History Main / MultiformBalance

* ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' mainly use their [[TransformingMecha vehicle modes]] for speed/transport 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, while combiner team members do ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin, in that they combine with others to form a larger being for more power.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'' mainly use their [[TransformingMecha vehicle modes]] for speed/transport and their robot forms for basically anything else, namely combat. Non-vehicle alt modes often have different, more specific utilities.

* In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14073644/1/ The Echo Ranger]]'', [[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.

Multiform Balance occurs when creators take care to make each multiple form of a {{Shapeshifter}}, 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).

* A popular gimmick for [[CombiningMecha combiner teams]] in the Japanese {{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.

* In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14073644/1/ The Echo Ranger]]'', [[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 balanced (albeit leaning more to the defense).

** Monkey D. Luffy's [[SuperMode Gears]]: Gear Second is a LightningBruiser, while Gear Third is the MightyGlacier. [[spoiler:Gear Fourth has its drawbacks -- it's extremely taxing on his body, and as with Chopper's controlled Monster Point, he can only use it for a short while and is exhausted afterward. When he forces himself to use it twice in one day, he falls unconscious for three days afterward.]]
*** [[spoiler:Even within Gear Fourth, he 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]].

* ''LightNovel/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.

** In ''Series/DoubutsuSentaiZyuohger'', Yamato can switch powers between the agile Zyuoh Eagle and the strong Zyuoh Gorilla, and later on the Zyuoh Whale SuperMode. SixthRanger Zyuoh [=TheWorld=] also has multiple modes, with the balanced rhino, speedy wolf, and powerful crocodile.

** 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.

* 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 [[WhipItGood 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).

** 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 changing 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.

** 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.

** 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 that drastically increases his speed and power.

** ''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'''.

** 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'', [[TierInducedScrappy there was no reason to switch to Zelda 99.9% of the time]], and things weren't much better in ''Brawl''.

!! Examples:

