Game characters MIA: Missing in action

Every game brings with it new characters for us to become familiar with. We often grow to love these characters, and it really sucks when they just don't come back in another game. I've selected a few characters that I really miss, and hope to see again in an upcoming game.

Professor Elvin Gadd

First game: Luigi's Mansion (2001)
Most recent appearance: Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time (2005)

I really enjoyed meeting Professor Elvin Gadd (Or E. Gadd, as he's more commonly known). He was such a lovable little fellow, with a unique little way of talking and an amazing affinity for inventions.

Alas, once leaving Luigi's Mansion, I began to see the little guy less and less. He made a cameo in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, but it wasn't enough. All he did was pop in during a sidequest, yammer on a bit and leave. A huge disappointment for me.

He made a somewhat larger appearance in the sequel, Partners in Time. He made common entrances in the Mushroom Kingdom, showing off some new doodad to Mario and company. Later on in the game, when Mario and Luigi travel back in time, they come across a younger E. Gadd at his former occupation as a geologist studying a volcano. When the volcano erupted, both young and old Gadd worked together to halt the lava before it caused too much damage.

Sadly, Elvin's laboratory was destroyed in the eruption. Never letting himself to be deterred by downfalls, Gadd moved on to become a paranormal scientist, which leads to the events of Luigi's Mansion.

Elvin was a great character, but it really sucks that he hasn't shown up on a home console since 2001. He had absolutely no presence in Super Mario Sunshine or Super Mario Galaxy, beyond a few abstract graphical references. He may have showed up in a Mario Party or two, but I haven't had a chance to check it out.

So then, Gadd, I hope to see you again soon! And don't forget: Sind zoo! Sooko sooko!

Dampé

First appearance: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Most recent appearance: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Dampé was a lovable, oafish giant of a man, much like Hagrid and Shrek. He was the kind of guy who really wasn't outstanding in any way, but still had an inexplicable charm to him. It's sad to see his character so underused.

Dampé first appeared in Ocarina of Time as the cranky yet kind grave keeper in Kakariko Village. Ever the financially-minded man, Dampé would gladly dig anywhere within the graveyard for a few rupees. Whatever he found was yours to keep.

When Link awoke from his seven-year slumber, Dampé had sadly passed on. He could still be found in his grave as a fun-loving ghost. He'd challenge Link to a race, and reward him with his treasured Hookshot if he could keep up. Even in the afterlife, Dampé was still a great guy.

Dampé really doesn't have much presence in any other game. He plays minor roles in Majora's Mask, The Minish Cap and Four Swords Adventures, but nothing really notable like E. Gadd's role in Partners in Time. Dampé seems to have been abandoned by Nintendo, and that's a real shame. He's the kind of guy I'd really want to hang out with.

What are some great characters you'd love to see make a comeback? I'm sure we can all think of a person or two we'd like to see in a game again.

The Duck Has Spoken.