Guest Characters - NOW, FIGHT A NEW RIVAL!

TRUE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TRIVIA - I thought I could get away with not having captions on this page. A Twitter follower spotted their absence right away. LOOKS LIKE I'M RESIGNED TO MY DESTINY (jus' kiddin', we've put these here just for you lovely readers <3)

Gaming Things We Think Are Cool!! - Games that have 'special appearances' from other game characters.

That's what this page is about.

Rules for inclusion on this page:
#1 - Only cases where the guest character is either a playable character, or an enemy, boss or interactable opponent, count. No straight-up cameos, such as background appearances, costumes, as shopkeepers, quest-givers, etc..
#2 - They must be from separate series- Ryo Sakazaki in Fatal Fury Special counts, for instance, but Hibachi in DoDonPachi Resurrection doesn't.
However, it's OK if they're in the same story continuity but originate from different series (like Street Fighter and Final Fight).
#3 - Games that are crossover games to begin with (Fighters Megamix, Super Smash Bros, etc.) don't count, unless the crossover game is between one particular company or series and other companies / series are represented, such as guests in Smash Bros., Cole in Street Fighter x Tekken, and so on.
#4 - NO MOBILE GAMES. No exceptions.
#5 - Ultimately... I make the final say on whether it ends up on this page or not. Please understand.

Rules for page presentation::
#1 - English titles first, Japanese titles second.
#2 - Presented in chronological order, except when dealing with a series (i.e. Oneechabara / Aero Fighters)
We'll run through all remaining titles in that series, then go back to year order.
#3 - We'll only be listing initial / relevant release platforms and years, for space concerns.
#4 - We've divided things into 1980-1994, 1995-1996 (this page), 1997-1999, 2000-2009 and 2010-Present.
Click the links to skip around!

X-Men: Children of the Atom
(Arcade / Saturn / Playstation / PC, 1994, Capcom)

Man, this code is a pain in the ass to get right. I flat-out can't do it on the Saturn version.

Man, this code is a pain in the ass to get right. I flat-out can't do it on the Saturn version.

'AKUMA IS SHOCKED TO FIND HE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE IN THIS GAME. PARDON ME, MISS. I MUST BE GOING. GOTTA SNAP BISON'S NECK SO SOME POOR GUILE PLAYER CAN GET HIS ASS KICKED PERSONALLY. SEE YA.'

Akuma / Gouki
from Super Street Fighter II Turbo / Super Street Fighter II X - Grand Master Challenge - Arcade, 1994, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
To fight against Akuma / Gouki in 1-Player Mode, use Manual Block, win every match without continuing or losing a round, land the First Attack in every round, and end every match with your Hyper X attack- it must connect, and you must get the maximum number of hits from it at least once. If successful, Akuma / Gouki will challenge you before Juggernaut. [Source]
To play as Akuma / Gouki as Player 1, on the Character Select screen, move the cursor to Spiral and wait for three seconds. Then, press Left, Left, Left, Left, Right, Up, Right, Right, Down (you should end on Silver Samurai). Wait three seconds on Silver Samurai, then press and hold Light Kick, Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick. Akuma / Gouki will be selected for you.
To play as Akuma / Gouki as Player 2, on the Character Select screen, move the cursor to Storm and wait for three seconds. Then, press Right, Down, Left, Left, Left, Left, Down, Right, Right (you should end on Spiral). Wait three seconds on Spiral, then press and hold Light Kick, Heavy Punch and Heavy Kick. Akuma / Gouki will be selected for you. [Source]
All these codes should work in the home versions too.

Marvel Super Heroes
(Arcade / Saturn / Playstation / Xbox 360 / Playstation 3, 1995, Capcom)

ANITA, DESTROYER OF WORLDS

'Coochy-coochy-coo? Who's a ticklish Juggernaut? CAIN MARKO is, yes he is!'

Anita
from Night Warriors - Darkstalker's Revenge / Vampire Hunter - Arcade, 1995, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
Japanese arcade revisions only!
In the arcade version, have the machine set to Free Play. On the 'Virtual Audio' Q Sound screen, hold down the 1P Coin Switch (this would be the Insert Coin button in MAME and other emulators) and press start to go to the Character Select screen, then press Medium Punch, Light Punch, Left, Light Kick, Medium Kick [Source] [Source]
If you're doing this code in MAME, before you start go to the game's properties and make sure that 'Coin lockout' in either Miscellaneous or Input Options is unchecked, otherwise this won't work. [Source]
You'll select Spider-Man, but once a match starts, Anita will break out of the TV screen instead.
In-game, Anita uses Thanos' name image, pre-fight profile pic and win image / quotes. Her attacks also summon Donavan's Dhylec sword, Lei-Lei from Darkstalkers and Akuma / Gouki from Street Fighter.

