Line #229 Main/MultiformBalance


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6	[[quoteright:350:[[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/deoxys_form_stats.png]]]]
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8	Multiform Balance occurs when creators take care to make each multiple form of a {{Voluntary Shapeshift\|ing}}er, such as a HenshinHero, a SwissArmyHero or a MorphWeapon-type SwissArmyWeapon, useful in its own way. The easiest way to do this is to make each one suited for a certain tactical situation or to use certain tactics. For example, a werewolf doing a PartialTransformation to a WolfMan may not be able to talk, but can still use weapons and has greater strength than a man, but isn't as fast as a wolf (except maybe if it can go onto all fours).
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10	In essence, it's applying CompetitiveBalance between each of the character (or weapon)'s forms. In fact, the character types laid out in Competitive Balance or other power balancing tropes can be quite useful in describing the character's forms. To be precise, the "balance" usually only applies to "basic" forms, with a JokeCharacter form only being used when the character doesn't have access to the basic forms. LightningBruiser and SuperMode are mostly a MidSeasonUpgrade and [[NextTierPowerUp superior to basic forms in every aspect]]; ''if'' the balance also applies to these forms, it's usually by making them a DeadlyUpgrade, LimitBreak, HourOfPower, or otherwise AwesomeButImpractical.
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12	Related to StanceSystem, with each form being considered as different "stances". May overlap with EvolutionPowerup, especially if [[NewPowersAsThePlotDemands new forms are gained/discovered as the plot demands]], although Multiform Balance can switch back and forth. Can also overlap with SwapFighter, which often offer a set of characters that cover each others' weaknesses. When HumongousMecha use this trope, it's usually done with MechaExpansionPack or TransformingMecha. May also be done with ShedArmorGainSpeed.
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14	Contrast MasterOfAll and PowerCreep, which can invalidate specialized min-maxing forms.
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16	!! Examples with their own pages:
17	[[index]]
18	* ''MultiformBalance/KamenRider''
19	[[/index]]
20	!! Other Examples:
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22	[[foldercontrol]]
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24	[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
25	* In ''Anime/DigimonGhostGame'', Gammamon has four Champion forms with distinct strengths and weaknesses.
26	** His go-to [=BetelGammamon=] is a fairly balanced fighter whose fire abilities can be used for both close- and long-ranged attacks, but tends to be WeakButSkilled and outclassed by most of his opponents.
27	** [=KausGammamon=] is a speedy aerial specialist who excels in hit-and-run tactics, but requires a lot of open space to fight at his best and can struggle if he tries to glide against the wind. He’s also the only Champion form on the team who lacks a ranged attack.
28	** [=WezenGammamon=] is similar to a tank, being far bulkier than the others and focused on powerful, long-range artillery - although those attacks can take a while to charge and the evolution apparently has some effect on Gammamon's mind, being willing to kill an opponent in spite of Hiro's hesitation.
29	** [=GulusGammamon=], [[SuperpoweredEvilSide on the other hand]], is an outright juggernaut when it comes to brute force [[VillainTeleportation and is capable of opening up interdimensional rifts]] - [[DrunkOnTheDarkSide at the cost of being completely psychotic]].
30	** While [=GulusGammamon=] has [=BetelGammamon=]'s structure, [=KausGammamon=]'s ability to fly and [=WezenGammamon=]'s raw strength; it's his Ultimate form Canoweissmon who [[AllYourPowersCombined properly combines those features]], further represented by the red, blue and green streams of light in his evolution sequences converging into actual white.
31	* In ''Anime/DragonBallZ'', after the Super Saiyan transformation starts being SoLastSeason, several new variants on it are introduced. The original form becomes a JackOfAllStats, while the "3rd Grade" Super Saiyan becomes a MightyGlacier (it actually enhances the strength of the user but NOT the speed that should come with it, making the form useless), while Super Saiyan 2 makes the user even more of a LightningBruiser than fighters in ''Dragon Ball Z'' usually are. Most of the other forms shown are AwesomeButImpractical for various reasons (usually that they consume too much energy to use for very long).
32	* The Legioss of ''Anime/GenesisClimberMospeada'' is a three-form transforming fighter jet. Additionally, the titular Mospeada is a small-scale variant of the trope, being a motorcycle that can transform into ''PoweredArmor''.
33	* ''Manga/GetterRobo'': The three forms of Getter are always a JackOfAllStats, FragileSpeedster and MightyGlacier. Each of them also specialize in different environments. Its AffectionateParody, Anime/{{Gekiganger 3}} and VideoGame/GeppyX, also follow same pattern.
34	* ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' sometime use this along with [[MechaExpansionPack Mecha Expansion Packs]].
35	** The first animated example can be seen on ''Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam'''s [[MidSeasonUpgrade V2 Gundam]]. With FragileSpeedster (V2 Gundam), JackOfAllStats (V2 Assault Gundam), GlassCannon (V2 Buster Gundam), MightyGlacier (V2 Assault Buster Gundam)
36	** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'' has it in spades thanks to the abundance of [[MechaExpansionPack Mecha Expansion Packs]]. Start with [[TheHero Strike Gundam]], but EliteMook from [[AllThereInTheManual MSV]] and ''Manga/MobileSuitGundamSEEDAstray'' can use them as well. And by the time of Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny, even {{Mook}}s and {{Red Shirt}}s have them.
37	*** [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED Strike Gundam]]: JokeCharacter (no Striker pack), StoneWall (Aile Strike[[note]]The fastest and armed with shield, but lacking heavy weapon.[[/note]]), JackOfAllStats (Sword Strike[[note]]Has {{BFS}} and can use arm anchor as small shield[[/note]]), GlassCannon (Launcher Strike[[note]]Has {{BFG}} but no protective gear against beam[[/note]]), SuperMode (Integrated Weapons Striker Pack), SquishyWizard (Lightning Strike[[note]]Can transfer reserve energy to allies.[[/note]])
38	*** [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny Impulse Gundam]]: JokeCharacter (no Silhouette pack), JackOfAllStats (Force Impulse), MightyGlacier (Sword Impulse), GlassCannon (Blast Impulse), SuperMode (Destiny Impulse).
39	** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE'' does this for the first generation of the eponymous mecha, with [[JackOfAllStats Normal]], [[MightyGlacier Titus]], and [[FragileSpeedster Spallow]] modes. Averted in the second generation though, where AGE-2 Double Bullet is nothing but an improvement over the original AGE. AGE-3 return to this trope: the [[JackOfAllStats Normal]], [[MightyGlacier Fortress]] and [[LightningBruiser Orbital]].
40	** The manga ''Gundam EXA'' introduces the two Extreme Gundams; The [[TheHero Type-Leos]] possesses its [[JackOfAllStats base form]], [[GlassCannon Eclipse Phase]], [[MightyGlacier Xenon Phase]], and [[SquishyWizard Aios Phase]], with his MidSeasonUpgrade Type-Leos II Vs. being an AllYourPowersCombined SuperMode. The villainous [[BigBad Ex-]]'s Extreme has analogous forms (Tachyon, Carnage, and Ignis respectively), as well as the later [[LightningBruiser Mystic Phase]].
