If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
Changing a character’s look might seem simple—until fans get involved. One tweak can spark applause, while another ignites internet outrage. Designers walk a fine line between refreshing a legacy and wrecking it. Every stitch, shade, shape, and symbol matters more than studios expect. And yes, costume redesigns can impact a game’s reception and popularity. This listicle first examines the 10 bold redesigns that earned high-fives before highlighting 10 that sent fans running for the pitchforks.
1. Kratos (God Of War, 2018)
Rugged and steeped in Norse influence, Krato’s redesigned gear brought a striking sense of realism and emotional depth. The full beard and subdued palette signaled a more reflective warrior, who shed his one-note rage for something more profound.
Kratos | The God Of War by CONCEPTS J.R.S.
2. Spider-Man Advanced Suit (Marvel’s Spider-Man)
The Advanced Suit’s bold white spider emblem and athletic lines stood out instantly. Gamers embraced the modern twist as it honored the original while giving Peter a clean, story-driven redesign. In fact, among 42 suits in the game, this one became a defining icon for the series.
This NEW Spider-Man 2 ADVANCED Suit UPDATE is PERFECT in Spider-Man PC by iVoltex
3. Raiden (Metal Gear)
Raiden’s cybernetic upgrade thrilled players with its style and symbolism. His flowing white hair and exposed mechanical jaw gave him a ghostly, battle-worn aura. The look was so well-received that it redirected a planned Gray Fox game to focus on just Raiden instead.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Part 2 Livestream by PlatanoGames
4. Samus Aran (Metroid Fusion)
A fan-made take on Samus’s Fusion Suit leaned into its bio-organic origins, which makes it more grotesque and visually unsettling. The darker aesthetic matched the infection storyline, resonating with fans who appreciated the thematic consistency and bold reimagining.
[Dissidia 012 MOD] Samus Aran (Fusion Suit) [Metroid Fusion] by Ultima Weapon EX
5. Mega Man X (Mega Man X Series)
Rather than echo the past, Mega Man X introduced a sharper, more agile silhouette that mirrored the game’s faster pace. His subtle facial expressions and tech-forward gear spoke to a generation raised on intensity. The new look felt like evolution, and fans noticed.
Mega Man vs Mega Man X: Which Series is Better? by Radical Dreamer Steve
6. Spider-Man Velocity Suit (Marvel’s Spider-Man)
The Velocity Suit, designed by Adi Granov, brought futuristic flair to Spider-Man’s look. Its glowing blue accents and armored panels reinforced the game’s speed mechanics while turning heads visually. Players loved it for how well it blended comic book energy with high-tech design.
Spider-Man Ps4 - Velocity Suit Gameplay Showcase by Blitzwinger
7. Morrigan Aensland (Darkstalkers)
Her sultry succubus aesthetic (bat‑wing silhouette and heart-shaped cutout) captured attention instantly. Morrigan’s blend of desirable design and shapeshifting wings perfectly personified her seductive yet dangerous charm, which solidified her iconic appeal.
Darkstalkers Resurrection - Morrigan Aensland by Darkstalkers
8. Pac-Man (Pac-Man World Era)
Namco’s redesign gave Pac-Man arms, red shoes, and expressive features to appeal to kids and modern audiences. The friendlier look made the character more relatable while keeping his charisma intact. Enthusiasts welcomed this update as a smart evolution that strikes a balance between marketability and legacy.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac - Full Game 100% Walkthrough by packattack04082
9. Barret Wallace (Final Fantasy VII)
Gamers loved the fan redesign for finally giving Barret’s gun arm the size and realism it deserved. The updated build emphasized his strength and revolutionary spirit with sharper accuracy. It visually enhanced him to reflect the weight of his role in the story.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Barret Wallace by Play Arts Kai Figure Review by The Collector Cave
10. Spider-Man Spirit Spider Suit (Marvel's Spider-Man)
The Spirit Spider Suit, inspired by the Ghost Spider storyline, gave Spider-Man a supernatural edge with a glowing skull and blue flames. Its eerie visuals, unique effects, and distinct animations made it a fan favorite, highlighting the hero’s multiverse roots and comic book legacy.
