Unique characteristics and traits. Main ideas behind the design of the characters.
Groups of alternate moves. These might only change moves but can also change animation and effects. Some alternate set of moves are but on top of an unique different character (making it Alternate Characters), some moves and animations are different and some are equal.
Costumes based on other characters. Only change animations and effects.
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Snake
Ryu
Aarbon
Chun-Li
Sub-Zero
Scorpion
Akuma
Kazuya Mishima
Heihachi Mishima
Sweet Tooth
Mr. Grimm
TM:B's Mr. Grimm (for 2012's Mr. Grimm only)
Calypso
Crash Bandicoot
Lara Croft
PaRappa
Cloud
Zack Fair
Sephiroth
Jin Kazama
Blasto
Spyro
Sir Daniel Fortesque
Zarok
Lammy
Spike
Jimmy
Specter
Pipo Monkey
Toro
Dart Feld
Vibri
Dollface
Dante
Vergil
Raiden
Jak and Daxter
Sly Cooper
Carmelita
Ratchet & Clank
Qwark
Errol
Dr. Nefarious
Kratos & Atreus
Atreus follows Kratos, they work together. While most of the player's moves control Kratos, some of them can command Atreus to shoot his arrows. Kratos can throw his axe, he can then recall it. While he doesn't recall, he can still attack with his fists changing his attacks.
Kratos based on his appearance in the games prior to PS4's God of War, also based on his PlayStation All-Stars moves. This move set has unique animations, effects and costumes.