PlayStation Icons: The Newbies vs. The Old Guard

Whether you’re a newcomer to the vibrant, neon-blue ecosystem or a veteran of all things PlayStation, Sony’s prestigious brand has been a cornerstone of the industry for just over 20 years, spanning four home consoles, two flagship handhelds and an innumerable amount of games.

It’s a legacy that we have and will continue to track throughout the course of our Inventing an Icon theme, the undisputed all-stars of the PlayStation roster — even if said mascots didn’t make the cut for SuperBot’s eponymous brawler.

With two decades’ worth of software to consider, selecting your absolute favorite is no mean feat, but how do Sony’s most-prized assets stand when compared to one another? Those characters that stood alongside us as we escaped RuptureFarms, traversed Shadow Moses and uncovered long-lost treasure in a way that would have made Indiana Jones proud.

A Hero Was Born

For the purpose of this admittedly subjective feature, let’s recount the greatest mascots in PlayStation history. But before delving into the nitty gritty, we’ll divide the burgeoning roster into two camps relative to their respective age. As such, The Old Guard will consist of established icons found across PSOne, PS2 and the PSP, while the other corner will host The Newbies, a youthful bunch boasting pixelated heroes from PS3, PS4 and PlayStation Vita.

It’s also worth noting that while quantifying an icon’s staying power is a tricky butterfly to pin, we will do so by first listing the elements that cement its status as a mascot, gauge whether it holds up today — or indeed if the character will still be around in five years’ time — and ultimately, how the two factions compare when all is said and done.

Finally, the gallery below will delegate the icons based on their first foray into the PlayStation ecosystem. As such, the likes of Solid Snake, Abe and Kratos will enlist in The Old Guard, despite appearing on multiple platforms since their inception all those years ago.

So, without further ado, let’s get to work sifting through PlayStation’s family of mascots.

Whatever your opinion on those mascots discussed, the best possible outcome for both Sony and its community is to ensure a future that supports a mix of old and new. Whether that means bringing back either Spyro or Crash for a bout of old-school platforming goodness, all the while ensuring new IPs are created regularly, will ultimately be decided in time. Either way, it’s the player who emerges as the winner.

So, do you side with the golden oldies or the fresher, younger icons among Sony’s roster? Team Old Guard? Or Team Newbies? Let us know using the comments, and whether we missed any PlayStation Icons that you had in mind.

PlayStation Icons - Newbies vs. Old Guard

The Old Guard

Here's to the trailblazers and instigators of the PlayStation family.
Kratos

First Appearance: God of War, 2005

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Over the past decade, God of War has become one of Sony’s undisputed powerhouses, selling immensely well despite concerns over the supposedly gratuitous violence. With bleeding-edge graphics and a novel take on Greek mythology, it wasn’t long before Kratos’ quest for vengeance spawned a bankable franchise, as the Ghost of Sparta tore his way through bosses without a shred of remorse. In comic book lore, they say a hero is only as a good as his villains, and much like The Dark Knight before him, part of Kratos’ lasting charm is his surrounding enemies. Oh, and his incessant yelling.

Does he Stand the Test of Time?

Mostly. Sales figures prove that the God of War franchise as a whole is one of the key players among Sony’s roster of first-party exclusives. Sony Santa Monica may not have lit the world on fire with Ascension two years ago, but the core, immensely satisfying gameplay remained a centerpiece of the studio’s middling prequel. Buoyed by the recent God of War 3 remaster, all signs point to a new entry in the series being unveiled at E3. It seems the studio is ready to fly the flag at full-mast once more. June can’t come quick enough.
Spyro the Dragon

First Appearance: Spyro the Dragon, 1998

What Gives it the Icon Status?

With Crash Bandicoot already lapping up the glory as the unofficial face of PlayStation, Insomniac Games introduced a pretender to the crown in the form of Spyro the Dragon in ’98. A young, amicable reptilian, Spyro was bursting with a wondrous sense of adventure, offering up the classic story of an underdog — underdragon? — toppling a big bad with nothing but wit and willpower. Freeing fellow dragons spellbound by the malevolent Gnasty Gnorc was as liberating as it was entertaining, as you unlocked the game’s colorful cast of supporting characters. Besides, how could you not be charmed by the Tinkerbell-esque Sparx?