[[folder:''Kamen Rider'']]
This trope is a tradition for modern ''Franchise/KamenRider'' series.
* While the trope is associated with the modern eras of the franchise, it actually first appeared in the original Showa era's ''Series/KamenRiderBlackRX''. BLACK RX has three forms:
** '''BLACK RX''': The default form and a JackOfAllStats.[[note]]Technically a LightningBruiser as the evolved form of Series/KamenRiderBLACK, but in the context of ''BLACK RX'' it sits between the Bio and Robo Rider forms.[[/note]]
** '''Robo Rider''': The MightyGlacier with [[SuperToughness high defense]] and armed with a powerful [[{{Handgun}} Vortech Shooter]], but his robotic movement is sluggish.
** '''Bio Rider''': A combination of FragileSpeedster and StoneWall, with nimble movement and ability to transform into gel which makes him almost invincible. But his Bio Blade is weak, the armor is thin, and it's hinted that he's weak against heat while in gel state.[[note]]During a fight against [[ArchEnemy Shadow Moon]], Shadow Moon heats up the ground around Black RX in gel form instead of attacking him directly. It forces him to switch back to humanoid form, clearly injured.[[/note]]
* ''Series/KamenRiderKuuga'' acts as the FranchiseCodifier, setting the pattern for future series:
** '''Growing Form''': The weakest form, only used when he doesn't get access to other forms.[[note]]The first time because he lacks the resolve of a warrior and later when he's still weakened from a near-death state, we also see him revert to this form briefly after his SensoryOverload from Pegasus Form.[[/note]] Usually regarded as useless but proven to be [[NerfArm capable of fighting, just not being good at it]].
** '''Mighty Form''': The [[JackOfAllStats balanced form]].
** '''Dragon Form''': [[FragileSpeedster Fast and can jump very high but has the least protective armor]], and is so weak that he needs the form's Dragon Staff to injure an enemy.
** '''Pegasus Form''': Has SuperSenses capable of perceiving ultraviolet light and ultrasonic sound, but even with focus training Kuuga can only use this form for 2 minutes before suffering from SensoryOverload. It's armed with a Pegasus Bowgun which [[GlassCannon shoots out a powerful air blast but has to be reloaded after every shot]].
** '''Titan Form''': MightyGlacier, with high strength to wield the [[CoolSword Titan Sword]] and strong protection from ArmorOfInvincibility, but the sword and armor are so heavy that it's the slowest form. Despite its high defense, the armor still leaves some areas exposed so the enemy can exploit AttackItsWeakPoint.
** All four of the basic forms later get a MidSeasonUpgrade as '''Rising''' forms that boost their stats[[note]]Rising Mighty just gets an overall stat boost, Rising Dragon has increased speed and the Rising Dragon Rod now has [[BladeOnAStick blades on both ends]], Rising Pegasus has better SuperSenses and the Rising Pegasus Bowgun can shoot repeatedly, and Rising Titan has increased strength and bigger swords that he can [[DualWielding use two at once]][[/note]] but they're more of a LimitBreak that only lasts for 30 seconds, and the power can [[DestructiveSavior cause serious collateral damage to civilians]].
** '''Amazing Mighty Form''': LightningBruiser, with an overall stat boost from Rising Mighty Form.
** '''Ultimate Form''': [[EleventhHourSuperpower Used in the last battle]], [[SuperMode superior to everything before it in every respect]], but he must have a pure heart when he uses it, or it becomes a SuperpoweredEvilSide that corrupts him into an evil being. (Kuuga’s TransformationTrinket imitates the [[MonsterOfTheWeek Grongi]]’s ability to transform into monsters, and Ultimate Form specifically imitates the BigBad.)
** It's also turned around when a few Grongi from the high-level Go Tribe develop their ''own'' alternate forms, which are analogous to Kuuga's in terms of performance: '''Grapple Form''' (Mighty), '''Nimble Form''' (Dragon), '''Shooting Form''' (Pegasus), '''Herculean Form''' (Titan), and '''Blitz Form''' (Amazing Mighty). While most use the same weapons as Kuuga, a few go in their own direction, like Go-Baberu-Da (the Buffalo Grongi) wielding a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] in his Herculean Form.
** An AlternateUniverse version of Kuuga appears in ''Series/KamenRiderDecade''; while he never achieves the Rising upgrades or Amazing Mighty form that the original did, he can crank up Ultimate form with the even more powerful '''Rising Ultimate Form'''. Then the hobby magazine story ''S.I.C. Hero Saga'' took it even further and introduced '''Super Rising Ultimate Form''' as a result of being supercharged with electricity, which makes him potentially the strongest Kamen Rider ever to exist.[[note]]Though he's currently rivaled for that title by [[Series/KamenRiderZiO Kamen Rider Ohma Zi-O]], who has [[AllYourPowersCombined the combined power]] of all Heisei-era Kamen Riders (theoretically including Super Rising Ultimate Kuuga).[[/note]]
* ''Series/KamenRiderAgito'':
** '''Ground Form''': WordOfGod labels it as [[JackOfAllStats the "Balance" form]], but official stats indicate it has [[GlassCannon the lowest defense but high attack power]].
** '''Storm Form''': Faster and has better armor than the Ground form, but has a weaker attack.
** '''Fire Form''': Has SuperSenses and the best defense among basic forms, but is also slower. Its attack power is in the middle between Storm and Ground Forms.
** '''Trinity Form''': The LightningBruiser that [[AllYourPowersCombined combines the advantages of the basic forms]].
** '''Burning Form''': [[MightyGlacier Stronger and has better defense than Trinity Form but is much slower]].
** '''Shining Form''': SuperMode. Is as strong as Burning Form but is also the fastest. The downside is that he usually has to activate this form by exposing the Burning Form to sunlight to ShedArmorGainSpeed.
%%* Kamen Riders [[Series/KamenRiderRyuki Ryuki]], [[Series/KamenRider555 Faiz]], [[Series/KamenRiderBlade Blade]], and [[Series/KamenRiderHibiki Hibiki]] don't qualify. Their forms are examples of NextTierPowerUp, each stronger than the one before, rather than having tradeoffs.
* ''Series/KamenRiderKabuto'':
** Most of the Riders have two forms:
*** '''Masked Form''': Technically a MightyGlacier with heavy armor and high strength, but is slow. However, since Worms can move with SuperSpeed, in practice Masked Form [[JokeCharacter is useless against anything stronger than]] {{Mooks}}.
*** '''Rider Form''': Technically a FragileSpeedster, made by [[ShedArmorGainSpeed removing much of the armor of the Masked Form]] and adding SuperSpeed capability. As noted, since SuperSpeed is needed to fight Worms effectively, this is their main form in practice.
** Kabuto also gets a '''[[SuperMode Hyper Form]]''' that is more powerful and even faster than Rider Form, but it requires MidSeasonUpgrade [[TransformationTrinket Hyper Zecter]] to activate. Gatack later gets his own Hyper Form in a DVD, but it may or may not be canon to the series.
* ''Series/KamenRiderDenO'':
** Den-O's forms are tied to which allied Imagin is [[DemonicPossession possessing him]] at the moment:
*** '''Plat Form''' ([[JustForPun geddit?]]): The base form of the Aura Armor, used when Ryotaro is acting on his own without any Imagin. Almost useless in a fight ([[JokeCharacter but it doesn't stop Ryotaro from trying and get his ass kicked though]]).
*** '''Sword Form''': Possessed by Momotaros. This is the [[JackOfAllStats balanced form]].
*** '''Rod Form''': Possessed by Urataros. Has [[StoneWall high defense but low offense]]. This form is good for aquatic combat, and the [=DenGasher=] rod mode has [[YouWillNotEvadeMe the power of capturing an escaping enemy]].
*** '''Ax Form''': Possessed by Kintaros. [[MightyGlacier Slow but strong]], and has [[SuperToughness the best defense]].
*** '''Gun Form''': Possessed by Ryutaros. Faster than Sword Form and armed with a powerful [=DenGasher=] gun mode. Ryutaros also incorporates break dancing into his fighting style, making it [[ConfusionFu hard to predict]]. However, Ryutaros's trigger-happy carelessness tends to cause serious collateral damage and if the opponent managed to get a hit, then it is pretty defenseless.
*** '''Wing Form''': Possessed by Sieg. [[LightningBruiser Even faster than Gun Form]] and armed with [[DualWielding a combination of a boomerang and a handaxe]]. But Sieg is the SixthRanger of the group, often not available, and [[TheFriendNobodyLikes the team loathe him]]. His arrogant attitude also makes him prone to making mistakes in battle. It makes only one notable appearance in the series, and is otherwise exclusive to tie-in movies.
*** '''Climax Form''': [[AllYourPowersCombined Combines powers of the four Taros]] into one SuperMode. This form requires a [[TransformationTrinket Climax Cellphone K-Taros]], and all four Taros need to work together controlling a single body.
*** '''Liner Form''': A second SuperMode with less strength than Climax Form, but more speed. While Ryotaro can use this form without being possessed, it also means he has to rely on his own rather low combat skill; but he can competently [[DittoFighter mimic the Imagins' fighting styles]] in a StanceSystem.
*** '''Super Climax Form''': An upgrade to Climax Form, done by adding [[TheFriendNobodyLikes Sieg]] to the group. It augments Climax Form's strength with additional agility. Like with Seig and his Wing Form, this one only appears in spinoff movies.
** [[TheLancer Zeronos]]:
*** '''Altair Form''': His default [[JackOfAllStats balance form]]. Also, his own Imagin partner Deneb is independent from Zeronos in this form and can assist him directly.
*** '''Vega Form''': Possessed by Deneb. Becomes [[MightyGlacier slower but stronger]] as well as gaining [[SuperToughness improved defense]] and being equipped with a powerful set of {{Shoulder Cannon}}s.
*** '''Zero Form''': Initially replacing the Altair and Vega Forms when they became unavailable, but spinoffs allow all three to coexist. [[LightningBruiser Takes Altair Form's balanced stats and raises them higher]][[note]]roughly equal attack to Vega, but far more mobile[[/note]] and Deneb becomes a powerful Denebick Buster gun (which qualifies as both {{BFG}} and GatlingGood).
* ''Series/KamenRiderKiva''
