Video Game Character of the Month - February 2019 - Tenzin - Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Video Game Character of the Month

February 2019
Tenzin
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Overview:

A trusted protector. Master of the punchline. Wisdom for the ages. Now, if only I (or the game's subtitles) spoke Tibetan. Yes, today we are awarding the VGCOTM to Tenzin from Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, a character who's got two brilliant characteristics - he is almost superhuman and he shares a name with a character from Legend of Korra. What more could you ask for? Besides a universal language
And now for a little bit of information on Tenzin:
Some spoilers for the Uncharted series ahead

Tenzin rescues a dying Drake, bringing him back to his village
He is a farmer and a treasure hunter
He is tasked with helping Drake search for Karl Shäfer's expedition
He is extremely capable with a hook rope
He can jump as far as Nathan Drake
He can survive being thrown by a Yeti
He has a daughter called Pema
He is the village leader
He is extremely patient with Drake
His voice actor is called Pema Dhondup
Robin Atkin Downes provides motion capture for Tenzin
He speaks Tibetan but is able to understand Drake's intentions when it comes to puzzle solving
He uses the 92FS-9mm and P080-9mm pistols and the Kukri knife
Tenzin means 'the holder of Buddha Dharma' in Tibetan
He is a playable character in both Uncharted 3 and 4

Origin of Tenzin:
Tenzin's name is of Tibetan origin, meaning 'the holder of Buddha Dharma' and is likely a reference to Tenzin Norgay. Norgay was a Tibetan Sherpa who, along with New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, was the first person to conquer Mount Everest on the 29th May 1953. In terms of the game, Tenzin first appears at the end of Chapter 15 - Train Wrecked as a mysterious figure who saves Drake from the eponymous train wreck. After Drake talks with Karl Shäfer, Tenzin is sent to help guide Drake to Shäfer's old expedition party.

Evolution of Tenzin:
Drake and Tenzin firstly find it difficult to communicate with each other, with Drake just following Tenzin. Over time though, they manage to work out a way to communicate without the aid of language and Tenzin is able to understand where Drake wants him to go to solve puzzles. They soon become friends, with Drake having a picture of Tenzin in Uncharted 4, exclaiming that he misses him. He is unlocked as a multiplayer character in Uncharted 3 by downloading the Classic Skin Pack #2 and is unlocked in Uncharted 4 through vanity chests or using Uncharted Points


Games:
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves: released (North America) on October 13th, 2009/(Australia) on October 15th, 2009/(Europe) on October 16th, 2009 on PlayStation 3
Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception: released (North America) on November 1st, 2009/(Europe) on November 2nd, 2011/(Australia) on November 3rd, 2011
Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection: released (PAL) on October 7th, 2015/(North America and the UK) on October 9th, 2015
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End: released (World Wide) on May 10th, 2016

That's all on Tenzin but, as usual, if I've missed anything or made a mistake, or you have a suggestion as to who should win the next Video Game Character of the Month, then please don't hesitate to comment! Maybe even something Kingdom Heart's related?...

Thanks for reading, Satamer.

Sources:
https://uncharted.fandom.com/wiki/Tenzin
https://uncharted.fandom.com/wiki/Tenzin%27s_Kukri
Various Wikipedia entries for release dates
My own knowledge