41	** ''Anime/GundamBuildDiversReRISE'' from the ''Gundam Build'' series has the Core Gundam and its PLANETS system. The Core Gundam can transform into specialized forms by [[CombiningMecha combining with parts from a series of support mechas]] named after the planets of the solar system. The various forms are: Mercuone Gundam ([[UnderTheSea Underwater]] MS), Veetwo Gundam ([[MoreDakka Heavy Weapons]] MS), Earthree Gundam ([[JackOfAllStats General-Purpose]] MS), Marsfour Gundam ([[CloseRangeCombatant Close Quarters Combat]] MS), Jupitive Gundam ([[SpaceBattle Space]] MS), Saturnix Gundam ([[LightningBruiser Heavy Close Quarters Combat]] MS), Uraven Gundam ([[LongRangeFighter Sniper]] MS), and Nepteight Gundam ([[SolarSail Cruising-Use]] MS).
42	* ''Literature/HighSchoolDXD'' applies this to its ChessMotifs. When a [[MasterOfNone Pawn]] promotes, a [[LightningBruiser Queen]] isn't always the best option. While it does give a general boost, the specialties of a [[SuperStrength Rook]], [[SuperSpeed Knight]] or even [[TheMedic Bishop]] can be more effective in cases. This is especially prevalent when Issei learns to apply his promotions to [[SuperMode Boosted Gear Scale Mail]] and gets one later in Volume 9 when he gets access to his new powers named Illegal Trianna, aside from his [[JackOfAllStats default Balance Breaker]] state. His Welsh Sonic Boost Knight is the typical FragileSpeedster, his Welsh Blaster Bishop is the GlassCannon, Welsh Draconic Rook being the MightyGlacier, and finally his (incomplete) Cardinal Crimson Queen being the LightningBruiser.
43	* Koichi Hirose from ''Manga/JojosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable'' is the user of the Stand Echoes, which eventually gains the ability to switch between three forms named "Acts". Act 1 is the weakest form, but has a 50 meters range - which makes it useful for scouting, since Koichi can see through his Stand's senses. Act 2 and 3 are much more combat-oriented, being capable of [[WeaponsGradeVocabulary turning sound effects into physical effects]] and [[GravityMaster paralyzing a target by massively increasing its weight]], respectively.
44	%% * ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha'' does this via Multiple Weapon Balance.
45	* In the ''Anime/{{Macross}}'' franchise, many mecha are capable of transformation between three modes -- [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Fighter]], GERWALK (which functions like a VTOL aircraft and is also used for pulling off fancy maneuvers), and [[HumongousMecha Battroid]] (for ground combat).
46	* ''Manga/OnePiece'':
47	** Most users of Zoan-type Devil Fruits apply this, as they gain the power to shapeshift between three forms, their regular form, an [[{{Animorphism}} animal form]], and a BeastMan PartialTransformation.
48	*** Tony Tony Chopper of the Straw Hat Pirates gained four additional forms called Points (plus a [[TheBerserker superpowered berserker form]]) through his Rumble Ball. And post-TimeSkip, [[spoiler:he now has control of his berserker form, albeit at the cost that he can only maintain it for three minutes, and is still too exhausted to move for several hours afterwards]].
49	** [[TheHero Monkey D. Luffy]] is a RubberMan. In his regular form and during the early parts of the story, he utilizes this to weaponise his stretching limbs or his BalloonBelly. He later realizes that he has to get much stronger and so he conceives the "Gears", several {{Super Mode}}s that harness the unusual properties of his rubber-like body:
50	*** Gear Second augments his speed, which allows him to FlashStep and to hit much harder. His endurance is unchanged, making him a FragileSpeedster[=/=]GlassCannon hybrid in this form.
51	*** Gear Third increases the mass, size and the hardiness of his bones, which makes him more resilient and raises the power behind his attacks. But his speed takes a sharp drop due to the sluggish movement of his body, making him a MightyGlacier.
52	*** Gear Fourth has multiple sub-forms that all qualify as {{Lightning Bruiser}}s in their own right, but vary slightly relative to each other. Boundman is a JackOfAllStats that allow him to fly and launch spring-powered punches, Tankman (or at least the [[WeightTaller Full version]]) is a StoneWall that is immovable but can [[AttackReflector rebound attacks]], and Snakeman is a FragileSpeedster without as much bulk but can punch so fast his arms are all but invisible, [[RapidFireFisticuffs hit dozens of times a second]], and can outspeed evasive targets.
53	*** And then there is [[spoiler:Gear Fifth, which turns him into an MasterOfAll LightningBruiser that allows Luffy to do all the things his other forms can do at the same time without (immediate) drawbacks. And he can inflict these same effects [[BodyHorror on his opponents]] or his surroundings, making his fights looking something out of a TomAndJerry cartoon. However, Gear Fifth consumes plenty of energy to mantain and use, to the point Luffy is left massively exhausted and visibly aged after transforming. Also, like Zoan Awakenings, it has the inherent risk of Nika's innate nature consuming Luffy's mind.]]
54	* Arbok is given this in ''Manga/PokemonAdventures'' in the form of a special smoke used by Agatha that changes its belly pattern. There are patterns for increased attack, defense, self-healing and NighInvulnerability.
55	* ''Manga/RaveMaster'' with [[TheHero Haru's]] sword, the Ten Powers. Eisenmeteor is the default form, having [[RockBeatsLaser Mundane Beats Magic]], Explosion is GlassCannon, Silfarion is FragileSpeedster, Mel Force the LightningBruiser, Gravity Core the MightyGlacier, Sacrifar TheBerserker DeadlyUpgrade, and Ravelt the SuperMode. Ditto for its EvilCounterpart.
56	* The titular mecha of ''Anime/SuperDimensionCenturyOrguss'' has ''four'' modes: humanoid robot, plane, plane with legs, and TankGoodness.
57	* The Spartas from ''Anime/SuperDimensionCavalrySouthernCross'', being land mecha, can switch between [[FragileSpeedster hover tank]], [[GlassCannon walker cannon]], and [[MightyGlacier humanoid]] modes. Of course, the show also had transforming fighter jet mecha, including one model that could also become a helicopter.
58	* A popular gimmick for [[CombiningMecha combiner teams]] in the Japanese Franchise/{{Transformers}} series, particularly ''Anime/TransformersRobotsInDisguise'', where the position of each limb component would dictate if the combined 'bot was in Balance, Speed, or Power forms.
59	* ''Anime/ZoidsNewCentury Zero''. In addition to its [[JackOfAllStats default form]] Liger Zero had different [[MechaExpansionPack equipment modes]] that changed it into different types depending on the situation. "Panzer" mode became a MightyGlacier, "Schneider" is a GlassCannon and the "Jager" unit is a FragileSpeedster.
60	** Battle Story and other variants give us the Liger Zero X (an Empire version designed for electronic warfare) and various packs for the Berserk Fury that replace its iconic "eggbeaters" with high-powered boosters (Sturm Fury), hybrid particle cannons (Jagd Fury), or a high-output reactor and missile pods (the Tyran series).
