the list WILL NOT INCLUDE any Dragons or Dinosaurs which I am saving for a later article.

Number 10

Bentley

Series: Sly Cooper

Animal: Turtle

Bentley from Sly 2

Bentley is a member of the cunning Cooper Gang from the Playstation series Sly Cooper. Bentley is the "brains" of the Cooper Gang, devising most of their heists and developing gadgets and weaponry for the members. After his legs were crushed in the first Sly Cooper game, Bentley has been stuck in a wheelchair, although he does make some very cool modifications to his chair better his situation.

Number 9

Espio

Series: Sonic the Hedgehog

Animal: Chameleon

Espio from Sonic Rivals 2

Espio first appeared in a game that starred Sonic's friend Knuckles called Knuckles' Chaotix. Ever since, Espio and Team Chaotix have become reoccurring characters in the Sonic series. Espio is also a trained ninja, and has shruikens ready to combat his foes. Espio has proven himself to be a powerful ally and rival to Sonic and his friends in the games Sonic Heroes and Sonic Rivals 2, where he teamed up with Silver the Hedgehog.  

Number 8

Bowser

Series: Super Mario

Animal: Turtle

Bowser from New Super Mario Bros. Wii

  Bowser is the leader of a nasty gang of turtles called the Koopas. Although Bowser has been beaten time and time again by Mario, he has proven that he can be a persistent villain and has become one of the best known video game villains in history. You never know how or where Bowser will show up, whether it be in a clown car or a hot tub, on a fairway or a tennis court, or even handing out black stars to fellows who pass on by, Bowser is one nasty turtle.

Number 7

Francis

Series: Paper Mario

Animal: Iguana

Francis from Super Paper Mario

Francis is the boss of the third world in Super Paper Mario and, man, is he a memorable one. Francis kidnaps Princess Peach early on in the level, forcing Mario and Bowser to team up to do something you'd never expect: save Princess Peach. Francis is the spitting image of what the world believes a "nerd" is. He collects comic books and action figures, is socially awkward, uses words such as "n00b" or "hot babe," and even modeled his entire castle around an 8-bit video game. 

Number 6

Argonians

Series: The Elder Scrolls

Animal: Lizard

Argonians from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

   Argonians are the reptilian species of the Elder Scrolls game that are native to the province of Black Marsh. Argonians are one of the most prominent playable species in the Elder Scrolls games, being featured in every main title to date. The Argonians are invulnerable to disease, can breathe underwater and are experts of guerrilla tactics. Argonians also make excellent thieves as they have superior lockpicking and sneaking skills. 

Number 5

Bowser Jr.

Series: Super Mario

Animal: Turtle

Bowser Jr. from New Super Mario Bros. U

         In the years since his debut in Super Mario Sunshine, Bowser Jr has slowly been surpassing his father as the mastermind and villain of the Super Mario series. In almost every one of the New Super Mario Bros. games, Bowser Jr is the one devising the plan to steal back his "momma" Princess Peach, while Bowser simply lends his forces to his son and serves as the final boss. In his rapid rise to power, Bowser Jr is starting to put his father in the shadow as he becomes a bigger and bigger threat as time transpires.

Number 4

King K. Rool

Series: Donkey Kong

Animal: Alligator

Kaptain K. Rool from Donkey Kong Country 2

    King K. Rool is the leader of a band of alligators known as Kremlings who are out to steal all of the bananas in Donkey Kong Country. What a group of alligators would want with bananas is a mystery, but there is no doubt that this golden-chested villain is out to get Donkey Kong. Unlike Bowser and Bowser Jr who are constantly thwarted by Mario, King. K Rool does have his successes from time to time. In fact, after he was first thwarted in the original Donkey Kong Country, he made sure to capture Donkey Kong the next time he tried to take over the country, although he did end up being thwarted by Diddy Kong, whom he captured along with Donkey Kong on his third attempt. To be honest, King K. Rool always seems to take most of the apes out of the picture before setting his plan into motion, I guess he just didn't know how many angry apes there were who hate having their bananas stolen.

 

Number 3

Slippy Toad

Series: Star Fox

Animal: Toad

Slippy Toad from Star Fox 64 3D

      Anyone who has played a Star Fox game will recognize this wacky, and not to mention annoying, associate of Fox. Slippy is the mechanic of the team who does repairs on the Great Fox, ROB 64 and the Arwings. For some strange reason, he also serves as a pilot who helps Fox and his team in the field, and let me tell you, he is probably the worst pilot in the series. Slippy is constantly in need of help from Fox, yelling "Help me, Fox" and interrupting your own missions. Even so, Slippy's annoyingness begins to rub off on you, and he turns into that character that everyone just loves to rip on, but truly adores at heart.

Number 2

Jolly Roger

Series: Banjo-Kazooie

Animal: Frog

Jolly Roger from Banjo-Tooie

 Jolly Roger is the mayor of Jolly Roger's Lagoon first introduced in the game Banjo-Tooie. In addition to being mayor, he also owns a bar. Jolly Roger is a very feminine character with a very masculine lover, but we'll let you draw your own conclusions. Jolly Roger is obviously the "fop" of the Banjo-Kazooie games. A fop is a character who is over-the-top about fashion or clothing and usually pays little attention to women. Jolly Roger also has some very odd food on his menu, most notably the "Seaman Surprise." For being such a risky and hilariously entertaining character, Jolly Roger gets the #2 spot on this list.

Number 1

Frog

Series: Chrono

Animal: Frog

Frog from Chrono Trigger

  One of the best things about the masterpiece Chrono Trigger is this brave and noble protagonist. Despite his appearance, Frog is valiant, courageous and inspiring throughout the game, and is a giant metaphor on how courage comes from within. His theme song is one of the best pieces of music in gaming history and his personal quest for inner hope and peace is quick to inspire the player. There is not much more I can say about Frog, but it was an easy choice to place him as #1 when I decided to make this list and people who have played Chrono Trigger would understand why.

Article By:

Giuliano V.