Games Review-Bombed for Making Classic Heroes “Too Feminine”

Modern video games often spark arguments about how characters look and the overall artistic choices made by developers. When established game series update the designs of well-known characters, they often face criticism. Recently, a common way players have shown their disapproval is by giving games low ratings if they feel the main characters are being made too feminine. These changes usually kick off big conversations online about what the game is trying to be and what the developers were aiming for.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)

Link’s design in ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ was noticeably different from past games, leaning towards a more gender-neutral appearance. Some players felt this change – with softer features and a slimmer build – made him less traditionally masculine. This sparked debate and negative reviews when the game first came out. The developers stated their goal was to create a hero players of any gender could easily identify with, but this explanation didn’t satisfy everyone in the gaming community.

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ (2020)

In ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake,’ Cloud Strife’s appearance was updated with a more refined face and build. While the developers aimed to modernize the graphics while staying true to the original design, some longtime fans felt the high-definition model made Cloud look too delicate and less like the tough mercenary they remembered. This was especially discussed after the expanded Wall Market section of the game. These disagreements about Cloud’s new look affected player scores, with some expressing their disappointment through lower ratings.

‘Devil May Cry 5’ (2019)

‘Devil May Cry 5’ introduced a new character, V, with a unique, slender, and gothic look that differed from the series’ traditionally tough and muscular style. Some players felt this design was too feminine for the franchise. The game also updated the appearances of Nero and Dante using photogrammetry, resulting in faces that some fans found less rugged than before. These changes led to some negative feedback, with players expressing concern that the main characters seemed less tough. However, the game was still highly praised for its excellent combat and technical quality.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ (2023)

The way Peter Parker looks in ‘Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’ has continued to bother some fans, a problem that started with a change in an earlier version of the game. Many felt the new face made him look too young and lacked the mature, worn appearance of the original. This led to negative reviews, with players specifically criticizing the character’s design. The developers explained they altered his face to better sync with the voice actor’s expressions. Even now, Peter Parker’s appearance is still a hot topic among fans of the game series.

‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’ (2024)

When ‘Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’ was announced, the main character, Sargon, quickly faced backlash from longtime fans. Many players didn’t like his appearance, feeling his hairstyle and facial features were too modern and didn’t fit the tough, classic look of previous games. This led to a lot of negative reviews at first. Critics argued the new design made the hero feel less like a traditional Persian warrior. While the game eventually received positive feedback for how it played, the initial reaction was strongly influenced by this disagreement over his appearance.

‘Fire Emblem Engage’ (2023)

When ‘Fire Emblem Engage’ was released, some fans criticized the male version of the main character, Alear, for having brightly colored hair and a delicate appearance. They felt his design was too feminine and didn’t look strong enough compared to previous leaders in the series. This caused mixed reactions online, with many user reviews pointing to the art style as a downside. The game’s creators chose a brighter, more anime-inspired look to honor the series’ past. However, some players thought this new direction strayed too far from the franchise’s traditional, more realistic medieval fantasy setting.

‘God of War Ragnarok’ (2022)

Some players reacted negatively to how Atreus was depicted in ‘God of War Ragnarok,’ feeling he came across as too sensitive and lacked the strength typically seen in the series, especially compared to his father, Kratos. These players expressed their disappointment in reviews, criticizing the game’s focus on a younger, more emotional hero. While the developers aimed to show Atreus growing up and grappling with vulnerability as he discovered his own identity, some fans believed this made him seem less fitting for the traditionally tough world of ‘God of War’.

‘Mortal Kombat 1’ (2023)

The new versions of characters like Reptile and Raiden in ‘Mortal Kombat 1’ have caused a lot of discussion among fans. Some felt Reptile’s new, more human appearance was too handsome and didn’t capture his traditionally monstrous look. Others saw the younger, more modest Raiden as a departure from the powerful, commanding god he once was. These changes resulted in varied reactions, with many players expressing a fondness for the characters’ older, more assertive designs. The game was designed to offer a fresh take on these classic characters by resetting the story timeline.

‘Saint’s Row’ (2022)

The recent ‘Saint’s Row’ reboot featured new characters that many fans found lacked the tough edge of previous games. Players often criticized the characters’ style as overly trendy and sometimes perceived it as too soft or feminine. This shift away from the series’ history of gritty crime led to a surge of negative reviews. Many felt the new game focused too much on current trends and lost the original’s distinctive feel, which significantly hurt its sales and reviews.

‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’ (2024)

As a big DC fan, I was pretty disappointed with how Superman and Batman were portrayed in ‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’. It just didn’t feel right seeing these legendary heroes taken down the way they were – it kind of cheapened their image, you know? A lot of us felt that way, and it led to a lot of criticism online, with some people even accusing the developers of pushing a certain agenda. Honestly, the game had a hard time getting traction because fans of the older Arkham games – like me – felt the whole vibe was totally different. The way they handled those iconic heroes was really the biggest sticking point for a lot of us.