61	** Also in ''Zoids Genesis'', [[JackOfAllStats Murasame Liger]], [[FragileSpeedster Hayate Liger]] and [[MightyGlacier Mugen Liger]].
62	[[/folder]]
63
64	[[folder:Fan Works]]
65	* ''FanFic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': [[spoiler:omake-only character Reel, as Kamen Rider Skull the Second, has multiple Rider forms he can change between, but the omake chapters only show two: his default form, and his strongest. WordOfGod states that his fifth form is his SuperMode, Kamen Rider Skull Xtreme, and the form used for battle in the final omake is his sixth and final form, Kamen Rider Skull Gold Xtreme.]]
66	* ''Webcomic/ScoobAndShag'' has the Preacher, who has the power to change the density of his own body, getting only the beneficial effects. Increasing a body part's density makes it much heavier and resistant to damage, but doesn't hinder his movements at all, allowing him to hit much harder. Vice-versa, decreasing a body part's density allows him to move it much faster without making it frailer. The obvious limitation is that he can't use both effects on the same part.
67	* As per Kamen Rider tradition, ''Fanfic/CindersAndAshesTheChroniclesOfKamenRiderDante'' gives Hoshi some forms to play around with... But it ultimately becomes a subversion as the "balance" the forms serve are more balance patches to the previous forms as opposed to the usual "one form's strong and the other's fast", though once Hoshi gets a more stable powerset, they become this trope.
68	** '''Ashen Mount:''' JokeCharacter, as Hoshi wrote this form for when Dante runs out of flames.
69	** '''Fuji Mount:''' As this was originally the only form Hoshi would give Dante, he's by default the JackOfAllStats.
70	** '''Yellowstone Mount:''' Proposed to be a MightyGlacier or even a SuperMode outright to address the power imblance with the other Creations, but due to how his powers are fueled by both [[BurningWithAnger fire and anger]], it only served to turn Hoshi into TheBerserker.
71	** '''Sakurajima Mount:''' Made to address Yellowstone's UnstoppableRage, Sakurajima releases all the pent up fire and rage and, in the process, turns Hoshi into a FragileSpeedster.
72	** '''Toranity Mount:''' Made as a proper SuperMode for Hoshi and by far the most stable form of the non-Fuji Mounts, balanced out by how long it takes to get the power up going in question.
73	* In ''Fanfic/TheEchoRanger'', [[Manga/MyHeroAcademia Izuku Midoriya]] gains access to [[Franchise/PowerRangers Tommy Oliver's powers]] combined in a single Power Coin, giving him three Ranger forms. Tommy's VirtualGhost explains that each one has a stronger point: Mode Green has speed, Mode White has raw strength and offensive power, and Mode Black is the most balanced but also has the strongest defense.
74	[[/folder]]
75
76	[[folder:Literature]]
77	* ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'': While each of the kids have their own unique morphs, there are several occasions when they've morphed the same animal (sometimes to exploit the fact that the animal goes into a stupor when being acquired, long enough for them to escape, like the hammerhead shark or the ''T. rex''). The inverse of the trope bites them in the ass when they attack the Yeerk pool all in polar bear morph and nearly die.
78	[[/folder]]
79
80	[[folder:Live Action TV]]
81	* While Multiform Balance with ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' (and ''Franchise/PowerRangers'') mecha is usually achieved through {{Mecha Expansion Pack}}s, a couple of Sentai mecha have multiple configurations that serve different purposes. ''Series/ChoujinSentaiJetman'' and ''Series/MiraiSentaiTimeranger'' have five jet mecha that can either combine into a larger jet or a humanoid robot.
82	** Additionally, Timeranger's [=TimeRobo=] had two modes: The close combat oriented [=TimeRobo=] Alpha and the agile ranged [=TimeRobo=] Beta. Impressively, [=TimeRobo=] multi-form balance extends to its SuperMode when combined with [=TimeShadow=]. Alpha and Beta each have their own combination.
83	** Both individually and as a team, the ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' take this way past any logical level. With the ability to swap between the forms of two hundred previous rangers the Gokaigers can in theory match their combat needs to just about any conceivable situation plus, from [[MightyGlacier heavy hitting close quarter fighters]] with ''Dynaman'' to [[FragileSpeedster swift and deadly ninjas]] with ''Kakuranger'' and just about everything in between. The same holds true for [[HumongousMecha Gokai-oh]] with the assorted [[MechaExpansionPack Greater Powers]] granted by previous teams giving it a variety of combat modes. The movies show they can borrow the powers of Franchise/{{Kamen Rider}}s and Series/MetalHeroes as well.
84	** In ''Series/DoubutsuSentaiZyuohger'', Yamato can switch powers between the agile Zyuoh Eagle which can fly, and the strong Zyuoh Gorilla, and later on the Zyuoh Whale SuperMode, which gives him water powers and a HandCannon. SixthRanger Zyuoh [=TheWorld=] also has multiple modes, with the balanced rhino, speedy wolf, and powerful crocodile, plus a powerful SuperMode that gives him addition weapons based on all three of his animal powers. [[spoiler:In the final episode, Yamato reveals an ultimate form that combines all three of his powers, throwing balance out the window]].
85	** In ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVSKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'', the two main HumongousMecha have two forms each depending on which team they're associated with at the moment. The Lupinrangers' mecha, Lupin Kaiser and X Emperor Slash, are faster and more agile; while the Patrangers' versions, Pat Kaiser and X Emperor Gunner, are tougher and hit harder. This also applies to the SixthRanger, who is a member of both teams; though he has reversed stats as his Lupin X form is the armored one and Patren X is more nimble.
86	** Yodon, The BigBad of ''Series/MashinSentaiKiramager'' has two additional personalities that he can change into. His true form is the strongest and is nearly impossible to defeat in battle but can't survive for long periods outside of a polluted environment. His other two personalities don't have the same weakness to pure environments and each have their own unique abilities that Yodon's true form doesn't have.
87	** Tsukaizer of ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger'' has three different upgraded forms, one based on ''Ohranger'' improves his firepower, one based on ''Shinkenger'' improves his swordsmanship, and a SuperMode based on ''Timeranger'' that drastically increases his speed and power. His first two upgraded forms are achieved by merging with one of his two brothers. His personal vehicle is the Battleship [=CrocoDaiOh=], which has the ability to change into three different humanoid robot modes with different abilities depending which of the the three brothers it combined with.
88	* The ''Franchise/UltraSeries'' uses this trope from the start of the Heisei era.
89	** ''Series/UltramanTiga'': Tiga uses four forms in the series:
90	*** '''Multi Type''': The balanced JackOfAllStats. His default form.
91	*** '''Power Type''': [[MightyGlacier Strong but slow]]
92	*** '''Sky Type''': [[WeakButSkilled Weak but fast]] and good at [[HighAltitudeBattle fighting in the air.]]
93	*** '''Glitter Tiga''': His [[SuperMode most powerful form]] that [[GoldenSuperMode turns him gold]] and is only used in [[EleventhHourSuperpower the last episode]]. He can only gain it through the power of others' hope in him.