** Kiva:
*** '''Kiva''': The default [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Vampire-themed form]] with [[JackOfAllStats balanced stats]] and high jump power that makes him good with an acrobatic aerial fighting style.
*** '''Garulu'''[[note]]onomatopia for howling[[/note]]: A [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent Werewolf]]-themed form transformed by using the [[CoolSword Garulu Saber]], always wielded in the left hand. Has the fastest land speed and a stronger kick in exchange for lower arm strength despite being the sword-using form although for the finisher Kiva goes a CutlassBetweenTheTeeth route.
*** '''Basshaa'''[[note]]onomatopia for splashing[[/note]]: A [[FishPeople Gillman]]-themed form transformed by using the [[{{Handgun}} Basshaa Magum]], always wielded in the right hand, and has [[SuperSenses sharp vision]] to make better use of it; plus it can create and maneuver on pools of water (though Kiva is never shown going ''under''water). Marginally faster than Kiva Form but weaker in everything else.
*** '''Dogga'''[[note]]onomatopia for thudding[[/note]]: A FrankensteinsMonster-themed form transformed by using the [[DropTheHammer Dogga Hammer]]. He gains SuperStrength to wield it, transforming both of his arms and his upper body into heavy armor. [[MightyGlacier Naturally, this costs him speed]].
*** '''[=DoGaBaKi=]'''[[note]]Dogga-Garulu-Bassha-Kiva[[/note]]: A one-time form transformed by [[AllYourPowersCombined using all three Arms Monsters at once]] and can use all three weapons at once. It's a good all-around LightningBruiser, while not being ''as'' strong as the base forms are in their specialties. WordOfGod also states that the form causes high physical stress, so it can only safely activate it for 5 minutes; but as it's only used once this is never stated or demonstrated in the show.
*** '''Emperor''': The SuperMode activated by having Tatsulot remove his PowerLimiter. Superior to the basic forms in almost every respect and can use the Arms Monsters without transforming as well as the new [[CoolSword Zanvat Sword]]. In this form, Kiva can also transform into a [[BatOutOfHell bat-wyvern monster]], called '''Emperor Bat''' or '''Flight Style''', which he uses to combat giant "Sabbat" {{kaiju}}.
*** '''[=DoGaBaKi=] Emperor''': A non-canon form only seen in a DVD. Activated by transforming into Emperor Form while in [=DoGaBaKi=] Form. Supposedly it's [=DoGaBaKi=] Form [[PaletteSwap with Emperor Form's combat abilities]].
** Technically, Kamen Rider IXA can switch between '''Save Mode''' and '''Burst Mode''' in 2008, with Save Mode being weaker but more stable. However, Burst Mode is reliable enough by then to not need the fail-safe, so Save Mode is almost never used in '08; instead it mainly appears in the 1986 timeline when IXA was still being developed and only had Save Mode available. IXA also gets a SuperMode in '08, named '''Rising IXA'''.
* ''Series/KamenRiderDecade'' is loaded thanks to PowerCopying other Riders, primarily the nine preceding him, and most of ''their'' forms (he doesn't get their upgraded LightningBruiser or SuperMode forms, with one exception, but he doesn't get their JokeCharacter forms either). As the stats and abilities of Riders differ from series to series, here are some notable ones:
** [[Series/KamenRider555 Faiz]] Axel form functions as a substitute for Kabuto's SuperSpeed and is the only upgrade form that Decade is shown using.
** Den-O's four basic forms are {{Joke Character}}s at first. All they do is cause Decade to strike a pose and say their CatchPhrase.
** Decade also has two {{Super Mode}}s:
*** '''Complete''': In addition to the usual stat boost, it also has the ability to summon previous Riders' {{Super Mode}}s to assist him in attacking.
*** '''Violent Emotion''': A SuperpoweredEvilSide that's used when Decade fulfills his role as the destroyer of worlds. It allows him to use the powers and tools of other riders without changing to other forms.
** In ''Series/KamenRiderZiO'', Decade returns with his power set expanded to include the next ten Riders after him. A post-finale web series then gives him an enhanced SuperMode reflecting this expansion, '''Complete 21'''.
* ''Series/KamenRiderDouble''
** Double: A little more complicated than usual, due to being a FusionDance with mix-and-match ComboPlatterPowers of Shotaro's "body" Gaia Memory and Philip's "soul" Gaia Memory, with each side providing half the form's stats and abilities.
*** '''Cyclone (''Soul'')''': Fast and has [[BlowYouAway the power to gather and control winds]].
*** '''Heat (''Soul'')''': High attack power and [[PlayingWithFire the ability to control fire]].
*** '''Luna (''Soul'')''': A MasterOfIllusion with the power to [[ConfusionFu change the shape and direction of Double's attacks]], as well as a limited ability to generate HardLight.
*** '''Joker (''Body'')''': A JackOfAllStats and "wild card" - capable of [[MagicEnhancement imbuing Double's body]] with [[ElementalEmbodiment the properties of their Soul memory]] or simply [[PsychoactivePowers strong emotions]], while subtly adapting to counter and overcome the opponent. [[BareFistedMonk Fights without a weapon]].
*** '''Metal (''Body'')''': A MightyGlacier with SuperToughness and SuperStrength, but slower than Joker. Armed with the [[MartialArtsStaff Metal Shaft]].
*** '''Trigger (''Body'')''': TheGunslinger and a LongRangeFighter with [[SuperSenses superior eyesight]] and stable feet, but does poorly in close combat. Armed with the [[HandCannon Trigger Magnum]].
*** For the record, while all nine combinations are used at one point or another, Shotaro and Philip usually gravitate to '''[=CycloneJoker=]''' as a swift all-arounder, '''[=HeatMetal=]''' as a physical powerhouse, and '''[=LunaTrigger=]''' for bullet-bending trick shots.
** Beyond the basic combinations, there are the following extra forms:
*** '''[=FangJoker=]''': A combination of Philip's Fang Memory and Shotaro's Joker Memory. [[LightningBruiser Stronger than the normal combinations]]. However, this form uses Philip's body instead of Shotaro's, and his weak physical body means it can't be used for long periods of time, and he might [[TheBerserker lose control of himself when using this form]].[[note]]WordOfGod originally said that [=FangMetal=] and [=FangTrigger=] combinations are theoretically possible, but they're less stable and would guarantee losing control. Both Fang forms finally appears in the sequel manga ''Manga/FuutoPI'' years later, at which point Shotaro and Phiip's synchronization rate are high enoufh they can use both for a limited time.[[/note]]
*** '''[=CycloneJokerXtreme=]''': The SuperMode of [=CycloneJoker=]. Linked to the database of the Earth via Xtreme Memory, this form [[EnemyScan can analyze and counter the enemy with the best tactic]]. It has lower raw strength than [=FangJoker=] but is armed with the Prism Bicker - a [[KnightlySwordAndShield sword and shield]] with slots for other Memories, which can combine the power of four [[FinishingMove Maximum Drives]] into one.
*** '''[=CycloneJokerGoldXtreme=]''': An [[GoldenSuperMode enhanced, golden version]] of [=CycloneJokerXtreme=] with [[PowerGivesYouWings six wings]], created when [[CombinedEnergyAttack strong winds carrying the prayers of Fuuto citizens flow into Double's body]]. Only appears in TheMovie.
*** The series also puts forth the possibility of '''[=CycloneAccelXtreme=]''', where Philip's FusionDance is with Terui/Kamen Rider Accel instead of Shotaro. In theory, it would be at least as strong as [=CycloneJokerXtreme=] while also being immune to psychological attacks. However, on being told the form draws strength from ThePowerOfHate, the heroes reject the idea and never even attempt it.
*** Late in the story, Shotaro can transform into '''Kamen Rider Joker''' using just the Joker Memory, although he's [[MasterOfNone weaker than Double]]. In a tie-in novel, Philip does the same with his Cyclone Memory to become '''Kamen Rider Cyclone'''.
** [[TheLancer Accel]]:
*** '''Accel''': The default form. A downplayed version of MightyGlacier with high strength. While he isn't as nimble as his other forms, he is in no way sluggish and can morph into a motorcycle for speed.
*** '''Accel Trial''': Gains SuperSpeed -- fast enough to dodge lightning -- by [[ShedArmorGainSpeed removing much of the armor of the default form]]. Although his strength is greatly reduced, this is remedied by his [[DeathOfAThousandCuts rapid-overwhelming attacks]]. Naturally, [[FragileSpeedster his defense is low]].
*** '''Accel Booster''': Uses Gaia Memory Enhancing Adapter to power-up the Accel Memory. Most of Accel Booster's stats are between the default form and Accel Trial. This form has jet boosters all over his body, making him incredibly nimble in air, and easily make up for lower strength with the boosters' acceleration.
* ''Series/KamenRiderOOO'' takes Double's modular combination scheme much further, using three different animal Medals at a time and has more options available for each than Double did. In this case, though, the options are divided into groups and OOO gets a SetBonus for using three similar Medals at once:
