When Worlds Collide
Video game crossovers are like unexpected party guests—you never know if they'll bring chaos, genius, or a little bit of both. Some make total sense, blending franchises with similar vibes to create a match made in heaven. While others just come out of nowhere, mashing up characters and mechanics in ways no one saw coming. So, let’s look at the 20 most surprising, bizarre, and downright awesome crossovers gaming has ever thrown at us!
LEGO The Simpsons - Full Game Walkthrough by MarioBricks
1. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Talking strategy in a Mario game seemed unthinkable—until Ubisoft's zany “Rabbids” crashed the “Mushroom Kingdom” in 2017. This turn-based tactical RPG blended XCOM-style gameplay with slapstick humor, bringing an unexpected but wildly successful fusion of two vastly different franchises.
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle - All Cutscenes Full Movie HD by ProsafiaGaming
2. Soulcalibur IV Featuring Star Wars Characters
Fighting as Darth Vader or Yoda in a medieval weapon-based combat game? That’s exactly what happened in 2008 when “Soulcalibur IV” added Star Wars characters to its roster. Lightsabers clashed with swords in a move that left fans both thrilled and bewildered.
Sergey Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA on Wikimedia
3. Mario Kart 8’s Mercedes-Benz DLC
Nothing says high-speed karting like a luxury car brand, right? In 2014, “Mario Kart 8” players could race in real-world Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Seeing Mario behind the wheel of a GLA was both hilarious and bizarre—proof that cross-promotions sometimes steer into truly unexpected lanes.
Sergey Galyonkin from Raleigh, USA on Wikimedia
4. Battletoads/Double Dragon
Two legendary brawler franchises collided in 1993, delivering an over-the-top beat ‘em-up experience. Mixing Battletoads' outlandish enemies with the martial arts chaos of the “Double Dragon,” this crossover was wacky and harder than most games of its era. Its absurd boss fights remain cult favorites today.
Battletoads Double Dragon 3d HD remaster by Progman Game
5. Monster Hunter: World x Final Fantasy XIV
August 2018 saw the impossible—a Behemoth from “Final Fantasy XIV” terrorizing Monster Hunter: World. This also introduced MMORPG-style raid mechanics, where players had to act as tanks, healers, and damage dealers. Slaying it required teamwork, strategy, and more patience than usual.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France on Wikimedia
6. Identity V x Danganronpa
A survival horror game borrowing characters from a murder mystery series? It happened in 2020 when “Identity V” hosted a Danganronpa crossover. Monokuma, the bear, became a villainous hunter, while survivors donned the iconic outfits of Danganronpa protagonists.
Identity V X Danganronpa Crossover II Exclusive Costumes by Identity V
7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Ridiculous Roster
Nintendo’s all-star brawler went beyond expectations in 2018 by adding third-party legends like “Solid Snake.” What started as a Nintendo mascot showdown evolved into gaming’s biggest crossover. With over 80 characters, no one saw the sheer variety coming. Even non-gamers recognize its insane lineup.
8. Fighters Megamix: Sega’s Forgotten Super Smash
Before crossover fighters became mainstream, Sega quietly released "Fighters Megamix" in 1996. This oddball game blended Virtua Fighter, Fighting Vipers, and even a playable race car from Daytona, USA. It is like a literal automobile throwing punches. That's the kind of bizarre only Sega could deliver.
Gaming Delight Reviews | Fighters Megamix on Sega Saturn by Gaming Delight
9. Fortnite’s Marvel Takeover
Superheroes and battle royales don’t usually mix, but Fortnite’s 2020 Marvel crossover changed that. Featuring skins, mythic weapons, and an entire season dedicated to Marvel’s universe, it transformed the game into a full-fledged comic book event. Epic Games knew exactly how to make fans assemble.
Sergey Galyonkin from Berlin, Germany on Wikimedia
10. Splatoon 2 x Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Crossover events often make sense—this one didn’t. Nintendo’s 2018 event brought Splatoon-themed furniture into “Animal Crossing.” Hence, the collaboration added Splatoon-styled gear and colorful decorations to “Pocket Camp,” bringing a chaotic aesthetic to an otherwise peaceful game.
11. Dave the Diver x Balatro
Few expected a game about deep-sea fishing to incorporate roguelike poker. Yet, in 2024, “Dave the Diver” added a mini-game featuring Balatro’s mechanics, letting players bet fish earnings in a high-stakes card showdown. The result? A strangely addictive combination of intense deck-building strategy.
12. Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games
For decades, Nintendo and Sega were arch-rivals. However, in 2007, their mascots met—not in a battle—but at the Olympics. Seeing Mario and Sonic compete in track, swimming, and gymnastics was surreal. It marked a historic moment in gaming, which showed the end of one of the industry’s biggest rivalries.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympics Movie - Full Game Walkthrough by packattack04082
13. LEGO Dimensions: The Ultimate Multiverse
What do “Batman,” “The Simpsons,” and "The Lord of the Rings” have in common? They all exist in LEGO Dimensions, a 2015 toys-to-life game that merged an absurd number of franchises. Players built real LEGO figures and used them in-game, creating absurd crossovers that felt like a child’s dream come true.
14. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed x Wreck-It Ralph
Disney's arcade hero joined Sonic's 2012 racing game, which proved he could "wreck it" on the track. Unlike typical cameos, Ralph had his own vehicle and signature moves. His inclusion made perfect sense, given the racing-heavy elements in his original movie.
15. Smite x Slipknot
In 2022, “Smite” turned metal legends Slipknot into divine warriors. Instead of typical skins, band members took on god-like personas, fighting alongside mythological figures like Zeus and Thor. The blend of heavy metal and mythology was unexpected, but fans appreciated the headbanging chaos.
SMITE x Slipknot - Available May 2022! By SMITE by Titan Forge Games
16. Final Fantasy XV’s Assassin’s Creed Festival
Square Enix and Ubisoft shocked fans in 2017 with a full-fledged “Assassin’s Creed" event inside Final Fantasy XV. Noctis gained the ability to parkour and perform stealth kills, turning him into a hooded assassin. It was a crossover nobody saw coming. However, it worked brilliantly.
17. Tekken 7’s Negan From The Walking Dead
A brutal, bat-wielding villain stepping into a world of martial artists? In 2019, “Tekken 7” introduced Negan, complete with Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s voice and mannerisms. His taunts and cinematic intros made him one of the most memorable guest fighters in Tekken history.
18. Street Fighter X Tekken
Capcom and Bandai Namco settled decades of fan debates with this 2012 crossover fighter. Ryu versus Kazuya? Chun-Li versus Nina? Players finally saw these clashes play out with both franchises' iconic mechanics intact. The game created dream matchups that had been imagined for years.
Street Fighter X Tekken - All Supers/Cross Arts by Sieg X Sieg
19. Project X Zone: The Ultimate Tactical RPG Crossover
Over 200 characters from Capcom, Sega, and Bandai Namco clashed in this 2012 strategy RPG. The sheer range of heroes—Mega Man, Ryu, Jin Kazama—felt like fanfiction turned real. Packed with interactions that celebrated gaming history, it was a love letter to fans.
Project X Zone Opening [4K 60FPS Remastered] by LuanUP
20. The Disney-Square Enix Fusion
No one saw this coming in 2002. Disney’s “Mickey Mouse” and Final Fantasy’s “Cloud Strife” in the same universe? Kingdom Hearts blended lighthearted Disney magic with Square Enix’s RPG depth. Over 20 years later, it's still one of the most beloved crossovers in gaming.
Kingdom Hearts - Official Steam Announcement Trailer by GameTrailers
