10 Video Game Character Redesigns The Fans Actually Liked
4. Raiden
As you might expect from a Metal Gear game, Raiden’s redesign was cranked up to the extreme.
Initially, when the character debuted in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty, he was a bit of a drip. The lithe character model, pale skin and thin white hair was a big change from the badass characters the franchise was known for, and his replacing of Snake as the protagonist was hugely controversial.
Knowing Kojima’s style, many thought it might even be a joke at the players’ collective expense.
The game itself however was massively popular, full of typically rich themes, and despite Raiden’s initial unpopularity, he became somewhat of a cult figure.
He then returned as a supporting character in Metal Gear Solid 4, but it was in spin off hack and slash game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance where he was truly redeemed.
Any perceived physical weakness had gone the journey; this new Raiden had a psycho killer look to him.
The body suit was more defined, yes, but it also had more of a heavy metal edge, moving away from his emo look. His hair was now tough, bristly spines, and his soft, androgynous expression turned into one much harder and spikier.