Nothing gets you immersed in games more than being in a squad in the heat of battle. These teams get you through the most deadly of situations. These are the best of the best. I will have a look at the best squads in the coming weeks and finally have a Poll to decide the ultimate Squad. Today we'll have a look at:

The Survivors from Left 4 Dead



About The Survivors:
Francis is a loud cocky Biker who hates everything, Louis is a systems analyst who thinks positive, Bill is a Vietnam war veteran and Zoey is a College dropout geeks dream. Together, they fight for survival against the zombie apocalypse.

Members:
*Francis
*Louis
*Bill
*Zoey


Moment of Awesome:
Personally, I think fighting their way through the possible heart of the infection, Mercy Hospital, to escape the roof via helicopter, destroying a whole manner of nasty infected and surviving, is pretty awesome.



Why I think they are Badass:
This can vary for everyone, but I think that killing Tanks which can throw cars, witches which will shred you alive and thousands of other zombies and still managing to escape is badass.

How are they on the Hardest Difficulty Level?
AI wise, they suck, in fact the only thing they are good at doing is killing special infected you can't see. Player wise, not much better. Aha, only kidding, players generally are a lot more competent but it is still a struggle for survival, no other game needs as much teamwork and coordination than Expert on Left 4 Dead.

Thoughts:
Four (relatively) normal people immune to a virus which turns everyone into Zombies, outnumbered, but not outgunned, this unlikely bunch has tons of personality, conversations and they know they must work together. They have each others backs, for sure. Although they are not military trained (you could argue for Bill), a difference from the other teams I've had a look at, they are very competent and work more as a team than most Military squads.




Team Rating: 85%

Nothing gets you immersed in games more than being in a squad in the heat of battle. These teams get you through the most deadly of situations. These are the best of the best. I will have a look at the best squads in the coming weeks and finally have a Poll to decide the ultimate Squad. Today we'll have a look at:

Brute Force from Brute Force



About Brute Force:
The major colonies and some alien races are governed by what is known as the Confederation Republic (usually referred to as the "Confed") . They patrol borders, protect their people, and keep watch on hostile alien races. Brute Force are a team of elite operatives who work for the Confed. A new, hostile alien force is beginning to attack the fringes of the Republic. The squad is thus sent out to the frontlines to confront this enemy.


Members:
*Tex (Beserker) Heavy Weapons
*Brutus (Spirit of Vengar) Warrior
*Hawk (Stealth) Scout
*Flint (Advanced Targeting) Sniper


Moment of Awesome:
Hawk ordering Tex and Brutus to 'Do things quietly'. Tex, holding Two large Gattling guns replying "Right... Quietly". Hilarity Ensues.






Why I think they are Badass:
All of them have special abilities, ranging from Badass (Brutus's Spirit of Vengar ability) to useful (Hawk's Stealth ability) to handy (Flint's Double Zoom) and then crazy (Tex's Beserker 'Hold two Heavy guns and destroy everything' ability) Together they are a force to be reckoned with.

How are they on the Hardest Difficulty Level?
They all die... a lot. Luckily, they can be cloned, as long as you have enough money. This alone keeps them going, they don't work great as a team unless you specifically order them to, Brutus is the only one who can survive alone, as his health regenerates.

Thoughts:
As the tag line goes 'Dangerous Alone, Deadly Together'. That is true, I just wish the AI was more independent, but you can't have everything. A fun unique team. The ability to switch characters on the fly is great as they all have useful abilities, they would be much better if they could combine their strengths more strategically though.




Team Rating: 80%

Nothing gets you immersed in games more than being in a squad in the heat of battle. These teams get you through the most deadly of situations. These are the best of the best. I will have a look at the best squads in the coming weeks and finally have a Poll to decide the ultimate Squad. Today we'll have a look at:

Delta Squad from Gears of War



About Delta Squad:
Delta Squad is a team of four Gears,the group obtains the "resonator", a device that will map the underground caverns which the Locust inhabit and later deploy the Lightmass Bomb. The Team receives their Orders from Anya Stroud, the dispatch girl for Delta Squad.

Members:
*Marcus Fenix
*Dominic Santiago
*Augustus Cole (a.k.a 'The Cole Train')
*Damon Baird


Moment of Awesome:
Hijacking some enemy reavers and riding them all the way back to Jacinto. Then Sinking their last defense just to kill some locust.



Why I think they are Badass:
First of all, They all have Chainsaw Bayonets... In fact, I rest my case.

How are they on the Hardest Difficulty Level?
They aren't too great to be honest, if you get downed, you can kiss your ass goodbye, they often get killed in situations where it is impossible to get to them and they bleed out really quickly, still, I'd rather have them at my side than nothing at all, I guess they are good distractions at least. Luckily they still remember how to use the chainsaw bayonet.

Thoughts:
These guys are Bros, when Marcus greeted Cole by bumping their Lancers, I raised my fist in triumph. They work well together in crazy fights, the Freakin' chainsaw the enemy, that gets +5 in anyone's book (Except maybe Pacifists) and they're not afraid to go deep deep down into enemy territory. You won't find a more gruff and manly squad anywhere but here. These guys get the job done.




