I'd like to rate my favorite game characters of the year so far.

8. Luigi (Mario Series) - The cowardly brother of the video game king has to get some credit some time or later.

7. Kirby (Kirby Super Star Series) - This puffball is actually is more powerful than it looks. That is, once it eats someone and takes its powers.

6. Professor Layton (Professor Layton and the Curious Village) - So what, a hero can't be a detective? Stay in school, kids!

5. Ganon (Legend of Zelda series) - Another mean dude and the antagonist in Zelda. Fight him, you'll be in something epic.

4. Samus (Metroid Prime series) - This girl can really pick up the pace in any mission, from self-destructing bases to alien invasions.

3. Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog series) - The fast-as-sound blue hedgehog's been on a strange road lately, but he's still a great video game icon.

2. Link (Legend of Zelda series) - Whether he's a child or adult, left or right-handed, he's one awesome adventurer.

1. Mario (Mario series) - The well-rounded "king of video games", the one who possesses the familiar red M cap.

Feel free to critisize.