In the Japanese Saturn and Playstation versions, first beat the game, unlock Dr. Doom (on the Character Select screen press Up twice, holding it on the second press, then press Light Kick, Medium Kick and Heavy Kick one by one, holding each one down as you press it) and Thanos (on the Character Select screen press Down twice, holding it on the second press, then press Heavy Punch, Medium Punch and Light Punch one by one, holding each one down as you press it), then on the Character Select screen press Up, Right, Down, Left, Up, Right, Down, Left, then hold Up and press Light Punch, Medium Punch and Heavy Punch one by one, holding each one down as you press it. For all these codes, do not move from where you start before entering the code or it won't work! [Source]
After doing this for the first time, save your game data and Anita, alongside Dr. Doom and Thanos, will be available from the Short Cut menu.
In both versions, Anita has her own pre-battle profile picture (as seen above on the left, from the Saturn port- this art is loosely based on this piece by CRMK, used in the jacket for the drama CD Vampire Hunter Legend: Donovan, The Fated Traveller- thanks to HokutoNoShock for finding that for us) but only the Playstation version actually puts her name below her life-bar (as seen above on the right). She still has Thanos' win-screen and quotes.

In the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 ports as part of Marvel Vs. Capcom: Origins, Anita is a character you can unlock by using 150 Vault Points, and is then selectable by pressing Back (360) / Select (PS3) on the character select screen. She even has her own moves list and hints and tips! These ports also confirm Anita was intended to be a test character. As this port is based strictly on the arcade version, she doesn't have her own pre-battle profile picture.

Atari Karts
(Jaguar, 1995, Miracle Designs)

Bentley Bear
from Crystal Castles - Arcade, 1983, Atari

How to Unlock / Notes:
Bentley Bear is available from the start.
(Screenshots from Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration)

Space Invaders '95: The Attack of Lunar Loonies
Akkanvader
(Arcade, 1995, Taito)

'SUP SAYO HOW YOU DOIN' uh hello bonnie you're not really a guest character but it's cool i guess

'SUP SAYO HOW YOU DOIN' uh hello bonnie you're not really a guest character but it's cool i guess

LOOK AT GOOD TAITO-PROUDING FIGHTING PLANE!

Sayo & Silver Hawk
from Kiki Kaikai (Sayo) - Arcade, 1986, Taito
& Darius (Silver Hawk) - Arcade, 1986, Taito

How to Unlock / Notes:
Sayo (Player 1 side) and Silver Hawks I & II (Player 1 and 2 sides) are playable from the start.
Sayo is partnered with a new character, Miyo, who has never appeared before or since.
Silver Hawk I & II are not piloted by Proco & Tiat, but two new characters, Bonnie & Cride

Zero Divide 1 & 2
(Playstation, 1995 / 1998, ZOOM)

IS IT A CAT?

NECO
ZOOM's mascot, as first seen in Genocide - X68000, 1989, ZOOM

How to Unlock / Notes:
Zero Divide:
Beat the game as all eight characters to unlock XTAL, then beat the game as XTAL without using a continue. On the Character Select screen, hold L1, L2, R1 and R2 together, then press Select, then Start. [Source]
Zero Divide 2: The Secret Wish:
Beat the game once on any setting to unlock Eve and Nox, then beat the game as Eve to unlock NECO and MODOKI. [Source]
(Screenshots here come from Zero Divide 2: The Secret Wish, mostly because we're lazy and it took way less time to do it this way. If you really want to see NECO in the first, here's a Nico video, knock yourself out.)

Street Fighter Alpha: Warrior's Dreams
Street Fighter Zero
(Arcade / Playstation / Saturn, 1995, Capcom)

I originally wasn't going to include the Final Fight characters in Street Fighter Alpha on this page because I figured they were both in the same universe, so...

I originally wasn't going to include the Final Fight characters in Street Fighter Alpha on this page because I figured they were both in the same universe, so...

BUT THEN, I considered the possiblity that since it's never really explicitly stated that they're from Final Fight, you could miss it. I mean ~I~ didn't know they were from Final Fight when I first played them! So it might surprise someone. And if it does, I have done my job.

Guy and Sodom
from Final Fight - Arcade, 1989, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
Guy and Sodom are available from the start.
Guy's stage theme song is a remix of Slum Alleyway, the Round 1 theme from Final Fight, and his ending uses another remix of it.
Sodom's stage theme song is a remix that combines Trashcan Strasher and Slim Subway Smash from Final Fight, and his ending uses a remix of Tool-Grabbing, the continue screen music from Final Fight
Guy also appears as a playable character in future games in the series- Alpha 2, Alpha 3, Super Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Sodom also appears as a playable character in future games in the series- Alpha 2, Alpha 3. Amusingly, he retains his US / EU SNES Final Fight name, Katana, in the US / EU versions of Street Fighter Alpha 2 for the SNES!

