5 most iconic fathers in video game history

by

In today’s fast-paced life, children learn knowledge from various sources. For those blessed enough to know and bond with their dads, it’s become a tradition to sit beside them on the couch, clutching a Mad Catz Player 2 controller. What’s the trick to becoming Mario without first training as Luigi or (heaven forbid) Toad?

In this rephrased version, I tried to maintain the original meaning while making it more conversational and easier to read.

Bowser – the Super Mario series

One significant challenge in contemporary fatherhood is maintaining work-life balance, and Bowser is undeniably a hardworking villainous reptile in his line of work. Beyond his high-ranking role within the kidnapping-and-plunder industry, he engages in various aerobic pastimes such as tennis and basketball.

Despite a busy schedule, he managed to instill his affection for demolition in his numerous descendants. His initial seven children are known as the Koopalings (which includes musical-minded individuals like Iggy, Lemmy, and Ludwig), although their paternity has been questioned over time.

Bowser Jr is now depicted as the sole offspring of Bowser, evidently his favorite character. Junior frequently travels in a floating car resembling a clown vehicle, armed with a cannon (possibly purchased with his father’s wealth) and wielding a magic paintbrush capable of summoning portals through graffiti.

The apple doesn’t stray too far from its fiery reptilian source; Junior shares his father’s penchant for mischief and may even be a tad more cunning. In Super Mario Sunshine, he cleverly posed as a shadowy version of Mario, deceptively fooling the authorities in a way that Papa Bowser rarely has managed.

Certain fathers may behave harshly in their professional lives, yet they transform into gentle souls at home, as sweet as a Peach Melba dessert. We may not approve of Bowser’s ethical standards, but it’s undeniable that he’s doing something correctly: he’s managing to construct a prosperous and significant life while nurturing the future generation of villains.

Octodad – Octodad: Dadliest Catch

Imposter syndrome lurks behind every significant accomplishment in life, waiting to catch you off guard. So, when you find yourself staring at your newborn child in the delivery room, wrapped snugly in a cotton blanket – the wonder of creation before your eyes – it’s not uncommon to question: “Am I truly the one responsible now?

Octodad isn’t actually a dad, but he goes to great lengths to act like one. This isn’t just a figurative expression about being emotionally unprepared; it’s a literal depiction of an octopus in a suit trying to pass as a human father, all while hiding his true identity from his family and society, which has a fear of tentacles.

Fatherhood often feels like an adventure filled with trials and tribulations for many of us. And nothing quite mirrors this experience better than the antics of Octodad, a hapless octopus navigating life as a human father. From mowing the lawn to squeezing through refrigerated sections in supermarkets, Octodad’s greatest paternal achievement isn’t perfection – it’s his unwavering determination. Despite leading a life of cunning camouflage, he manages to fulfill small but significant roles like bringing little Tommy his breakfast cereal every morning.

Many fathers often worry they’re not doing great, and a 2016 study by Leach et al. revealed that as many as 18% of new dads struggle with anxiety so intense it qualifies as a clinical disorder. It may seem unusual, but the game Octodad: Dadliest Catch can surprisingly provide relief. Despite its chaotic humor, the game’s script is one of the best written in video games.

New dads frequently question their abilities, and research from 2016 by Leach et al. indicates that up to 18% suffer from anxiety so severe it meets clinical criteria. The game Octodad: Dadliest Catch might seem an odd choice for comfort, but it offers a surprising therapeutic effect. Beneath the absurd visuals and slapstick madness lies one of the most skillfully written video game scripts in existence.

What truly counts in Octodad’s performance isn’t his deception, but rather the tremendous effort he exerts. It turns out Stacy, his daughter, was aware of the truth all along, yet she continued to love him just as much. This could be a familiar portrayal of fatherhood – one that involves showing up, at times with tangled tentacles, but always with a heart full of sincere devotion.

Kratos – God of War (2018)

There’s no specific method for connecting with your son; some might choose activities like fishing, while others might share an experience that requires teamwork and problem-solving, such as scaling a mountain to scatter the remains of a loved one. This is a characteristic of male relationships: even in today’s more open society, men often find it easier to bond when engaged in a joint activity or pursuit. Conversation tends to flow more naturally during these shared experiences.

As a fervent admirer, I find myself identifying with Kratos, the widowed deity turned father, who isn’t exactly known for his chatty nature. With every crevasse I traverse, every Norse pillar I displace, and every dragon duel fought from within its fiery maw, my interactions with my son Atreus are primarily reduced to a simple ‘boy’.

