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
Video games of the Yr
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
Winner: Esquie (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33)
Writeup by Matt Wardell
It could shock you to study of Esquie’s repute as essentially the most highly effective being on the earth of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, particularly whenever you uncover he’s principally a French Winnie the Pooh to Verso’s Christopher Robin. Esquie rapidly turns into your get together’s pal and confidant in addition to their boat and airship, revealing that there’s loads of knowledge (in addition to some wine) saved in his rotund physique. His infinite persistence and good-naturedness are the proper foil to the numerous woes Expedition 33 expertise—he may be unhappy or unhealthy and even rad, however by no means ever ever mad—and his little kicking legs when it’s time for swim swim will at all times carry a smile even whilst you’re nonetheless wiping away tears from no matter simply occurred within the plot.
Runner-Up: Juna (Quartet)
Writeup by Neal Chandran
Quartet’s ensemble forged options many standout characters, although the one who makes the largest impression is Juna. This speaking hippo (known as a “euruphant” within the sport) isn’t just some novelty character with an adorably animated sprite. Juna gives stability and maternal heat, but can be not afraid to place individuals of their locations. Her humorousness is sassy and snarky, however by no means hurtful as a result of it comes from a spot of smart understanding. In battle, Juna is each a strong tank and an equally highly effective healer. She additionally offers with existential crises the others don’t perceive till they stroll in her footsteps. In brief, Juna proves to be a well-rounded and memorable character.
Readers’ Selection: Greatest Animal or Mascot Character of 2025
Winner: Esquie (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) (47.9% of votes)
Runner-Up: Goro (Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii) (13.1% of votes)
