Famous Online Gaming Characters

While bingo games and slots offer some of the most engaging, fulfilling gameplay, they are still relatively new to the online gaming world. Of course, many of them have been inspired by what’s come before, particularly the early computer and video games – and some of the first to have been released have been the most legendary, along with the characters that made them so unforgettable. But who (or what) exactly are those characters, and might we eventually see them pop up in online casino games? Let’s find out.

1. Super Mario

Mario made his first appearance in 1981 in Donkey Kong, and has appeared in an incredible 200 plus games since, including the famous Super Mario Bros, his very own game! The pudgy Italian plumber is the face of Nintendo, which even has a Super Mario World theme park in Japan. The resident of the Mushroom Kingdom can most often be found trying to rescue Princess Peach from King Koopa. Mario and his twin brother, Luigi, are the heroes of puzzle games, sport and fighting games, role-playing games and many more. With the Mario video-game franchise being the best-selling of all time, Mario is one of, if not the most, famous online gaming characters. Look out for him popping up in all kinds of new places soon!

2. Sonic the Hedgehog

Just a decade after Mario stole everybody’s hearts, Sonic the Hedgehog burst onto the gaming scene as a worthy rival. The blue anthropomorphic hedgehog is the mascot for Sega and, like Mario, has also made his rounds in the gaming world, having appeared in more than 100 games over a range of platforms. Not only that, you’ll find him on the sides of Formula One cars, in live-action movies, on soccer kits, and – our personal favourite – there is even a protein named after him by scientists working on genetic modifications in fruit flies (this is ironic, considering Sonic’s battles with Doctor Eggman, the mad scientist).

Sonic represents 1990s culture and has a massive fanbase, many of whom have been with the fierce little hedgehog since the beginning. As of 2020, the series has sold 1.14 billion units, and grossed over £4.5 billion.

3. Lara Croft

To all those gaming fans who waited patiently for a badass female character, we can guess you weren’t disappointed when Lara Croft came into being. The “tomb raider” has been destroying the damsel-in-distress trope since 1996, and is one of only a few video game characters to make it to the big screen. This brave and intelligent renegade was portrayed by Angelina Jolie in 2001 and 2003 and by Alicia Vikander in 2018. Rumours say that Tomb Raider 2 starring Vikander is in the works, and to say we’re excited is an understatement. Until then, the video game boasts its original charm and badassery. Traverse ancient tombs, take on bad guys and dinosaurs and more with Lara Croft.

And if you’re wondering whether she’s made it into the world of slot games, here’s the answer: Lara Croft Temples and Tombs is a five-reel, 243-ways-to-win title from Microgaming that you can play right here at Kitty Bingo!

4. Pac-Man

Pac-Man has been gobbling dots, running from ghosts and keeping us entertained since 1980, and is considered an icon of classic 1980s pop culture. Originally designed to look like a pizza with a slice removed (they do know the way to our hearts), this simple maze game took the gaming world by storm, making Pac-Man one of the most enduring characters of the arcade era. By its 40th birthday in 2020, 400,000 gaming cabinets had been sold to arcades worldwide, with well over £10 billion to the game’s name, making it the best-selling arcade game of all time. With merchandise, movies, and of course, games, the legacy of Pac-Man is alive and well.

5. Crash Bandicoot

There’s no doubt that everyone’s favourite bandicoot is Crash (except, of course, when it comes to Doctor Neo Cortex). Crash has been preventing the aforementioned scientist’s world domination since 1996, and has sold over six million units. Crash’s most recent adventure was released in 2020, and he’s been developing some pretty stellar skills in the past few years. This includes new fighting moves, bazooka operations, and the ability to slow time, reverse gravity and adopt temporary invisibility! Interestingly, Crash Bandicoot was originally set to be named Willy the Wombat, which, you’ll agree, isn’t nearly as cool. Who knows when this character will appear in a casino game, but we’re ready to welcome him (and his adversary) when the time comes!

6. Tony Hawk

We’re sure the actual Tony Hawk is cool too, but we’re referring specifically to the video game character here. The star of the skateboarding video game has been ollieing onto our screens since the release of Tony Hawk Pro Skater in 1999. There have since been a further 18 instalments, and the franchise has received cult status among fans. Hawk (the man) is one of the most famous skateboarding pros of all time, making Tony Hawk (the character) all the more likeable. For the first time ever, gamers and skateboarding fans alike could get a taste of the life of a professional skateboarder, and be right there to watch him perform impressive tricks. Anyone who can sell one million copies within the first two weeks certainly receives legendary status. Hats off to Hawk!

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Our final and favourite character on the list is none other than the humble kitty itself. It’s in your house (well, maybe), on your jumper, and now on your screens, too! This universal character has been popular since Ancient Egyptian days and continues to steal billions of hearts each year.

For some more kitty-themed fun, come and play bingo, slots online and even Slingo, all with a feline twist, at Kitty Bingo! You’ll find a pleasing variety of games that are sure to entertain you, all from the comfort and convenience of your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.