Video game merchantscan be a blessing or a curse. At their best, they are a resource haven where we can stock up, use these items to regroup, and then head on our merry way.
However, at their worst, they are money-grabbing individuals who charge extortionate prices for rare items, or worse, items they consider junk.
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These merchants tend to be shady individuals whom players may mistakenly trust or need to interact with to progress in the game.
But regardless of their role in the game, these merchants get what they deserve, and you get to be the one slamming down the hammer of justice.
7The Magikarp Salesman
Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow
Pokemon Red
This one is probably the biggest stretch on the list, but there’s no denying that the man who sells you a Magikarp near Mt. Moon is running a grift.
He sells you a Magikarp for a cool $500, and what you get in return is a Pokémon that will be of no use to you until you level it up significantly.
However, many splashes and weak tackles later, you’ll be able to evolve your Magikarp into a ferociously powerful Pokémon in the form of Gyarados, which could easily be the Pokémon that leads your line against the Elite Four.
Then, if you really want to hammer home that you got the better deal, you can head back to that Pokémon Center with your Gyarados and flaunt them around. It does take some imagination on your part, but I like to think he’s furious when you return triumphant.
6The Loan Shark
A Bit On The Nose
Another Crab’s Treasure
In Another Crab’s Treasure, things begin rather idyllically, as you sit on your little island chilling. But, before you know it, a literal loan shark pops up, takes your shell and heads off into the deep blue, forcing you to give chase.
From there, you’ll need to track him down in the big city where you’ll find him not wearing his shark disguise, trying to, ahem,prawnoff your shell for a quick buck.
He’ll have it on sale for a whooping 999,999,999 Microplastics, but the good news is that you don’t need to, ahem,shrimpand save.
You’ll have a chance at the game’s close to attack them and reclaim your shell, and I would advise you to take that opportunity, as it’s very cathartic.
5Eulogy Jones
Paradise Falls (To Pieces)
While there isn’t a direct quest line in Fallout 3 that allows you to take out the slaver colony known as Paradise Falls, it doesn’t mean that you can’t walk in there, play friendly, and then turn heel to wipe the whole place out.
Paradise Falls has a quest line where you can agree to capture runaway slaves with the Mesmetron and become an all-time asshole. However, the morally good Fallout players will happily stick one between the eyes of Eulogy, their leader in pimp attire, and everyone under his wing.
Then, if you want to add more insult to injury, you could also help out the runaways at the Temple of the Union and make sure the last remnants of Paradise Falls can’t regroup. It’s a rare feel-good story you can concoct in the dreary Capital Wasteland.
Say Goodbye To Corporate Greed
Stardew Valley
While the galaxy-brain Stardew fans will know that Pierre is arguably as dastardly as Joja, at least on the surface, Joja is the more obviously evil entity in Pelican Town.
This multinational superstore invades Pelican Town and tries to undercut Pierre with lower prices, more variety, and more convenience.
However, if you’re a good egg who wants to help out the community, and invest time and effort in restoring the Community Center. You’ll find that the town comes together to push the corporate conglomerate out of town.
It’s very satisfying to see Morris scamper out of town with his tail between his legs, and it’s even more enjoyable to turn the remnants of Joja into a Movie Theater.
The Notorious Trickster
Dark Souls
Fextralife Wiki
Patches is a character that doubles as a running joke inevery Soulsborne gameto date, appearing in some shape or form.
Without fail, this trickster will lure our hero into a compromising position and then turn on them, usually throwing them into perilous pits where you’ll need to fight your way out.
However, what he fails to grasp is that we don’t die, we always respawn, and as a result, you’ll always make it back to him at some point.
When you do, he is always apologetic and will serve as a merchant for any player who keeps him alive. However, the option is there to kill him where he stands, and it’s a wonderful feeling.
Arguably, the best course of action is to keep him alive due to the resources he provides. But, because he’s such an aggravating and irritating idiot, chances are that you won’t.
2Millibelle
Money In The Bank
Hollow Knight
As Hollow Knight is a Souls-like, you’ll find that there are more than a few times when you’ll be up against it as you try to get back to your shade to ensure you don’t lose all your Geo.
However, if you want to put those worries to rest, you can visit Miribelle the Banker, who will allow you to stock your Geo for a small fee, which is a really helpful service, at least while it lasts.
You see, eventually, when you fill your account enough, Millibelle will run off with your Geo. But little does she know that we’ll find her later to get our money back with interest.
She can be found in the Hot Springs in the City of Tears, and when you find her, you can beat the snot out of her with your nail to make her drop all the Geo she stole.
It feels awesome to give her the comeuppance she deserves, and with that, Geo, you can invest in some top-tier charms.
1Moneybags
Empty The Bags, You Crook!
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Of all the scumbag merchants in video games down the years, old Moneybags has to be the most detestable of the bunch.
He’s particularly disliked by the masses as he doesn’t actually sell anything. Instead, he sets up elaborate roadblocks around various levels and then charges a hefty sum of gems to allow Spyro to pass.
Essentially, he’s a master con artist, and one that you need to endure for the entire original trilogy. However, at the last hub world of the third game, Year of the Dragon, you finally get your own back.
You’ll be able to chase him around the area, lighting his butt on fire as you go to make him drop all the gems he took for you over the course of the game.
This scene remains one of my fondest gaming memories from my childhood, and even then, as a kid, I knew I was thumbing my nose at the establishment in a big way.
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