Atreus, on the other hand, is a young man brimming with sensitivity, well-versed in various tongues, and eagerly open to the wonders of the world. In stark contrast, I’m as hard-boiled as they come, my heart laden with cynicism and a single-minded focus that leaves little room for sentimentality.

The tension between us is palpable, a friction born from Atreus’s rapid maturation – forced to become more ruthless with his bow – amidst the loss of his mother and the unknown truth about his divine lineage.

In a heart-wrenching twist, it is only when Atreus faces a severe illness that our hero, Kratos, reveals cracks in his stone-like exterior – a scene brilliantly brought to life by voice actor Christopher Judge. Unlike other situations, Kratos doesn’t quickly show his emotions but instead, his voice quivers, revealing the truth about his godhood to his son. Over time, the bond between father and son deepens, growing stronger than even the connection he shares with his own father, Zeus. Striving for such a noble relationship is truly commendable.

In simpler terms, some critics might argue that God of War’s storyline could use some improvement in video game narratives, as certain dialogues seem overly explanatory, and Kratos’ emotional transformation isn’t particularly groundbreaking. However, it’s still a powerful narrative well-executed, and by the end, it becomes evident that neither Kratos nor the player can reach their goals without each other.

Norman – Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald

In the Pokémon universe, it appears that many fathers have taken up training early and never looked back. Instead, your character in most games has been brought up by a loving but permissive single mother who sent you off on your Pokémon journey at age 10. However, there is one notable father in the Pokémon world – Norman.

In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Norman isn’t your typical dad who teaches shoe-tying or play keepy-uppies. Instead, he shows you how to throw a Pokéball, then uses his overpowered Slaking to easily defeat your underdeveloped team. Although you won’t face him in battle until you have accumulated four gym badges, Norman represents one of the game’s initial significant challenges.

To put it simply, this parent takes pleasure in outsmarting or overpowering you rather than conceding defeat easily. His Spinda will play tricks on you, his Linoone will unleash the Belly Drum attack to amplify its power, and the lazy Slaking will try to annoy you by healing itself after you’ve hurt it. If you manage to survive this ordeal, you’ll earn the Balance Badge, a prize that any Centrist Dad would appreciate.

He looks astonished when you manage to defeat his team. You might assume that the most valuable thing he gives you is the ability to use Surf outside of battles, but it’s actually self-reliance. After overcoming your own father, you are now prepared to thwart Team Aqua/Magma’s wicked plan and make it back in time for your 11th birthday celebration.

John Marston – Red Dead Redemption

Originally an orphaned street kid who eventually joined a gang that ultimately betrayed him, John Marston carries the physical and emotional scars of his hard-lived life. Despite his gruff demeanor and lightning-fast reflexes with a gun, there’s a deep sadness within our hero as he battles to rescue his wife and child who were abducted from him.

At the tranquil start of the game set on a rural homestead, we witness a father attempting to guide his son on living wisely, although the path to a good life remains unclear for the father as well.

In his pursuit of and elimination of former gang members under the orders of the Bureau of Investigation, Marston’s quest for redemption shifts from making amends for his past transgressions to safeguarding his legacy. John is adamant that his son Jack should not tread on his path, but instead, embark on a fresh journey, thus distancing himself from the Wild West’s most treacherous territories as they gradually fade into history.

Following John’s journey that led him to make the highest sacrifice for his family, at the end of the story, Jack takes the gun and shoots Edgar Ross – thus exacting revenge on his father’s behalf. In doing so, young Marston steps into a realm of moral ambiguity and lawlessness, which John had strived to keep him away from.

Despite being set in a different era, Red Dead Redemption stands out for its exploration of fatherhood’s essence. We admire John Marston’s dedication to saving his son over himself, and the extreme measures he takes, including personal sacrifice, to shield his child. Perhaps Jack will break free from this cycle and discover true redemption in the end.

Among these scenarios, which fatherly character resonates most with you? Ranging from physically challenging Draugr to pushing Mudkip through rigorous training routines, video games offer ample chances to explore the depth of paternal relationships. Regardless, remember that every father was once a son – so as you advance to controlling Player 1, don’t forget to accompany your Father’s Day card with a game disc that reflects the bond shared.

Read More

2025-06-15 09:34