10) Shantae

First Appearance: Shantae (Game Boy Color, 2002)
That Shantae even exists is something of a miracle. Created by Erin Bell and Matt Bozon of WayForward, Shantae was developed over the course of many years and only got a shot at release when Capcom agreed to publish her first game. What a game it was though, not just because of its clever platforming, but also its plucky and daring heroine. Shantae is self-confident and brave, though she can have her moments of naivete. Despite it all, though, she finds a way to win. Her third game, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse, is heading to the 3DS eShop this Friday, October 24, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for it!
Samus is an easy favorite, but glad to see Jade (from Beyond Good and Evil) represented as well. She is by far one of my favorite female protagonists and not one that gets a lot of attention.
:)
Princess Peach should be much higher on that list, still a good list though.