** '''Random Combos''': OOO usually uses mismatched combinations with two or three different types of Medals. They're not as strong as complete sets, but still fairly formidable and don't place as much of a strain on him. When not choosing Medals specifically to counter enemy abilities, he tends to use the '''[=TaToBa=][[note]]Taka-Tora-Batta, meaning "Hawk-Tiger-Grasshopper"[[/note]] Combo''' as his default.
** '''[=GataKiriBa=][[note]]Kuwagata-Kamiriki-Batta, "Stag Beetle-Mantis-Grasshopper"[[/note]] Combo''': A MagicKnight that's more agile than [=TaToBa=] but slightly weaker; however, it has the ability to [[DoppelgangerAttack create a seemingly unlimited number of duplicates]].[[note]]This power demonstrates its GameBreaker potential in TheMovie, where the duplicates promptly transform into ''other'' Combos, allowing all of OOO's primary forms to fight together.[[/note]] It tends to get used less often than the other Combos, with the InUniverse explanation that Eiji has a hard time getting back down to a single body (and the RealLife explanation that the duplication effect was prohibitively expensive).
** '''[=LaTorarTar=][[note]]Lion-Tora-Cheetah, "Lion-Tiger-Cheetah"[[/note]] Combo''': A FragileSpeedster thanks to the Cheetah legs giving him incredible SuperSpeed at the cost of armor.
** '''[=SaGohZo=][[note]]Sai-Gorilla-Zou, "Rhino-Gorilla-Elephant"[[/note]] Combo''': A MightyGlacier able to deliver incredibly powerful strikes and even possessing a degree of [[GravityMaster gravity manipulation]]. As one might expect, its drawbacks are being incredibly slow and short-ranged (aside from its RocketPunch attack).
** '''[=TaJaDol=][[note]]Taka-Kujaku-Condor, "Hawk-Peacock-Condor"[[/note]] Combo''': A LightningBruiser that's good in all areas and can [[{{Flight}} fly]]. Despite being a MidSeasonUpgrade, [=TaJaDol=] is sometimes considered OOO's SuperMode since, unlike the more powerful [=PuToTyra=] Combo, Eiji can use it ''without'' becoming TheBerserker (plus he's thematically tied to it since the Bird Greeed, Ankh, is his ally).
*** In the final episode, Eiji transforms using Ankh's personal Medal, creating a variation sometimes labeled the ''Lost Blaze version''. While the TransformationSequence is slightly enhanced, the form itself has the same appearance and it's not clear whether it actually has any more power than before. But what it does do is allow Ankh's spirit to jump in and out of the battle as an AssistCharacter.
** '''[=ShaUTa=][[note]]Shachi-Unagi-Tako, "Killer Whale-Eel-Octopus"[[/note]] Combo''': A SquishyWizard, being physically weaker than the other combos but incredible within its element of underwater combat.
** '''[=PuToTyra=][[note]]Ptera-Tricera-Tyranno[[/note]] Combo''': OOO's primary SuperMode, possessing power and speed beyond any other combo and the incredibly important ability to [[spoiler:destroy Core Medals, meaning it's the only thing capable of destroying Greeeds permanently]]. However, it has major drawbacks like [[TheBerserker driving Eiji into a berserker frenzy]] and [[spoiler:gradually turning him into a Greeed himself]].
** OOO's [[TheMovie movies]] introduce a number of exclusive forms that didn't turn up in the show, but occasionally pop up in crossovers.
*** '''[=BuraKaWani=][[note]]Cobra-Kame-Wani, "Cobra-Turtle-Crocodile"[[/note]] Combo''': A StoneWall, with powerful Turtle shields on its forearms and the Cobra head capable of generating a HealingPotion-like substance.
*** '''[=TaMaShii=][[note]]Taka-Imagin-Shocker; with "tamashii" also being the Japanese word for "spirit"[[/note]] Combo''': A somewhat ridiculous FightingClown, giving OOO the power of [[Series/KamenRiderDenO Momotaros]] and [[Series/KamenRider Shocker]]. It's technically more powerful than any of the combos aside from [=TaJaDol=] and [=PuToTyra=], but OOO only launches a KamehameHadoken before the Imagin and Shocker Medals dissolved due to [[SetRightWhatOnceWentWrong history being corrected]].
*** '''Super [=TaToBa=] Combo''': A new SuperMode, an enhanced version of the original [=TaToBa=]. It's even more powerful than [=PuToTyra=] Combo in all regards except punching strength, and it grants OOO SuperSpeed that verges on {{Teleportation}} as a result of being time-displaced.
** When a collector's version of the TransformationTrinket was released years later, it took Medals that were programmed into the original toy and referenced (but not used by OOO) in canon and arranged them into five new Combos; however, rather than fitting a traditional multi-form structure these forms were designed with specific combat roles in mind. '''[=BiKaSo=][[note]]Ebi-Kani-Sasori, "Shrimp-Crab-Scorpion"[[/note]] Combo''' is a CloseRangeCombatant, the '''[=ShiGazeShi=][[note]]Shika-Gazelle-Ushi, "Deer-Gazelle-Bull"[[/note]] Combo''' is about equal to [=TaToBa=] Combo but more focused on ground combat, '''[=MukaChiRi=][[note]]Mukade-Hachi-Ari, "Centipede-Bee-Ant"[[/note]] Combo''' was designed to perform assassinations, '''[=SeiShiroGuin=][[note]]Seiuchi-Shirokuma-Penguin, "Walrus-Polar Bear-Penguin"[[/note]] Combo''' was made to operate in cold climates, '''[=SaRaMuio=][[note]]Same-Kujira-Ookamiuo, "Shark-Whale-Wolffish"[[/note]] Combo''' was made for underwater melee combat.
** The 10th anniversary movie adds '''[=TaJaDol=] Combo Eternity''', yet another SuperMode as an upgrade to the original [=TaJaDol=]. Unlike the regular [=TaJaDol=] where Eiji just uses Ankh's power, this is a true FusionDance with Ankh [[DemonicPossession possessing]] Eiji's body; and in a reversal of Lost Blaze it allows ''Eiji''[='s=] spirit to manifest as an AssistCharacter.
* Series/KamenRiderFourze's form balance is affected by the fact that he can also equip a variety of Astroswitch weapons on his limbs:
** '''Base States''': A JackOfAllStats, being a basic no-frills form without any kind of specialization. It also has the advantage of being the only form able to use right-arm weapons, as form changes otherwise use up that equipment slot.
** '''Elek States''': Portrayed similarly to a MagicKnight, as its stats are very similar to Base States (only foot speed and defense are slightly increased) but its focus is on the use of an electrified baton with a number of useful functions.
** '''Fire States''': A MightyGlacier, gaining power and a fireball-shooting gun but losing speed and mobility.
** '''Magnet States''': The MidSeasonUpgrade, but where most Riders become {{Lightning Bruiser}}s at this point, Fourze instead effectively becomes a walking turret, armed with armor and {{Shoulder Cannon}}s but [[MightyGlacier losing almost all mobility]]. It has the further disadvantage of taking up two equipment slots instead of one, limiting Fourze to leg weapons.
** '''Cosmic States''': Fourze's SuperMode. Besides the stat boost, it possesses the power to [[AbilityMixing combine two otherwise mutually-exclusive Astroswitches' powers]], the ability to generate [[ThinkingUpPortals portals]] (allowing him to drag MonstersOfTheWeek out to space to avoid collateral damage), and a CoolSword that can be powered up with the right arm-based Astroswitches.
** '''Rocket States''': A movie-feature form (though it does make one appearance in the series later) that takes Fourze's existing Rocket weapon and expands it to a full form change, placing a rocket on both arms. Technically another MightyGlacier since the extra equipment weighs him down (it's even slower on foot than Magnet States), but its main feature is advanced {{Flight}} ability so he wouldn't be using the form on foot anyway.
** '''Rocket Drill States''': A DVD exclusive variation on Rocket States, it has more agility than Rocket but exchanges its kick strength for a lot more punching power.
** '''Meteor Fusion States''': A movie-exclusive alternate SuperMode, combining the power of Cosmic States with those of [[TheLancer Kamen Rider Meteor]]. It's slightly stronger than Cosmic States but a little slower, but grants Gentaro the fighting skills of [[BruceLeeClone Meteor]] and his Meteor Galaxy gauntlet with its three planet-themed attacks. But like with Magnet States, it takes up two equipment slots and limits his additional weapons.
*** '''Meteor Nadeshiko Fusion States''': An enhanced version of Meteor Fusion States in a later movie, which adds Gentaro's LoveInterest Nadeshiko and the power of Rocket States (which she created) to the mix. But the drawback is that it takes ''three'' slots and might not be able to equip Switches at all.
* ''Series/KamenRiderWizard''