Does it Stand the Test of Time?

It may not be the budding, purple-skinned dragon you first fell in love with all those years ago, but Spyro the Dragon is still going strong under Activision’s astute eye. After experiencing two full reboots since its PSOne debut, the titular hero helped spearhead the lucrative Skylanders franchise for the publisher. Now at 20 million units strong, Spyro is still a household name despite taking flight from his platforming roots. And though many a Sony fan would welcome his return to PlayStation platforms with open arms, much like Crash, such an encore resides in whether or not the old-school 3D platforming is deemed feasible for a modern release.
Jak & Daxter

First Appearance: Jak & Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, 2001

What Gives Them the Icon Status?

Mascot platformers were still drawing in the crowds at the turn of the millennium, and Naughty Dog ensured it got in on the ground floor by introducing two budding icons within the PS2’s first year on the market. Jak & Daxter may not have been the best platformer available, but the sheer scope and ambition of the title is what differentiated it from its platforming brethren. From Sandover Village to the Misty Island, Naughty Dog’s up-and-comer was an early showcase of the PS2’s graphical horsepower, and the comedic dynamic between the titular pair ensured that Jak and his loudmouth “ottsel” remained a part of the PlayStation family for years to come.

Do They Stand the Test of Time?

2012’s Jak & Daxter Collection is clear proof that there is still audience demand for Naughty Dog’s likeable duo. Granted, some gameplay features appear dated today, and the PS Vita port pales in comparison to the console version, but there’s no question that the franchise exists as a quirky, inventive spin on a well worn gaming recipe. Mind you, we did get the obligatory racing spin-off in the form of Jak X: Combat Racing. Will we ever witness a new instalment in the future? That depends. Naughty Dog has been candid about the possibility of one day returning to the cult platforming series, though given that the studio has its plate full with Uncharted 4, it could be some time yet before Jak & Daxter make their debut on PlayStation 4.
Ratchet & Clank

First Appearance: Ratchet & Clank, 2002

What Gives Them the Icon Status?

What started as healthy, anthropomorphic competition between Spyro and Crash soon transitioned from one generation to the next, as Insomniac Games challenged Naughty Dog once again with the release of Ratchet & Clank on PS2. As the ying to Jak & Daxter’s yang, the former studio had much to prove by releasing its own action platformer on Sony’s system, but it wasn’t long before the gun-toting duo found a home on the company's roster. With an arsenal of eccentric weaponry that only the creative minds at Insomanic could dream up, Ratchet & Clank was a delight to play. Yes, the story was largely forgettable, but as the first step toward a branching, multi-faceted franchise, the studio made a stellar first impression.

Do They Stand the Test of Time?

In comparison to its next of kin, Jak & Daxter, Insomniac’s gleeful platformer has produced a universe with mammoth scope, encompassing spin-offs, mobile titles and the all-too-familiar remaster. Ratchet & Clank’s resilience can’t be overstated. Buoyed by the upcoming release of an animated movie of the titular pairing, Sony has greenlit a re-imagining of the first title for PlayStation 4. History has long taught us that movie tie-ins are rushed cash ins more often than not, though the fact that much of the original staff from Insomniac are overseeing the title gives us hope that the Ratchet & Clank’s staying power will blossom on the PS4 as it did on the Sony platforms of yesteryear.
Sly Cooper

First Appearance: Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, 2002

What Gives it the Icon Status?

Early adopters of the PS2 were a little spoilt for choice when it came to anthropomorphic platformers. Naughty Dog and Insomanic were no strangers to competing for the lion’s share, but Sucker Punch entered the fray shortly before the release of Ratchet & Clank in 2002 with a clandestine racoon known as Sly Cooper. As a charming, rather infamous thief, Sly became an instant favorite among the PlayStation faithful despite middling sales. Blending a cel-shaded aesthetic with old-school platforming sensibilities, Sucker Punch’s maiden Sony title was chock full of personality, boasting a supporting cast that included Bentley, Murray and Sly’s love interest, Carmelita Fox.

