Character Design
Ongoing coverage on Character Design.
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The internet thinks Cloud Strife looks like Eminem, and unfortunately, they may be right
The internet has drawn comparisons between the character Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII and the rapper Eminem, with many agreeing the resemblance is uncanny. This observation highlights discussions around character design and visual similarities in media.
Shion’s swift, stylish ability kit in Overwatch was born from John Wick, Akira, and Kill Bill inspirations
The new villain in Overwatch, Shion, features a stylish ability kit inspired by films like John Wick, Akira, and Kill Bill. This design approach emphasizes the character's flair and swagger.
Yes, there are lore reasons behind Shion’s feminine, humanoid appearance in Overwatch
This article discusses the lore reasons behind the feminine, humanoid appearance of the Omnic character Shion in Overwatch. It highlights that Shion's design is unique compared to other Omnics seen in the game.
Blizzard almost put Devil May Cry's style rank into Overwatch for its newest combo-heavy hero Shion
Blizzard Entertainment considered implementing a Devil May Cry-style combat ranking system for Overwatch's new hero, Shion. Lead hero producer Kenny Hudson revealed that the team experimented with a style meter that would increase with successful ability combos, but ultimately decided against it due to complexity and potential balance issues. Shion's kit, inspired by character action games, focuses on combo-heavy gameplay with her signature motorcycle.
5 Zelda Characters I’m Excited To See In The Ocarina Of Time Remake (And 5 That Need To Stay Away)
This article discusses characters from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that the author is excited to see reimagined in a potential remake, and those they hope will be excluded. It touches on the game's dark themes and memorable characters, comparing some to figures from '80s and '90s fantasy media and modern pop culture.
[S2 Preview #7] Myth of Empires: Throne Introduces Legendary Warriors Ma Teng and Xun Yu, Plus New Cosmetic Previews
Myth of Empires: Throne's S2 Preview series introduces two new Legendary Warriors, Ma Teng and Xun Yu, who offer distinct combat, administration, and production roles. The update also previews new cosmetic appearances for armor and weapons, including the heavily armored Frostmoon set and the Oathbound Lance weapon skin.
Stellar Blade: Blood Rain CEO addresses concerns over Evie’s youthful design, but ends up causing even more of them
Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung-tae addressed player concerns regarding the youthful design of the character Evie in Stellar Blade. His comments, however, have reportedly amplified existing concerns among the player base.
Tomb Raider Devs Aren’t Trying To Appeal To “Either Side” Of Culture War Surrounding Lara’s Design
Crystal Dynamics developers Raul Siqueira and Jeff Adams stated that the design of Lara Croft for the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis was not an attempt to cater to any specific side of the culture war. They focused on creating the most complete version of the iconic character, emphasizing her personality and confidence. The new game is set to release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Another potential Marvel toy leak gives us a closer look at Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday
A potential LEGO toy leak has offered a glimpse of Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, showcasing his silver and green suit. While unofficial, a Hasbro toy leak also revealed the Doom suit and potential red energy accessories. The film is set to release on December 18.
The New Lara Croft Looks Hot, And That’s Okay
The article discusses the player reception to Lara Croft's appearance in the upcoming remake, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. It argues that the criticism of her being 'too feminine' or 'yassified' misses the point of her character, who has historically weaponized her allure. The author defends Lara's traditionally attractive design in the remake, contrasting it with more masculine interpretations and emphasizing that embracing femininity does not detract from her capability.
Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN dev explains why protagonist looks so young
Stellar Blade: BLOOD RAIN introduces a new protagonist, Evie, designed to contrast with the original game's Eve. Director Hyung-tae Kim explains that Evie is younger and smaller but possesses a stronger personality and a brutal close-range fighting style. The game will explore themes of humanity and artificial intelligence within a cyberpunk setting inspired by East Asian cities.
Link redesign in Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is 10/10 perfect or "the worst case scenario" depending on who…
Nintendo has confirmed a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2, set for a 2026 release. The reveal trailer featured a redesigned Link, sparking polarized reactions from fans ranging from praise to strong criticism regarding his appearance. The article urges fans to reserve judgment until more footage is available.
Overwatch’s New Hero Is A Cyberpunk Demon
Blizzard Entertainment has revealed Shion, a new dual-wielding cyberpunk demon character for Overwatch. Shion is described as the "most terrifying elder of the Hashimoto Clan" and is set to arrive in Overwatch Season 3 on June 16. Her abilities are not yet detailed, but she is shown using pistols and a knife, suggesting a damage role.
Stellar Blade boss admits he "struggled" with its boring main character, but going into Blood Rain "realized that players can fully immerse themselves even in a character with a strong, distinct personality"
Hyung-Tae Kim, head of Stellar Blade developer Shift Up, admits struggling with the main character Eve's personality in the first game and plans to give the protagonist in the upcoming Stellar Blade: Blood Rain a more defined character. He realized players can immerse themselves in characters with strong personalities, a lesson learned from player reactions to the first game.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond dev talks about Spyro’s new design
Toys For Bob studio head Paul Yan discussed the updated character design for Spyro in the upcoming game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond. Yan explained that while the design is familiar, subtle changes like an enhanced wingspan suggest Spyro has grown. The team collaborated with original developers to ensure the character's essence was captured, and Tom Kenny returns to voice Spyro.
Stellar Blade: Blood Rain's Evie is more than just "physical attractiveness," Shift Up insists, but devs are taking notes from infamously horny Goddess of Victory: Nikke regardless
Shift Up CEO Hyung-Tae Kim insists that the protagonist Evie in Stellar Blade: Blood Rain is designed to be more than just physically attractive, aiming for genuine player attachment. The studio is drawing lessons from the community engagement with Goddess of Victory: Nikke to enhance character investment in their new title.
Stellar Blade Dev Explains New Hero Design, Praises Sony's Publishing Support
Shift Up boss Hyung-Tae Kim discussed the design of Stellar Blade's new heroine, Evie, explaining her shorter and younger appearance was intentional to contrast with her aggressive combat style. Kim also praised Sony's publishing support but noted the benefits of self-publishing for reaching markets like PC, especially after the original Stellar Blade's success in China. The game has been in development for a year, and the team aims to replace generative AI found in launch assets before release.
Gears of War: E-Day gives Marcus Fenix a makeover with "more detail in his eyelashes than his entire character…
Gears of War: E-Day showcases significant graphical improvements, particularly in character detail, with young Marcus Fenix featuring more intricate eyelashes than his entire original character model. This focus on detail highlights the evolution of emotional storytelling in the series and the capabilities of the Xbox Series X compared to the Xbox 360.
Resident Evil Veronica has a lot of remaking to do with those awful main characters
This article discusses the potential for a remake of Resident Evil Code: Veronica, focusing on the perceived flaws in the original game's main characters. The author suggests that significant character redesign would be necessary for a successful modern adaptation.
Stellar Blade Blood Rain’s protagonist looks like a kid, so it’s gross to see her sexed-up in the trailer
This article expresses strong disapproval of the sexualization of the protagonist in Stellar Blade, particularly in promotional trailers. The author finds it 'disgusting' that a character who appears to be a child is presented in a sexually suggestive manner.