** Wizard:
*** '''Flame Style''': The [[JackOfAllStats balanced form]] and has [[PlayingWithFire the power to control fire]].
*** '''Water Style''': [[SquishyWizard Physically weaker than Flame Style, but has higher magic power]] and [[MakingASplash the power to control water]].
*** '''Hurricane Style''': Even weaker than Water Style, but is [[FragileSpeedster very fast]] and [[BlowYouAway has the power to control air]], including a {{flight}} ability.
*** '''Land Style''': A MightyGlacier with high strength and defense, but is slow. [[DishingOutDirt Has the power to control earth]].
*** All of the basic forms later get a MidSeasonUpgrade as '''Dragon Style''' forms that strengthen their stats in almost every way except land speed.[[note]]and Land Dragon also has lower jumping power than Land Style[[/note]] All except Flame Dragon also add a new element under their control: [[AnIcePerson ice]] for Water Dragon, [[ShockAndAwe thunder]] for Hurricane Dragon, and [[GravityMaster gravity]] for Land Dragon.
*** '''All Dragon Style''': Using all powers of the [=WizarDragon=], [[AllYourPowersCombined this form combines the power of the four Dragon Styles]]. [[LightningBruiser It is as fast as Hurricane Dragon but much stronger than everything before it]].
*** '''Infinity Style''': SuperMode transformed by using the Infinity Wizard Ring. Although most of its stats are lower than All Dragon, it can manipulate time for SuperSpeed, is [[SuperToughness protected by armor harder than diamond]], and is armed with a powerful [=AxCalibur=].
** The following forms only appear in tie-in movies.
*** '''Special Rush Style''': A precursor to All Dragon, being a weaker PaletteSwap of that form that only has power over the fire element.
*** '''Infinity Dragon Style''': Taking All Dragon and Infinity Style up a notch by [[AllYourPowersCombined combining them together]].
*** '''Infinity Dragon Gold Style''': Yet [[SerialEscalation even more powerful version]] and GoldenSuperMode of Infinity Dragon.
** Kamen Rider Beast generally doesn't do full form changes, but can instead equip Mantles that shift his stats around and offer unique abilities. Without one, he's a JackOfAllStats.
*** The '''Falco Mantle''' makes Beast faster and gives him the power of {{Flight}}, but is generally weaker and thus used more for mobility than battle.
*** The '''Chameleo Mantle''' grants a few unique tricks like {{Invisibility}}, improved climbing, and a MultipurposeTongue, but is slow and thus better suited to mopping up {{Mooks}} than fighting MonstersOfTheWeek.
*** The '''Buffa Mantle''' is the [[MightyGlacier strongest, toughest, and consequently slowest]] of Beast's Mantles; it also uses up a lot of Mana so it can't be used too often.
*** The '''Dolphi Mantle''' is Beast's fastest Mantle and grants improved swimming abilities, but is more noted for its ability to heal injuries and poisons. Since it doesn't come up often (and uses a fair bit of Mana), this Mantle doesn't get used very often.
*** '''Beast Hyper''' is Beast's SuperMode that does give him a full form change. In exchange for the use of his Mantles, it doubles his attack strength.
* ''Series/KamenRiderGaim'':
** Gaim's forms:
*** '''Orange Arms''' is a JackOfAllStats, the base level in all regards and armed with an orange slice-shaped CoolSword. During a DVD-exclusive episode, it temporarily gets enhanced and becomes '''Fresh Orange Arms''' a LightningBruiser with strength similar to Jinba Arms (it has a little less attack power than Jinba, but is faster and can jump slightly higher).
*** '''Pine[[note]]short for Pineapple[[/note]] Arms''' is a MightyGlacier, gaining punching power and an EpicFlail in exchange for speed and mobility.
*** '''Ichigo[[note]]Strawberry[[/note]] Arms''' is a FragileSpeedster, losing power and gaining speed and agility plus [[StockNinjaWeaponry kunai]].
*** '''Jinba[[note]]short for ''jinbaori'', a samurai garment[[/note]] Arms''' is a LightningBruiser that gives all of Gaim's stats a boost. It comes in four variations, each with the same stats but granting an additional superpower: '''Jinba Lemon''' is physically stronger, '''Jinba Cherry''' has SuperSpeed, and '''Jinba Peach''' has SuperSenses. '''Jinba Melon''' only appeared as concept art and possible toy combinations, so its specialty is unknown.
*** '''Kachidoki[[note]]Triumph[[/note]] Arms''' is a mix of MightyGlacier and StoneWall, being incredibly slow but with higher power and exceptional armor. It's also armed with the DJ Gun, which can function like a machine gun, shotgun, or cannon.
*** '''Kiwami[[note]]Extreme[[/note]] Arms''' is a traditional SuperMode and portrayed as [[ForceAndFinesse the Finesse to Kachidoki's Force]], losing some of Kachidoki's armor but regaining normal levels of mobility. Its specialty is the power of SpontaneousWeaponCreation, letting him summon any of his ''or the other Riders[='=]'' weapons, either to fight as a WalkingArmory or to fling them at an enemy as a sort of FlechetteStorm.
** Baron's forms:
*** '''Banana Arms''' is Baron's JackOfAllStats, being the most balanced of his forms, but being more offensively-oriented than Gaim Orange Arms.
*** '''Mango Arms''' is a mix of MightyGlacier and GlassCannon, gaining punching power and a rather nasty-looking [[CarryABigStick mace]], but being as slow as Gaim Pine Arms and having poor defense.
*** '''Lemon Energy Arms''' is Baron's LightningBruiser form, stronger than Mango Arms and faster than Banana Arms, plus gaining a multipurpose [[ArcherArchetype bow with bladed limbs]].
*** Later in the series he gets a Super Mode, but not by gaining a new Rider form: [[spoiler:he becomes an Overlord, labeled '''Lord Baron''', which puts him on par with Gaim Kiwami Arms.]]
** Ryugen's forms:
*** '''Budou[[note]]Grape[[/note]] Arms''' is Ryugen's JackOfAllStats, with statistics equal to Gaim Orange Arms; the main difference is that Budou Arms is a LongRangeFighter with a [[TheGunslinger handgun]].
*** '''Kiwi Arms''' is a CloseRangeCombatant to Budou Arms' LongRangeFighter, being a little physically stronger and equipped with paired [[RingsOfDeath wind-and-fire wheels]], but not taking any significant hit to speed or mobility in the process.
*** Ryugen's LightningBruiser form is... an interesting case. [[spoiler:Instead of getting his own, he steals his brother's '''Melon Energy Arms''' TransformationTrinket and becomes '''the second Kamen Rider Zangetsu Shin''', which is more powerful but a little slower than Budou Arms.]]
*** Near the end of the series he gets [[spoiler:'''Yomotsuheguri[[note]]Underworld[[/note]] Arms''', a DeadlyUpgrade that's the strongest of his forms and gives him access to many weapons (his own and the Overlords'), but [[CastFromHitPoints continuously drains his life]]. It ends up being a PowerupLetdown that leaves him in such pain that Kouta can hold him off without transforming, and prolonged use would be fatal.]]
* ''Series/KamenRiderDrive''
** '''Type Speed''' is a FragileSpeedster that has lower attack stats than his other forms but can, as its name implies, achieve bursts of [[SuperSpeed incredible speed]].
*** In a DVD he gets a silver version of this form called '''Type High Speed'''. It turns out to be ''only'' a recolor and not any more or less powerful than the regular Type Speed; but thinking it ''was'' better served as a MagicFeather to boost Drive's confidence.
** '''Type Wild''' is a MightyGlacier, being much stronger than Type Speed but also slower and less agile.
** '''Type Technic''' is a MagicKnight, being a balance between Speed and Wild but with incredible precision and computer-like analysis skills that let him [[ExcuseMeWhileIMultitask multitask]].
** '''Type Deadheat''', which [[FusionDance combines his powers with those of his ally]] Kamen Rider Mach, is a GlassCannon, being stronger than his three basic forms in all regards but running the risk of [[TheBerserker going berserk]] if he redlines.
** '''Type Formula''' is a LightningBruiser, bring stronger than Type Deadheat and capable of running at the speed of sound (so fast that it actually gave Shinnosuke whiplash the first time he used the form). It also gains the Trailer Cannon {{BFG}}.
** '''Type Tridoron''' is Drive's SuperMode, stronger than the others in almost every regard (being a little slower than Type Formula) and possessing the ability to let Shinnosuke hand control of his body over to [[TransformationTrinket Mr. Belt]]. He retains the Trailer Cannon from Type Formula. It has a special ability [[AbilityMixing to combine three Tire Exchange Shift Cars of a particular set into a singular Shift Tire with the unique powers and abilities of the chosen Shift Cars for immediate and simultaneous use]].
** Drive's movies introduce a few exclusive forms: the Gaim-themed '''Type Fruits''' is a FightingClown, a little sillier than his other forms but more or less equal to Deadheat. '''Super Deadheat''' is a weaker GlassCannon, being an incomplete form capable of fighting but not much else. '''Type Special''' is an alternate and even stronger SuperMode. '''Zerodrive''' is a MasterOfNone, since it's the prototype for Type Speed and is overall weaker.
* ''Series/KamenRiderGhost'' is another series with a large variety of forms, specifically a pool of 15 historical figures shared among the Riders, meaning some are redundant in terms of stats but have their own specialized equipment and fighting styles.
** [[TheHero Ghost]]'s forms:
*** '''Ore Damashii'''[[note]]"My Soul"[[/note]] is his JackOfAllStats base form, while his early upgrade '''Toucon Boost Damashii'''[[note]]"Fighting Spirit Boost Soul"[[/note]] is a more powerful version of the same. Both are used as the basis that other forms build off of.
*** '''[[UsefulNotes/MiyamotoMusashi Musashi]] Damashii''' and '''[[UsefulNotes/IshikawaGoemon Goemon]] Damashii''' are {{Glass Cannon}}s, with excellent melee sword skills but little defense and no ranged options.
*** '''[[UsefulNotes/ThomasEdison Edison]] Damashii''' is a MagicKnight. Its stats are lower in general but not terrible, with the specialties of a LightningGun and the ability to absorb electricity in order to "spark" ideas.
*** '''[[UsefulNotes/IsaacNewton Newton]] Damashii''' and '''[[UsefulNotes/MusashiboBenkei Benkei]] Damashii''' are {{Mighty Glacier}}s. Both are stronger but far slower; and Newton gains GravityMaster powers while Benkei wields a [[DropTheHammer warhammer]].
*** '''Myth/RobinHood Damashii''' and '''UsefulNotes/BillyTheKid Damashii''' are {{Fragile Speedster}}s, faster and more agile than normal forms and wielding ranged weapons (a [[ArcherArchetype bow and arrow]] and GunsAkimbo respectively).
*** '''[[Music/LudwigVanBeethoven Beethoven]] Damashii''' and '''Himiko[[note]]a third-century shaman-queen[[/note]] Damashii''' are {{Squishy Wizard}}s, exchanging physical strength for magical powers (MagicMusic for Beethoven and actual mysticism for Himiko).
