1. Ellie & Joel (The Last of Us)
It's a good thing that title isn't one hundred percent literal--yanno, 'the last of us', the very last person on earth--otherwise we might never have seen Joel and Ellie team up to take down a bunch of aggressive mushrooms. Yes, after a number of false starts and a fair few run-ins with those clicking Miracle-Grow mascots, Joel and Ellie finally see past their mutual pain and isolation to form one of the strongest bonds in gaming.
Most bros on this list (and that includes the ladies) will naturally fight tooth and nail for one another, but what really sets this intrepid pair apart is their near-obsessive level of reliance. With scant allies to call upon, both parties require each another in order to survive, a fact that pushes their hard-won friendship to even greater (and evermore desperate) heights. It's not for nothing that the pair's goon-slashing shenanigans see them eventually become something of an urban myth. Likewise, Joel's one-man army routine to rescue an unconscious Ellie quite possibly results in the extinction of humanity. Way to go Joel. Touching, if a little short-sighted.
Honourable Mentions
Agro & Wander (Shadow of the Colossus) - Can a horse be your bro? Contrary to what certain sections of the Internet will tell you, they cannot. Agro came pretty close however, performing small wonders as Wander's steadfast steed.
Toejam & Earl (Toejam & Earl) - Gone but not forgotten, these early SEGA mascots came within a toe's width of inclusion.
Jade & Pey'j (Beyond Good & Evil) - Jade & Pey'j enjoy a fun repartee, but spend far too much time apart to be considered a truly top duo.
Snake & Otacon (Metal Gear Solid) - Otacon may be available at the touch of a button, but this pants-soiling scientist is really more of an off-screen advisor.
Nate & Sully (Uncharted) - Part father figure, part bar buddy, Victor Sullivan ought to be a shoe-in. Sadly, he doesn't appear often enough to make this list.
Ryu & Ken (Street Fighter) - We know they're bros, but the mainline Street Fighter series isn't all that crazy about co-op.
Link & Navi (Ocarina of Time)/ Issun & Amaterasu (Okami) - Occasionally helpful, though largely loud and annoying. Perhaps Link & Ammy should team up together instead.
The terrible twos
You hated it, I know. I put everything in the wrong order and something massively obscure should've come in at number six, but I can't help that now. I'm only one man! I'M ONLY ONE MAN! *sobs maniacally in the foetal position*. If you have any suggestions for other top teams not covered by this list, let me know in the comments section below. Ciao.
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