I’m generally not one to criticize how people choose to dress. Honestly, I live in casual wear – a graphic tee and the same jeans, day in and day out. You know, “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” and all that.
Although I wouldn’t consider myself a fashion expert, I have my own preferences and can usually tell when someone’s outfit really works, or… doesn’t. I’d never vocalize these opinions unless asked, unless, of course, we’re talking about fictional characters and their fashion choices are up for grabs.
Just as people have unique styles, video game characters also express themselves through their clothing. Heroes and villains alike make deliberate choices about what to wear each day. I can’t help but offer my… insights into these decisions.
9
Benny
Fallout: New Vegas
In Fallout: New Vegas, surviving in the wasteland trumps high fashion. If it covers you and offers protection, it’s a win. However, Mr. House attempted to bring some civility to New Vegas by providing the Three Families with distinctive pre-war outfits. The Chairmen sport suits and wingtip shoes, a classic and relatively inoffensive look. But their leader, Benny, decided to stand out, and not necessarily in a good way.
Benny is known for his tan pants, white shirt, and, most notably, a loud checkerboard jacket. According to game lore, Benny was the only member of his tribe who supported Mr. House, eventually killing the tribe’s leader to seize control. It makes sense that after such a power grab, he’d choose a bold look, for better or worse.
Interestingly, upon Benny’s death, characters in New Vegas often comment that despite his treachery, his worst offense was wearing that jacket.
8
Team Flare
Pokémon X&Y
Most villainous organizations in the Pokémon universe have a core philosophy that inspires their coordinated outfits. Team Rocket goes for classic criminal black, Team Galactic wants to explore space in futuristic outfits, and so on. While most of these outfits are acceptable, I’m most critical of Team Flare, ironically the ones supposedly leading the way in fashion.
Team Flare’s goal is to use an ancient weapon with Xerneas/Yveltal to destroy the world and create a “beautiful” new one. It seems their definition of beauty involves what Lysandre wears, because most members don bright red suits, dark sunglasses, and flame-like hairstyles.
Even Team Flare’s scientists struggle with fashion, sporting red leotards with short shorts or flared skirts. Only Malva shows a hint of style, although her diamond-patterned pants are a bit much.
7
Jasper Batt Jr.
No More Heroes 2
It’s been said that wealth makes you impervious to the opinions of others. I don’t know how true that is these days, but it makes sense that extremely wealthy individuals might feel entitled to wear whatever they want. Take Jasper Batt Jr., the final boss of No More Heroes 2, whose outfit raises some eyebrows.
This diminutive CEO conducts business in a nauseatingly green suit and gloves, paired with a vibrant pink shirt and shoes, plus pink glasses. It’s already a bit much, and it only gets weirder during the fight. After Travis throws him from his flying car, Batt injects a drug and transforms into a hulking brute in a striped green and purple wrestler’s outfit, complete with purple gloves, boots, and a dark cape.
In the final phase, Batt transforms into a giant mascot version of himself, embodying what I can only describe as a “Hamburgler aesthetic.” Henry finds it so disturbing that he abandons Travis to fight it alone, saying he “can’t be associated with that travesty.”
6
Seymour Guado
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X offers a collection of fashion crimes, from Tidus’s bizarre overalls-hoodie combo to Lulu’s dress made entirely of belts. Although I got used to the protagonist’s style eventually, I am always struck by the wardrobe choices of the game’s persistent antagonist, Seymour Guado.
Seymour is a Maester, a high priest in Yevon’s faith, which I suppose explains his oversized ceremonial robes with a neckline that plunges dangerously low. However, the other Maesters are wearing traditional robes, making me think his attire is just for show. He just really likes showing his chest, apparently.
And of course, there’s that hair. The Guado are known for their distinctive hairstyles, resembling twisting branches. But Seymour’s hair is shaped into two massive horns reaching down his back. I don’t know what’s worse, sleeping with those things or using copious amounts of gel to maintain that shape every morning.
5
Magilou
Tales Of Berseria
Speaking of odd outfits in Tales of Berseria, Velvet’s shredded top and short shorts might come to mind. But remember, Velvet wears this due to a complete lack of care, grabbing whatever’s available because she was too
angry to care. Magilou, on the other hand, dresses the way she does intentionally, which makes it more notable.
While her companions have standard fantasy attire, Magilou looks like a stereotypical court jester with a diamond-patterned leotard, pointy sleeves and boots, a fur wrap, and a large witch’s hat.
Her skirt is the most unique part, made of bound books. You’d expect magical grimoires, but in a skit, she reveals they’re mundane. One’s her ledger, one’s an encyclopedia she uses for blotting paper, one’s a book of Bienfu’s poetry for pressing flowers, and one’s a pop-up book. She also claims the front book is a layer cake, but she’s probably lying.
4
Shinnok
Mortal Kombat Series
Judging a god’s clothing by mortal standards may be unfair. They exist beyond our comprehension, beyond frivolous things. But Mortal Kombat‘s Shinnok is a jerk, so I’ll judge his outfits as much as I want. He gives me plenty to work with throughout the series.
In his first playable appearance in Mortal Kombat 4, Shinnok wears a skintight bodysuit with armor and a bishop-like hood. It’s goofy but appropriate for his position. He wears an updated version of this in Mortal Kombat X before Johnny Cage seals him away.
After D’vorah revives him, his outfit changes drastically. He trades the bodysuit for striped pants, a deep-V vest with tassels, and a hood that covers his neck and curves into beetle-like horns. I guess being sealed away made him want a new look when he got out.
3
Tingle
The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
I’ve heard “dress for the job you want,” often meaning “wear a fancy suit to climb the corporate ladder.” I suspect The Legend of Zelda‘s Tingle misinterpreted this advice. He’s prancing around Termina in Majora’s Mask in a green leotard and red briefs.
Tingle loves fairies and believes himself to be a reincarnated fairy or a descendant of fairy folk. He associates forests and fae with his green and red attire, wearing it proudly despite his parents’ disapproval.
I’m not sure if the point on his head is a conical hat or a pointy head. Either way, Tingle strikes me as a conical hat kind of guy.