There once was a time where you played through a story or arcade mode to unlock a new character in the game. All your hard work and effort through CPU matches, bonus stages, and beating the seemly invincible and unfair boss battle (Shao Khan comes to mind) finally paid off.

Now DLC characters are the new norm in fighting games with a lot of gamers utterly disappointed if their favorite fighter did not reach the final roster list. Whether it be season passes, pre-order bonuses, or free downloadable content, new characters are added on a monthly bases tugging at players’ wallets whether to wait or commit to seemly a mystery that they may or may not like. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the awesome and confusing, “Why choose that character?” DLC additions in fighting games.

10 Awesome: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Injustice 2)

The memories of Saturday morning cartoons and cheesy yet awesome movies of the ’90s are in full Cowabunga mode with this addition to Injustice 2. Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michaelangelo had a lot of players oozing in amazement of their reveal in the Kombat Pack 3.

All four characters were playable, which led to a lot of different variations and combos players can practice and utilize. This was also a treat for comic fans who check out the issues of IDW and DC Comics crossover of Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

9 No One Asked For: Byleth (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)

For the Smash Bros fans reading this, you already knew this was coming. The reveal of Byleth for the last character of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Fighters Pass 1 was mostly disappointing and upsetting for a lot of players (unless you’re a Fire Emblem: Three Houses fan). The main reason being the fact that Nintendo added yet another Fire Emblem character to the roster which rounded the total of EIGHT from the series.

Many were generally confused given the fact that Sakurai intended on bringing characters from other series that haven’t appeared in the world of Smash. Byleth his/herself was not a bad addition, boasting a meaty arsenal of weaponry – including a sword whip that would make the Belmonts blush in envy.

8 Awesome: Banjo and Kazooie (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)

Nintendo tugged on the heartstrings of many gamers from the Nintendo 64 Rare era with the addition of Banjo & Kazooie. A classic and beloved Rare property, seeing the golden puzzle piece at the beginning of the reveal trailer put a lot of smiles on a lot of players’ faces.

Banjo & Kazooie sprung into action by utilizing various special moves from the series like Egg Firing, Wonderwing, Shock Spring Jump, and Rear Egg. Many are hoping this is just the beginning of Banjo returning to Nintendo consoles – one can dream.

7 No One Asked For: Negan (Tekken 7)

“Little pig, little pig, let me in.” Many fans of the TV series The Walking Dead will never forget that moment Negan burst onto the scene. Jeffery Dean Morgan’s character is as menacing and intimidating as ever in the popular 3D fighter, Tekken 7.

The problem is with Negan is “fitting in” in the world of Tekken, where many would likely see a character of his stature featuring in the more bloody and gory realm of the Mortal Kombat series. The cooler details in this bizarre addition are Negan’s witty one-liners and his Rage Art reminding us of the cliffhanger ending in season 6 of The Walking Dead.

6 Awesome: Akuma (Tekken 7)

After dismantling the entire Street Fighter roster for decades, Akuma took his talents to the Iron Fist Tournament. Tekken 7 players welcomed the Raging Demon to the robust and diverse roster of fighters. Many of his signature moves such as the Gohadoken, Goshoryuken, and Tatsumaki Zankukyaku transitioned nicely into the 3D arena.

Akuma also received an ex meter gauge that allows for special moves to be boosted. Of course, his Rage Art is the infamous Wrath of the Raging Demon, which is topped off with his signature highlight screen and winning pose. Maybe this will spark the development of the forgotten Tekken X Street Fighter?

5 No One Asked For: Raiden (Injustice 2)

Many fans have established that Netherealm Studios is the go-to fighter for anyone that loves fighting as Superman or finishing their opponents in a gruesome manner, as in Mortal Kombat. Sometimes you will see characters from both worlds steal a character to utilize in their game. We’ve seen Scorpion in the first Injustice and it was inevitable to see another MK character appear in the sequel, which we did – in the form of Sub-Zero.

However, Sub-Zero was not the only kombatant making his presence known in Injustice 2. Netherealm added Raiden as well. Many players wished that slot was reserved for a more fitting DC character.

4 Awesome: Gill (Street Fighter V)

The Cyrokinesis/Pryokinesis elemental hybrid god is a recent addition to Street Fighter V. For many players, it has been a long-overdue return for the deity of the new world. Gill appeared in Street Fighter III, arguably the best series in the franchise, where he was the final boss and main antagonist.

Gill retains most of his moveset from III as well as a few V-Triggers for each of his elemental powers: Primal Fire and Ice of Doom. Now you can finally stop pretending to be Gill with Urien’s Halloween costume.

3 No One Asked For: Tremor (Mortal Kombat X)

There are many ninjas to grace the Mortal Kombat franchise, but Tremor is one ninja that hasn’t received the limelight like the rest of his counterparts, likely because his primary appearance was in the unnoticed PS1 game Mortal Kombat Special Forces. This doesn’t make Tremor a bad addition, it’s just many players would expect a Rain, Smoke, or Noob Saibot for his spot instead. Tremor brought his earthbending skills to the forefront, utilizing unique variations such as Aftershock, Crystalline, and Metallic. He is at least interesting, to say the least.

2 Awesome: Cloud Strife (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS)

Cloud was a great addition to Super Smash Bros, with many JRPG fans and Smash fans being incredibly stoked to bring his trusty Buster Blade from one genre platform to another.

Cloud boasted an array of moves that was an homage to his gameplay in VII. This included Blade Beam, Cross Slash, Climhazzard, and of course, Omnislash. Not to mention that well-utilized nod to the Limit Break mechanic!

1 No One Asked For: Megaman (Street Fighter X Tekken)

Many gamers love and praise Mega Man (Rockman in Japan). He’s a gaming icon with roots in the most amazing classic platform games to ever grace the older generation of consoles. Many fans are familiar with the various versions of the “Blue Bomber” from the regular classic version, Megaman X, Starforce, and many more. However, many gamers were not prepared for… well, the version we ended up receiving.

The version of Mega Man for Street Fighter X Tekken was a bizarre addition to the roster, looking more like a retired late 40’s man that wants to try one more time to relive the glory days in his overly stretched Halloween costume than the hero we know and love. Luckily for us, he was free DLC (Playstation 3/Vita players only) along with Pac-Man. Aren’t we are all glad Nintendo did not make the same mistake with their Smash Bros. design?

NEXT: 10 Popular Fighting Games You Never Knew Existed