Discussion What are some small, seemingly unimportant, character design details that you love?

[Irene]

Devil's in the details in many cases, and in this case - character design - a detail can make all the difference. I think we all appreciate great character design, and how much it can elevate both a character and a game, so I figured this would be a good question to ask.

For me, I've realised over the years that I have a real thing for ponytails. As strange as it sounds, I think they make everyone that wears them look so cool. When it was revealed that Zelda for Wii U would feature a blue-clad Link with a ponytail, I was simply delighted. The game itself looked incredible, but just that small detail was truly icing on the cake for me.

Another thing that I'm really into is turtlenecks. I love Tetsuya Nomura's works, and I think Lightning is his masterpiece. The fact that she, in the middle of all the extravagant clothes, also has this tiny turtleneck is just so cool to me. I think Shulk wears his turtleneck well too.

What about y'all?

 

[Dardan Sandiego]

ponytail gang rise up

Ryu's BoF4 design is still my favourite and the ponytail is a big part of that. It's probably the most simple out of all the Ryu incarnations but the small details (the aforementioned ponytail which is also visible in the sprite, the tassel on the sword hilt and the necklace) just pull everything together for me.

Ellie in TLOU2 is probably the most impressive character model from a technical perspective and I think the artists did a tremendous job in ageing her up and implicitly alluding to what kind of life she's led so far but what really speaks to me is that dope tattoo.

Obviously can't forget Age of Calamity Impa with the Sheikah eye on her forehead and the undershirt that covers her neck plus the similarities she has to Paya.

Another fave ninja design is Hotsuma form Shinobi PS2. The most dominant design element is obviously the scarf but I really like those "eyes" on the forehead protector.

 

[Aurc]

Great thread idea! Some solid contributions above.

I also dig ponytails. Claire Redfield's look in RE2 2019 is among my recent favorites. Simple, yet distinct, and effective. Big fan of her red jacket, as well.

The red bandanas that the members of Avalanche wear look really good on them.

The Samus & Joey manga (never officially localized) sees Samus don a cloak over her Varia Suit, at one point. I just find it to be such a cool look for her. Maybe she'll rock it in one of the games, someday?

 

[Mekanos]

Snake's MSG1 design is my favorite and I think a big reason why is the popped collar. It breaks up the silhouette well but also almost gives him this sense of mystery, as at certain angles it covers part of his face:

There's more but that was the first one that came to mind for me.