While I usually refrain from critiquing others’ fashion statements—often sporting a graphic tee and the same jeans for days—I do have strong opinions about what constitutes style. I reserve my judgments for those who seek my insight or are fictional characters whose choices don’t carry real-world consequences.
As with individuals in everyday life, video game characters also have unique styles that reflect their personalities, aspirations, or their roles as heroes and villains. Each one makes a conscious choice on how they present themselves, and I can’t help but notice—sometimes critically—their fashion selections.
9 Benny
Fallout: New Vegas
In the harsh landscape of Fallout: New Vegas, style takes a backseat to survival. Yet, Mr. House, in his quest to refine New Vegas, outfitted the Three Families in outfits reminiscent of a pre-apocalyptic era. The Chairmen faction, led by Benny, flaunts snazzy suits and wingtip shoes—a look I actually admire, especially the pinstripes.
However, Benny’s personal choice—a loud checkerboard jacket paired with tan pants and a white shirt—carries a flair for the dramatic that borders on absurd. As the only member of his tribe who sought to align with Mr. House, he eliminated his predecessor for a shot at influence. Naturally, his bold fashion statement is a symbol of his newly acquired power.
Curiously, after Benny’s demise—whether at your hand or otherwise—residents of New Vegas remark upon his style, candidly remarking that his most egregious crime was that eccentric checkered jacket.
8 Team Flare
Pokémon X&Y
Unlike other villainous organizations in the Pokémon universe, which each have a distinct and often appropriate aesthetic, Team Flare stands out for its surprisingly garish wardrobe. Their misguided mission revolves around using an ancient weapon to destroy the world, supposedly to create beauty anew.
However, their idea of beauty manifests in a blinding array of red blazers coupled with flashy sunglasses and vibrant hairstyles. The team’s scientists don equally unflattering leotards, with only Malva managing to present herself with any semblance of style—albeit while treading a fine line with her patterned pants.
7 Jasper Batt Jr.
No More Heroes 2
A saying suggests that wealth breeds a carefree attitude towards appearance, a notion that holds true for the final boss in No More Heroes 2, Jasper Batt Jr. His initial outfit—a green suit adorned with pink elements—defies all standard fashion sense.
After being defeated and injected with a substance that transforms him into a brutish figure, he emerges in a ridiculously striped wrestling outfit, only to later evolve into a ludicrous mascot version of himself, prompting his companion Henry to refuse to fight alongside such a travesty.
6 Seymour Guado
Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X presents a range of fashion mishaps, none quite as striking as Seymour Guado. A Maester in Yevon’s faith, Seymour’s oversized and deeply plunging ceremonial robes stand in stark contrast to the more subdued attire of other Maesters, suggesting he revels in the shock value of his fashion choices.
Notably, his wild hairstyle takes inspiration from the natural world, dramatically resembling horns that cascade down his back. It raises the question of how he manages daily living with those towering locks—does he use a considerable amount of hair product or struggle with comfort each night?
5 Magilou
Tales of Berseria
When discussing unusual fashion choices in Tales of Berseria, Magilou stands out even amidst Velvet’s chaotic ensemble. Unlike Velvet, who wears tattered bits of clothing out of necessity during a moment of rage, Magilou intentionally adopts the whimsical look of a court jester.
Her outfit—a dazzling leotard with pointy sleeves, a playful fur wrap, and an oversized, floppy witch’s hat—hints at her eccentric personality. Most curiously, her skirt is made of bound books, which she whimsically claims serve various mundane purposes, including as oil blotting paper and flower-pressing tools.
4 Shinnok
Mortal Kombat Series
Evaluating the fashion choices of a deity can feel entirely unorthodox, yet Mortal Kombat’s Shinnok presents a perfect opportunity. In his initial appearance, he dons a skin-tight bodysuit combined with clunky armor, reflecting his need to assert power through ostentation.
His later attire switches to striped pants and a vest with pronounced embellishments, complemented by an intricate hood designed to mimic beetles. This change reflects a profound desire to appear more flamboyant and commanding upon his return from imprisonment.
3 Tingle
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
Tingle from The Legend of Zelda series embodies the idea of dressing for the job one desires. With his vibrant green leotard and comically oversized underpants, he believes himself a fairy or, at least, closely connected to fairy lore. His unconventional ensemble showcases his whimsical personality, despite his parents’ disapproval.
The point atop his head serves as an amusing enigma—is it a hat or just a uniquely shaped head? Either way, Tingle’s fashion choices leave a lasting impression.
2 David
Killer Is Dead
If you were declared king, would you not gravitate towards regal attire? David, the antagonist in Killer Is Dead, completely disregards conventional expectations. Encountered in his lavish mansion, he opts instead for an outrageous ensemble akin to a high-end bondage aficionado.
Decked out in gold bands and equipped with an eye-catching codpiece, his appearance is outrageous, topped with a jagged golden crown. His fight against Mondo sees him shedding a robe, making him nearly “nude” except for his gold embellishments, hinting at a potential distraction strategy—a choice that raises many eyebrows.
1 Voldo
Soulcalibur Series
The Soulcalibur franchise is notorious for its bizarre character designs, but Voldo takes the cake. Living in darkness, this blind character’s outfits often reflect chaotic, unsettling aesthetics. His early appearance in Soul Blade featured leather and fishnet combinations that raise eyebrows.
Throughout his saga, his outfits oscillate between excessively elaborate and downright disturbing. Leather harnesses, masks, and various accessories define his look, turning heads for all the wrong reasons. In contrast, his more ornate harlequin-style outfits, though still unsettling, carry a different flavor of intrigue.
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