Does it Stand the Test of Time?

Much like Ratchet & Clank, Sucker Punch’s passion project has stood the test of time through an array of sequels, comics and spin-offs, not to mention the upcoming animated feature film scheduled for 2016. Gameplay-wise, Sly Cooper’s ability to slink around environments undetected is still enormously satisfying, as proved by The Sly Collection which hit the market in 2010. Now, with Sucker Punch doubling down on the Infamous series, the future of the IP is largely up in the air. Last we heard, Sanzaru Games — who took control of the devious racoon in 2010 — stated it had no immediate plans for another installment. Sigh.
Sweet Tooth

First Appearance: Twisted Metal, 1995

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

PlayStation’s burgeoning roster may have been crowded with amicable, wide-eyed personas in those formative years, but that’s not to say there wasn’t room for characters who were, well, a little bit more eccentric. Marcus "Needles" Kane — better known as the devious Sweet Tooth — first raised his ugly, rather terrifying head on PSOne in ’95 through the original Twisted Metal. While his bombastic reputation wasn’t set in stone until the franchise’s sequels, not to mention those design make-overs, Sweet Tooth soon become the undisputed anti-hero of Sony’s vehicular series. Besides, what’s not to love about a flame-haired, maniacal clown?

Does it Stand the Test of Time?

In a word: yes. Having made its debut in 1995, Twisted Metal stands as the longest-running exclusive franchise in Sony’s pantheon, making Sweet Tooth one of the company’s oldest mascots. And though many newcomers have eyed its place on the throne, few games can hold a candle to the riotous sense of fun the series evokes. Fast forward 20 years and the future of the IP remains unclear. Now that co-creator David Jaffe has left current developer Eat Sleep Play to pursue other projects, it’ll likely be some time yet before Twisted Metal roars onto the screen once more. As far as the film adaptation is concerned, the nascent project has been kept largely under wraps since Sony Pictures revealed early plans to adapt the video game franchise in 2012. Whatever the outcome, TM is best suited to our industry, and we’re hoping the studio stages a homecoming for Sweet Tooth and Co. in the not-so-distant future.
Crash Bandicoot

First Appearance: Crash Bandicoot, 1996

What Gives it the Icon Status?

Long before Naughty Dog joined the upper echelons of the industry’s very best storytellers, the Santa Monica-based studio introduced the PlayStation community to a budding, loveable marsupial called Crash Bandicoot. Sporting skater shoes and jean shorts, Crash was 90s by design, though the 3D platforming elements served as early evidence of the genre’s next step. Traversing colorful environments that exploited the then-modern tech under the PSOne’s gray hood, Naughty Dog’s opus was not only easy on the eyes, it provided Sony with a mascot to stand shoulder-to-pixelated-shoulder with Sonic and Mario.

Does it Stand the Test of Time?

Oh, Crash, where art thou? Despite a long line of sequels offering little but diminishing returns, the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy is still a blast to play, offering up personality and charm in spades. Soon after Naughty Dog left the nest to focus on new IPs — Jak & Daxter, to be specific — the rights of the character passed through numerous studios and publishers before landing on Activision’s desk, where they still reside to this day. The vast majority of Crash’s old school fans are crying out for Sony to bring the IP home to create an all-new title that sports the same gameplay elements of the original, though whether the mascot platformer can compete in today’s hyper-competitive market is another question entirely.
Abe

First Appearance: Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, 1997

What Gives it the Icon Status?

You may remember Abe’s Oddysee for having one of the most foreboding environments in the form of RuptureFarms, but its titular hero counterbalances the game’s disconcerting locale with his Mudokon charm. Don’t let the ugly appearance fool you, Abe was arguably one of the most endearing characters amongst Sony’s digital catalogue in the 90s. Intelligent yet clumsy, Abe is an out-and-out pacifist, with players utilising his mind-control abilities to sneak out of the aforementioned facility. It was a journey fraught with unnerving sequences, but the character’s unbridled optimism ensured that the platformer was a memorable addition to PlayStation’s library. If every video game protagonist had a heart as big as Abe, the world would be a better place.

