Week of Blogging - Day 5

AI Companions

Sometimes in video games your character will be paired with an AI character that you may or may not have control over. Some are helpful, some don't do much of anything and some are actually so bad that they make the game harder. Today I wanted to spotlight three of my favorite AI companions/teammates.

Agro

Shadow of the Colossus

In a desolate land filled with giant beasts, Agro serves as your trusty steed, helping you travel across the world and even assisting you in some of the battles against the colossi. For me what stands out about Agro is that he (or is it a she?) is one of the few horses in video games that actually behaves like a horse and not like a car with legs. I know not everyone liked this because it made Agro a bit tricky to control, but for me there was something special about this more lifelike portrayal of a horse. Agro was more than just an animal that transported you around at faster speeds than on foot, he felt like a friend.

Elika

Prince of Persia (2008)

If only we were all so lucky as to have a beautiful woman with magical powers following us around. Elika might be the most interesting character on this list in that she is actually the embodiment of several game mechanics that normally appear in non-physical forms. She is your double jump, your magic attack, your guiding light and your checkpoint system. In terms of pure game mechanics, Elika might be one of the best executed AI companions ever, as she never gets in your way or hinders your progress. She also has a likeable personality, so you never tire of her being around.

Victor "Sully" Sullivan

Uncharted series

You'd be hard pressed to find a better teammate to be your backup than Victor "Sully" Sullivan of the Uncharted games. He may be old, but he can still hold his own in a fight and is a friend, mentor, and a father figure to the lead character Drake. In terms of gameplay, Sully actually doesn't do very much, but it's his relationship with Drake and the witty banter that goes back and forth between them that makes him so endearing. Whether helping with puzzles, providing cover fire or just giving advice, Sully has your back.