In June of 2010, we ran a "create your own character contest" for From Software's 3D Dot Game Heroes from the Playstation 3. Atlus, its North American publisher, was already running one at the time, but it stipulated that all entries needed to be original, for copyright reasons. We decided to embrace that, and run a contest for a character from a video game. (The original rules, preserved for posterity, can be found here.
Ultimately, our turnout was less than we expected, but we got some great entries nonetheless. The winner, Shantae by hiryu64, won himself a copy of the 3D Dot Game Heroes Original Soundtrack CD, courtesy of whatever meager funds we make through our Play Asia banners. The full listings are below, along with the files to play them on your PS3.
The heroine of this Wayforward-developed Game Boy Color game has developed a huge cult following over the years, with cart only copies often going for more than $100. Our winner!
One of the first great RPG heroines, this is Alis from the Sega Master System game Phantasy Star.
Axel Gear is the nemesis of Sparkster, the armor-clad, jetpack-wearing opossum from Rocket Knight Adventures.
This is Freedan, a knight you can transform into in SNES action RPG Illusion of Gaia.
Gilgamesh is the hero of the old Namco arcade maze-RPG Tower of Druaga, who's usually just known by his nickname, Gil.
This is the Prince from Namco's Katamari Damacy. This pack includes several of his cousins -- Miki, Mag, and Miso, per the submission.
Mr. Driller, also known as Susumu Hori, is the son of Namco legend Dig Dug.
This is Wataru Ikusabe from the PC Engine title Mashin Eiyuuden Wataru...or, as it's known in America, Keith Courage from the pack-in Keith Courage in Alpha Zones. Our runner-up, technically, but we could only afford one prize. :(
Shantae
Submitted by: hiryu64
Alis
Submitted by: Chris Hopkinson
Axel Gear
Submitted by: Christopher Hughes
Freedan
Submitted by: Chris Cunningham
Gilgamesh
Submitted by: Joseph Joestar
The Prince
Submitted by: Rob Hague
Mr. Driller
Submitted by: Ashley Day
Wataru
Submitted by: Roanstalker