Does it Stand the Test of Time?

Oddworld Inhabitants may not have known it at the time, but Abe and his universe kickstarted a legacy on PlayStation platforms, one which would go on to produce a trio of sequels as the Mudokon proliferated onto other systems. Last year, Just Add Water served up a blast from the past in the form of Oddworld: New n' Tasty, a no-holds-barred remake that proved, with an astute attention to detail, reintroducing one of the greats from the PSOne era is not only possible, but wholly welcome. As for the future? Both developer and publisher have remained mum on any new iterations, but surely the success of New n’ Tasty will spearhead an all-new entry into the classic platforming series.
Dante

First Appearance: Devil May Cry, 2001

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

What was once designed as a sequel to the company’s Resident Evil franchise soon spawned an entirely new series for Capcom, after the Japanese giant decided to release Devil May Cry as a standalone hack and slash title in 2001. It was then that Dante was ushered into the PlayStation ecosystem; a cocksure demon hunter and mercenary on the hunt to find those responsible for killing his mother, Eva. Spouting one-liners all the while slaying hellspawns with his trusty pistols, Ebony & Ivory, Dante carved out a place in the hearts and minds of players thanks to an intoxicating feeling of empowerment. As Son of Sparda, Devil May Cry was as stylized as it was rewarding, encouraging you to juggle enemies in the air with ostentatious combos all in the effort of boosting that all-important style meter. All of these elements combined to create a badass half-demon that has evolved into one of the most recognizable characters in the industry.

Does he Stand the Test of Time?

Long before Ninja Theory effectively kicked the hornet’s nest by unveiling the younger, redesigned Dante for DmC, the white-haired demon slayer was almost unanimously loved. Besides, the Batman-esque vigilante that acts as a cornerstone of Devil May Cry’s lore is as timeless a trope as there is, and his legacy stretched into a trio of sequels. However, NJ set out a vision for the future of the series in 2010 by unveiling that by-now infamous teaser for DmC, swapping out the mature, laid-back character fans had grown to love for a brash, wet-behind-the-ears mercenary. Critically acclaimed, yet financially underwhelming, it remains to be seen whether Capcom will pursue a follow-up to the prequel. One thing is for sure, though, the publisher would be foolish to keep Dante on the proverbial shelf for long.
Gabriel Logan

First Appearance: Syphon Filter, 1999

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Eidetic and 989 Studios may have followed in the footsteps of greatness in ’99 by debuting third-person stealth title Syphon Filter on PSOne, with a certain Solid Snake stealing headlines left, right and center, but the two parties moulded one of Sony’s most promising series which all centered around The Agency. For the uninitiated, players took charge of Gabriel Logan, a highly-skilled operative who set out to quell the spread of the titular, nebulous biological warhead. Many pegged Syphon Filter as a sub-par Metal Gear Solid from the get-go, but there was plenty to admire about Eidetic’s new IP, not to mention the dynamic between Gabe and his partner Lian Xing.

Does he Stand the Test of Time?

Generally speaking, yes. Mind you, it’s only the most hardcore Syphon Filter fans that are still rallying for the continuation of Logan’s story, considering that the last instalment released for PSP all the way back in 2007. Now, almost a decade has lapsed since the operative’s last foray onto Sony’s consoles, which has no doubt hampered the series’ staying power. Sony Bend has remained mum for an awful long time following the studio’s work on Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Fight for Fortune on Vita, and we’ll ultimately have to hedge our bets until the studio reveals what it’s been up to before writing off Syphon Filter’s chances of a resurgence.
Solid Snake

First Appearance: Metal Gear Solid, 1998

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Few mascots that we’ve placed under the microscope transcend into the mainstream in the vein of Solid Snake. A war hero like no other, Snake — real name David — was a byproduct of the Les Enfants Terrible cloning program, creating two twin brothers alongside himself from the DNA of renown soldier Big Boss. How and ever, it was Snake that stole the limelight in Hideo Kojima’s stealth masterpiece, stalking the halls of Shadow Moses to foil an attempted nuclear strike. Infused with rich, cinematic sensibilities, Metal Gear Solid was a defining moment in the industry, delivering an intriguing story and cast that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Hollywood blockbuster. It was a time when Solid Snake, voiced by the indelible David Hayter, would cement his place in history as one of the best video game characters ever created.