Street Fighter Alpha 2
Street Fighter Zero 2
(Arcade / Playstation / Saturn / SNES, 1996, Capcom)

GO HOME, ROLENTO, YOU ARE A REALLY ANNOYING BOSS

Haggar is so happy, so contented in this background. It's a rare sight, for sure.

Rolento
from Final Fight - Arcade, 1989, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
Rolento is available from the start.
His stage theme song is a remix of Something Putrid by the Bay, the Round 5 theme from Final Fight.
He also appears as a playable character in future games in the series- Alpha 3, Ultra Street Fighter IV.

Street Fighter Alpha 3
Street Fighter Zero 3
(Arcade / Playstation / Saturn / Game Boy Advance / PSP, 1998, Capcom)

WEIRD FACTS ABOUT MYSELF: I only play as Cody in Final Fight if I'm forced to.

So basically, that means I never pick Cody.

WEIRD FACTS ABOUT MYSELF: I only play as Cody in Final Fight if I'm forced to.

So basically, that means I never pick Cody.

AND YET I'm kinda good as him in Super Street Fighter IV?!
I think the Nobody Picks Cody* rule only applies if Haggar is present.

* Strong but Slow. Fast but Weak. Nobody picks Cody. Unless you do. And if you do, great!

Cody
from Final Fight - Arcade, 1989, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
Cody is available from the start.
He also appears as a playable character in future games in the series- Super Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV, Street Fighter V.

ALL THE SPRITES ARE SMALL

Maki
from Final Fight 2 - SNES, 1993, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
Portable (Game Boy Advance & PSP) versions only!
In the Game Boy Advance version- where the screenshots above are taken- beat Arcade Mode on Difficulty Level 2 (JP) or 4 (US/EU) 7 times with 7 different characters to unlock her or, on the title screen, press Left, Right, Down, Right, L, L, A, L, L, B, R, A and Up which unlocks all other characters, [Source]
In the Playstation Portable version, Maki is available from the start.
She is based on the version of Maki that appeared in Capcom Vs. SNK 2.

the aesthetic style for street fighter alpha 3 max's character select screen is 'a very small, scrowded room'.

the aesthetic style for street fighter alpha 3 max's character select screen is 'a very small, scrowded room'.

Ingrid
from Capcom Fighting Evolution / Capcom Fighting Jam - Arcade, 2004, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
PSP version only!
Ingrid is available from the start.
We ummed and ahhed about including Ingrid here, but we figured she wasn't really a Street Fighter character- first scheduled to appear in the crossover game Capcom Fighting All-StarsL Code-Holder, then dumped into Capcom Fighting Evolution / Jam after All-Stars was cancelled- so she's technically an orphaned guest character, having no real game to call her own.

Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors
(Neo Geo / Playstation / Saturn, 1995, Sunsoft)

no seriously this is the rabbit from trip world

Yacopu
from Trip World - Game Boy, 1991, Sunsoft

How to Unlock / Notes:
Yacopu is an unplayable sub-boss in the Neo Geo MVS arcade, Neo Geo AES home console, Neo Geo CD and Playstation 2 versions.
In the Saturn port, highlight Vs. Mode then press and hold L, R and Y on both controllers. While holding those six button down, press Start on Controller 1. This will unlock Bonus-kun, Rouwe, Felden and Yacopu to play as (as shown on the left, screenshot from this port). [Source]
In the Playstation port, beat the 1P Mode with every character then hold down L1, R1, L2, R2, Triangle and Up and select 1P Game to unlock all the boss characters, as listed above. [Source]
When fought as a boss, Yacopu will start the first match much like he is in Trip World, with basic kicking attacks- in the second round, he will morph into his opponent. This doesn't happen when playing as him in the Saturn and Playstation ports, it's a special move instead.

Waku Waku 7
(Neo Geo / Saturn, 1996, Sunsoft)

you think sandbag from smash bros. is the world's strongest punching bag?

Bonus-kun
from Galaxy Fight: Universal Warriors - Neo Geo, 1995, Sunsoft

How to Unlock / Notes:
Bonus-kun is an unplayable sub-boss in the Neo Geo MVS arcade and Playstation 2 versions.
In the Neo Geo AES home console and Saturn ports, having a second player enter the game will add both Bonus-kun and the final boss Fernandez (Fernandeath in Japan) to the character select screen.