94	*** In the ''Final Odyssey'' movie, Daigo is forced to transform with [[TransformationTrinket Dark Spark Lens]] and become '''Tiga Dark''', which is supposed to be [[SuperpoweredEvilSide the most powerful warrior among the Dark Giants]]. But since Daigo resists TheDarkSide, it ends up as the weakest form instead. He later gets through the NextTierPowerUp process as '''Tiga Tornado''' and '''Tiga Blast''' by purging away the power of darkness from himself, and finally assumes the Glitter Tiga form again.
95	** ''Series/UltramanDyna'': Follows in Tiga's footsteps but with more emphasis on each of the alternate forms.
96	*** '''Flash Type''': The balanced JackOfAllStats; also his default form. Unlike Tiga, Dyna can only use one alternate form in each fight, and so Flash Type is the only form he always has access to.
97	*** '''Strong Type''': [[MightyGlacier Slow but strong]], and mostly focuses on physical attacks, with the only energy attack being the FinishingMove.
98	*** '''Miracle Type''': A mix of FragileSpeedster and SquishyWizard. This form has low stamina and physical strength but has supernatural abilities such as telekinesis and SuperSpeed.
99	** ''Series/UltramanCosmos'': Cosmos has three forms in the series.
100	*** '''Luna Mode''': A mix of FragileSpeedster and StoneWall that focus on [[WhiteMage healing and purification]] but no offensive power. As a dedicated [[MartialPacifist pacifist]], Cosmos uses this as his default form.
101	*** '''Corona Mode''': His [[JackOfAllStats battle form]]. He uses this one when he chooses to kill the MonsterOfTheWeek.
102	*** '''Eclipse Mode''': His SuperMode and MidSeasonUpgrade. This form combines the powers of Corona Mode and Luna Mode but can used only for [[HourOfPower 1 minute]].
103	*** Cosmos also gets three more forms in {{The Movie}}s: '''Space Corona Mode''' is a [[LightningBruiser stronger version of Corona Mode]], used when [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin fighting in space]]. '''Future Mode''' amplifies the power of Eclipse Mode. '''Ultraman Legend''' is his most powerful form, which is the result of his FusionDance with Ultraman Justice.
104	** ''Series/UltramanNexus'': Nexus has a unique take on this as he has multiple human hosts through the course of the show, and different hosts help him acquire new forms:
105	*** '''Film/UltramanTheNext''': A weakened form seen in the prequel movie, due to an incomplete merger with his host at the time. The Next shifts from its own Anphans to Junis forms as the merger improves.
106	*** '''Anphans[[note]]based on the French ''enfance'', "childhood"[[/note]]''': A default gray JackOfAllStats form.
107	*** '''Junis[[note]]based on the French ''jeunesse'', "youth"[[/note]]''': A red MightyGlacier form used by the second host.
108	*** '''Junis Blue''': A blue FragileSpeedster form used by the third host.
109	*** '''Ultraman Noa''': Nexus' true form, and not just a SuperMode but a PhysicalGod which even few other Ultramen can match. Naturally, he doesn't reacquire this level of power [[EleventhHourSuperpower until the final episode]].
110	** ''Series/UltramanOrb'' gets his various forms by channelling the powers of previous Ultramen:
111	*** '''Specium Zepellion''': His balanced JackOfAllStats form, based on Series/{{Ultraman}} and Series/UltramanTiga. It can channel bursts of speed and strength from Tiga's Power and Sky Types, respectively.
112	*** '''Burnmite''': His strength-based form from Series/UltramanTaro and Series/UltramanMebius, capable of PlayingWithFire.
113	*** '''Hurricane Slash''': His speed form drawing on [[Series/ReturnOfUltraman Ultraman Jack]] and Franchise/UltramanZero, which has the ability to teleport and can arm itself with the Orb Slugger Lance.
114	*** '''Thunder Breaster''': The MidSeasonUpgrade based on [[Series/{{Ultraman}} Ultraman Zoffy]] and [[Characters/UltraSeriesUltramanBelial Ultraman Belial]], Thunder Breaster relies on immense brute force. However, the influence of Belial means that it's initially a DeadlyUpgrade; making Orb prone to getting carried away and becoming TheBerserker that brutalizes his opponents and ignores possible civilian casualties.
115	*** '''Orb Origin''': Orb's true form and SuperMode. In this form, he's equipped with the Orb Calibur, a sword with ElementalPowers.
116	*** '''Trinity''': An even more powerful form seen in the post-series movie, Trinity fuses the powers of the ''three'' Ultramen immediately preceding him: [[Series/UltramanGinga Ultraman Ginga, Ultraman Victory]], and Series/UltramanX; and it can use all their special abilities.
117	** ''Series/UltramanGeed'' ''also'' channels pairs of Ultramen to get his different forms. He does have a personal, non-PowerCopying form that's seen during the TransformationSequence, but hasn't been able to access it himself:
118	*** '''Primitive''': Pairing Series/{{Ultraman}} and Geed's father [[Characters/UltraSeriesUltramanBelial Ultraman Belial]], Primitive is [[JackOfAllStats balanced]] but tends to be a wild fighter.
119	*** '''Solid Burning''': Series/{{Ultraseven}} and his student Series/UltramanLeo provide the [[MightyGlacier strength-focused form]] enhanced by PoweredArmor.
120	*** '''Acro Smasher''': The peaceful [[Series/UltramanMebius Ultraman Hikari]] and Series/UltramanCosmos are the basis of this form, which focuses on [[WhiteMage non-offensive techniques]] and precise strikes.
121	*** '''Magnificent''': Channels two of the most powerful Ultramen and Belial's bitterest enemies, Franchise/UltramanZero and [[Series/UltramanAce Father of Ultra]], into a powerful LightningBruiser.
122	*** '''Royal Mega-Master''': This form uses Ultraman Belial just like Primitive, but its main power is that of the BigGood and PhysicalGod [[Series/UltramanLeo Ultraman King]] for Geed's SuperMode.
123	*** '''Ultimate Final''': Seen in the movie, this brings out Geed's own powers and is his most powerful form.
124	** ''Series/UltramanRB'': Ultramen Rosso and Blu share the same arrangement of forms, which go on a sliding scale from [[FragileSpeedster fast-yet-vulnerable]] through [[JackOfAllStats balanced]] to [[MightyGlacier tough-but-slow]]. From "fast" to "strong", they have '''Wind Form''', '''Aqua Form''', '''Flame Form''', and '''Ground Form'''. For their shared SuperMode, they FusionDance into '''Ultraman Ruebe[[note]]the Japanese phonetic pronunciation of "R/B"[[/note]]'''; and in their movie they further fuse with their little sister Ultrawoman Grigio to become '''Ultraman Gruebe[[note]]"G/R/B"[[/note]]'''.
125	** ''Series/UltramanTaiga'': Rather than being host to an Ultraman with multiple forms, Hiroyuki is host to ''three'' different Ultramen:
126	*** '''Ultraman Taiga''': The most prominent of the three and the JackOfAllStats.
127	*** '''Ultraman Titas''': A muscular heavyweight fighter and MightyGlacier.