*** '''[[UsefulNotes/SakamotoRyoma Ryoma]] Damashii''' is a JackOfAllStats, giving only small stat gains over either Ore or Toucon Boost and being proficient with both sword and gun.
*** '''Grateful Damashii''' is Ghost's MidSeasonUpgrade, channeling the powers of all 15 Damashii. Beyond general heightened stats, its main power is the ability to [[SummonMagic summon]] any of the 15 Heroes to aid him in battle; however, the Heroes have to work in harmony or Takeru can't use this form.[[note]]as seen when the Brothers Grimm got into an argument, causing Grateful to shut down[[/note]] It also has the drawback that he's monopolizing the Damashii in this form, so his allies can't use them.
*** '''Mugen[[note]]Infinite[[/note]] Damashii''' is Ghost's SuperMode, more powerful than Grateful Damashii, posessing incredible defense, and lacking Grateful's weaknesses. It is the only Damashii that can permanently destroy the Gammaizer.
*** The movie-exclusive '''Tenkatoitsu[[note]]World Unifier; referring to UsefulNotes/OdaNobunaga, UsefulNotes/ToyotomiHideyoshi, and UsefulNotes/TokugawaIeyasu[[/note]] Damashii''' is even more powerful than Mugen Damashii and gives him access to Specter and Necrom's weapons in addition to his own.
** [[TheLancer Specter]]'s forms:
*** His '''Specter Damashii''' base form is his JackOfAllStats, with balanced stats.
*** '''UsefulNotes/{{Tutankhamun}} Damashii''' is a FragileSpeedster, losing defenses but able to strike quickly with a [[SinisterScythe scythe]].
*** '''[[UsefulNotes/OdaNobunaga Nobunaga]] Damashii''' is a GlassCannon, having more physical strength and a powerful rifle, but lower defense and speed.
*** '''[[Creator/HarryHoudini Houdini]] Damashii''' is a LightningBruiser, superior to Specter in all regards as well as being capable of {{Flight}}, generating [[ChainPain chains to attack and bind enemies]], and other magic tricks.
*** Specter also occasionally borrows Ghost's '''Edison Damashii''', becoming a MagicKnight.
*** '''Deep Specter''' is a SuperMode, stronger than all the others and roughly equivalent to Ghost's Grateful Damashii. It can also equip any of the 15 Damashii and gain their specialties, like the Riders' base forms can. Makoto can further empower this into '''Gekikou[[note]]Enraged[[/note]] Mode''', unleashing his full potential and [[PowerGivesYouWings giving him wings]].
*** '''Sin Specter''' is a movie-exclusive even stronger SuperMode, even more powerful than Gekikou Deep Specter and his counterpart to Ghost Mugen Damashii.
** Necrom's forms:
*** As with Specter, his '''Necrom Damashii''' base form is a JackOfAllStats.
*** '''[[Creator/TheBrothersGrimm Grimm]] Damashii''' is a MagicKnight, being slightly weaker than base Necrom but having mid-range offense thanks to the extending pens on his shoulders.
*** '''[[Literature/JourneyToTheWest Sanzo]] Damashii''' is a MightyGlacier, being stronger but slower than his other forms and possessing the power to summon characters from ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest'' (specifically Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing) to aid him in battle.
*** In Specter's movie, he gains a SuperMode called '''Yuujou[[note]][[ThePowerOfFriendship Friendship]][[/note]] Burst''', but only really gets to use it to perform a FinishingMove before getting knocked out by a surprise attack.
* Mostly averted in ''Series/KamenRiderExAid'', which does have multiple forms but instead has a NextTierPowerUp setup, with each Rider's various forms ranked at different PowerLevels. It is however played straight with Kamen Rider Para-DX, who has two forms at Level 50 that contrast ForceAndFinesse; though both are incredibly powerful, '''[[FightingGame Fighter Gamer]]''' is themed around direct combat while '''[[PuzzleGame Puzzle Gamer]]''' is more supportive and has the ability to grant himself {{Status Buff}}s. He can later merge the two into his Level 99 SuperMode, '''Perfect Knockout Gamer'''.[[note]]It would probably have been named "Puzzle Fighter Gamer", but [[VideoGame/SuperGemFighter that was taken]].[[/note]]
* ''Series/KamenRiderBuild'' is similar to ''Double'' in that he combines the powers of two bottled essences, but Build possesses a much larger collection of Bottles with ''thirty'' for each half. Also, like OOO, he gets a SetBonus for using certain Bottles together. Because this is more than the show can reasonably give proper focus to (many pairs only make one or two token appearances, and some are relegated to being AllThereInTheManual), we'll only give the highlights:
** '''[[KillerRabbit Rabbit]][[TankGoodness Tank]] Form''' is the JackOfAllStats, being the best balanced of Build's forms but very few specialized weapons or abilities that other forms have (just a SpringCoil on one foot and [[RollerbladeGood tank treads]] on the other).
** '''[[KillerGorilla Gorilla]][[GemstoneAssault Mond]][[note]]"Mond" as in "Diamond"[[/note]] Form''' is a MightyGlacier, being incredibly powerful offensively and defensively but also incredibly slow.
** '''[[NobleBirdOfPrey Hawk]][[GatlingGood Gatling]] Form''' is a MagicKnight, being weaker than [=RabbitTank=] all around but still being useful thanks to its combination of {{Flight}} and the Hawk Gatlinger gatling gun. It ends up being one of Build's most-used forms after [=RabbitTank=], as he switches to it whenever he wants to try and get air superiority over an opponent or when he needs to fight on the move.
** '''[[{{Ninja}} Ninnin]][[{{Manga}} Comic]] Form''' is treated as a SquishyWizard, relying most on a variety of ninja powers like [[PlayingWithFire Fire]], [[BlowYouAway Wind]], [[DoppelgangerAttack Clone]] and [[SmokeOut Vanishing]] Jutsus. This form equips Build with the [[KatanasAreJustBetter 4Koma Ninpoutou]].
** '''[[PandaingToTheAudience Panda]][[RocketPoweredWeapon Rocket]] Form''' is a GlassCannon, being strong but slow (though not to the level of [=GorillaMond=]) and being able to fly thanks to his rocket arm. Unusually for ''Kamen Rider'', this finds more use for utility than for combat, as Sento often switches to it when he needs to blast off and make a quick getaway.
** '''[[CoolKey Key]][[OurDragonsAreDifferent Dragon]] Form''' is a DeadlyUpgrade, being incredibly powerful all around [[PowerupLetdown but effectively unusable]] because the Dragon Bottle overloads and injures Sento every time it's used. Eventually Sento retires it and gives the Dragon Bottle to TheLancer Ryuga permanently, who doesn't suffer the overloading issue and uses it to become Kamen Rider Cross-Z.
** '''[[{{Pirate}} Kaizoku]][[CoolTrain Ressya]][[note]][=PirateTrain=][[/note]] Form''' is a FragileSpeedster, being one of Build's fastest forms and wielding a [[ArcherArchetype bow, the Kaizoku Hassyar]], that gives him long-range capabilities.
** '''[[ThePhoenix Phoenix]][[RobotRollCall Robo]] Form''' is a LightningBruiser movie form and another powerful combo on par with [=KeyDragon=], and it doesn't even have the overloading issue that the Dragon half does. Unfortunately, Sento is only able to use it a couple times because he usually doesn't have those Bottles in his possession.
** '''[=RabbitTank=] Sparkling''' is Build's first [[MidSeasonUpgrade major upgrade]], being [[LightningBruiser more powerful]] than any of his previous Best Matches and having [[MultiMeleeMaster free access to the Hawk Gatlinger, 4Koma Ninpoutou, and Kaizoku Hassyar in addition to his standard Drill Crusher weapon]] -- [[DualWielding or even more than one of those at once]].
** Matching Bottles can be upgraded to '''Hazard''' forms ([=RabbitTank=] Hazard, [=HawkGatling=] Hazard et al.), which are {{Deadly Upgrade}}s; increasing their power exponentially but also overriding Sento's mind and turning him into an emotionless killing machine. Even after getting stronger, more controllable forms, Sento will occasionally use Hazard instead because of the variety of powers and fighting styles it offers.
** '''[=RabbitRabbit=] Form''' and '''[=TankTank=] Form''', upgrades to [=RabbitTank=] Hazard which each ramp some of that form's attributes even higher and more importantly, allow him to keep control. [=RabbitRabbit=] has [[SuperSpeed enhanced speed and agility]] and giving Build the ability to [[RubberMan stretch all of his limbs in long lengths]], while [=TankTank=] instead has [[MightyGlacier tough armor and offensive firepower]].
** '''Genius Form''' is his SuperMode, [[AllYourPowersCombined combining the powers of all sixty regular Bottles]]. Its stats are an even balance between [=RabbitRabbit=] and [=TankTank=], in addition to having its own features: bursts of FlashStep, the capability to [[AwesomenessByAnalysis analyze opponents for weaknesses]], and the ability to neutralize the Nebula Gas that's the source of everyone's powers.
** Near the end of the series, the Rabbit and Dragon Bottles get supercharged and create two alternate {{Super Mode}}s: In the movie, they combine with the Genius Bottle and activate a FusionDance merging Sento and Ryuga together into '''[=Cross-ZBuild=]'''. In the series finale, the resulting '''[=RabbitDragon=]''' form uses the normal Rabbit and Dragon halves only colored gold and silver; and this form is only used for the final FinishingMove.
* Downplayed in ''Series/KamenRiderZiO''. Kamen Riders Zi-O and Geiz have an assortment of 20 Armors between them that have different stats and abilities (plus their base forms and upgrades),[[note]]though only 13 Armors appear in the series[[/note]] but a rule of fighting the series' monsters is that it TakesOneToKillOne. Rather than focusing on the Armors' specialties, the key instead is to acquire the specific one that corresponds to the monster they're fighting.
