A proper mascot is essential to a game and its entire brand; giving audiences a familiar face they can consider synonymous with a video game series. Of course, a gaming mascot can come in all shapes and sizes, and more often than not, aren't even human beings!
Many games turn to cute woodland creatures to act as the face of their series as the more adorable they are, the more hearts they're bound to win over! Be it a hamster, a squirrel, or even an eager beaver, there are bound to be video game characters that reimagine the critters as flashy and charismatic video game stars. Here are some of the most iconic rodent characters in the gaming scene.
Disclaimer: No rabbits were included on this list, as contrary to popular belief, they are lagomorphs, not rodents!
9 Honorable Mention: Chip (Virtua Hamster)
As sad as it is, the super rad Chip of Virtua Hamster isn't exactly eligible to rank as one of the most iconic gaming rodents since the game was never actually released. Virtua Hamster was originally planned to release in autumn of 1995 for the Sega 32X and Sega Saturn. Aside from Chip, there were to be a variety of cool little rodents that would also be suited up with rocket packs as they faced and fought each other through a series of tubes.
But don't fret! Not all hope is lost, as there are a few leaked clips of prototype gameplay of Virtua Hamster floating around online. Perhaps one day, this game will be available to play.
8 Chip & C.J.: Animal Crossing
Chip and C.J. Are Animal Crossing's star beavers and are also the hosts of each town/island's fishing tournament. In the 2.0 Animal Crossing: New Horizons update, it was revealed that it was no coincidence that the two beavers both had an interest in fishing tournaments and had similar names. In fact, the two are actually father and son! Chip originally hosted all fishing tourneys until his son, C.J., took over in the release of Wild World and again for New Horizons.
In contrast to his father, Chip is incredibly animated and full of energy, always talking about his social media followers and finding talent for his fishing live streams. Not only will C.J. Show up for tourneys, but the eager beaver will also buy any fish from the player for 150% of their normal value.
7 Freya Crescent: Final Fantasy 9
Freya Cresent is a Burmecian, which is a race of anthropomorphic rats in Final Fantasy IX that hail from the cities, Burmecia and Cleyra. While her appearance may not make it obvious at first, a closer look at her design reveals large rat-like feet, a long wispy tail, and a furry snout under her long white hair.
Freya is a powerful dragon knight that is both intelligent and friendly towards her comrades. She is often seen joking around with FFIX protagonist, Zidane.
6 Mouser & Skipsqueaks: Mario Series
While some Mario fans may be familiar with the adorable Skipsqeaks, newer or younger fans may not recognize Mouser. Skipsqueaks are the cute little mice that appear in Super Mario World 3D and are usually seen running on moving platforms.
Meanwhile, the fashionable Mouser made his first-ever debut all the way back in 1988 in Super Mario Bros. 2. He is a larger mouse that is always seen with his flashy sunglasses. Not only did Mouser get his time in the spotlight as a boss in Super Mario Bros. 2, but he also made regular appearances in the 1989 animated Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
5 Hammond/Wrecking Ball: Overwatch
While many were already a bit taken aback at the idea of a scientist gorilla, the sight of a little hamster rolling around in a giant hamster ball and causing destruction was too hilarious (and adorable) to question. Overwatch's Hammond is a little hamster that was the product of the experiments carried out on the moon's Horizon Lunar Colony. He was experimented on, hence his enhanced intelligence.
While Hammond himself cannot speak to communicate with humans, his mech (which he named Wrecking Ball) has a translator for his little squeaks in order for his teammates to understand him. Hammond crafted this mech himself, out of layers of scrap built around his original escape pod.
4 Rick: Kirby's Dream Land 2
Don't be fooled by this adorable hamster's unsuspecting looks. Rick may be cute, but he's a powerful ally of Kirby's. Rick can walk unhindered on sand and ice, climb walls, and even breathe fire! Rick was first introduced in Kirby's Dream Land 2, and since made a name for himself in the fandom as one of the most beloved side characters in the Kirby series.
Rick even has his very own cameo in Super Smash Bros. Melee as a collectible trophy and in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a support spirit.
3 Conker: Diddy Kong Racing & Conker's Bad Fur Day
Conker is the once-innocent squirrel that some gamers may remember from their childhood. First appearing in Diddy Kong Racing as an adorable orange squirrel, Conker didn't stand out too much from the crowd especially with little yellow mouse, Pipsy, being equally cute.
However, after a big makeover, Conker came back a completely new squirrel and ditched the cute and cuddly persona for a much less family-friendly one. Conker returned in Conker's Bad Fur Day and turned the whole gaming scene on its head. Such a mature title from Nintendo in this era was incredibly off-brand and took audiences by surprise. It is Conker's gritty and rebellious reappearance onto the gaming scene back in 2001 that made him such a memorable figure.
2 King Mickey: Kingdom Hearts Series
Apparently, it wasn't enough for Mickey to be one of the most famous mice in the world of children's cartoons; Disney wanted to make a name for Mikey in the world of gaming as well. Of course, the Kingdom Hearts series isn't the first-ever video game appearance for Mickey. However, his role in Kingdom Hearts definitely seemed to have reached a bigger population of mainstream gamers, rather than just children.
Square Enix and Disney knew that if they were to incorporate Disney's number one superstar, Mickey Mouse, they had to give him a very significant role. Mickey appears as King Mickey in the Kingdom Hearts series and not only gets to sport some stylish new clothes to fit in with Sora and friends, but he also gets to show off a tougher side of himself and wields a keyblade of his very own.
1 Pikachu: Pokemon
There is no other rodent that is as easily recognizable as Pokemon's very own mascot, Pikachu. Pikachu has served as the face for not only Pokemon video games,but everything in the Pokemon franchise, including the show, the films, the card game, and more.
Even in the realm of iconic gaming icons that aren't rodents, Pikachu easily stands its ground as one of the most famous. This little yellow electric mouse was first introduced to North America all the way back in 1998 in Pokémon Red and Blue, and since then has built an empire for itself. Pikachu's bright colors, adorable face, and squeaky little voice won everyone's hearts over, making it every child's number one wish to have a faithful and loyal Pikachu as their very own companion, just like Ash.