Puzzle Bobble 3
(Arcade / Playstation / Saturn / N64 / Game Boy, 1996, Taito)

THREE PUNCHES IS ALL I NEED

I love his worried animation. It's like he's trying to reason with the player. 'Listen, pal, I don't like this situation any more than you do, but c'mon, help me outta this, will ya?'

Sonic Blast Man
from Sonic Blast Man - Arcade, 1990, Taito

How to Unlock / Notes:
Sonic Blast Man is available from the start.
Certain home ports (and Bust-a-Move/Puzzle Bobble Millennium) call him SSB instead.

Alpine Racer 2
(Arcade, 1996, Namco)

Dr. Don & Dr. Dan
from Point Blank / GunBullet - Arcade, 1994, Namco

How to Unlock / Notes:
When you insert a coin, hold either Left or Right before pressing Start. On the Character Select screen, press Left twice then press Start. [Source]
It's tough to see, but the text on the bottom of their skis read 'SUPER OYAJI DON & DAN' and the one facing the screen changes every time you have a bad crash and tumble over.

Rival Schools - United by Fate
Shiritsu Justice Gakuen - Legion of Heroes
(Arcade / Playstation, 1996, Capcom)

Seriously, I have a Street Fighter canon guide- a behemoth text file downloaded from Ye Olde Internet- and I had to check it regarding RS's canonicity with reference to Street Fighter. I HAD TO KNOW.

Seriously, I have a Street Fighter canon guide- a behemoth text file downloaded from Ye Olde Internet- and I had to check it regarding RS's canonicity with reference to Street Fighter. I HAD TO KNOW.

Sakura Kasugano
from Street Fighter Alpha 2 - Arcade, 1995, Capcom

How to Unlock / Notes:
In the arcade version, either hold Start as you begin the game after the machine has been operating for four weeks and move the selection cursor up or down until it's off the grid, or enter Test Mode, go to Sound & Voice, then using Player 2's controls, press Up, Up, Down, Down, LK, HP. This unlocks Hyo and Raizo. Next, in Test Mode, go to Input, then using Player 2's controls, press Up, Up, Down, Down, then switch to the Player 1 controls and press LK, HP. Hold Start as you start the game, and Sakura will be selectable. [Source]
In the PS1 port, Sakura is available from the start.

Sonic 3D Blast
Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island
(Mega Drive / Saturn / PC, 1996, Traveller's Tales)

birbs

Flicky
from Flicky - Arcade, 1984, Sega

How to Encounter / Notes:
Flickies (both the normal blue and new purple, red and green varieties) have appeared in Sonic games before, but this is the one and only time they serve as an instrumental game mechanic- you have to rescue them from Badniks to progress in the game, and they will follow Sonic like the Chirps in the original Flicky.

Sengoku Blade: Sengoku Ace Episode II
(Saturn, 1996, Psikyo)

Marion
from Gunbird - Arcade, 1994, Psikyo

How to Unlock / Notes:
Saturn version only!
Beat the game once on any difficulty with every character (this includes Ayin- go to the Random icon and press Up, Up, Up, Down, Down, Down, Up, Up, Up, Up, Up, Up, Up to select him). This cannot be done in two-player mode! One-player only! Once every character has a checkmark on their icon, highlight the ? on the Character Select screen and press Up to select Marion (press Up twice to select Ayin again). [Source]

Marion is not in the later Playstation 2 (as part of Psikyo Shooting Collection Vol. 2: Sengoku Ace & Sengoku Blade) Switch (as part of Psikyo Shooting Bravo) or Steam ports as these are based on the arcade game and not the Saturn version.

Suiko Enbu - Outlaws of the Lost Dynasty / Suiko Enbu: Fuuun Saiki
(Playstation / Saturn, 1996, Data East)

WHY IS EVERYONE SHOUTING

sorry, no screenshot of TIGERBAZOOKAATTACK for ya this time, champ.

Makoto Mizoguchi and Liu Yungmie
from Fighter's History (Mizoguchi) - Arcade, 1993, Data East
& Karnov's Revenge / Fighter's History Dynamite (Yungmie) - Neo Geo, 1994, Data East

How to Unlock / Notes:
Playstation / Saturn version only!
In the Playstation version- titled Suiko Enbu - Outlaws of the Lost Dynasty and only released in Japan- on the title screen for Special Mode press Up, Down, Left, Right, Down, Up, Right, Left, L2 and R2 to unlock Mizoguchi in 2-Player Mode. [Source]
In the updated Saturn version- titled Suiko Enbu: Fuuun Saiki, also only released in Japan- Mizoguchi and Yungmie are available from the start and can be played in both Arcade and 2-Player Vs. Mode (this is where the screenshots above come from).
This is unconfirmed but it would appear Mizoguchi cannot be unlocked in the US Saturn version- titled Dark Legend- as no code can be found, and trying to put the Playstation version's code doesn't work.

Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium
(SNES, 1996, Human)
LET'S WRASSLE

Daijiro Zama, Eric Starback, Baron Firebird, John Bantline Saigo, Wolf McSchnider, Ho Yin-Long, Jailbreaker Bulloni, Hayate and Hizelshustat Von Ludwig
from Blazing Tornado / Fire Pro Gaiden: Blazing Tornado - Arcade / Saturn, 1994 / 1995, Human

How to Unlock / Notes:
Clear World Championship Mode and save the game, then clear the Neo Heroic Belt in Title Match with the same wrestler you cleared World Championship with. This will unlock all these characters.
Please note these screenshots come from an earlier fan translation of the game, so they are using slightly different names- the ones shown in text on this page are the correct names.
(Screenshots and information provided by Jake- thanks!)

Dead or Alive
(Arcade / Playstation / Saturn, 1996, Team NINJA / Tecmo)

Ryu Hayabusa
from Ninja Gaiden / Ninja Ryukenden - Arcade, 1988, Tecmo

How to Unlock / Notes:
Ryu is available from the start.
He also appears as a playable character in... Er... Pretty much every other Dead or Alive game outside the spin-offs. I'm not listing them all.

Dead or Alive 4
(Xbox 360, 2005, Team NINJA / Tecmo)

SPARTAN-458
based on the Spartans from Halo: Combat Evolved - Xbox / PC, 2001, Bungie

How to Unlock / Notes:
Complete the Story Mode with all 16 characters to unlock Helena, then complete Story Mode with Helena.
Her home stage, unlocked at the same time, is Nassau Station.
Additionally, if SPARTAN-458 is present on the Gambler's Paradise stage with Danger Zones switched on, a new vehicle will be added to the set that can run you over- a Warthog, also from the Halo series. [Source]
Also known as Nicole, SPARTAN-458 is not based on any particular Spartan from the Halo series, but while her appearance in Dead or Alive 4 is not considered canon, she is canon in the Halo universe!
As she could not appear in future Dead or Alive games, Rachel's fighting style (as she appears in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate) is loosely based on the one used by SPARTAN-458. [Source]

Dead or Alive Paradise
(PSP, 2010, Project Venus / Koei Tecmo)

Rio Rollins Tachibana
from Super Black Jack - Arcade, 2003, Tecmo

How to Unlock / Notes:
Receive the Zack's Challenge item in the hotel, then go to the Casino, challenge Rio to Blackjack, and win with 1 Blackjack. [Source] [Screen Source]
Initially appearing in Super Black Jack, Rio would later star in her own pachislot machines (simulations of which were ported to the Playstation 2 as Rakushou! Pachi-Slot Sengen 5: Rio Paradise and Rakushou! Pachi-Slot Sengen 6: Rio 2 Cruising Vanadis [Source].
She would also get a starring role in her own anime, Rio: Rainbow Gate! [Source]

Dead or Alive 5
(Playstation 3 / Xbox 360 / Playstation Vita, 2012, Team NINJA / Koei Tecmo)

Akira Yuki
from Virtua Fighter - Arcade, 1993, Sega AM2

How to Unlock / Notes:
Defeat him in Chapter 15 - 10 Years in Story Mode.
Alternatively, in the patched version, fight in 25 online ranked matches. [Source]

Sarah Bryant
from Virtua Fighter - Arcade, 1993, Sega AM2

How to Unlock / Notes:
Defeat her in Chapter 20 - A Rival Appears in Story Mode.
Alternatively, in the patched version, fight in 75 online ranked matches. [Source]

Pai Chan
from Virtua Fighter - Arcade, 1993, Sega AM2

How to Unlock / Notes:
Unlock 100 titles.
Alternatively, in the patched version, fight in 150 online ranked matches. [Source]

Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate
(Playstation 3 / Xbox 360 / Arcade, 2013, Team NINJA / Koei Tecmo)

Jacky Bryant
from Virtua Fighter (Jacky) - Arcade, 1993, Sega AM2

How to Unlock / Notes:
Jacky is available from the start, as are the three Virtua Fighter characters from the previous version.

Rachel
from Ninja Gaiden - Xbox, 2004, Team NINJA / Tecmo

How to Unlock / Notes:
Rachel is available from the start.

Momijil
from Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword - Nintendo DS, 2008, Team NINJA / Tecmo

How to Unlock / Notes:
Momiji is available from the start.