** '''Geiz Revive''', Geiz' MidSeasonUpgrade, plays this trope straight with two modes: '''Goretsu'''[[note]]Rigid[[/note]] is heavily armored and physically powerful, while '''Shippu'''[[note]]Gust[[/note]] [[ShedArmorGainSpeed unfolds the armor into a pair of wings]] and grants SuperSpeed.
** Downplayed with Woz' SuperMode, '''Woz Ginga'''[[note]]Galaxy[[/note]]: It has three alternate versions in its default (aka '''Finaly'''), '''Taiyou''',[[note]]Sun[[/note]] and '''Wakusei'''[[note]]Planet[[/note]] forms; but there is no stat difference between them and they just have different special attacks.
* ''Series/KamenRiderZeroOne'':
** Zero-One's forms:
*** '''Rising Hopper'''[[note]]short for Grasshopper[[/note]]: Zero-One's default JackOfAllStats form, with a focus on jumping and kicking ability.
*** '''Biting Shark''': A MagicKnight form; it's not as good as Rising Hopper in general but specializes in underwater combat [[note]]which is an InformedAbility since Zero-One hasn't fought underwater[[/note]] and in the use of arm and leg blades.
*** '''Flying Falcon''': A FragileSpeedster that specializes in high-speed {{Flight}} but not much else.
*** '''Flaming Tiger''': An attack-focused form capable of PlayingWithFire.
*** '''Freezing Bear''': A form based on being AnIcePerson.
*** '''Shining Hopper''': Zero-One's first major upgrade. It can [[AwesomenessByAnalysis analyze combat patterns]] and FlashStep to take the best angle of attack. He can also enhance the form with Vulcan's upgrade, becoming '''Shining Assault Hopper''', which adds a set of [[DroneDeployer combat drones]].
*** '''[=MetalCluster=] Hopper''': The mid-stage LightningBruiser form. Initially a DeadlyUpgrade that placed Zero-One under the control of [[AIIsACrapshoot an insane hostile AI]] and commanded a horrifically destructive swarm of locust drones. The heroes eventually created a countermeasure that not only neutralizes the AI's control over Zero-One but can reverse corrupted programming in the robotic Magia monsters; though in exchange Zero-One either can't or won't command the locust swarm as effectively.
*** '''Kamen Rider Zero-Two''': The SuperMode; a brand-new powerset created after the Zero-One system hit its limits. Besides being faster and stronger than any Zero-One form, it has improved [[AwesomenessByAnalysis predictive analysis]] over Shining Hopper. TheMovie also shows off another advantage; since it's a separate system that doesn't have the same biometric locks on it as the original, Aruto can loan the Zero-Two gear out to a friend and team up with them while he fights as Zero-One.
*** '''Kamen Rider Ark-One''': An alternate SuperMode and [[spoiler:EvilCostumeSwitch]]. It pales in comparison to Zero-Two, but still outpaces every other Rider on the show.
*** '''Realizing Hopper''': An EleventhHourSuperpower enhancement to Rising Hopper, boosting its strength to SuperMode levels (above Ark-One but below Zero-Two) and allowing Zero-One to go BackToBaseForm in the finale without a major drop in power.
** Vulcan's forms:
*** '''Shooting Wolf''': Vulcan's default form, TheGunslinger and a GlassCannon focused entirely on blowing enemies away.
*** '''Punching Kong''': A MightyGlacier that has brute strength and tough armor, but is slow.
*** '''Assault Wolf''': Vulcan's initial upgrade, roughly equivalent to Zero-One Shining Hopper. But [[ForceAndFinesse where Zero-One can calculate attack strategies, Vulcan's upgrade instead favors sheer brute force]].
*** '''Rampage Vulcan''': Vulcan's SuperMode, [[AllYourPowersCombined combining]] the powers of ''all'' the Riders' basic forms except for Rising Hopper.
*** '''Orthros Vulcan''': A one-time emergency form used when the others were disabled; stronger than Assault Wolf but not matching Rampage Vulcan. But the mismatch in TransformationTrinket technologies means the form is unstable, and the trinket eventually explodes.
*** '''Lone Wolf''': An alternate SuperMode acquired in a post-series DVD, but it mismatches technologies just like Orthros Vulcan did and the instability [[spoiler:potentially kills him]].
** Valkyrie's forms:
*** '''Rushing Cheetah''': Valkyrie's default form is a combination of FragileSpeedster and GlassCannon; it's fast and makes Valkyrie the best melee fighter of the Riders, but defenses suffer.
*** '''Lightning Hornet''': A MagicKnight; instead of straight combat skill it grants Valkyrie {{Flight}} and lets her command a swarm of electrified hornet drones.
*** '''Fighting Jackal Raider''': A separate power set similar to yet disntinct from the Rider technology, she reluctantly adopts this form as an EvilCostumeSwitch at the insistence of her boss. While its performance stats were never formally revealed, it's portrayed as an equivalent to the Shining Hopper and Assault Wolf MidSeasonUpgrade forms.
*** '''Justice Serval''': A SuperMode acquired in a post-series DVD -- or rather, [[PowerupLetdown it's supposed to be]]. It's unstable like Vulcan's Orthros and Lone Wolf forms, and despite its supposed power it left her unable to fight as effectively as usual.
* Downplayed in ''Series/KamenRiderSaber''. The series uses a multi-part combination scheme with {{Set Bonus}}es like ''OOO'' and ''Build'', but in this case the matching sets are all split up between different Riders. Saber's the only one who experiments with mismatches outside his designated set, and overall it's more of a NextTierPowerup system where using more parts means more power than one where different combinations have noticable strengths and weaknesses.
* ''Series/KamenRiderRevice'' has the twist that "Revice" is in fact ''two'' Riders, Revi and Vice, and they transform and change their forms together. Kamen Riders Evil and Live can also use their own versions of these forms for similar effects (demonstrated by both using Jackal Genome a few times).
** '''Rex Genome''' is the basic JackOfAllStats. Evil's and Live's equivalent is the '''Bat Genome'''.
** '''Megalodon Genome''', '''Lion Genome''', and '''Kamakiri[[note]]Mantis[[/note]] Genome''' are attack-focused forms, with Megalodon giving Revi [[BladeBelowTheShoulder arm blades]], Lion giving both him and Vice PlayingWithFire powers, and Kamakiri giving Revi a bladed bow.
** '''Eagle Genome''' is a SquishyWizard, specializing in {{Flight}} and BlowYouAway attacks but otherwise not as strong.
** '''Mammoth Genome''', '''Kong Genome''', and '''Brachio Genome''' are all {{Mighty Glacier}}s; exchanging speed and agility for more strength. Mammoth Genome gives Revi {{Battle Boomerang}}s and Vice arm shields, Kong Genome fights bare-handed with {{Power Fist}}s and {{Rocket Punch}}es, and Brachio Genome has no real weapons but the stat changes are more extreme.
** '''Ptera Genome''' is a MechanicallyUnusualFighter. While Revi can use bursts of SuperSpeed, it's main feature is that Vice is turned into a HoverBike.
** '''Jackal Genome''' is a FragileSpeedster focusing primarily on agility, which is enhanced by the fact that Vice serves as a skateboard for Revi.
** '''Neo Batta[[note]]Grasshopper[[/note]] Genome''': A special form featured in two of the tie-in movies (though it also appears in the series once), it features enhanced leg strength for jumps and kicks.
** '''Barid[[note]]"Cracking"[[/note]] Rex Genome''': The first MidSeasonUpgrade, which boosts Revi's stats, gives him AnIcePerson attacks, and allows him to summon the "Remix" animal transformations of previous forms as separate entities and fuse them into a single enhanced beast. But meanwhile, Vice stays in his normal Rex Genome and only gets a shield.
*** '''Volcano Rex Genome''': An upgrade to Barid Rex that boosts Revi's stats even further and swaps his ice powers for PlayingWithFire, while the original Barid Rex powers are passed to Vice (except for the Remix summons, which stay with Revi) and allow them to team up for fire-and-ice combo attacks. But if Revi and Vice aren't aren't careful, they could lose control of their respective powers and hurt themselves.
** '''Kamen Rider Revice''' (a.k.a. ''Thunder Gale Genome''): A FusionDance of Revi and Vice in a single body, a LightningBruiser with [[ShockAndAwe literal lightning]].
*** '''Jack Revice''': The FlawedPrototype to the full Revice form. While still stronger than either Revi or Vice alone by virtue of combining both powers in a single body, it really messed up their team dynamic and led to a permanent awkward SharingABody situation until it was resolved by activating the true version.
** '''Ultimate''' (a.k.a. ''Giffard Rex Genome''): Revi and Vice's SuperMode, using a genetic sample from the BigBad itself. Their powers in this form tend to be portrayed as MagnetismManipulation, with the Riders themselves often being the poles that attract and repel each other. Both of them were also shown [[DoppelgangerAttack creating copies of themselves]] in the form's debut fight, but the ability hasn't been seen regularly.
* ''Series/KamenRiderGeats'': Possible in theory, but averted in practice. The Riders use a two-part modular system like in ''Double'' and ''Build'', but the items are difficult to acquire so the Riders generally only get to use one form and don't have options for alternates or combinations.
** MidSeasonUpgrade '''Command Form''', used by both Geats and Tycoon, can switch between two modes with different strengths. '''Jet Mode''' is more agile and has boosters for {{Flight}}, while '''Cannon Mode''' enhances physical strength and is equipped with dual {{Shoulder Cannon}}s. But the form as a whole has a drawback compared to the regular ones, in that it can't be used immediately and [[MagikarpPower needs to be charged in battle using the much weaker]] '''Raising Form''' first.
[[/folder]]