Does he Stand the Test of Time?

Without a Shadow Moses of a doubt. Although his role in Sons of Liberty was essentially relegated to a cameo, Solid Snake’s is a cornerstone of the Metal Gear Solid franchise. He may have hung up his night vision goggles after the events of Guns of the Patriots, now that the forthcoming The Phantom Pain will focus on Big Boss’ adventure, but don’t be too surprised if Konami dusts off the grizzled protagonist for another bout of tactical espionage action further down the line. However, will Plissken still have the same gravitas without Kojima on board?
Sir Daniel Fortesque

First Appearance: MediEvil, 1998

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

If Abe brought a cloddish demeanour to the dark recesses of RuptureFarms, Sir Daniel Fortesque dragged those mannerisms back in time for Sony Cambridge’s action-adventure series, MediEvil. Sir Daniel was a protagonist who exuded charm. Resurrected by ancient magic generated by a malevolent sorcerer known as Zarok, players took control of a bumbling, skeletal knight as they made their way across the Kingdom of Gallowmere. MediEvil proved to be a gleefully fun, humorous experience, securing a trilogy on PlayStation.

Does he Stand the Test of Time?

Barring a cameo appearance in SuperBot’s PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, the latest incarnation of MediEvil landed on PSP in 2005. Fittingly titled MediEvil: Resurrection, the spin-off failed to strike a chord with critics despite selling relatively well. Even so, fast forward ten years and there is little to no sign of a franchise revival. Similarly to aforementioned platformers such as Crash and Spyro, the desire for a 3D platformer has all but diminished in the modern gaming landscape — barring Nintendo titles — and it would take something truly special for Sir Daniel to reclaim his crown as one of PlayStation’s flagship mascots.
Spike

First Appearance: Ape Escape, 1999

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Ape Escape will forever be remembered by the PlayStation faithful as the first title to be built with Sony’s DualShock controller in mind, which often lead to sharing controllers with your friends or scrapping together savings to afford one of your own. Sony Japan Studio’s quirky platformer focused on Spike, a young, somewhat naive explorer who is transported through time by the tyrannical ape Specter. Sporting a hairstyle that wouldn’t look out of place in a Final Fantasy game, the protagonist epitomised that universal sense of adventure synonymous with childhood, and over the franchise’s numerous sequels, reserved a place as one of PlayStation’s lesser-known icons.

Does He Stand the Test of Time?

Not necessarily. Other than a hoard of party-themed games and spin-offs, the Ape Escape series didn’t graduate beyond the PS2 era, with the last entry in the series releasing back in 2005. If anything, it is the titular, comical apes that garner more attention across the board, with cameo appearances in a litany of Sony’s titles including LittleBigPlanet and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Spike, it seems, didn’t grab audiences in the way his platforming contemporaries achieved so well.
PaRappa the Rapper

First Appearance: PaRappa the Rapper, 1996

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Much like Crash before him, PaRappa the Rapper was very much a product of his time. Arguably the quirkiest title in PlayStation’s early history at the time, the game thrusted players into a lush world where a talking flower was the closest figment to realism. With a plot that was akin to a bizarre explosion of color, PaRappa become a symbol not because of his eccentric style or musical tastes; rather, his ability to inspire the player. Believe in yourself, was one of the core messages underpinning this most unusual title, and it’s the reason the wafer-thin canine resonated with many a PSOne owner during its early days on the market.

Does He Stand the Test of Time?