Dead or Alive 5 Last Round
(Windows / Playstation 3 / Playstation 4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox One, 2015, Team NINJA / Koei Tecmo)

Naotora Ii
from Samurai Warriors Chronicles - Nintendo 3DS, 2011, Omega Force

How to Unlock / Notes:
DLC charactes, purchasable, added in March 2016.

Mai Shiranui
from Fatal Fury 2 / Garou Densetsu 2 - Neo Geo, 1992, SNK

How to Unlock / Notes:
DLC character, purchasable, added in September 2018.
To go alongside with Mai, a pack of costumes based on Hinako Shijo (for Marie-Rose and Honoka), Yuri Sakazaki (for Ayane and Hitomi) and Kasumi Todoh (for Kasumi and Momiji) was added.
Mai was later delisted in August 2019 for this game and is no longer available to purchase.
She is, however, still available as a DLC character in Dead or Alive 6.

Dead or Alive 6
(Windows / Playstation 4 / Xbox One, 2019, Team NINJA / Koei Tecmo)

Kula Diamond
from The King of Fighters 2000 - Neo Geo, 2000, SNK

How to Unlock / Notes:
DLC character, purchasable, added in July 2019 alongside Mai Shiranui.

Battle Arena Toshinden
(Playstation / PC, 1996, Tamsoft / Digital Dialect)

Earthworm Jim
from Earthworm Jim - Mega Drive, 1994, Shiny Entertainment

How to Unlock / Notes:
PC version only!
On the title screen, type gimmejim. He can be selected by moving the selection cursor left from Eiji.[Source]
He carries a club and has the exact same moves as Rungo Iron, but his stage has the Andy Asteroids? theme from his own game, and he also has his own voice clips. He was included in this version as it was published by Playmates, who also published the Earthworm Jim games in the US.

Battle Garegga
(Arcade / Saturn, 1996, Raizing / Eighting)

CHITTA'S THE STRONGEST, YO

Gain, Chitta, Miyamoto and Bornnam
from Sorcer Striker / Mahou Daisakusen - Arcade, 1993, Raizing

How to Unlock / Notes:
Insert a coin, then press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Shoot, Bomb, Option, Start- hey, it's the Konami Code! Gain, Chitta, Miyamoto and Bornnam will appear on a new row on the Ship Select screen. [Source]
In the Saturn version, enter the same code but leave out Shoot and Bomb on the title screen. You will unlock a new options screen by pressing L or R on the options menu, switch the second option here on. [Source]

Raiden Fighters
(Arcade, 1996, Seibu Kaihatsu)

what IS miclus, exactly

i know it can breathe fire, but what is miclus? someone, please help

Judge Spear
from Viper Phase 1 - Arcade, 1995, Seibu Kaihatsu

How to Unlock / Notes:
Judge Spear is available from the start.
The ship also appears as a selectable ship in future games in the series- Raiden Fighters 2: Operation Hell Dive (as a secret ship, explained below), Raiden Fighters Jet.

Raiden Fighters 2: Operation Hell Dive
(Arcade, 1997, Seibu Kaihatsu)

JUDGEMENT IS ON ITS WAY

Miclus and Judge Spear
from Wiz - Arcade, 1985, Seibu Kaihatsu
& Viper Phase 1 - Arcade, 1995, Seibu Kaihatsu

How to Unlock / Notes:
On the Figher Select screen, hold Fire and press Start, then as you highlight the '?' icon, hold the joystick diagonally down-right and press Fire to select Miclus, or just down and press Fire to select Judge Spear.[Source]
Alternatively, Judge Spear will appear on the Fighter Select screen as a standard fighter after the cabinet's seventh week of operation from its last internal clock reset, and Miclus will follow suit after the cabinet's eleventh week of operation. [Source]
Miclus also appears as a standard character in Raiden Fighters Jet.
While most closely associated with the Raiden series as a bonus item, Miclus originally appeared as the Helper summon in Wiz, as well as the final boss (thanks, Raiden Wiki!).

Saturn Bomberman
(Saturn, 1996, Hudson Soft)

the assassination of hudson soft by the coward konami digital entertainment: a movie about gamesoft, coming to dvd this monday

the assassination of hudson soft by the coward konami digital entertainment: a movie about gamesoft, coming to dvd this monday

Have to admit, I'm kind-of disappointed Honey isn't from a different series. You'd imagine she was!