128	*** '''Ultraman Fuma''': The FragileSpeedster of the group who fights with {{Ninja}} techniques.
129	*** '''Taiga Photon Earth''': Taiga's MidSeasonUpgrade. Unlike the usual pattern that would make the middle-stage upgrade a LightningBruiser, this form is a MightyGlacier that gains strength but loses speed thanks to wearing armor, though not to the same extremes as Titas.
130	*** '''Taiga Tri-Strium''': Taiga's SuperMode, achieved via FusionDance with Titas and Fuma.
131	*** '''Ultraman Reiga''': In the movie, Hiroyuki is host to a fourth Ultraman partner that's a FusionDance of six SuperMode Ultramen ([[Series/UltramanGinga Ginga Victory]], [[Series/UltramanX Exceed X]], and the above-mentioned Orb Trinity, Geed Ultimate Final, Gruebe, and Taiga Tri-Strium).
132	** ''Series/UltramanZ'': Returns to PowerCopying multiple Ultramen as ''Orb'' and ''Geed'' did, only Z channels ''three'' at once:
133	*** '''Original''': Z's regular form, a MasterOfNone described as "a third of a real hero". After gaining his other forms, the show treats it as a "civilian" form that he returns to when not in combat.
134	*** '''Alpha Edge''': Following the MasterApprenticeChain of Series/{{Ultraseven}}, Series/UltramanLeo, and Franchise/UltramanZero; Alpha Edge is a FragileSpeedster and skilled martial artist. Z's host Haruki comments that as a martial artist himself, Alpha Edge is the easiest form for him to use.
135	*** '''Beta Smash''': Channeling some of the original "Ultra Brothers" from the 60s and 70s (Series/{{Ultraman}}, Series/UltramanAce, and Series/UltramanTaro), Beta Smash is a MightyGlacier and themed like a pro wrestler .
136	*** '''Gamma Future''': Drawing on Series/UltramanTiga, Series/UltramanDyna, and Series/UltramanGaia from the series' 90s era; Gamma Future is a SquishyWizard whose powers resemble sorcery.
137	*** '''Delta Rise Claw''': Featuring the main characters of ''Series/UltramanGeed'' (Geed himself, and [[Franchise/UltramanZero Zero]] and [[Characters/UltraSeriesUltramanBelial Belial]] in their {{Super Mode}}s from that series), Delta Rise Claw is Z's SuperMode with incredible power. The form is also associated with a sentient sword of darkness, though it's not actually part of the Delta Rise Claw powerset and doesn't always agree to let Z wield it.
138	** ''Series/{{Ultraman Trigger\|NewGenerationTiga}}'', as a homage to ''Tiga'', has the same selection of '''Multi''', '''Power''', and '''Sky Types'''; and eventually he gets two {{Super Mode}}s:
139	*** '''Glitter Trigger Eternity''': A GoldenSuperMode and his equivalent to Glitter Tiga, though his source of power is different and he gets it earlier in the season than Tiga did. It ends up being so powerful that Trigger can barely control its energies until he undergoes special training.
140	*** '''Trigger Truth''': A new form used [[EleventhHourSuperpower only in the last episode]]. Where Tiga rejected being Tiga Dark, Trigger accepted that such powers were a part of him and temporarily reabsorbed his former darkness; blending light and dark into a YinYangBomb.
141	** ''Series/UltramanDecker'' is a homage to ''Dyna'' the same way that ''Trigger'' is to ''Tiga'', and similarly has Dyna's '''Flash''', '''Strong''', and '''Miracle Types'''. However, Decker would later on get a SuperMode in the form of '''Dynamic Type'''. An epilogue movie also adds [[spoiler:'''Ultraman Dinas'''; similar to The Next and Nexus, Dinas is a less developed version of the Decker powers due to being used by a host that's not as capable of fighting.]]
142	[[/folder]]
143
144	[[folder:Mythology]]
145	* It's at least OlderThanFeudalism. Goddess Parvati from Myth/HinduMythology is usually GirlyGirl, but she may take form of [[ActionGirl Durga]] or [[TheBerserker Kali]] as well.
146	[[/folder]]
147
148	[[folder:Tabletop Game]]
149	* In ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' the shifter class gains access to a selection of animal aspects as they level, each of which has a [[PartialTransformation minor form]], where they mostly retain their original appearance but gain some kind of bonus based on the aspect chosen, and a major form, where they transform entirely into that animal. While they can eventually keep multiple minor forms active at once, it's expected a shifter will choose some aspects based on the different roles their major forms are suited to, such as turning into a tiger for combat, a mouse for stealth, and a falcon for flight.
150	* The Naturalist's Form ongoings in ''TabletopGame/SentinelsOfTheMultiverse'' each have their own mechanical benefits: Crocodile deals more damage and buffs a lot of damaging effects, Gazelle has a lot of recovery and control options, and Rhinoceros is durable and has access to card draw. Naturalist gameplay relies heavily on shifting between these forms to get whatever effects online that are most useful in the current situation (although the Hunted Naturalist is able to stack the symbols, just not the Forms).
151	* ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheForsaken''. Each of a Uratha's five forms has its uses and weaknesses.
152	** The Hishu (human) form is most likely to pass among mortals and best suited for social dealings.
153	** The Dalu (wolf-man) form allows added strength and enhanced senses while retaining human form, but still pings Lunacy a little.
154	** The Gauru (monster two-legged wolf) form is the strongest, most damaging form, but can only be used for a limited time and is locked in a state of rage that makes any action ''but'' attacking something a failure.
155	** The Urshul (dire wolf) form is fastest of all and quite strong, but will still ping Lunacy heavily.
156	** The Urhan (wolf) form will blend in most easily in nature and could ''maybe'' pass for a wolfdog in urban environments.
157	[[/folder]]
158
159	[[folder:Video Games]]
160	* ''VideoGame/BreathOfFireIV'': When Ryu transforms, whichever form he chooses provides a percentage boost to his stats, resulting in the following arrangements: MasterOfNone (Aura), JackOfAllStats (Wyvern/Weyr), MightyGlacier (Behemoth/Mammoth), LightningBruiser (Myrmidon/Knight), GlassCannon (Mutant/Punk) and SuperMode (Kaiser). Fou-lu's dragons roughly follow the same percentage boosts as Ryu's; just replace Aura, Wyvern and Kaiser with Astral, Serpent and Tyrant (Fou-lu doesn't have Myrmidon or Mutant, and he has a Behemoth like Ryu), respectively.
161	* Kheldians in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' are another example, though they don't start out with all the forms. Nova form is a GlassCannon, Dwarf form is a StoneWall, and with the basic human form being somewhere in between, and having a much greater choice of attacks, including the ability to deal decent damage at close range. Some players try to specialise in only one form, but by most accounts the best choice is to make use of all three forms, swapping as necessary.
162	** Unfortunately due to the way powers and slots worked actually using all three forms for combat wasn't practical. Instead most Kheldians were built to fight using only the Nova and Dwarf forms while occasionally dropping into Human form to apply buffs. The exceptions to this tends to eschew forms entirely, simply sticking with the basic human form.