* It's at least OlderThanFeudalism. Goddess Parvati from Myth/HinduMythology is usually TheHeart, but she may take form of [[ActionGirl Durga]] or [[TheBerserker Kali]] as well.

* It's at least OlderThanFeudalism. Goddess Parvati from Myth/HinduMythology is usually TheChick, but she may take form of [[ActionGirl Durga]] or [[TheBerserker Kali]] as well.

** It's also turned around when a few Grongi from the high-level Go Tribe develop their ''own'' alternate forms, which are analogous to Kuuga's in terms of performance: '''Grapple Form''' (Mighty), '''Nimble Form''' (Dragon), '''Shooting Form''' (Pegasus), '''Herculean Form''' (Titan), and '''Blitz Form''' (Amazing Mighty). While most use the same [[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]], a few go in their own direction, like Go-Baberu-Da (the Buffalo Grongi) wielding a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] in his Herculean Form.

*** 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 ArbitraryMinimumRange 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.

** ''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'''.

*** '''Hurricane Style''': Even weaker than Water Style, but is very fast and [[BlowYouAway has the power to control air]], including a {{flight}} ability.

** It's also turned around when a few Grongi from the high-level Go Tribe develop their ''own'' alternate forms, which are analogous to Kuuga's in terms of performance: '''Grapple Form''' (Mighty), '''Nimble Form''' (Dragon), '''Shooting Form''' (Pegasus), '''Herculean Form''' (Titan), and '''Blitz Form''' (Amazing Mighty). While most use the same WeaponOfChoice, a few go in their own direction, like Go-Baberu-Da (the Buffalo Grongi) wielding a [[DropTheHammer hammer]] in his Herculean Form.

*** '''Infinity Style''': SuperMode transformed by using the Infinity Wizard Ring. Although most of its stats are lower than All Dragon, it can manipulate time for SuperSpeed, is [[SuperToughness protected by armor harder than diamond]], and is armed with a powerful [[AnAxeToGrind AxCalibur]].

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 MultiformBalance 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.

* While MultiformBalance 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.