Milon, Master Higgins, Bonk, Manjimaru, Kabuki, Kinu, Manto & Yuna
from Milon's Secret Castle / Meikyū Kumikyoku: Milon no Daibōken (Milon) - NES, 1986, Hudson Soft
Adventure Island / Takahashi Meijin no Bōken Jima (Master Higgins) - NES, 1986, Hudson Soft
Bonk's Adventure / PC Genjin (Bonk) - TurboGrafx-16, 1989, Red Entertainment / Hudson Soft
Tengai Makyō II: Manjimaru (Manjimaru, Kabuki & Kinu) - TurboGrafx Super-CD, 1992, Red Entertainment / Hudson Soft
Tengai Makyō: Ziria (Manto) - TurboGrafx CD, 1989, Red Entertainment / Hudson Soft
& Galaxy Fraulein Yuna (Yuna) - TurboGrafx CD, 1992, Red Entertainment / Hudson Soft

How to Unlock / Notes:
Bonk, Master Higgins, Milon, Manjimaru, Kabuki and Kinu are availablefrom the start, selectable for Battle Mode matches.
Manto and Yuna need to be unlocked by holding down L and R on the Battle Mode menu screen until you hear a chime. Manto starts each match with a Power Glove while Yuna starts each match with high speed. [Source]

Thanks to The Bomberman Wiki for quick reference for the Tengai Makyō characters!

Super Bomberman R
(Switch / Playstation 4 / Xbox One / Windows, 2017 / 2018, HexaDrive / Konami)

oh no

Still, at least these character designs are cute.

... What commentary can I possibly share here?

Princess Tomato Bomber, Vic Viper Bomber, Option Bomber, Goemon Bomber, Ceasar Bomber, Ebisumaru Bomber, Simon Belmont Bomber, Dracula Bomber, Alucard Bomber, Solid Snake Bomber, Naked Snake Bomber, Raiden Bomber, Bill Bomber, Lance Bomber, Shiori Fujisaki Bomber, Ayako Katagiri Bomber, Mimi Bomber, Nyami Bomber, Jehuty Bomber, Anubis Bomber, Vic Viper Zero Bomber, Pyramid Head Bomber, Bubble Head Bomber and Reiko Bomber
based on characters from Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom / Salad no Kuni no Tomato Hime (Princess Tomato) - NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-6001, FM-7 & MSX, 1984, Hudson Soft
Gradius / Nemesis (Vic Viper & Option) - Arcade, 1985, Konami
Mr. Goemon (Goemon) - Arcade, 1986, Konami
Star Soldier (Ceasar) - MSX / NES, 1986 / 1989, Hudson Soft
Bio-Miracle Bokutte Upa (Upa) - Famicom Disk System, 1988, Konami
Ganbare Goemon 2 (Ebisumaru) - Famicom, 1989, Konami
Contra (Bill & Lance) - Arcade, 1987, Konami
Metal Gear (Solid Snake & Naked Snake / Big Boss) - MSX, 1987, Konami
Castlevania / Akumajō Dracula (Simon Belmont & Dracula) - Famicom Disk System, 1986, Konami
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse / Akumajō Densetsu (Alucard) - NES, 1989 / 1990 / 1992, Konami)
Tokimeki Memorial (Shiori Fujisaki & Ayako Katagiri) - PC Engine CD, 1994, Konami
Pop'n Music (Mimi & Nyami) - Arcade, 1998, Konami
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (Raiden) - Playstation 2, 2001, Konami
Zone of the Enders (Jehuty & Anubis) - Playstation 2, 2001, Konami
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner / Anubis: Zone of the Enders (Vic Viper Zero) - Playstation 2, 2003, Konami
Silent Hill 2 (Pyramid Head & Bubble Head) - Playstation 2, 2001, Konami
& Rumble Roses (Reiko) - Playstation 2, 2004, Konami

How to Unlock / Notes:
DLC characters, free, added across 2017, 2018 and 2019. [Art Source]
Princess Tomato Bomber, Vic Viper Bomber, Goemon Bomber, Simon Belmont Bomber, Alucard Bomber, Naked Snake Bomber, Raiden Bomber, Bill Bomber, Lance Bomber, Shiori Fujisaki Bomber, Mimi Bomber, Nyami Bomber, Vic Viper Zero Bomber, Pyramid Head Bomber & Bubble Head Bomber would all return for Super Bomberman R Online
OH WAIT

Master Chief Bomber, Grunt Bomber, Arbiter Bomber, Pipo Monkey Bomber, Toro Bomber, Ratchet Bomber, P-body Bomber & Atlas Bomber
based on characters from Halo: Combat Evolved - Xbox / PC, 2001, Bungie
Halo 2 - (The Arbiter) Xbox, 2004, Bungie
Doko Demo Issho (Toro) - Playstation, 1999, Sony
Ape Escape / Saru! Get You! (Pipo Monkey) - Playstation, 1999, Sony
Ratchet & Clank (Ratchet) - Playstation 2, 2002, Insomniac
& Portal 2 (P-body & Atlas) - Windows / Mac / Linux / Playstation 3 / Xbox 360, 2011, Valve

