8 Side Characters Who Deserve Their Own Video Game
One of the best parts of gaming is when a side character completely steals the show. You go in expecting to care about the protagonist, but then—bam!—some supporting cast member shows up, drops a few lines, or pulls off a memorable moment, and suddenly you’re wishing they were the star of the story.
Let’s give these unsung heroes the spotlight they deserve. Here are eight side characters who would make for incredible spin-off games.
1. Waluigi – The Nintendo Enigma
For decades, Waluigi has been the “what if” of Nintendo’s roster. Wario got his own platforming and party spin-offs, yet Waluigi—despite being one of the most entertaining and flamboyant personalities in every Mario sports title—has been left on the bench. His lanky, chaotic energy feels perfect for something bizarre and experimental, maybe even a rhythm-action game or a quirky puzzle platformer. It’s shocking we haven’t seen it yet, and the Switch’s successor feels like the perfect chance to finally give him the spotlight.
2. Otacon – The Hacker Hero of Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear is known for stealthy soldiers, mechs, and convoluted espionage plots, but what about the nerd behind the curtain? Otacon spends the series providing crucial support, hacking into systems, and tinkering with gadgets. A spin-off centered on his perspective could flip the script on the franchise—less about sneaking past guards, more about cyber warfare, drones, and outsmarting enemies with brains instead of brawn. It would add a fascinating new layer to the Metal Gear universe.
3. Ellis – The Heart of Left 4 Dead 2
Zombie apocalypses are usually grim, but Ellis brought pure charm to Left 4 Dead 2. Always upbeat, always cracking jokes—even while surrounded by hordes of the undead—he made surviving the end of the world oddly fun. A spin-off could lean into his Southern charisma and storytelling, maybe blending survival gameplay with humor and flashback-driven narratives. Can you imagine a co-op game framed around Ellis’ tall tales? It practically writes itself.
4. Karlach – The Underdog of Baldur’s Gate 3
Among Baldur’s Gate 3’s rich cast, Karlach stands out for her resilience and honesty. She’s suffered more than most, yet keeps her spirit and warmth intact. A solo adventure could highlight her journey of survival and self-discovery, giving her the full emotional arc she deserves. With the game’s fanbase already deeply attached to her, a Karlach-focused spin-off could be both heartbreaking and inspiring.
5. Sylvando – The Showstopper of Dragon Quest XI
When a character’s first move is throwing themselves a parade, you know they’re unforgettable. Sylvando is flamboyant, funny, and at times infuriating—until his tragic backstory wins you over. Square Enix has spun off side characters before, and Sylvando feels like the perfect candidate for a standalone adventure full of style, charm, and over-the-top theatrics. Give this man his own RPG (with plenty of confetti).
6. Victor Sullivan (Sully) – The Rogue of Uncharted
Everyone loves Nathan Drake, but let’s be real: Sully’s the one with the best stories. A prequel focused on his early treasure-hunting days could be a perfect way to breathe new life into the Uncharted series. Do you want new locations, new rival crews, and plenty of cigar-chomping one-liners? Sully’s roguish past is practically begging for its own action-adventure spin-off.
7. Jack Marston – The Son of Redemption
The ending of Red Dead Redemption set the stage for Jack Marston to step into his father’s boots. While we got a taste of that in the epilogue, it wasn’t enough. A full game exploring his quest for revenge and the burden of living in John’s shadow would be a perfect continuation of the series. Rockstar has already mastered tragic Western storytelling—Jack’s story could be the next great frontier.
8. Monoco – The Quirky Fighter of Expedition 33
Not every spin-off needs to be a grim drama. Expedition 33 introduced Manoco, a character with powers so weird they’re instantly memorable: gaining strength by defeating enemies and, hilariously, collecting their feet. Strange? Yes. But it made for unique gameplay that deserves a deeper dive. A full game centered around him could capture that oddball charm and expand the universe in fresh, funny ways.
Gaming is packed with unforgettable side characters who could easily headline their own adventures. Whether it’s Waluigi finally stepping into the limelight, Sully taking us back to the golden days of treasure hunting, or Ellis cracking jokes through another zombie apocalypse, these spin-offs feel long overdue.