Your current opinion of PaRappa will largely hinge on your own time with the rhythm-based series. Mechanically speaking, the title was far from cutting-edge, and button timing will feel lethargic for the generation weaned on a strict diet of Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Nevertheless, PaRappa’s personality and memorable visual style separates it from its peers. And though all has been quiet on the development front for the last 13 years, a PaRappa the Rapper 3 is allegedly simmering in development for PS4 and PS Vita, though there is nary a mention of said sequel since the speculation first appeared. I gotta believe, right?
Special Mention: Polygon Man

Before PaRappa the Rapper danced onto the scene and Crash Bandicoot was tearing up the Australian outback, Sony’s primary mascot before the PlayStation One entered the market was Polygon Man. SuperBot paid homage to this pre-launch legacy by incorporating the former face of PlayStation as the final boss within PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.
The Newbies

Now, let's turn our attention to the fresh faces within PlayStation's roster of mascots.
Joel & Ellie

First Appearance: The Last of Us, 2013

What Gives Them the Icon Status?

It’s a testimony to Naughty Dog’s narrative chops that four of the entries on our archive of mascots are products of the prestigious Santa Monica-based developer. And so, we arrive at The Last of Us. Arguably the studio’s magnum opus, the post-apocalyptic title draws upon many, many well-worn tropes within the genre — specifically from Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. But it’s the quality of the storytelling that acts as TLoU’s defining feature. We could gush about ND’s PS3 swan song, but that would only steal the attention from Joel and Ellie, the two leads of this most heart-wrenching tale. Brought to life with aplomb by Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, respectively, the unlikely duo are forced together in the most harrowing of circumstances, but the way in which their relationship evolves in a realistic, tangible manner is what truly lends Joel and Ellie that iconic status.

Will the Pair be Around in Five Years’ Time?

That depends. Given that The Last of Us was critically-adorned across the four corners of the industry, it’s almost inevitable that Naughty Dog will pursue a sequel in the years after Uncharted 4 makes it way to market. However, with Left Behind acting as a beautiful prologue to Ellie’s story, and the near-perfect ending (controversial, we know) it’s entirely possible that the studio will branch out to focus on new characters within this Cordyceps-ravaged world. It’ll be sad to bid farewell to Joel and Ellie should this situation arise, but considering Naughty Dog’s proven talent, such an approach would leave us feeling wholly optimistic, as opposed to apprehensive.
Nariko

First Appearance: Heavenly Sword, 2007

What Gives her the Icon Status?

It’s no secret that Sony lacks engaging female protagonists across its roster of pixelated icons, particularly in the triple-A space. How and ever, Ninja Theory did its utmost to rectify this imbalance with the release of Heavenly Sword in 2007, introducing the PlayStation community to Nariko, a unmitigated flame-haired badass who must prove her mettle despite claims that she can’t live up to her title as the divine warrior. Nariko may have only had one opportunity to win over PS3 owners, but with themes of empowerment, defying the odds and the good old underdog trope, the heroine made an excellent first — and hopefully not last — impression.

Will She Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

All signs currently point to yes. Ninja Theory may be toiling away at Hellblade for PlayStation 4, but it’s evident that therein lies an intrinsic connection to Heavenly Sword — in fact, the two monikers are essentially binary opposites. Fans have stipulated that Nariko may appear in NT’s latest adventure game in some shape or form, before both protagonists meet in an eventual third entry into the studio’s atypical trilogy. This is, of course, merely conjecture at such an early stage. Heavenly Sword was a favorite amongst fans of the genre, so it’s almost a bygone conclusion that Nariko has a future on PlayStation’s roster.
Kat

First Appearance: Gravity Rush, 2012

What Gives Her the Icon Status?

Amnesia may be one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to Japanese culture; however, Gravity Rush ensured it rose about homogeneity with a cute, slightly clumsy protagonist who is joined by her gravity-manipulating feline, Dusty. That protagonist in question is a young girl called Kat. From the get-go, it’s clear that a mysterious power resides within her, and as you progress through the game and the city of Hekseville, pieces of Kat’s puzzle begin to fall into place at 9.81 m/s^2. It’s not necessarily an original story, but Gravity Rush’s heroine displays selflessness, courage and a good deal of sensitivity to ensure she remained in the hearts and minds of players long after the credits rolled.