How to Unlock / Notes:
Characters exclusive to the later ports of Super Bomberman R.
Master Chief Bomber, Grunt Bomber and Arbiter Bomber and are exclusive to the Xbox One version.
Pipo Monkey Bomber, Toro Bomber and Ratchet Bomber are exclusive to the Playstation 4 version.
P-body Bomber and Atlas Bomber are exclusive to the Steam version. [Art Source]

Super Bomberman R Online
(Switch / Playstation 4 / Playstation 5 / Xbox One / Xbox Series / Steam / Stadia, 2021, Konami)

PLEASE

Richter Belmont Bomber, Suikoden II Hero Bomber, Robbie the Rabbit Bomber, Soma Cruz Bomber, Old Snake Bomber & Bean Bomber
based on characters from Castlevania: Rondo of Blood / Akumajou Dracula: Chi no Rondo (Richter) - Turbo CD / PC Engine CD, 1993, Konami
Suikoden II / Genso Suikoden II (Suikoden II Hero) - Playstation, 1999, Konami
Silent Hill 3 (Robbie the Rabbit) - Playstation 2, 2003, Konami
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow / Castlevania: Akatsuki no Minuet (Soma Cruz) - Game Boy Advance, 2003, Konami
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Old Snake) - Playstation 3, 2008, Konami
& Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (Bean) - Playstation 4 / Playstation 5, Xbox One / Xbox Series / Switch / PC, 2020 / 2022, Mediatonic

How to Unlock / Notes:
DLC characters, free, added across 2021. [Art Source]

Oshidashi Zintrick
(Neo Geo CD, 1996, ADK)

not related to our secret mascot, honest

Dark Sniper
from Blue's Journey / Raguy - Neo Geo, 1991, ADK / Alpha Denshi

How to Unlock / Notes:
Dark Sniper is available from the start.

Oh, you thought this wasn't an ADK game?

Oh, you thought this wasn't an ADK game?

Well, there's a ninja in it, so it's an ADK game now!

Ryu Eagle
from Ninja Commando - Neo Geo, 1992, ADK / Alpha Denshi

How to Unlock / Notes:
On the Character Select screen, highlight Subberg, hold Up and B, then press A to select Ryu Eagle. [Source]
This cheat also works for the bootleg Neo Geo MVS version.

Prikura Daisakusen
(Arcade / Saturn, 1996 / 1997, Atlus)

Jack Frost
from Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II - NES, 1990, Atlus

How to Unlock / Notes:
Your helper creature will evolve into Jack Frost by either hitting the Jewel quota with the Dragon Puppy helper, or hitting the Animal quota with the Tiny Devil helper.

Advance to 1997-1999!

Obviously, we can't take credit for spotting all these. So credits for powerful readers go here!

Itallics means they gave us info, Bold means they gave a screenshot, Both means they gave both.

davZZGndm: Rondo of Swords / Rondo of Deception
HokutoNoShock: Puzzle Bobble 3, Elevator Action Deluxe
inobscurity: Windy x Windam, Gunbird 2
Motherplayer: Boombots
Scrollboss: Ultra Street Fighter IV
Kimimi: Lost Planet 2
Liam Ashcroft: Virtua Striker 2003, Sonic Riders, Le Mans 24
Kroogah: Super Meat Boy, Spelunky
Jake: Fighter Maker, Monster Maulers, Battle Garegga, Giant Gram: All Japan Pro Wrestling 2, Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium, Last Legion UX, Xevious 3D/G+, Fever S.O.S.
Ragey: Battle Tryst
LanceBoyle94: Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing, SKATE 3, Fight Night Round 2, International Track & Field 2000, Smash Court Tennis Pro Tournament 2, MotoGP, MotoGP 3, Urban Reign, Evolution Skateboarding, MLB Slugfest 20-04, NBA Street V3, SSX On Tour, Arkanoid DS, Renegade Ops
Matt: Motor Mayhem, Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy, Unreal Championship 2: The Liandri Conflict, Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, Crush Crush
mi-com: Last Legion UX
A. Calder: Kirby's Dream Land, Alleyway, Sonic 3D Blast, GORF, Bubble Bobble, Nemesis, Nemesis II, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda
GoldS: Plump Pop, Extermination
Steven W. Hunt: NFL Blitz
Flapjack Rabbit: Nano Breaker

Know any we've missed? Got screenshots for some we're missing 'em for?
Fire up your email account, type in themetalslug at gmail dot com and shout words at me to get it right!

Sigh.