163	* ''VideoGame/DigimonStoryCyberSleuthHackersMemory'' does this to [=MagnaGarurumon=]'s Starlight Velocity attack, which it can only use after ditching its armor and guns. While said attack is a simple case of ShedArmorGainSpeed in the rest of the franchise, here its un-armored form is treated as an outright Mode Change called [=MagnaGarurumon=] SV that has Starlight Velocity as its SignatureMove. The ShedArmorGainSpeed aspect is reflected in it having a higher speed stat than the base form at the cost of having lower health.
164	* Morphling in ''VideoGame/Dota2'' has Attribute Shift, which lets him exchange his base Strength for Agility and vice-versa over time. Since Strength gives HP and Agility increases his damage and attack speed, this means he can change between a StoneWall and GlassCannon or in-between whenever the situation arises. One of his other ability, Adaptive Strike, has two seperate versions of the skill where one has more stun duration and knockback the more Strength he has than Agility, and a higher damage multiplier the more Agility he has than Strength.
165	* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2's'' version of the series' JobSystem allows the three playable characters to switch jobs (in this game, called [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman dresspheres]]) even in the midst of battle as the situation calls for it, courtesy of the Garment Grid system.
166	* The gameplay of ''VideoGame/GianaSistersTwistedDreams'' is pretty much built around this trope. Switching back and forth between Giana's cute and punk forms at exactly the right moment is the key to solving many puzzles.
167	* ''VideoGame/HeroesOfTheStorm'': This is Varian's entire gimmick. He starts out as a MasterOfNone for the first 9 levels, but once he hits 10, he can choose between one of three Heroics to specialize. [[StoneWall Taunt]] increases his health but lowers his attack speed and gives him a brief stun ability, [[GlassCannon Colossus Smash]] increases his attack damage but lowers his health and gives him an armour-weakening leap, and Twin Blades of Fury increases his attack speed but lowers attack damage and gives him extra movement speed after he hits a basic attack. Each of them are watered-down versions of the archetypal character of that role, and Varian's strength comes from his ability to fill any slot his team needs.
168	* ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' has its Valor and Wisdom Forms spiking the player's physical and magical stats (respectively) at the cost of the other. Then comes [[SuperMode Master Form and Final Form]], which balance melee attacks and magic by making both of them highly effective.
169	* ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' has a lot of dual-mode champions that can change modes at will, but the most unique of them all is Gnar, a cute prehistoric yordle that flings boomerangs [[Main/FragileSpeedster from a distance]], while being able to transform into a [[Main/MightyGlacier tanky beast]] when [[Main/HulkingOut enraged]], albeit for a few seconds.
170	* ''VideoGame/MarvelAvengersAlliance''
171	** The player character Agent starts as a MasterOfNone (Generalist) and can switch to any of five other classes -- GlassCannon (Blaster), LightningBruiser (Scrapper), MightyGlacier (Bruiser), JackOfAllStats (Tactician), FragileSpeedster (Infiltrator) -- by buying and equipping the appropriate uniform. TacticalRockPaperScissors is in play, so each of those classes has an advantage over one class and a disadvantage against a second. The Agent can also remain as a Generalist, neither weak nor strong against any class.
172	** Several heroes have alternate costumes, and a change in costume also means a change in class. (ex.: Comicbook/SpiderMan, an Infiltrator by default, can also become either a Scrapper with his [[Comicbook/FantasticFour Future Foundation]] outfit, or don the Black Suit, turning into a Bruiser.)
173	** Punisher has the ability to switch classes at will, each class has its own attack unique from the other and can be either target single or group enemies.
174	* ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'': Mega Man's ability to fuse with [[RobotDog Rush]] in ''VideoGame/MegaMan6'', creating the [[MightyGlacier Power]] and [[FragileSpeedster Jet]] Adapters. In ''VideoGame/MegaMan7'', the abilities of both adapters are compressed into a single, [[LightningBruiser Super]] adapter.
175	* ''VideoGame/MegaManX's'' ability to switch between different armors in some of his games. The armors vary between each game, but [[SuperMode Ultimate Armor]] would be consistent.
176	** ''VideoGame/MegaManX5'': JackOfAllStats (Force, a [[{{nerf}} nerfed]] version of the armor with the same name from ''VideoGame/MegaManX4''), FragileSpeedster (Falcon), MightyGlacier (Gaea)
177	** ''X6'': JackOfAllStats (Falcon, a nerfed version of the above), LightningBruiser ([[{{Samurai}} Blade]]), GlassCannon ([[{{Ninja}} Shadow]])
178	** ''X8'': MasterOfNone (Neutral), FragileSpeedster (Hermes, turns into LightningBruiser when [[HourOfPower X-Drive]] is activated), MightyGlacier (Icarus)
179	* ''VideoGame/MegaManZero 2'', Zero starts out as a MasterOfNone (Normal), but fulfilling certain conditions in a mission unlocks specialized upgrades: FragileSpeedster (Active), MightyGlacier (Energy and Power), StoneWall (Defense and Erase), LightningBruiser (Rise and X), GlassCannon (Proto) and finally, SuperMode (Ultimate).
180	* ''Videogame/MegaManZX Advent'': This game allows you to take on the boss' forms after you defeat them. Your normal untransformed form and the bonus form "Model a" are {{Joke Character}}s (armed only with a non-chargeable buster and cannot dash), Mega Man forms are JackOfAllStats, Bifrost form is a MightyGlacier, Argoyle and Hedgeshock forms are {{Fragile Speedster}}s, Buckfire form is a LightningBruiser, Queenbee and Vulturon forms are {{Stone Wall}}s (with their weak attacks and ability to fly, Queenbee is longer-ranged while Vulturon is shorter-ranged), and Chronoforce and Rospark are gimmicky[[note]]Chronoforce cannot move or attack on land, but swims freely in water and shoots icicles, he has protective carapace on his back that makes him immune to SpikesOfDoom from above, and has the ability to [[BulletTime slow down time]]; Rospark moves slowly on land and cannot jump high, but upon climbing up ropes, he transforms into his true form, which can move around ropes and shoot spreads of thorns[[/note]].
181	* One of the weapons in ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'' a player can wield is the Charge Blade, a sword and a shield with [[MightyGlacier good attack, good defence and average mobility]]. This duo can combine on fly into a big axe with [[GlassCannon slow, hard hitting attacks and no defensive capabilities]]. [[DifficultButAwesome The Charge Blade is quite well rounded but rather difficult to learn.]]
182	* ''VideoGame/PlantsVsZombies2ItsAboutTime'' has two examples:
183	** The Red Stinger changes its form depending on its position on the lawn. When it's near the house, it will be a GlassCannon. Near the middle, it gains extra defense but fires half as fast as a JackOfAllStats. When it's far from the house, it will become a StoneWall unable to attack. However, it's quite bad at defending, as it's unable to take as much damage as a proper wall.
184	** The Nightshade has two modes of attack depending on whether there's a Moonflower nearby to power it up. When uncharged, it's a CloseRangeCombatant that slaps zombies for heavy damage, using up one of its three petals in the process. When it's charged, it becomes a LongRangeFighter that will fire out and regenerate these petals, at the cost of dealing halved damage.
