Goblins
We blame Tolkien. If it weren't for The Lord of the Rings, we likely wouldn't have orcs, elves and goblins running around our screens. We'll admit, somehow they seem less threatening than the majority of gaming foes, but can be pretty nasty when they want to be. The winged goblins of Oblivion spring to mind, with their magic attacks and flappy, 'bat in your hair' scare factor.
Then there are all the MMORPGS like World of Warcraft. If it weren't for goblins, orcs and the like, the servers would just be full of bellydancers and nothing else. We all know a lot of the appeal is in shaking your virtual booty in the hub areas, but we reckon a lack of fantasy beings would soon have everyone feeling Orcward. Geddit? Oh, please yourself.
Above: The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, Kameo: Elements of Power, World of Warcraft, Ultimate Ghosts 'n' Goblins and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