Spider-Man Ps4 - Spirit Spider Suit Gameplay Showcase by Blitzwinger
Not every redesign hit the mark—the next 10 missed so badly they sparked confusion or a swift return to the drawing board.
1. Dante (DmC: Devil May Cry)
Dante’s 2013 reboot swapped his signature red trench coat and silver hair for a hoodie and black tank top. Most viewed the streetwear-inspired look as generic and uninspired. The backlash was strong enough to push developers back toward his classic design in the sequel.
DmC: Devil May Cry - The Reboot Nobody Asked For by The Cyan Man
2. Joker (Injustice 2)
The shirtless, tattooed version of Joker in Injustice 2 failed to impress. His greasy hair and tattered coat also reminded everyone too much of Jared Leto’s divisive take. Even the theatrical polish that defines Joker was missing.
Injustice 2 - Introducing Joker! by Injustice
3. Ryu (Street Fighter V)
Ryu’s bearded “Hot Ryu” look divided the fanbase. While a few admired the rugged flair, many criticized the bulky redesign as overcompensating and tonally off for the stoic fighter. The sleeveless gi and exaggerated physique clashed with his disciplined, understated persona.
SFV ▰ Daigo Vs #1 Ryu 【Street Fighter V】by Xuses
4. Cole MacGrath (Infamous: Second Son)
What Cole got in Infamous: Second Son was a shift from the grungy parkour rebel to an extremely sanitized and trendy look, which lost the gritty charm fans loved. The hipster aesthetic clashed with his established personality, leading to mixed reactions.
5. Spyro (Skylanders Series)
In Skylanders, Spyro’s redesign ditched his classic charm for exaggerated features and louder colors. The oversized horns and hyperactive expression didn’t sit well with longtime fans. Most missed his original PlayStation look, arguing this version stripped away what made Spyro iconic.
Meet the Skylanders: Series 2 Spyro l Skylanders Giants l Skylanders by SkylandersGame
6. Anna Williams (Tekken 7)
Though some liked Anna’s new look, others felt it made her appear younger at the cost of her fierce mystique. Critics said the style trivialized her identity and made her seem like a rebellious teen rather than a formidable fighter.
Tekken 7 - PS4/XB1/PC - Anna (Season Pass 2 Character Trailer) by BANDAI NAMCO Europe
7. Bomberman (Bomberman: Act Zero)
Bomberman: Act Zero butchered a beloved icon. Gone was the colorful, cartoony charm, replaced by a grim, soulless cyborg clad in rusted armor. Fans were horrified by the edgy, post-apocalyptic aesthetic that stripped away every ounce of personality.
Xbox 360 Longplay [164] Bomberman: Act Zero (US) by World of Longplays
8. Leonardo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan)
The 2016 game gave Leonardo an overly bulky, armor-plated redesign that was excessive and clunky. His exaggerated proportions and odd shell detailing made him look more like a battle mech than a ninja. The redesign stripped away the agile, stealthy essence that defined the Turtles’ appeal.
9. Joker (Mortal Kombat 11)
In Mortal Kombat 11, Joker’s rounder frame and ill-fitting suit made him look like he was wearing a Halloween costume. Fans felt he lacked menace and style. This made the portrayal one of the least memorable. The design was widely seen as a step down.
The Joker Is In A REALLY BAD MOOD! - Mortal Kombat 11: "Joker" Gameplay by Super
10. Chris Redfield (Resident Evil 7)
Chris’s RE7 makeover shocked all—he went from the bulky action hero we knew to a slimmer, almost unrecognizable dude with a new hairstyle. The hyper-realistic graphics made him look more like a different person than the battle-hardened soldier from earlier games.
RESIDENT EVIL 7 NOT A HERO & END OF ZOE All Chris Redfield Scenes by RabidRetrospectGames