185	* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}''
186	** The [[OlympusMons Mythical]] Deoxys has various forms with differing distributions of stats. Normal Forme is the JackOfAllStats form (although in terms of in-game stats, it's more of a slightly less extreme Attack Forme), Attack Forme is the GlassCannon form, Defense Forme is the StoneWall form, and Speed Forme is the FragileSpeedster form (although in terms of in-game stats, it's actually more balanced and defensive than Normal Forme).
187	** [[Characters/PokemonGenerationVFamilies Generation V]]'s Darmanitan has a normal form that is a GlassCannon, but when certain Darmanitans' HitPoints go below half they automatically switch to Zen Mode, which is a MightyGlacier. This was a poorly-done attempt, though -- all the damage is received before the switch, and getting knocked out in one hit is not too unlikely in the glass cannon form. Even if they do survive, the higher defensive stats are not very useful with less than half HitPoints left.
188	** [[Characters/PokemonGenerationVIFamilies Generation VI]] introduces the Steel/Ghost sword Aegislash. Its Shield Forme is a StoneWall. As soon as it uses an attack, it turns into the GlassCannon Sword Forme. Using its SignatureMove King's Shield turns it back into Shield Forme.
189	** A Zygarde with all 100 of its Cells and Cores is capable of switching between 10% Forme, a [[FragileSpeedster fast but frail]] canine, or the [[MightyGlacier bulkier and slower]] serpentine 50% Forme. Either forme will have the Power Construct ability, which transforms Zygarde into the even bulkier Complete Forme once it TurnsRed.
190	** Rotom has 5 alternate forms, each with a different typing based on appliances: Normal Rotom (Electric/Ghost), Heat Rotom (Electric/Fire), Wash Rotom (Electric/Water), Fridge Rotom (Electric/Ice), Fan Rotom (Electric/Flying) and Mow Rotom (Electric/Grass).
191	** Both Arceus and Silvally can have different forms for ALL typings in the game.
192	* The various offensive shapeshifting powers in ''VideoGame/{{Prototype}}'' are balanced like this. Claws are quite fast and have a slow ranged attack composed of spikes erupting from the ground and impaling the target from below, Musclemass is only useful for making long ranged attacks so it is almost wothless in close-combat, Hammerfist gives massively devastating splash damage attacks with really slow speed, the Whipfist has awesome range, anti-air attacks and crowd control capabilities [[DeathOfAThousandCuts in exchange for power]] and the Blade is similar to the Claws but replaces the latter's impalement attack with a brutally powerful [[GoombaStomp aerial attack]] that can OneHitKill ''tanks''.
193	* ''VideoGame/RobotechBattlecry'' features TransformingMecha like the rest of the franchise, though it boils down the transformations to a few basic points.
194	** The offensively-minded Fighter is the fastest of the three forms and packs the most raw firepower since it uses the largest missiles, but is the least agile due to requiring a large turning circle and has a very limited ability to use cover, relying on pure speed instead.
195	** The defensive Battloid form is the slowest in terms of movement and is unable to use missiles, but is the most agile form due to its ability to put cover between itself and enemies and possesses both the best anti-missile defense and the most accurate ranged attack.
196	** The middle of the road Gerwalker mode can both use cover and fire missiles while being faster than the Battloid and more nimble than the Fighter, but it lacks the defenses of the former and the speed of the latter, making it the form most vulnerable to enemy attacks.
197	* The old Creator/ElectronicArts game ''VideoGame/{{Shadowcaster}}'' features a lead that could form pacts with various creatures to "accept the form of X", each form having its own uses.
198	* ''VideoGame/StarCraft2'': The Terran race has this as a characteristic of several mechanical units.
199	** Hellions are speedy but fragile off-road cars, equipped with a flamethrower that deals bonus damage to light units and can hit multiple targets in a straight line. In this form they are used for scouting or hit-and-run attacks. After you build an armory they can transform into Hellbats, small mecha which waddle at a somewhat slow pace but gain increased hitpoints, the ability to be healed by medivacs, and a flame attack that hits an arc of targets immediately in front of it. This second form is basically a replacement for the classic Firebat unit; Hellbats are typically put in the front line of a battle to get stuck in with the enemy and tank for the squishier units behind them.
200	** Vikings come out of the starport as air superiority fighters which can only shoot air-to-air missiles, but they can land and transform into walking mecha with Gatling guns that only shoot ground-to-ground. The transformation takes some time to complete, and vikings are not well-regarded as front line ground units, so the walker mode tends to go under-utilized.
201	** Siege tanks have two modes, both with their uses.
202	*** Siege tanks come out of the factory in tank mode, in which they can move freely around the battlefield. In this mode the gun has fairly low damage per attack but high attack speed, which actually gives it good single-target DPS. On one hand the maximum range of the gun is only medium-distance at best, but on the other hand it does not suffer from ArbitraryWeaponRange and can even keep shooting enemies that have closed into mêlée distance. It lacks splash damage, and therefore can only hurt one enemy at a time, but this also means that there's no fear of accidentally hurting itself or other friendlies when it shoots the enemy. Therefore, if enemy forces (especially mêlée attackers) manage to charge into the Terran force while the tanks are still in tank mode, it's often better to leave them in tank mode instead of trying to transform into siege mode when it's already too late.
203	*** Siege mode transforms the tank into a stationary artillery piece, which is the mode in which siege tanks can have the biggest effect on the battlefield. In it the individual shots do more damage to the primary target, and also deal splash damage to anything that's right next to the target. This makes siege mode superior for destroying clumps of enemies, although the single-target DPS might actually be inferior compared to tank mode because of just how slowly it fires. The splash damage can also deal friendly fire, so one must beware of shelling enemies which have closed to mêlée attack range. Speaking of range, siege mode allows the tank to shoot a massive distance even beyond what its own vision can see, making scans or forward observers necessary. This large radius of fire allows tanks in siege mode to either deny a large area to enemy ground units, or besiege an enemy base or army from a safe distance.
204	*** The catch to tanks being in siege mode is that they're extremely vulnerable to close range and especially mêlée attack, since they cannot shoot enemies that get too close to them, and a group of siege tanks will probably end up hastening each others' deaths with splash damage when they automatically shoot the zerglings/zealots/whatever that are swarming the tanks next to them. It doesn't help that they can't try to run away until they finish transforming into tank mode, so if the enemy closes it's already too late. The good news is that a well-positioned line of siege tanks protected by terrain or frontline units is hard to asssault if they can see and shoot the enemy from standoff distance. Still, it becomes necessary at some point to shift back to tank mode to either advance or withdraw. The transformation to tank mode makes them momentarily unable to shoot and removes their huge defensive radius, so transforming and repositioning siege tanks requires good situational awareness.
205	** The Thor is a HumongousMecha whose back armament transforms to either use missiles that deal a low amount of splash damage to multiple air targets, or big guns that deal high damage to single air targets. The former is more useful when dealing with a swarm of more fragile flyers like mutalisks, while the latter is better against capital ships such as carriers.
