April Fools: The Best “Gooner” Games of All Time

Let’s welcome April Fool’s Day! Instead of ordinary celebrations, let’s focus on games where the lines between fiction and reality might blur a bit due to their provocative nature, featuring characters who some might confuse as more than just digital personalities.

I’d like to share some favorite Gooner games that have captivated many people. These games aren’t ranked or meant to represent all gaming experiences—just a collection of titles with memorable characters that have gained popularity. No matter if you identify as male, female, transgender, non-binary, or exploring your identity, there are numerous characters here that fans adore—or as the youngsters might say nowadays, characters to be smitten by.

Stellar Blade / NieR: Automata

In the current gooner game category, these two stand out – Stellar Blade by Shift Up and NieR: Automata by Yoko Taro. They’ve even stirred some discussion on local social media. Interestingly, their audience seems to appreciate the androids, particularly Eve and 2B, who are depicted in an attractive manner. Yes, despite the deep, existential struggles portrayed in their stories, it’s clear that these characters were also designed to be visually captivating.

Zenless Zone Zero

In all gacha games, it’s common that HoyoVerse’s extensive collection of 3D characters has developed a strong fanbase for almost every character. Regardless if they are S Rank or A Rank, HoyoVerse understands how to attract an audience who are often influenced by aesthetics (and personal preferences). Zenless Zone Zero is no different in this regard, as it showcases characters that cater to various tastes—ranging from the massive bear Ben Bigger to the curvaceous Nicole, and the lazy, shark-tailed Ellen.

Hoyoverse has been successful at creating content that appeals to a wide variety of people for quite some time now.

Tekken 8

Regarding fighting games, Tekken isn’t shy about displaying a range of looks for its character lineup. Crafted using Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 takes this to another level, highlighting the visual charm of its multinational cast of characters. From Kazuya’s chiseled abs, Alisa’s mechanical limbs, to the myriad ways you can style Reina’s attire, Tekken 8 caters to different preferences within the Iron Fist tournament arena.

Overwatch

Without a doubt, there’s a lot to be said about Blizzard’s Overwatch, and it continues to stand tall among the best games that introduced an innovative style of 3D art – a topic we’ll save for another time. Credit goes to Blizzard’s legendary design team for creating this vibrant game brimming with memorable characters. From the enigmatic Widowmaker with her violet complexion, the gaming prodigy D.Va piloting her mech, the swashbuckling cowboy Cassidy, and the imposing Reinhardt leading the charge – Overwatch offers a diverse roster to cater to every gamer.

Ever since its launch, Overwatch has sparked an abundance of mature fan content. It’s unclear if Blizzard is disheartened by the community’s interpretations of their work or secretly pleased with the variety of appealing characters they’ve created in diverse body types.

Marvel Rivals

In essence, if Overwatch blazed a trail, Marvel Rivals swiftly followed in its footsteps. Beyond showcasing unique Marvel characters, Rivals adopts many elements from Overwatch’s gameplay mechanics. Notably, it has also drawn in a similar fanbase that some might refer to as ‘gooners’.

Similar to Overwatch, Marvel Rivals has stirred up a worldwide craze as an engrossing hero shooting game. Consequently, players often find themselves experiencing a surge of emotions upon encountering characters such as Psylocke, Invisible Woman, and an unmasked Peter Parker.

At least we got a Venom Twerk Emote for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Dead or Alive

In terms of fighting games, characters that are considered ‘goonable’ (roughly meaning easy to control) are not typically at the top of the list in terms of importance. Instead, focus should be placed on mechanics, balance, and responsiveness first. However, Dead or Alive is an exception to this rule.

Developed during an era where video games had significant leeway, Dead or Alive unabashedly capitalized on its notoriety for showcasing female characters in minimal clothing and heavily perspiring. Subsequently, this aspect of the game has become a defining part of its legacy.

Devil May Cry 5

Back in 2005, Dante and Vergil ignited a spark within an entire cohort of gamers. It’s amazing to reflect on how the charismatic, muscular persona of Dante could captivate so many, or how the serious, brooding demeanor of Vergil would set pulses racing.

Capcom’s famous slash-and-hack series found its rhythm with Devil May Cry 3, introducing characters so cool they were instantly iconic. However, it wasn’t just the male characters—female figures such as Lady and Trish also radiated a captivating femme fatale aura, standing their ground in a world brimming with fashionable demon hunters.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII is widely known for its compelling narrative and memorable characters. Over time, it has cultivated a passionate fanbase, often referred to as ‘shippers’. Regardless of location, the ongoing debate between supporters of Aerith and Tifa never seems to subside, occasionally even spilling over into discussions in the Italian Senate.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the characters in this game are just flawlessly designed – they’re drop-dead gorgeous, super strong, and it sometimes feels like they’re too good to be real. Among all of them, Tifa stands out the most, causing quite a stir among players. Despite her being a kind soul, she’s been given a very… provocative design, and Square Enix seems to have caught on to this – witness the infamous beach scene in Rebirth!

One timeless game has been known to produce content suitable for adults throughout its history, and as the remakes reveal greater character detail, even more mature content continues to be produced.

There are numerous other games that cater to their player base effectively. Games referred to as “Goonable” encompass a wide variety of genres and styles. Although these series are admired for their individual qualities, it’s important to note that some individuals might be immediately drawn in by appealing characters, allowing their emotions to influence their decisions.

We’re all human, after all.

2025-04-01 19:12