Team Rating: 87%

Nothing gets you immersed in games more than being in a squad in the heat of battle. These teams get you through the most deadly of situations. These are the best of the best. I will have a look at the best squads in the coming weeks and finally have a Poll to decide the ultimate Squad. Today we'll have a look at:

Delta Squad from Star Wars: Republic Commando



About Delta Squad:
Delta Squad was an elite clone commando squad that carried out demanding missions for the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. Part of Zero Five Commando, the unit played instrumental roles in the Battle of Geonosis as well as in the lead up to the Battle of Kashyyyk. Consisting of four commandos, Delta Squad received their orders from CC-01/425, a clone advisor.

Members:
* RC-1138 (Boss) C.Q.B.
* RC-1140 (Fixer) Slicer
* RC-1207 (Sev) Sniper
* RC-1262 (Scorch) Demolitions Expert


Moment of Awesome:
Fighting their way through the hangars of droids in a derelict ship, blowing every one of them up before making their way to the bridge and shooting the Separatist Droid control ship.



Why I think they are Badass:
Every member has a distinct personality and all of them are capable of saving your butt. Even if you get shot down, they will keep on fighting and revive you. Even against incredible odds, the team succeeds in halting Droid armies and Trandoshan Slavers. And not a Jedi in sight to steal their thunder. Efficient, Deadly and Awesome, this is Delta Squad.

How are they on the Hardest Difficulty Level?
They die as much as the player does, in fact, its really even, for every time I have to revive them, they revive me and keep me going, they listen to orders well and generally do nothing stupid... apart from get shot. One time, I got shot down by 4 Super Battle Droids and only Fixer was left, I ordered him to revive me, He did just that, of course he got downed right after, but I managed to get everyone up and running again, thanks to just one of my squad-mates.

Thoughts:
Let's be honest here, Delta Squad makes the game, its about an elite squad of commando's in dangerous scenarios, there isn't much more story than that, the gameplay is good, the AI is pretty competent and the weapons are good to use. I have replayed Republic Commando, Eight times and I'm not bored or annoyed of the squad at all, they are brilliant.




Team Rating: 92%

They help you out, without them, you wouldn't be able to save the world, heck, you would probably be stuck in a ditch somewhere: The faithful Sidekicks. Now I'm not talking about the average companions, plenty of games have a cast of usable characters (RPG's for example),but I'm talking about games with just the one person who helps the Protagonist through the game. Unfortunately not all AI is great, so I'm going to put aside the AI for this and instead judge them on character.Here are my Personal Favorites:

5. Elika from Prince of Persia



Let's face it, without Elika, this game would be impossible. She pretty much makes the Prince invincible, but that's fine by me. When you meet a woman who saves your butt time and time again, you know you have a good relationship... I think. Anyway, she's sassy, takes no shit and is willing to put her life on the line to save the world. She isn't that popular in the sidekick rounds, but I still think she's great.

4. Double H from Beyond Good & Evil



Just point to an object or wall and this guy will tackle it head first. I'd make a joke about him ramming his head into everything, but he's just too dedicated. He saves Jade numerous times and helps her on her mission; even when he is infected with a virus, he jumps off his bed and catches up to jade. WWTAO! (We work together as one, Miss Jade).
Sometimes wrongly shadowed by Pey'j and forgotten about, this guy deserves to be remembered, heck, he's with you the majority of the game!

3. Sheva from Resident Evil 5.



SHEVA!... CHRIIIIIIIS! Okay, I'll admit, Sheva isn't perfect, but she is a bit like Double H, she's dedicated. She had a chance to cut and run, but she stuck with Chris "We're Partners! To the end!". She also stabs Wesker in the arm and lived to tell the tale. Although it may be just the game mechanics; I still don't think Chris would have survived his latest BSAA mission without her. It's a shame that a lot of people are jaded about her because of the AI. I luckily played the game with a pal beside me.

2. Alyx Vance from Half Life 2 & Episodes.



What's that? You thought she would be number one? HAHAHA!
Sorry. Anyway, yeah Alyx is good, she helps out, she voices things which Gordan can't. she's realistic, she's great and all, but she isn't the best. Not on my list. I'd go as far as to say that she is really boring in Half-Life 2 "Oh look a generic female sidekick". Luckily there is actual character progression in the episodes where we see what Alyx is really about. 2nd place is nothing to be ashamed of.

1. Crow from The Longest Journey & Dreamfall.



"You do the talking and the running and the saving the world. If a helpful hint or you know an inappropriate joke is needed BAM! I'm right there."

One of the most colourful and fantastic side-characters ever. Crow Does indeed help save a few worlds in his own way. I'll tell you something too. Crow is one of the main reasons I played TLJ all the way through. I was close to giving up on a few puzzles, but Crow appeared when I needed him most. Crow and April Ryan are a formidable team, I'll tell you that: although, when April loses faith, Crow doesn't; he goes to help Zoe, bless him. Crow is also brilliantly Honest, he doesn't sugarcoat anything. It is really quite difficult to put my admiration for this character into words. He's just a talking bird, but he is so much more.

