Every video game character has to be dressed for success, and many famous characters are recognized by something as simple as an article of clothing. From Mario's famous red hat to Sonic's sneakers, dozens of characters are known mainly by their looks alone. That said, it's always nice when game developers provide unlockable outfits to give a little personality to their player characters.
While many costumes are simple aesthetic changes or palette swaps, many games feature unlockable skins that are totally bizarre. They might be as simple as a goofy hat or as strange as a full-on clown costume, but there's no denying that many of these looks are out of left field.
The Stinger (Guardians Of The Galaxy)
Although it's not too bizarre, considering the wearer is the notorious Rocket Raccoon, seeing the brains of the Guardians of the Galaxy strutting through the star systems clad in a sleek silk suit is a bit out of character for the normally tactically dressed ringtail. But with that in mind, he works the look better than anyone.
Based on his Ocean's-Eleven-inspired attire from the cover of Rocket #1, the suit is one of the dozens of unlockable outfits and costumes featured in Square's Guardians of the Galaxy video game. It's definitely not the strangest on the list, but it's easily the most stylish.
Bunny Girl Outfit (Dragon Quest Series)
It might be a tad naughty for something as colorful and wholesome as the Dragon Quest franchise, but there's no denying that having a parody of a Playboy Bunny in one's party of adventurers isn't funny. It might not be the most practical armor set, but Jade makes it work.
Jade is already a femme fatale in the franchise, and putting her in the outfit is essentially like putting a hat on a hat. Even so, it's a clear and present example of what many in the JRPG and anime community like to refer to as "fan service."
Batman '66 (Batman: Arkham Knight)
The only thing less practical than fighting slimes, goblins, and dragons in a skimpy bunny outfit would be going up against Gotham's Rogues Gallery in a shiny silky Batsuit from the 1960s. While Arkham Knight does feature the best of Batman's suits, the one from the Adam West Batman show is probably the least protective.
Adam West was definitely a pioneer for Batman and various adaptations of the Dark Knight that followed, but the idea of this campy Caped Crusader could survive the perils of the Arkham series is a bit ludicrous. The fabric Batsuit might allow more movement, but Bruce might be limping away from a fight or two in that getup.
Bombastic Bagman (Spider-Man)
There's slick, there's impractical, but then there's just plain silly. Made of a spare Fantastic Four outfit and a paper bag with eyeholes, this skin, available in Marvel's Spider-Man, isn't exactly the most flattering piece of clothing in Peter Parker's closet.
In the comics, Peter was forced to slip into this makeshift number after a certain symbiote damaged his original suit. It's a great fix if one wants to hide their identity in a pinch, but as far as an impressive spider suit is concerned, it leaves very much to be desired.
Disco Inferno (Dante’s Inferno)
Battling the forces of Hell to save one's fiancee from the clutches of Satan himself doesn't have to be all serious, especially with this groovy set of threads found in Dante's Inferno. It doesn't offer any perks, buffs, or bonuses, but it's definitely one of those costumes that are just plain fun.
It might be a goofy pun, but there's still something satisfying about playing one of the best hack and slash video games and slaying demons and monsters while wearing a white disco suit. Now if only Lucifer's boss level took place on a dance floor.
Ninja Mime (Mortal Kombat X)
Johnny Cage is by no means a character that takes life too seriously, so it's no surprise that his Ninja Mime outfit wound up as an alternative costume. A reference to the fictional film mentioned in the dialogue of MK9, the outfit is every bit as hammy as the Cage Man himself.
Taking out ninjas, cyborgs, and elder gods while in a full face of clown makeup might not be the most appropriate image for the series, but Cage's appetite for the over-the-top truly shines with this inclusion. If it were anyone else, it just wouldn't work.
Various Nintendo Costumes (Bayonetta)
One of the elements that make Bayonetta such a memorable character is her dedication to fan service. Her over-sexualized nature is done completely in terms of parody as a sort of tongue-in-cheek nod to the fans, but the fun doesn't just end there. Bayonetta is an absolute bombshell, but it's a bit unusual to see her mow down various enemies dressed as various Nintendo characters.
Granted, the Link set works to her advantage, but there's something incredibly jarring about seeing her sporting Princess Peach's pink ensemble or Fox Mccloud's furry ears.
Gerudo Armor (Breath Of The Wild)
While the Tingle outfit is equally as strange, the Gerudo Armor has much more fan attention. Link has had to do many things in his quest for Zelda over the years. He's fought monsters, escaped labyrinths, plunged into water temples, and now he can add dressing in drag to sneak into a city on the list.
It might not be the most dignified ensemble in his closet, but it does help him gain access to the Gerudo domain in Breath of the Wild. So what if it doesn't truly work as practical armor, at least players get to feel pretty for a quest or two.
Cod Of War (God Of War)
Easily one of the most ludicrous costumes on the list, the only thing that makes the giant fish costume more hilarious is the character wearing it. Kratos is one of gaming's most intimidating characters, having hacked and slashed his way through dozens of bosses, deities, and demigods, but watching him do it all again while wearing the Cod of War skin is absolutely ridiculous.
It's impossible to imagine Kratos is particularly happy in this outrageous outfit, but it definitely brought a smile to a number of players. Of course, the same can't be said for the legions of enemies he destroys.
The Tofu Survivor (Resident Evil 2)
The scary and gruesome Resident Evil series is no stranger to goofy costumes in their games, having characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield wearing outfits like a knight, a gangster, and a bunny girl is pretty much par for the course. But when the subject of vegan zombies comes into play, things get really silly.
The Tofu Survivor skin from the second installment essentially has players fending off zombie hoards as a giant block of tofu. There's no reason for this thing to exist other than pure comedic delight, not that the fans are complaining.