‘Gotham Knights’ (2022)

Okay, so I’ve been playing ‘Gotham Knights,’ and honestly, a lot of us were pretty quick to notice that Nightwing and Robin didn’t quite look like the hardened crimefighters we’re used to. They felt… softer, I guess? Some people were saying their faces and outfits were a little too feminine and didn’t really fit the whole ‘protectors of Gotham’ vibe. I saw a bunch of reviews echoing that – people weren’t loving the art style overall. The developers said they were going for a younger take on these heroes, showing them stepping up, but it really split the fanbase. Some liked the fresh look, but a lot of us just weren’t feeling it.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)

The recent remake of ‘Resident Evil 4’ gave Leon S. Kennedy a visual overhaul, which some fans felt made him look less traditionally masculine. Although the game was widely praised by critics, a small number of players commented that his new face was more feminine compared to the original 2005 version. These observations often appeared in online reviews alongside other discussions about changes to the game’s characters. The developers aimed for a more realistic and gritty feel with the remake, and while most players liked the updated look, debate about Leon’s appearance continues among fans.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

‘Street Fighter 6’ brought new characters like Jamie and updated looks for returning fighters, which sparked a lot of discussion among fans. Some players felt Jamie’s fighting style was too delicate for a main competitor, while others weren’t happy with the less muscular designs of some male characters compared to the previous game. Despite this, the game was a hit, though reviews often featured debates about these changes to the art style. The developers aimed for a look that combined city life with classic martial arts.

‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’ (2022)

Okay, so when I started playing ‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet,’ I was a little bummed about the character creation. It felt like the options were leaning pretty heavily towards a more feminine look, and it was tough to make a character that felt traditionally masculine. The clothes and even the faces just didn’t really allow for that. I saw a lot of other players saying the same thing online – we all wanted more ways to customize and make characters that really felt like us. The developers went with a uniform school look for everyone, which, honestly, just made the characters feel a bit softer overall, and a lot of us wished there was more variety.

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

Players criticized the character customization in ‘Halo Infinite,’ specifically the body types available for Spartans. Some felt the male options weren’t muscular enough and appeared too slender compared to past ‘Halo’ games. This sparked debate about whether the new character designs lost the strong, soldierly look that fans expected. While the developers aimed to give players more ways to personalize their characters, many longtime fans felt it weakened the feeling of power traditionally associated with Master Chief and other Spartans.

‘The Last of Us Part I’ (2022)

The updated remake of ‘The Last of Us Part I’ included new character designs, notably for Joel. Some players felt Joel’s new face looked too soft and feminine, clashing with his tough, experienced character. This criticism contributed to a broader negative reaction regarding whether the remake was truly needed. The developers aimed to create more realistic facial expressions using data from the original game’s performances, optimized for current gaming systems. Despite positive reviews of the game’s technical aspects, the changes to the characters’ appearances continued to divide fans.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ (2024)

The reveal of ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ caused a lot of debate, mainly about its two main characters and the game’s setting in feudal Japan. Some players didn’t like the inclusion of a female ninja and thought the game’s style relied too much on common, modern ideas about femininity. This led to negative reviews being posted before the game even came out. Fans argued about how accurately the game portrayed history and what direction the series was heading. Ultimately, the game became a central point of discussion regarding how women are portrayed in big video game series.

‘Fable’ (2025)

The first trailer for the new ‘Fable’ game sparked a lot of online discussion, largely focused on the appearance of the female main character. Some viewers criticized her design, feeling it departs from typical portrayals of beauty or traditional gender roles in video game heroes. This criticism led to negative reactions and dislikes on social media. While the developers have promised to recapture the humor and playful spirit of the original ‘Fable’ games, many are still primarily focused on how the hero looks.

‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ (2024)

When the first images of ‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ were released, many fans reacted negatively to its bright and colorful art style. Some felt it didn’t fit the darker, more realistic tone of the ‘Dragon Age’ world, Thedas. This led to a lot of criticism and low scores on early gameplay videos. Players worried the game was becoming too soft and losing the mature, tough atmosphere of the original. The developers explained they chose this new look to make the game visually unique and stand out.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Some ‘Starfield’ players were unhappy with the character creation options, feeling they didn’t allow for traditionally masculine appearances. Many felt the available body types and facial features leaned towards more feminine or androgynous looks, and some criticized the game for prioritizing modern social trends over classic character archetypes. While ‘Starfield’ offers extensive customization options to fit its sci-fi setting, a portion of players wished they had more choices for creating traditionally masculine characters.

‘Hogwarts Legacy’ (2023)

The character creation tool in ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ sparked discussion among players, specifically regarding the appearance of default male characters. Some felt these options weren’t traditionally masculine enough. This led to conversations about whether current social trends were influencing the game’s design. While the developers intended to create an inclusive experience for all fans, the game still became a major commercial success and received positive reviews overall.

