They are The Robots
[Everyone welcome Chris Penwell, who will be contributing to Destructoid in a freelance capacity! They’ve been featured on GameDaily and Fanbyte among other outlets, and recently, they’ve been covering games like Overwatch 2, Fire Emblem Engage, and Pokemon S&V. As our own Chris Moyse pointed out, you already know they’re a good writer because they pen…well! – Chris Carter]
Destructoid has been known for its iconic robot mascot, Mr. Destructoid, for almost two decades, so it’s strange that there has never been a list here featuring of the best robots in gaming. Well, today, we are fixing that by talking to you about the most beloved walking and talking machines from throughout gaming history. From a certain lombax’s robotic pal to the most adorable cat (that isn’t a cat), here are the 10 best robots in gaming, ranked.
10. 808 (Hi-Fi Rush)
Our newest entry on this list but the most adorable addition is 808 from Hi-Fi Rush. 808 is an animal, yet robotic, companion that accompanies Chai on his adventures. While it doesn’t necessarily help in battle, it can turn into different forms like a sphere to amplify Chai’s music. During cutscenes, its eyes also change color depending on who’s speaking in the conversation through 808’s speakers. For example, when Peppermint comes with a sharp remark about Chai, its eyes turn blue. It’s a neat touch and gives 808 plenty of personality. Lastly, between missions, Chai can pet 808 in the cutest way possible.
9. BD-1 (Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order)
Another cute ally that just happens to be a unit droid is BD-1 from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Its main function is to guide the stranded Padawan Cal Kestis through treacherous landscapes and scan artifacts. It can also heal the promising Jedi with a quick injection to Cal. Within cutscenes, the developer Respawn Entertainment successfully makes BD-1 as adorable as BB-8 with impeccable animation and model quality. Despite having no English-speaking voice, BD-1 carries a bunch of charisma and charm, thanks to its gestural communication.
8. R.O.B.
R.O.B. is an iconic robot all the way back to the NES era for Nintendo. This Robotic Operating Buddy was used as a cool accessory for Gyromite and Stack-Up, which have the robot twisting from side to side. In Gyromite, this robot balances spinning tops onto real-life platforms to move the level’s pillars in the game. The professor you control in Gyromite can then move forward through the platforming sections. While this NES accessory was not particularly successful, R.O.B. has also appeared as a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series with an exhilarating move set like spinning its arms rapidly and releasing a rocket-like fire under its base towards the ground.
7. Bastion (Overwatch)
Bastion is arguably one of the strongest characters in the Overwatch series, and it’s incredibly satisfying to play as him. Alongside its quirky personality, Bastion can instill fear in the hearts of its enemies. The mini-gun on its back when utilized can incur massive amounts of damage, and his ultimate attack has him hailing down artillery fire. While many Overwatch players hate him for how much DPS opportunity he has, he is still one of the best robot gaming characters, thanks to his ability to wreck everyone in front of him. He even has a LEGO-like skin in the game.
6. Connor (Detroit: Become Human)
While Quantic Dream’s games can be hit or miss when it comes to its characters, Connor is one robot that truly shines in Detroit: Become Human. The game tackles a future in which A.I.-driven robots can take on investigations and work other jobs humans usually perform. In Detroit: Become Human, there’s a conflict that arises about the rights of robots and how they should be treated. Connor is an endearing and intriguing character within this universe as he considers the relationship between humans and robots. His decisions between right and wrong rest upon the player most of the time, and what comes out of it is a memorable performance by Bryan Dechart as the character struggles to understand his true purpose. This fascinating storyline with the character makes him one of the best robots in gaming.
5. Claptrap (Borderlands)
Many people hate Claptrap, but he’s arguably one of the funniest characters in gaming history. The slapstick humor matched with his nutty antics in the Borderlands series makes him a charismatic character to get to know. There are some memorable gags throughout the series like him not being able to climb stairs to his absolute dismay and him being a god to some bandits with a mighty hat on top. More often than not, when he’s whining and struggling in the game, you’ll likely be laughing. Hopefully, he makes for some excellent comedic relief in the upcoming movie adaptation.
4. Clank (Ratchet & Clank)
Ratchet’s right-hand man and constantly on his back, Clank is a wonderful sidekick to the lombax. Alongside his trademark laugh, Clank has hilarious quips to bounce off Ratchet’s hair-brazen attitude. He’s the smarty-pants of the duo, coming up with clever plans and resolving issues with his quick thinking. Clank also has you solving puzzles while you’re playing as him, making for a needed break from the third-person shooting chaos that Ratchet delivers. He’s an endearing character that is a perfect hero within Insomniac’s famous platforming franchise. Clank’s one of the best robots in gaming for that reason.
3. Dr. Nefarious (Ratchet & Clank)
Another robot character from the Ratchet & Clank series makes the list. While we don’t usually have two characters from the same franchise in a list, you have to make an exception for Dr. Nefarious. He’s a clever, yet dumb antagonist for Ratchet, who loves to complain and make insults towards the lombax. The slapstick comedy from the character is absolutely hilarious, especially within the original trilogy of the franchise. For example, when he gets too angry, he suddenly malfunctions and a love scene is played as his system tries to recompile itself. His scenes with Clarence are especially funny. However, when the final boss battle arises, Dr. Nefarious pulls out all the stops to defeat Ratchet & Clank. The one in Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, for example, is spectacular.
2. GLaDOS (Portal)
The cake is a lie, but it’s true that GLaDOS is one of the best robots in gaming. The sarcastic tone and engrossing writing behind her lines is top-notch. The dark comedy is on point as she delivers her lines in a dark AI-driven tone. The way GLaDOS tries to fall you until the very end is extremely compelling. And then the puzzles she lays forth for the player and how she makes fun of you is just a delight. GLaDOS is one of the best robots in gaming because it’s satisfying to stop her in her tracks and outwit her at the end. She’s one of the best antagonists in gaming and wonderfully evil while trying to confuse you.
1. Mega Man
Mega Man, since his legendary adventures on the NES, has been an iconic Capcom character. His platforming adventures helped grow the genre as he faces tough bosses and takes on their powers. He has also been in a charming RPG series called Mega Man Legends and a set of long-running GBA spinoffs within the Battle Network. After decades of challenging players, this robot boy has fought the likes of Mario, Link, Sonic, and Cloud Strife among other famous video game characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Mega Man’s varied arsenal in each game makes him one of the best robots in gaming because of Capcom’s well-crafted level design.
