[HEADING=2]The Evolution of the Hero[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Travis Touchdown[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Travis Touchdown[/HEADING]
Ah, how far we've come. I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers the beeps and boops of the first video games; from Pong and Dig-Dug to Galaga and Metal Slug. Back then, heroes were heroic and villains were villainous. There was none of this cockamamie "Anti-Hero" and "Anti-Villain" tripe that we're force-fed these days. Mario saved his princess, DigDug Guy DigDug, and that poor soul in the triangle blew up Asteroids.
In the beginning, in-game narrative was confined to pre-play 8-bit cutscenes that were devoid of dialogue or, oftentimes, even text. Your character's motivation was simple; get to the end of the level without falling/dying/getting shot. The day was young, and what more could be said? Heroes got shit done.
Fast forward a few years. In both literature and film there emerged an anomaly known as the "Anti-Hero." One of the earliest and best examples of this anti-hero can be seen in the popular comic book series "Batman." The darker, grittier world combined with Batman's personality gave fans a taste of something different than the standard "Save (X) while defeating (Y)" formula that had been in use for time immemorial.
This "Anti-Hero" exploded in popularity. Left and right, new anti-heroes cropped up, all vying for a slice of that pie. There's something magical about an anti-hero; instead of fighting for others, they fight for themselves, for their own goals. They didn't care what happened to their enemy, and oftentimes, not even what happened to their friends. Everyone loved it.
Well. Most people.
I, for one, could not stand the pretentious, selfish attitude these characters took. They simply did not endear themselves to me. That is, until I picked up a Wii game known as No More Heroes.
Travis Touchdown, the lead role of No More Heroes, is quite simply a badass. He cares about three things; women, his kitten Jeane, and becoming the #1 assassin in the world. His over-the-top attitude, semi-witty one-liners, and general personality made me love him, despite the wholesale slaughter of other sentient beings for the sole purpose of a challenge.
So, Travis Touchdown, I salute you. You did what all the other Anti-Heroes could not; you were a lovable character, despite your actions.
Discussion Point
Travis, despite being an asshole, a pervert, and a generally unpleasant person, manages to endear himself to the player; What about him made it this way?
In addition, your thoughts on Anti-Heroes in general. Are they a viable character option? Do they add to the atmosphere, or do they tend to take away? Why?
Author's Note: I've been so enamored by Travis' character that I've decided that he will be the subject for my next costume; beam katana and all.