Here's some more fun quotes from him:

April: I guess they forgot all about me.
Crow: I think the captain said something like "Let the wench drown and justice be done".... But, uh, I could've been wrong.

Crow: Fine! I'll put my life on the line, tempt fate, and risk a certain and painful death by magical poisoning… if!
April: If what?
Crow: If you promise to pluck my fleas for the next… year.
April: One year? So honour and glory mean nothing to you?
Crow: Not as much as a good flea plucking, no.

And those are my favorite sidekicks.


My rejected applicants:
Argo from SotC (I haven't played this game so I can't empathize with it. I've been told it's good though.)
Companion Cube from Portal (It's just a Cube for gods sake, why did it nearly make the list?)

Top 5 best and worst Characters on the intercom. And my reactions.

You have no control over when you hear them, they speak when they damn well please. Sometimes you want to go to where they are to kiss them (Perhaps due to some useful information?) other times, you just want to find them and kill them!

It's nice to have someone on the other end of the line, giving you advice... but god-damn it! Sometimes it's too much.

First, the best.

5. Anya- Timesplitters: Future Perfect



She has the looks and does her Job well, she got me out of countless situations when I was a bit confused. She saved Cortez's life numerous times, also soothing to hear. If I ever went time-traveling, I'd want someone like Anya on the other end of the line.
"Cortez! You're humankind's last hope for survival and you're playing a slot machine?!"
My reaction:


4. Cortana- Halo



Your AI girlfriend, Cortana can get a little crazy and she has an attitude! But that's great, also her commentry on things is sometimes priceless. If it wasn't for her, Master Chief would have activated the GODDAMN HALO and destroyed pretty much everything.
"[irritated] Can we possibly make any more noise? [The Chief picks up a rocket launcher] I guess so."
My reaction:


3.SHODAN- System Shock 2



What. A. Bitch. Still, she is one hell of a deluded antagonist, I find her stutters kind of funny at times, I really shoudln't, I should be shit scared, with good reason. SHODAN makes Skynet look like a broken 56k modem.
"L-l-look at you, hacker. A p-p-pathetic creature of meat and bone, panting and sweating as you r-run through my corridors-s. H-h-how can you challenge a perfect, immortal machine?"
My reaction:


2. Announcer- Crackdown



Verging on the edge of ANNOYING, I can't help but love his commentary on things.
"SKills for kills agent, SKILLS FOR KILLS"
"HAHA BURN BABY!"
"WOW I CAN SEE MY HOUSE FROM HERE!"
My reaction:


1. GLaDOS- Portal



It's GLaDOS. 'Nuff said.
"Well, you found me. Congratulations. Was it worth it? Because despite your violent behavior, the only thing you have managed to break so far is my heart. Why don't we just settle for that and call it a day? I guess we both know that isn't going to happen..."
My reaction:



Now, for the Worst of the worst:

5. Carrington - Perfect Dark Zero

Apologies for the small picture... in fact, no, I don't apologize, because his gentle Scottish accent really, really annoys me.
"Joanna... JOANNA!? DISABLE THAT THING! I'M SENDING YOU ON A MISSION BECAUSE ... WELL JUST SAVE THE WORLD, K-THX-BYE!"

My response: SHUT UP AND LET ME DO MY JOB THEN!

4. Anya - Gears of War.

Another Anya, she has a nice voice and helps you out but... every time you talk to her... you're stuck in a god-damn walk... BEFORE EVERY CHECKPOINT!
"Sergent Fenix. We just recieved intel on a locust stronghold.............."

My response: GOD-DAMMIT! I ACTUALLY WANT TO RUN, NOT WALK REALLY REALLY SLOWLY, SHUT UP ALREADY!!!!

3. Guild Master - Fable.

He may be the man in charge, but jesus christ, doesn't he have anything else to do but bother you?
"Try to get your combat multiplier EVEN HIGHER! YOUR HEALTH IS LOW HERO, DO YOU HAVE ANY POTIONS... OR FOOD?"

My response: YES I DO, AND I WILL EAT THEM WHEN I DAMN WELL PLEASE, SO STOP BOTHERING ME, I'M TRYING TO IMPRESS THE LADIES!!

2. Roman - GTAIV

The one reason I hated the introduction of phones and friends in GTA 4.
"HEEEY COUSIN?! YOU WANT TO GO BLOWLING!..."

My response: NO ROMAN I DON'T WANT TO GO FUCKING BOWLING I... OH FUCK, NOW I CRASHED, YOU HATE ME? WELL I HATE YOUUUU!!!

1. Otis - Dead Rising.

"He doesn't even speak, he texts you-
-Hey, don't cut me off like that, that's rude... anyway, blah, blah, blah, blah-" *DEAD*

My response: I'M GETTING EATEN ALIVE, JUST SHUT UP!!!

GET THE FUCK OFF THE INTERCOM!

IF I NEED TO CONTACT YOU, I'LL... I'LL SHOOT AT YOU IN MORSE CODE OR SOMETHING!

So, who annoys you the most? (10 space bucks on Otis!)