Although gaming can be seen as a solitary hobby, sometimes the best moments are shared with others - be that smiting your mate in a Grand Theft Auto Online or teaming up to take on the bad guys in a kickass squad. The same can be said for the actual protagonists we control in video games. I mean, sure, they're powerful enough to get through the trials and tribulations of being a hero on their own, but now and again they get by with a little help from their friends. (Cue: Humming The Beatles for the rest of the day).

Here are the GAME Team's créme de la créme of companions in the virtual world.

Trico - The Last Guardian

We may not have had a chance to actually PLAY The Last Guardian yet, but that December release date is tantalisingly close. The long-awaited Action-Adventure/Puzzle game brings us what looks to be an emotional bond between a young boy and a griffin-like, feathered creature called Trico. You will work with Trico to solve puzzles and get away from those pesky, yet mysterious guards. Relying on each other, these companions will journey through towering, treacherous ruins filled with unknown dangers. If The Last Guardian is anything like its PlayStation 2 predecessors - ICO & Shadow of the Colossus - you can be sure Trico is going to tug at heartstrings and cause some serious crying-into-your-pillow moments. We can't wait to meet you, dear friend.

Dogmeat - Fallout

The best companions are always by your side for years and years; you can count on them to be there in your time of need. That's why Dogmeat definitely makes our list. This loveable canine has featured in the Fallout series since its conception all the way back in 1997, right up until the most recent Fallout 4. Whether your opponent be a measly molerat or a savage gang of Raiders, Dogmeat will loyally charge into battle to defend you. Nothing breaks your heart more than seeing him crippled, whimpering in pain and scrambling to get up. Take my Stimpacks, Dogmeat, TAKE ALL MY STIMPACKS.

Navi - The Legend of Zelda

"Hey!" "Listen!" "Watch out!" To some people, these are the words that annoy us to no end and strike dread into our hearts. Many Nintendo gamers have known the chirpy little fairy Navi (fun fact - originally called "The Fairy Navigation System") from The Legend of Zelda that accompanies - and pesters - Link. But, hey, she's just doing her job! Locking onto targets, keeping him safe from the perils of Hyrule, ensuring he's up to date with hints and explanations. D'awh, Navi. We love you really.

Mack - ReCore

ReCore features a crew of robo-creatures called Corebots, all with varied and unique personalities. But Mack, Joule's playful and faithful mecha-dog, has to be our absolute favourite. Being the very first companion that our red-headed adventurer can traverse with, he has a special soft spot in our hearts, and is super useful in attacking and digging for treasure. He may not be as fluffy as a standard dog, but Mack is every part as loyal!

Pikachu - Pokémon

Arguably the most famous video game companion (even my mum knows about Pikachu!), this fuzzy yellow mouse has followed his best friend Ash around right from the spritely GameBoy Colour's Pokémon Yellow. Still going strong to this day thanks to the pop culture phenomenon Pokemon GO and the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pikachu is that awesome mix of adorable and hardcore. Ash adores him, and we do too. Pika pi!

Give your favourite gaming companion some love on Facebook and Twitter with #MyGAMECompanion

Written by Lucy Hale