In a world where guns exist, metal suits of armor seem to have fallen out of vogue. 

But in the extraordinary realm of fantasy video games, ornate shoulder pads and fanciful breastplates are all the rage. 

The point of armor is to protect the body from incoming swords and arrows, averting certain death on the battlefield. But how could such spiky, heavy, or out-and-out majestic gear possibly function in a sword fight?

So let’s take a look at some examples of outfits in video games that might necessitate a bit more protection.

1. R. Mika, Street Fighter V

She's a wrestler, so the outfit kinda sorta makes sense. Maybe. Almost.

2. Mileena, Mortal Kombat IX

Everyone's favorite toothy nutcase is no exception when it comes to outrageous outfits. 

Although she might have taken the money she saved up for clothes and put it towards dental work. In that case, good on you, Mileena.

3. Ivy, Soul Calibur

Ms. Valentine, I hope you're a pro with that snake sword (aptly named 'Valentine') because those blades look like they could hurt given a swing gone awry.

4. Morrigan, Darkstalkers

Okay, okay, so Morrigan is a succubus, which, in Judeo-Christian forklore, is a female demon specifically meant to seduce men to their deaths. 

Given that backstory, the outfit is understandable. It's all part of the job, right?

5. Felicia, Darkstalkers

What's the Japanese word for "shameless?" Whatever it is, it would describe Felicia perfectly. This is what happens when you hire catgirl enthusiasts as concept artists.

6. Quiet, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

In the context of certain video games, a certain crazy outfit makes sense. Bayonetta's a witch. Morrigan's a succubus. The outfits fit the profile.

That said, Quiet's outfit makes no sense whatsoever. She's a sniper. She gets shot at. With bullets. She can't talk, so she can't ask for better protection, but she could at least... I dunno... text someone? One things for sure, though: a lot has changed since the days of Meryl.

7. Rachel, Ninja Gaiden

When you have a dominatrix character who makes Ivy look like an amateur, you know you've gone completely and totally over the top. 

Now all she needs are a pair of cat ears, and you've got the ultimate in outrageous video game outfits. Bravo, Tecmo, bravo.

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8. Taki, Soul Calibur

Whoever said ninjas had to be aerodynamic didn't know what the f**k they were talking about.

9. Harley Quinn, Arkham Knight

Once a respectable psychiatrist, Harley Quinn is now certifiably nutso, and her outlandish garb that looks like it came straight out of Alice in Wonderland's nightmares does an admirable job reflecting that fact.

10. Shahdee, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within

This is what happens when you've got no TIME to find your armor. Get it? Yeah? Kill myself? Okay.

11. Ada Wong, Resident Evil 4

I don't know about you, but when I think of "proper zombie killing attire," I think of high heels and a Chinese cocktail dress. Maybe that's just me though.

12. Lara Croft, Tomb Raider

The original video game vixen, Lara Croft set the precedent for almost all female video game characters that followed. 

However, the outrageousness has been dialed waaaaay back in recent years, which bumps her down significantly. No pun intended.

13. Rikku, Final Fantasy X-2

When you've gotta save Spira by 8, but be at Wakka's beach party by 9...

14. Cammy White, Street Fighter

Dammit, Cammy, you're a British special forces operative! You could get shot by terrorists!

15. Fran, Final Fantasy XII

Dem ears tho.

16. Moxxi, Borderlands 2

Moxxi's got a bit of the Bayonetta Syndrome going on: it's just who she is. She owns it. Don't like it? Too bad.

17. Juliet Starling, Lollipop Chainsaw

Juliet's outfit has all the subtlety of... well... a chainsaw to the head. Like a handful of her peers, Juliet is outrageous by design, which detracts from her overall outrage factor. She's not saving the galaxy dressed like that, for example.

(source:cheezburger)