It is father’s Day once again and I feel now is a good time to look at the best examples of good dads in the gaming world. Join me as I take a look at five of the best,.

Spoilers ahead for games. Be warned

Johnny cage

Johnny Cage may be a Casanova wannabe who hits on women and thinks he is God’s gift to the earth in MK9, but come MKX and he has changed into a responsible adult and loving father. Johnny is not only a great parent to his daughter Cassie, but also a good leader and role model to her unit as well. The game makes it clear that Johnny is a major influence on his daughter’s life and she wants to do him proud. This is shown in the story mode where she saves her father by activating her ancestral power out of a desire to help her father. Johnny clearly did a good job and it seems parenthood changed him for the better.

Octodad

A surprising choice for sure, but it makes sense. Octodad may be an octopus disguising himself as a human, but he cares for his wife and human children. If you are wondering how an octopus has human kids, just remember this is a video game and don’t think too hard about it. He may be clumsy and cause chaos wherever he goes, but he means well and wants the best for his family and loves them dearly. And if an octopus can be one of the best examples of a father to kids in gaming, then who are we to judge?

Kazuma Kiryu

The Yakuza may be vicious gangsters, but Kazuma Kiryu has a soft spot for kids. That is why he took in Haruka and then took in several orphans after leaving the Yakuza life behind. He cares for each of the kids and they in turn love him. He may be a stoic figure, but he is very proud of the kids he has raised and wants them to have happy lives away from violence and crime. He gets involved with their passions, cooks for them,  and when he teaches them life lessons, tries to let them figure things out as much as possible. A good father figure indeed.

Mike Haggar

A good parent will do anything to help their child and Mike Haggar embodies that ide well. When his daughter is kidnapped to ensure his co-operation, he refuses to give in to the Mad Gear Gang’s demands. He instead goes all out to attack the gang himself with the aid of his daughter’s boyfriend and his close friend to get her back. Even before this, in his appearance in Saturday Night Slam Masters, we see his love for his daughter and how she means the world to him. Mike is a perfect example of a father who will stop at nothing to protect his children.

Bowser

Originally the father of the Koopalings, and later retconned to just be the father of Bowser Jr ( while still possibly being the adoptive parent of the Koopalings), Bowser is a surprisingly good father figure for a villain. He dotes on his son and pays a lot of attention to the actions he does and Bowser Jr. wants to be just like him when he is older and is always trying to prove himself to his father. Bowser in turn is proud of his son and constantly looking out for what is best for him and his well being.

Well there we are. Whom do you feel are the best father’s in gaming. Let us know!

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