October 24, 2006
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Update 2008: Wander turning into a Colossus
We play so many games that feature a whole host of unique individuals, but for some of them the ability to transform for whatever reason makes for a more memorable experience. Whether it be to gain massive amounts of power, gain a whole new repertoire of special abilities, or just for pure cosmetics (possibly with some humour too), it's always fun to watch the physical changes that occur in some of the most beloved characters in videogame literature. So here are my top 10 picks, and strangely not a Transformer to be seen...
10:Link -> Fierce Deity -- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64)
Majora's Mask may have been the titular all-powerful mask in this game, but for gamers who sought each and every one of the 24 collectible masks, obtaining the Fierce Deity mask was definitely a great bonus. When Young Link puts on this special mask, he transforms into a fighting God! He's taller, stronger and looks damn groovy! One of the greatest bonuses ever sadly dumbed down by the fact you can't legitimately use it outside of boss fights. It's one transformation that I'm sure many fans would like to see again some time in the future...
9:Saiyan -> Super Saiyan -- Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi (PS2)
Although the origins of the Saiyans lie in the manga/anime, there has been such a large variety of DragonBall-based games that you just can't ignore this transformation. When consumed by rage, the Saiyans possess the ability to boost their strength, speed and agility by folds of incredible amounts. They do this by becoming a Super Saiyan, characterised by a golden hairdo, striking blue eyes and a sparkling aura. There are multiple levels of this form, each one requiring more power to initiate and sustain. The prime example of this transformation is of the lead character's (Goku's) change on planet Namek following the death of his best friend Krillin from the evil tyrant Frieza.
8:The Prince -> Sand Wraith -- Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (PS2)
This sure was a twist of events! The Prince, exasperated with the relentlessly, stalking Dahaka, decides to search for the Mask of the Wraith in order to change time yet again and save his own skin. When he dons the said mask, he transforms into the very thing which has been haunting him this whole time; he is now the Sand Wraith! With limitless powers over the Sands of Time he goes about at rapid pace aiming to do what he did before and warn his past self of mistakes to come. Confusing? Yes, but still a great transformation!
7:Phat CJ -> Fat CJ -- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (PS2)
Ahh, who could forget this tongue-in-cheek one? The super mega-hit set in the wide expanse of San Andreas introduced to us the character of CJ, who's physical appearance could be modified by what he eats, how much he exercises and what he wears. I bet there were many of you who like me took this feature for a quick test-drive at the local Burger Shot and fed CJ all the super-combos money could buy. After about 10 or so we would exit the fast-food joint and lo and behold... Cj's gone from phat to fat! Haha, okay so this could never happen in real life in the space of 1 minute, but watching my man here pack on several dozen pounds in one sitting and begging for a change of clothes made me roll over laughing. Talk about extreme makeover; time to get some new threads and then hit the treadmill - Fat to Phat in less than 30s a day!
6:Jin/Kazuya -> Devil -- Tekken 5 (PS2)
The Mishima family is more dysfunctional than all the Simpsons, Family Guy, and Malcolm in the Middle shows put together. Consumed by the need for power, they will do anything to get what they want, including making pacts with the being known as Devil. Kazuya was the first to harness the power of Devil making him an unstoppable force for a period of time. Later his son, Jin, inherited the power of Devil. As witnessed in Tekken 5, Jin was unable to control the Devil within, and subsequently exploded into a raging fury destroying the surrounding forest he hid himself in. I put this at number 5 not just for the storyline aspect, but also cos I loved the Kazuya-Devil tag-team transformation in Tekken Tag PS2; nothing taunts as much as taking the vulnerable timeout to morph while your opponent is on the ropes!
5:Banjo -> Washing Machine -- Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
Banjo the luvable bear, with the aid of the mystical shamam, Mumbo-Jumbo, was able to turn into a wide variety of creatures to help him in his quest to save his sister. But the best one has got to be the mystical boo-boo (via Cheato's code) which had ol' Banjo transform into a mini washing machine! Although he couldn't attack, he was as mobile as ever. Plus I guess on a long journey it helps to always be able to keep your clothes clean right? LOL!
4:Dracula -> A variety of final forms -- Castlevania (NES)
The Dark Lord of the vampires is a man of many transformations. He is probably the most overused final boss ever in a videogame, but each time we meet him, he almost always has some sort of surprise metamorphosis following his initial human appearance. More than likely he transforms into some sort of hulking creature, a giant beast which sends shivers down the spines of any mortal.
3:Magikarp -> Gyarados -- Pokemon Yellow (GB)
Who would have guessed that a pathetic, helpless, flailing fish would evolve into the gigantic monstosity known as Gyarados! A useless pokemon to start with, but when this stupid fish evolves into a powerful sea-dragon at level 20, no-one will be teasing you for initial choice of companion! One of the strongest beasts out of the now 450+ and counting!
2:Raiden? -> Naked Snake! -- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)
Who said they loved MGS2? I did! And so I was shocked to see that I was playing as Raiden?! After jumping plane and landing in the middle of a dense, inhospitable jungle, we see our main protagonist as he stands up erect and pulls off his face mask, revealing the wide grin of the one and only Snake! Yes! We are playing as the main man of the series after all! Whoa there Kojima, you're one cunning director!
1:Ganondorf -> Ganon -- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
After defeating the almighty leader of the Gerudos (rather easily I might add), everyone knew there would be some sort of 2nd form. After escaping the crumbling castle, you meet your final match as Ganondorf transforms into the giant beast Ganon! It is one of those moments that will leave you in awe as you come face to face with a more dangerous adversary wielding dual blades of chaos. The whole scene is my most memorable in my entire videogaming history. The atmosphere was incredible in 1998, and it still is in 2006. Awesome stuff.
And there's a fine list of transformations if I may say so myself. As always, there are plenty of others which are incredible spectacles as well, but alas I could only pick 10, and these are the 10 that stay in my mind and the 10 that you should check out if you haven't already done so. I missed a few other personal faves such as Super Sonic, Tak's crazy suits, a mother-load of RPG final-boss types and or course the Transformers (which have their own decent game finally!) Gimme more. I'm a sucker for fancy change :)
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