Top 5 Video Game Octopi

While you may not immediately associate octopi with video games, there are quite a lot more than you would think, with some having to be cut from my list of five. Octillery from the Pokémon series for starters. Yup, he’s axed. As is Launch Octopus from Megaman X. Gone, never to return. So without further ado, let’s kick off my picks with the only popular Octopus reference I can think of right now, “I'd like to be under the sea, in an octopus' garden in the shade.”

Final Fantasy VI
Name: Ultros
Released: 1994

Ultros is a recurring enemy from the Final Fantasy series, first seen popping up out of the water in the Lethe River (pictured) with a maniacal look in his eyes, teeth gangling down, in serious need of some dentistry. The blotched purple monstrosity throws out his tentacles and ink attacks in the heat of battle as well as some cringe-worthy one-liners that would sink anyone’s spirits. Taking him out to save everyone the heartache is best achieved by knowing his susceptibility to electrical attacks, and a little more surprisingly, fire.

Spider-Man 2
Name: Dr. Octopus
Released: 2004

Some may argue that Dr. Otto Gunther Octavius has no business being in this list, not being a cephalopod and all, but looking passed the name, the fact that he does have eight limbs – four human and four artificial – is enough for me. The game somewhat follows the story of the movie, with Doc Ock looking to recreate nuclear fusion with his mechanical arms, however they are grafted to his body in an explosion and begin to take control of him. Naturally he blames Spider-Man for his woes, and chaos ensues.

Diddy Kong Racing
Name: Bubbler
Released: 1997

One of the most frustrating yet memorable parts of the game is racing against Bubbler, the second major boss you face. Once all the challenges are completed in his section you’re pitted against him in a one-on-one dash around Timber Island. If home advantage wasn’t enough, he uses his aquatic mines to halt you in your tracks. The second time you face him there’s no room for error; he gets a great start, drops explosive bubbles and travels at quite some speed, and is a test for even the most hardened of racers.

Donkey Kong Country Returns
Name: Squiddicus
Released: 2010

When Donkey and Diddy Kong arrive in Stormy Shore they face a fierce adversary in Squiddicus that more resembles an octopus than a squid despite the name, although you never fully see the total number of legs. The giant creature of the deep stands out quite a bit from the backdrop as he pursues you, attacking you with his spiked tentacles on a 3D plane as you move through the level with limited 2D movement. Later in the game you come to discover a fossilised member of the same species, indicating it may be the last of a dying breed.

Octopus (Game & Watch)
Name: Octopus
Released: 1981

Almost everyone remembers the Game & Watch series fondly. Each one had such a simple concept, but it had a way of keeping you engaged for hours, and if by chance you ever needed to know the exact time in the process it was right there in front of you. The aptly named Octopus saw you diving for sunken treasure in a shipwreck without getting touched up by the giant octopus blocking your path. More recently it has featured in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as one of Mr. Game & Watch’s smash moves.

Have we missed your favourite? Tell us about it on the comments below

Craig Bryan, NoobFeed
Twitter | Facebook | Email