Top 10 Hidden Characters in Video Games

You can play as who?! Welcome to WatchMojo and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Playable Hidden Characters in Video Games.
For this list, we’ll be going over the hidden characters from video games that are not hidden bosses you can battle against, but rather are either obtainable or playable.

“Super Mario Galaxy” (2007)
Forever the “player 2” to Mario’s “player 1,” Luigi typically isn’t the focus of most main games in the long-running series, particularly the 3D entries. “Super Mario Galaxy” features the green-clad brother, usually needing rescuing from Mario. However, if the player gets the first 120 stars and then defeats Bowser, the game is replayable, but with the option of playing as Luigi instead. The nervous plumber has several differences from his brother, including higher jumps and a faster running speed. He still has to rescue himself, though. We’re not sure how that works…

“Resident Evil 2” (1998/2019)
The “Resident Evil” franchise is usually pretty serious, barring the occasional Easter Egg or infamously goofy dubbing. But it’s also home to one of the strangest hidden characters ever! By getting an A rank on any of the scenarios in the main game six times, players unlock “The Tofu Survivor,” a mini game where players control a giant piece of animate tofu as they attempt to reach an escape helicopter. Playing as a walking piece of food fighting off zombies with only a knife, is something that has to be seen to be believed! This mode returns in the 2019 remake, but this time there are multiple iterations of Tofu, each with different loadouts. Though this time he also has heavy metal music, so rock out!

“The Wonderful 101” (2014)
You wouldn’t think that one of the most hypersexualized characters could have made it into a Saturday Morning Cartoon-esque game like the Wonderful 101, yet here we are. And to think, people were surprised when she made it into Super Smash Bros. Appearing as “Wonder-Bayonetta” complete with her signature pistols: Scarborough Fair, she is unlocked by way of a cheat code after beating the main game (or by completing all the achievements). Unlocking her, also unlocks her closest allies Jeanne and Rodin since the game isn’t designed to be a one hero show.

“Viewtiful Joe” (2003)
Besides its titular star, the “Viewtiful Joe” series has a number of playable characters that can be unlocked. However, most of them are original creations. One exception is Dante from the “Devil May Cry” series. Just like Bayonetta from the previous entry, his inclusion is likely down to both franchises being created by Hideki Kamiya. He’s certainly theatrical enough to fit right in with Joe and company. In order to play as Dante, you simply need to complete “Viewtiful Joe” once, with the catch being that he only appears in the PlayStation 2 version of the game.

“Final Fantasy Tactics” (1997)
As the protagonist of “Final Fantasy VII,” arguably the most popular game in this increasingly inaccurately named franchise, Cloud Strife has appeared in plenty of other games, but we’d argue one of his best is in this tactical RPG. Through a very involved sidequest, the player is able to summon Cloud as a playable character, although he’s suffering from amnesia (how unusual for him!). While vastly underdeveloped compared to the rest of your party by the point you can get him, his limit breaks are no joke. So, it can be worth it to spend some time catching him up.

“Need For Speed 2” (1997)
The second entry in this well renowned for being able to race well, any asset in the game as a car. From an outhouse, to a ...umm ... concession stand, and a ... a log? Yeah these choices make no sense, which is all the more reason that a frigging Tyrannosaurus Rex tops our choices. Mind you his legs don’t animate, which makes him look more like a Thanksgiving Day Parade Float, but how many racing games out there let you play as the king of the dinosaurs?

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” (2000)
This seminal skating game franchise has featured some truly “amazing” hidden characters, but our pick has to go to Spider-Man. The wallcrawler is unlocked by getting 100% in Career Mode using a player-created character. Spidey’s natural acrobatics lend well to skating and he has plenty of unique tricks, several of which utilize his webs, making for one of the most fun skaters to play as in the series. Also, on a related note, if Spider-Man does do whatever a spider can, does that mean that spiders can be pro skaters too?

“Diddy Kong Racing” (1997)
“Diddy Kong Racing” is a wonderfully charming and fun kart racer filled with colorful animal characters. However, it takes some doing to unlock them all. Arguably the most memorable is Drumstick, a rooster. Considered one of the best racers on the island the game takes place on, Drumstick challenged the villain, Wizpig, and was changed into a frog when he lost. To unlock Drumstick, the player must have at least 39 Gold Balloons and 4 Gold Trophies. Then, the rooster-turned-frog will appear near the waterfall. To change him back, you need to run him over! With Drumstick restored, you’ll have access to one of the faster characters and can give the rooster racer an opportunity for a rematch.

“Super Smash Bros. Melee” (2001)
Although unlockable characters are a staple in “Super Smash Bros.” games, arguably the most iconic character to be unlockable was Mr. Game & Watch in the series’ second installment. Unlocking him was quite the time commitment, as it required players to beat either Classic or Adventure mode, or Target Test with all 24 characters. However that also meant you had to unlock all previous 10 hidden characters first before you could get to this monochromatic fighter. Based off Nintendo’s first ever set of handheld consoles by the late Gunpei Yokoi, his 1 frame per second animation is a tribute to those early days of gaming.

“Chrono Trigger” (1995)
RPGs frequently feature characters that can only be recruited under certain circumstances. One of the more well-hidden and awesome ones is Magus from “Chrono Trigger.” Initially a major antagonist in the game, Magus makes for an incredibly intimidating foe (just listen to that boss theme), but an even greater ally. To get him to join your party, you must first find him in 12,000 BC after the fall of Zeal. Although it’s tempting to fight him, after he mocks you and for the grudge Frog has against him, if you decline to battle, he’ll join you. Unless you had this knowledge beforehand, it was very easy to miss getting him in your party.