OC: Characters in hoods that we all love

    

Back in the day, most guys in hoods were either evil Sith Lords or fugitives on the run. Just like how dragons used to be all evil, it was a commonly accepted stereotype. Thanks to more creative titles in our gaming libraries, this slowly changed. Soon enough, unveiling hidden identities became unpredictable and more exciting. Gone were the days when all shady guys would stab you in the back.

The clothes alone don’t make good character, but a good concoction of personality and style does. Foreshadowing is pointless if a dull character is waiting underneath the hood. In recent times, hoods don’t even cover up identities anymore – they’re just there to look cool. Here’s the list of successful ones that have won our respect and our hearts after the jump!

    

Back in the day, most guys in hoods were either evil Sith Lords or fugitives on the run. Just like how dragons used to be all evil, it was a commonly accepted stereotype. Thanks to more creative titles in our gaming libraries, this slowly changed. Soon enough, unveiling hidden identities became unpredictable and more exciting. Gone were the days when all shady guys would stab you in the back.

The clothes alone don’t make good character, but a good concoction of personality and style does. Foreshadowing is pointless if a dull character is waiting underneath the hood. In recent times, hoods don’t even cover up identities anymore – they’re just there to look cool. Here are the successful ones that have won our respect and our hearts.

5. Baal (Diablo II: Lord of Destruction)
This guy’s a classic. One of the world’s most evil trio, the lord of destruction was captured but couldn’t be contained. Using his cunning, he took over Horadric mage Tal Rasha’s body. Soon, he was able to manipulate some poor skinny guy to get the soulstone and seek to destroy the world. He arrived at barbarian homeland Harrogath with hordes of beasts, undead, and siege weapons trying to destroy the world because he was bored.

4. Jin Kazama (Tekken)
Some were disappointed at Tekken 4 after the success of Tekken Tag Tournament, but Jin Kazama looked undeniably awesome in the game. At the end of Tekken 3, he vanquished the powerful Ogre and discovered his potential to turn into devil form. His shiny hood wasn’t enough to conceal his Devil Genes, making him someone to be reckoned with. Series fans and pros alike would tell you that he’s the most effective fighter, albeit requiring more skill.

3. Resident Evil 4 Merchant (Resident Evil 4)
Everyone would agree that Leon couldn’t have gone anywhere without this strange bud. A lone special agent equipped with a handgun has no chance to survive the pitchforks and chainsaws chasing him. It doesn’t help that the president is cutting costs, sending so little to save his dear daughter. Fortunately, the “Merchant” is there to sell the Racoon City survivor some armaments. Whenever you get in a tight spot, he’s there to provide you with all you’ll ever need. It’s still unanswered why he reappears in some places after getting killed. Rumor has it that him and his brothers have set up a business firm in that backwater Spanish island.

     

2. Garnet/Dagger (Final Fantasy IX)
Well, she didn’t wear her white mage costume all game, but she still takes a spot. Good ‘ol damsel in distress, princess who had no idea about the outside world, suddenly rebelled by asking a thief group to kidnap her. She may be deformed like former FF characters, but this girl’s got spirit. She was able to endure all the troubles associated with Tantalus, while still being deeply involved in Gaia’s politics. Adopted princess of Alexandria, her full name is Sarah Garnet Til Alexandros XVII.

1. Mickey Mouse (Kingdom Hearts II)
Disney‘s most popular icon have never been so mysterious. Kingdom Hearts revolved mostly on finding him as Sora, Donald, and Goofy tagged along to search the entire universe. At the end of the game, he simply disappeared into the door of light to save the world after briefly showing himself. A couple of years later, in Kingdom Hearts II, he comes back in that sweet black hood. He can save you from death during certain bosses, and smack some Nobodies around with the golden keyblade. Definitely takes the cake.