Will She Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

Project Siren and Sony Japan Studio’s have both been quite candid about the possibility of exploring Kat’s story more in a direct sequel. Buoyed by the game’s critical acclaim, not to mention a handful of awards and nominations, Game Director Keichiro Toyama has dropped hints that a follow-up is not off the table. One would have to assume that, if Gravity Rush and Kat are to truly become icons within Sony’s library, the IP will need to graduate from its native home on the PlayStation Vita and its meagre install base.
Oliver

First Appearance: Ni No Kuni: Wraith of the White Witch, 2013

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

While he doesn’t necessarily boast the archetypal characteristics of a mascot, Ni No Kuni’s budding young protagonist, Oliver, is memorable for very different reasons. For one, his fearless devotion to his family is typified during the quest to save his mother, which is about as endearing as they come. Plus, considering that Level 5’s beloved JRPG is infused with the sensibilities of a Studio Ghibli production, this is a special kind of PlayStation 3 exclusive. Rounded out by an amicable supporting cast that includes the wonderfully sarcastic Mr. Drippy, Oliver stands as one of the greatest, lesser-known heroes of the PS3’s twilight years.

Will He Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

Interestingly, Level 5 has confirmed plans to unveil an all-new PS4 title during E3 in June. That’s not to say that the studio is prepping an out-and-out sequel to Ni No Kuni, but sales figures showcase that their is audience demand for an old-school RPG designed to resemble the lost chapters of Princess Mononoke, or any such Studio Ghibli animation. The jury is still out on which direction the developer could push Oliver’s narrative, but there’s certainly multiple story threads ripe for the potential follow-up. So long as it includes Mr. Drippy, we're in.
Fat Princess

First Appearance: Fat Princess, 2009

What Gives Her the Icon Status?

Don’t let its unashamed moniker throw you, Titan Studios’ peculiar real-time strategy title is actually a blast to play. And while the titular, hefty persona acts as an in-game objective as opposed to a fully-fledged character, there’s no doubting that Fat Princess has become an instantly recognizable…er…heroine through Sony’s marketing campaign.

Will She Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

It certainly seems so. Despite bearing the brunt of controversy during its early days on PlayStation 3 — with some critics claiming that the RTS was both sexist and weightist — Titan Souls and Fun Bits Interactive look set to continue trumpeting the brand ahead of Fat Princess’ debut on PlayStation with the aptly titled Fat Princess Adventures. Irreverent to its very core, Fat Princess has established a cult following for its gleeful attitude to game design and humor, and the developer will need to ensure these elements remain if the IP is to secure a long-term future on PlayStation’s roster.
Cole MacGrath

First Appearance: InFamous, 2009

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Though he was subject to a redesign during the interlude between inFamous and inFamous 2, Cole MacGrath still stands as a hero — or indeed anti-hero, depending on your karmic choices — among Sony’s catalogue. As an everyday Joe thrust into a supernatural situation, Cole’s legacy is rooted in Empire City, the doomed metropolis from the first title where he discovered his abilities. As a protagonist, Cole may have been stoic to a fault, though it was in Sucker Punch’s critically-acclaimed sequel that we truly fell in love with PlayStation’s conduit

Will He Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

As things stand, it would appear Cole MacGrath’s future in the inFamous franchise will exist in flashbacks and other contextual segments moving forward. With last year’s Second Son acting as a clean slate for developer Sucker Punch, common logic would dictate that the studio will pursue a sequel to the PS4 spin-off and, subsequently, shift focus to Delsin Rowe in favor of Cole.
Sackboy

First Appearance: LittleBigPlanet, 2008

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

One word: versatility. Media Molecule’s cutesy protagonist is undoubtedly easy on the eyes, but considering that the studio allows players to customize the pint-sized character in any which way they choose ultimately lends Sackboy a greater sense of personality. Personality that is, crucially, tailored to your own tastes. It’s for this reason that almost every player can recount an instance when Media Molecule’s little Sackperson felt like much more than just another clump of pixels. This was a main character that felt tangibly real.