206	* ''VideoGame/{{Skully}}'' has the three different {{golem}}s you can transform into by entering a magical clay pool, forming a MultiformBalance of sorts, useful for platforming elements, breaking walls, or accessing tricky areas. It starts with the MightyGlacier Strong Golem, a huge, muscular clay giant who can break walls with it's fists and powerful DishingOutDirt attacks, and is followed by the fast-moving FragileSpeedster Golem, Fleet Footer, who has SuperSpeed. And finally you get Jolly Jumper, a well-balanced golem with the ability to DoubleJump.
207	* ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosForNintendo3DSAndWiiU'' has [[VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles1 Shulk]]. He's a MechanicallyUnusualFighter whose playstyle centers around a StanceSystem composed of 5 Monado Arts. Each of those arts boost one of his stats for a few seconds at the cost of reducing others. For example, "Jump" increases his jump distance while lowering his defense, and "Smash" increases his launch ability at the cost of weaker attacks and lower defense against launching.
208	** Invoked with [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda Zelda and Sheik]] in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''. Zelda is the SquishyWizard with longer range specials and normals with stronger kill power, and Sheik is the FragileSpeedster who has very fast mobility and attacks, but lower damage. In ''Melee'', [[LowTierLetdown there was no reason to switch to Zelda 99.9% of the time]], and things weren't much better in ''Brawl''.
209	** Subverted with [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Pokémon Trainer]] in ''Brawl''. The idea behind the character was that you had three fighters at your disposal -- the lightweight Squirtle, the middleweight Ivysaur, and the heavyweight Charizard -- each with their own distinct strengths and weaknesses, but they attached a "fatigue" mechanic to them, which forces you to not stick with just one Pokemon and learn to use all three effectively to master them all. Unfortunately, the fatigue mechanic proved to be a ScrappyMechanic and the Pokémon were poorly balanced, with Ivysaur being one of the worst individual fighters in the game. ''Ultimate'' did justice to them by removing the restrictions and balancing them much better.
210	** [[VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2 Pyra and Mythra]] are a TagTeam "[[StanceSystem transformation]]" character where both sides share the same normals, with Mythra being the faster one and Pyra being the stronger one. Their main differences are in their special moves.
211	* Patty Fleur from the [=PS3=] and Remastered versions of ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia''. She randomly switches between multiple forms with different specialties.
212	** [[JackOfAllStats Normal Form]] is balanced and can do most things well.
213	** [[CloseRangeCombatant Advance Form]] has fast movement and attacks, but Artes have shorter range.
214	** [[LongRangeFighter Brainiac Form]] has slow movement and shorter combos, but her Artes have longer range and she can cast spells faster and use support spells.
215	** [[MasterOfAll Critical Form]] is the rarest form, but it combines the advantages of every other Form.
216	* ''VideoGame/WonderBoyIIITheDragonsTrap'' features this as its central hook, with the hero spent virtually the entire game [[ForcedTransformation involuntarily transformed]] into various animal-like creatures, each featuring unique abilities.
217	* Druid shapeshifting in ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' is designed so each form has its own distinct use in gameplay. Unshapeshifted (AKA "caster" form) is for the CombatMedic, with a temporary [[{{Treants}} treant]] form for emergency healing. Cat form has stealth, bursts of speed and deals melee damage. Bear form is a StoneWall, able to take a lot of damage and keep enemies off their allies. Moonkin form has good armor, but is geared towards ranged damage. While all Druids have access to Bear Form and Cat Form, they have to specialise in one of these four roles and the other forms become situational (cat form to hide from enemies, bear form to survive heavy damage, and so on). They also have travel forms of a bird, a stag or a seal, that are entirely about moving long distances and have no use in combat.
218	[[/folder]]
219
220	[[folder:Webcomics]]
221	* The [[http://www.missmab.com/Demo/were.php Were]] race in ''Webcomic/DanAndMabsFurryAdventures''. They have three forms, human, [[FunnyAnimal normal]] and 'primal' (animal), which basically form a Sliding Scale of Magicalness. As humans, they're immune to magic; in their normal form, they're {{Muggles}} with some minor bonuses; and as animals, their magical power is increased.
222	* In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'',
223	** Some of Grace's pure forms have positive and negative attributes the other pure forms or combination forms don't. Her full squirrel form is small but [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2011-12-19 doesn't allow her to speak]] and her omega form is powerful and allows her to fly but its 3 tails can [[http://www.egscomics.com/?date=2012-01-19 complicate things]].
224	** When magic "doesn't change", but does make many things that spells used to include automatically become less automatic, it's explained that there's a "balance" to how you adjust things, so you can increase one thing by reducing another, but ''only if the idea the two things are related makes sense to you''. Eliot's superhero spell now has a distributable points system, although the points aren't "real", just a way for him to understand the system.
225	* The Preacher from ''Webcomic/ScoobAndShag'' can either boost his own speed; or boost his defenses and strength. He also has an attack that makes him both fast ''and'' strong - but he cannot change direction while he's performing it.
226	[[/folder]]
227
228	[[folder:Western Animation]]
229	* ''Franchise/{{Ben 10}}'' has this as its core concept. The protagonist, Ben Tennyson, wears an alien watch-like device which he can use to shapeshift into a large variety of aliens beings, each with its own super-power (one has SuperSpeed, another is PlayingWithFire, and so on). He started out with only ten, but got new forms as the series progressed, and it was explicitly stated he could potentially have more than one million. This begins to get averted later in the series when certain alien forms are described as [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter strictly superior to others]].
230	** The [[EvilCounterpart Nemetrix]] from ''Omniverse'' is an even more specialized variation. It's designed to specifically counteract the Omnitrix's aliens with their natural predators. Whatever power or weakness an alien has, the Nemetrix's aliens are either counters or exploiters to/of those powers/weaknesses.
231	* In ''WesternAnimation/GeneratorRex'', Rex can create a variety of [[ShapeshifterWeapon mechanical constructs]] that include the [[PowerFist Smack Hands]], the [[HelicopterPack Boogie Pack]], the [[ArmCannon Slam Cannon]], the [[DeflectorShield Block Party]] and the Blast Caster. Balance is mostly kept by making Rex only able to build one type of machine at a time (And even with a few season upgrades he can only create two by the end of the series) and making every machine have a secondary mode (The Smack hands can [[SpectacularSpinning spin to create a stronger attack]], the Blast Caster can [[ShockAndAwe generate electricity]], the Boogie Pack can launch a few projectiles to grab enemies, and so on).
232	* ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' mainly use their [[TransformingMecha vehicle modes]] for speed/transport/stealth and their robot forms for basically anything else, namely combat. Non-vehicle alt modes often have different, more specific utilities. Those with multiple alternate forms, such as triple-changers, have a wider variety to choose from[[note]]a common pattern for triple-changers is having a ground-based alt-mode and a flying alt-mode[[/note]], while combiner team members [[CombiningMecha combine with others]] to form a larger being for more power, in exchange for drawbacks such as [[DumbMuscle lowered intelligence]].
233	[[/folder]]
234

Context Main / MultiformBalance