Don't you wish sometimes you had a sidekick? You know, an ever-faithful and trustworthy companion - a person who fits the meaning of the Latin word companion, "someone to share bread with." If a loyal follower isn't your style, how about a buddy who would entertain your every whim or be your partner in crime? Whatever kind of sidekick you envision for your lifestyle, the idea of an ever-present comrade sounds comforting. Sidekicks play an archetypal role in our culture as well. After all, what would Batman be without Robin (lonely), Han Solo without Chewbacca (dead), or the Lone Ranger without Tonto (politically correct)? Or where would Dr. Evil be without Mini-Me, or Shakespeare's Jacques without his fool Touchstone?
In both history and fiction, sidekicks always complete a hero or heroine by fulfilling a task the latter can't accomplish alone. However, they don't get the recognition they deserve playing a supporting role. This TenSpot will at last give credit where credit is due and pay homage to some of the most important or memorable sidekicks in computer games ever.
The competition was broad and the nominees worthy. However, the editors could select only the ten most honorable individuals. Trust us, these are the finest in their field, as it takes a unique sidekick to hold his or her - or its - own beside some of the leading characters in the following games.
And the first honor goes to... a big guy with a big heart
