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I believe that Disney has found another gold mine in Wreck-It Ralph. And not in the way of Pirates of the Caribbean or Cars where it is a literal gold mine of cash and revenue (although, this will go a long way for WIR), but in the way of classics such as Toy Story and The Little Mermaid. I watched WIR for the second time since its release yesterday and I have to say, from script to characters, from story to setting, emotion to charm, this movie will be in my opinion, timeless. The movie was robbed of its Oscar (Brave was good but not that good). WIR is what Disney is all about. To be honest, it is the best Disney film, live or animated, since the Disney renaissance, with the exception of Toy Story. But I find it a better film than some 90’s animated classics due to its beautiful emotional appeal while telling a solid story that sucked the audience into world, and we hated to leave it.
On every account, WIR will be a film that we will see more of without a doubt. It’s a Toy Story with video games, as it is described by the makers of WIR. This movie was going to draw enough people just based on the premise. But without Pixar’s master level of emotional control skills, it almost seemed impossible that Disney could accomplish something on the par of the Disney renaissance without the guaranteed Oscar winning studio’s touch. Well guess again. Back to doing it all on its own, Disney delivered a film that went above and beyond its call for profit (as any movie does), and played with us from beginning to end. It is what a movie should be. And only Disney can honestly do it like WIR. There is so much that Disney can do with this. Not just money-seeking sequels. No. Something great. I feel this franchise can symbolize a modern Disney. Lead it into a new era of animation and storytelling, while appealing to everyone and wowing just as many.
With that said, obviously rumors of a sequel are already happening. DUH! And the best part about WIR–the cameos of our favorite video game characters. WIR is an homage to a time long ago, and my goodness, only Disney can do that via video games–something we must accept as part of our average culture now as identity. And even better, to expand the universe of WIR (which I called), there are rumors that the sequel will tackle online gaming and consoles–something found in every home at this point. So many possibilities. So, so many!!!!!!! So with that expanded universe coming to light, here are some of the characters that I believe are iconic enough, paid their dues, are the cream of the crop, and have changed the video game world in its own way that deserves to be in WIR-2. There are so many to choose from. And I may even make a sequel to this list. But here are the ten that did make it.
10. Kirby (Kirby)
kirby.wikia.com
I have no idea what people find so appealing about this big gumball. He’s pink. Eats stuff. I think he spits it out…and he’s fancy. I know, there was a few big classics I never got into. But Kirby is still Kirby. My friends point and laugh at my lack of experience with Kirby. But Kirby’s catchy, cartoony, physical energy belongs in WIR. Another character I am surprised not to see initially.
9. Master Chief (Halo)
One of the most recent games on this list. He doesn’t have the three decades that most of these characters have but darn it, Master Chief has made a statement in video game history. XBOX may not exist without this guy. And the online multiplayer that has changed the way we socialize, play, and interact with our friends spawns from this game. Simplistic in nature. But in-depth for its contributions. Master Chief and the Halo franchise would appreciate a little nod.
8. Link (Legend of Zelda)
I’m not going to lie when I say that I have not played much Legend of Zelda in my day. I found it difficult to get in to in my youth. Have to say that I was surprised that Zelda was not the dude with the sword. Who knew?! But I would never deny the legend of the Legend of Zelda. Despite my disinterest, I remember playing it on my NES (before memory cards, waste of hours). Link is on the A-list with Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong. A symbol of the growing early days of consoles and video games in general, Link would be perfect for WIR.
7. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
Not going to lie, any incarnation of the famous Lara Croft on screen is okay with me, or any guy for that matter. Only a passing reference in the first, and currently only, WIR. The treasure hunter has found her place in video gaming history. Anyone who has played or owned a PSone has experienced this Sony staple. Rough and tumble, I feel her presence can add an amusing energy with her physical prowess, not a dirty joke, on the screen. If the movies go to consoles, the adventures of Lara Croft can not be forgotten.
6. Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong)
venture.mcmaster.ca
Another icon of video gaming. The model for Wreck-It Ralph, Donkey Kong is too lovable and playful to miss out on the chance to be honored in WIR sequels. D.K. would not be who he was without the Mario Bros. And the vice-versa is true. This ground pounding gorilla has provided me with countless hours of fun on the Super Nintendo.
5. Tron (Space Paranoids)
Disney. Video Games. Video Games + Disney = Tron. This character was created for this film. Tron should be a personal testament to even the earliest influence of video games not just in Disney or cinema, but the world. Respected by many, and looks just as cool. Tron should have an open invitation to the next WIR.
4. Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid Series)
Like many video games on this list, we got a reference to this classic in one shape or another. But Solid Snake is iconic for bringing new standard to a video game quality with Metal Gear Solid on the PSone. His serious demeanor mixed with the magical touch of quirky humor throughout, all doused in storytelling that evolved the medium deserves his due on the big screen.
3. Cloud (Final Fantasy VII)
Final Fantasy is a stable in the modern gaming world. Beautiful worlds, complex stories, unique characters. And one character stands out above them all: Cloud. The spiky haired kid with a sword that defies laws of physics has become a poster boy of the wider world that video games have become. The lead character of the FF7 game on PSone that changed the expectations of graphics and story, much like the others on this list. This modern day Super Mario needs his time.
2. Pokemon-At least Pikachu (Pokemon)
kitty-kat-fairy.deviantart.com
They began as 151 unique and out of this world creatures. Now they exceed 600 and are still growing. Starting as a video game, then to cards, shows, and movies. Anybody since the mid-1990’s all over the world has been able to avoid the wave of obsession and power that Pokemon brought onto popular culture and even our childhood. When you think legendary video games, games with so much impact on me and you…Pokemon is near the top of that list.
1. Mario & Luigi (Mario Bros.)
Honestly, I shouldn’t even have to explain this. Truthfully, this packaged deal that could not be separated into their own picks, should have a WIR devoted to their backstory because there is no one group of characters and games that will live longer than time itself. Just missing out on the first WIR, they will eventually be in the movies I’m sure. When humans have long and gone, extinct due to our Wall-e like bodies due to too much video games, the Super Mario Brothers will be our history. The future will only know us as this.
Chris Combs
XtremeGoof Kingdom 