Will He Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

With three fully-fledged console games under his zip and the mandatory racing spin-off, Sackboy’s immediate future on the PlayStation pantheon is arguably as secure as, say, Nathan Drake or Kratos. Media Molecule’s LittleBigPlanet series is a sales juggernaut for Sony, and there’s no question that the publisher will look to introduce novel mechanics — much like the four player co-op in LBP 3 — through time to ensure the creative formula remains fresh.
Knack

First Appearance: Knack, 2013

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

Despite a mooted reception upon launch, as a PlayStation 4 launch title, Knack still classifies as an icon precisely because Sony evidently had big plans for Japan Studio’s non-starter. Tailored toward a younger demographic, the game featured the titular hero who held the ability to change size at will, from a cutesy ornament to a ginormous, boulder-sized giant. Knack stumbled in the gameplay department, though, offering little innovation beyond its glossy graphics and impressive physics. A disappointment, then, for a title brimming with charm but lacking in heart.

Will He Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

Unlikely. Even though Knack’s creative team consisted of a variety of talented developers, including PS4 system architect Mark Cerny as lead director, the PS4 launch title was ultimately less than the sum of its parts. Forgettable and lacking any true sense of personality to rub shoulders with the PlayStation greats, Knack will ultimately go down as yet another launch game that failed to deliver on its billing. Crash Bandicoot 2.0, this was not.
Iota & Atoi

First Appearance: Tearaway, 2013

What Gives Them the Icon Status?

Sheer, unbridled joy, that’s what. Media Molecule’s Tearaway is a platform game that demands to be experienced, rather than simply described, to achieve the full, wondrous effect. You are, essentially, a messenger with a simple task: to deliver a letter to your other half. Set within a world crafted with love and paper — quite literally — players will control either Iota or Atoi. However, as the old saying goes, it’s the journey, rather than the destination, that is the most memorable part of the trip. With the studio utilizing every bell and whistle on the PS Vita, by the time the credits roll, you feel a deep sense of empathy with your paper-thin protagonist, and Tearaway’s plot is a surprisingly touching affair that deserves more mainstream attention.

Will the Pair Still be Around in Five Years’ Time?

When you take into consideration that Sony is porting the title over onto PlayStation 4 in the form of Tearaway Unfolded, one would assume that the publisher is gauging the popularity of the IP before committing to any future installments. The title’s creativity may be hamstrung with those novel inputs made possible by the Vita, but the story at its crux is a universal one of overcoming seemingly impossible odds, and we’re hoping that Iota & Atoi stick around for the long haul.
Nathan Drake

First Appearance: Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, 2007

What Gives Him the Icon Status?

One of the more intriguing subplots to arise in the past few years is the intrinsic connection between Lara Croft and Nathan Drake. In what has become a two-way battle for genre supremacy, the two adventure franchises have informed one another in recent installments, and it’ll be fascinating to see that relationship play out over A Thief’s End and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Circling back to what makes Drake so special, though, and it largely comes down to his roguish, devil-may-care attitude. As the inimitable, modern-day face of PlayStation, Drake’s place on the neon-blue throne is ironclad at this stage, having wowed audiences and critics across a console trilogy and Vita spin-off Golden Abyss. Much more than just an homage to Indiana Jones, this is a treasure hunter with a large heart and, despite a somewhat paradoxical moral compass, one the best personalities in gaming.

Will He Still be Around in Five Years Time?

If that question was posited before Naughty Dog unveiled Uncharted 4’s subtitle, our answer would have been a resounding yes. But the fact that the studio has labelled the upcoming sequel as A Thief’s End casts a dubious shadow over Drake’s future. Will the franchise have the ability to continue on without its treasured, cocksure protagonist? Time will ultimately tell. Mind you, given how he’s evolved into the undisputed mascot of this modern PlayStation ecosystem, it would be a bold move for Sony and Naughty Dog to kill off their crown jewel.