Hottest Guy
Previous Winners
2012: Dunban (Xenoblade Chronicles)
2013: Professor Sycamore (Pokemon X & Y)
2014: Link (Hyrule Warriors)
2015: Yuuji Kazami (The Fruit of Grisaia)
2016: Gladiolus (Final Fantasy XV)
What makes a man truly attractive? Is it strength? Compassion? Good looks? There’s a lot of possibilities, but judging from our past winners, the staff at oprainfall likes guys who are strong, smart and good looking. The Triforce of Sexy, if you will. Having said that, there are still some interesting contenders this year, even one who is largely considered a villain. Let’s see which guy had what it takes to be king!
9S (NieR: Automata)
NA Release Date: February 23rd, 2017
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4
Review
I’ve heard a rumor that the ladies love men who are in touch with their emotions. And while it’s true that 9S isn’t a man by the standard definition, since he’s an advanced android, he’s programmed to be emotional and kind. This guy isn’t afraid to share his thoughts, but he’s also more than a lazing, poet reading dandy. 9S is also a strong partner, and supports 2B in battle, though he’s always careful to refer to her in a deferential manner. All in all, this robotic man seems to have what it takes to be a contender, but let’s see if the competition glitches him out.
Goro Majima (Yakuza Kiwami)
NA Release Date: August 29th, 2017
Platform(s): PlayStation 4
Review
I was poised to make some snide comment about Majima being here, but I can’t after finding this glorious image. Talk about sexy! Who wouldn’t be charmed by such a strong, confident man? Jokes aside, as crazed and and reckless as the self styled Mad Dog of Shimano is, there’s something to be said about him. Despite being a gangster, he has a strange sense of loyalty which governs his actions. Plus there’s not much known about his past, and who doesn’t love a little mystery in their beloved? Furthermore, if we can judge from his exploits in Yakuza Kiwami, Majima will always be there for those that matter to him. What more could we ask for in our Hottest Guy?
Link (Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
NA Release Date: March 3rd, 2017
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
Ah, Link. Who doesn’t love the strong, silent type? We certainly did back in 2014, when we voted him our Hottest Guy for his appearance in Hyrule Warriors. But this isn’t that Link, this is the one from Breath of the Wild. This is a Link utterly beset by a world gone mad, with his princess locked in battle against the monstrous Calamity Ganon. This is a Link that has to learn to fend for himself without much help, wandering a vast world in his quest to become strong enough to save his princess and heal the land of Hyrule. The only catch is he doesn’t start out knowing any of that, as Link suffers from amnesia, but that just means we get to discover things as he does, and grow to love this Link for his bravery and dedication. Combined with his strength, is that enough to lead this silent hero to victory?
Mario (Super Mario Odyssey)
NA Release Date: October 27th, 2017
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
Oh Mario, you’re still a plumber in my heart. Even if Nintendo has taken the stance that Mario is no longer an Italian pipe master, there’s still something he has going for him. Or maybe I’m just blinded by the glory of his bare nipples in Super Mario Odyssey. If nothing else, Mario is strong, dedicated and driven to help those in need. Those are all attractive traits, and when combined with his sexy mustache and athletic jumping skills, who’s to say Mario isn’t the best candidate for Hottest Guy?
Protagonist (Persona 5)
NA Release Date: April 4th, 2017
Platform(s): PlayStation 4
Review
I’m a bit surprised that the Persona 5 Protagonist made it into this contest. Just because typically the protagonists of the series are blank avatars that we project our emotions onto. But after some research, it turns out this Protagonist is a bit more well developed. For one thing, he’s snarky and indifferent. His flair for the dramatic often leads to pulse pounding moments. Most importantly, he’s a rebel, and willing and able to fight for what he believes in. Sure, he’s a Phantom Thief, but that doesn’t mean he lacks moral character, just that he’s a bit more complex than our average hero. But is that enough for him to take the top honor?
And the Winner is –
Mario!
Wahoo! I didn’t think much of it when the Internet went crazy over Mario’s bare chest, but apparently it made an impression on our staff. I’ve always appreciated Mario as a heroic character, and now he’s finally showing us why Peach stays with him (at least until Bowser gets lonely). Here’s hoping our view of the iconic character can continue to grow and evolve as the series continues.