‘Final Fantasy XVI’ (2023)

Okay, so ‘Final Fantasy XVI’ definitely went for a more serious and grown-up vibe, but honestly, some of the character designs rubbed me the wrong way. I’m talking about the younger characters and some of the side guys – they looked a little too pretty, you know? A lot of fans, myself included, were hoping for a cast that felt a bit more tough and gritty, especially since it’s a medieval setting. The game really leaned into character stories and the faces were super detailed, which was cool, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for everyone in terms of how masculine the characters looked. It’s kind of a classic ‘Final Fantasy’ thing to mix those traits, but this time it felt a little off for some of us.

‘Tales of Arise’ (2021)

Some players noticed that Alphen, the main character in ‘Tales of Arise,’ had a less traditionally muscular design than many expect from a warrior. Although the game was a hit overall, some reviews criticized Alphen for appearing and acting too feminine. This sparked discussion because of the contrast between his initial memory loss and his eventual role as a leader. The game’s developers used a new visual style to make it look like a painting, creating a modern feel. However, this change wasn’t universally loved by longtime fans who preferred the series’ older art styles.

‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’ (2022)

Some fans criticized the lead character, Noah, in ‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’ for his lean physique and softer appearance, feeling he didn’t fit the typical mold of a military leader in a war-torn world. This led to some negative comments about the game’s character design and overall look. However, the game’s story focused on themes of peace and the hardships of war, which called for a more compassionate protagonist. Despite the criticism, ‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3’ received a lot of praise for its complex story and huge, expansive world.

‘Silent Hill 2’ (2024)

The upcoming remake of ‘Silent Hill 2’ received some initial criticism focused on the redesigned appearance of the main character, James Sunderland. Many fans felt the new version looked less rugged and didn’t capture the original character’s sense of exhaustion. This sparked a lot of negative feedback online after previews were released. The developers, Bloober Team, explained they aimed to show James’s inner struggles through more expressive facial animations. However, fans are still split on whether these changes improve the game’s unsettling and frightening atmosphere.

‘Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’ (2025)

The reveal of ‘Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater’ sparked debate about the updated design of Big Boss. Some fans worried the new graphics made him look too young or lacked the tough appearance of the original character. This led to discussion and criticism online about how true the remake is to the classic game. The project intends to bring the beloved experience to life with updated graphics and sound, and players are eager to see if the final version captures the iconic hero’s original strength and personality.

‘Tekken 8’ (2024)

‘Tekken 8’ is known for its powerful, muscular characters, but some of the newer designs have received criticism for being less strong in appearance. Characters like Leo have sparked discussions about their gender and more feminine look within a fighting game. Some players expressed their disappointment in reviews, feeling these designs strayed from the series’ traditionally tough and masculine style. The game aims to deliver intense fights with a wide range of characters, and the developers are working to find a balance between classic, powerful character designs and more modern, diverse aesthetics.

‘Granblue Fantasy: Relink’ (2024)

Some Western players criticized the main character in ‘Granblue Fantasy: Relink’ for appearing too feminine and not fitting the typical image of a fantasy hero. These opinions surfaced in user reviews, with players comparing the game to other popular action RPGs. While the character design fits the game’s established art style, which is well-liked in Japan, it proved to be a sticking point for some players outside of Japan. The game does offer a diverse cast of characters with various looks and fighting styles.

‘League of Legends’ (2009)

‘League of Legends’ has been updating its older male characters with sleeker designs over time. This has led to some criticism from players who feel the game is moving away from tough, strong appearances and towards more delicate, traditionally ‘pretty’ looks. This discussion frequently appears online whenever a new character is shown. The game developers are trying to create a diverse group of characters that will appeal to players around the world, but this change in artistic style continues to upset some long-time fans of the game.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

When ‘Overwatch 2’ launched, some players reacted negatively to new character skins they considered too delicate or feminine. Specifically, male characters received more colorful and detailed cosmetic options, which disappointed fans who preferred a tougher, more military-style appearance. While ‘Overwatch’ has always aimed for a bright and inclusive feel, some players felt these recent designs went too far. The discussion about these character skins continues to be a major topic within the game’s community.

‘Genshin Impact’ (2020)

Some critics have noted that the popular game ‘Genshin Impact’ features many male characters designed to be beautiful and delicate. While the game is very successful, this design choice has upset some players, leading to negative reviews. These players often complain that the male characters lack traditionally masculine traits, pointing to their slim physiques and elaborate clothing. ‘Genshin Impact’s’ popularity stems from collecting characters and its unique art style, but this aesthetic has caused a split within the game’s community.

‘Sea of Stars’ (2023)

Some players of ‘Sea of Stars’ felt the main character, Zale, looked too feminine to be a solar warrior, pointing to his softer features and long hair in online reviews. While the game—designed as a loving homage to classic 16-bit RPGs with beautiful pixel art—received praise for its gameplay and music, Zale’s appearance proved divisive. The developers, however, maintained their original artistic direction, aiming for a world that felt magical and fantastical.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Baldur’s Gate 3 lets players heavily customize their characters, but some noticed a lack of traditionally masculine options. A few reviews pointed out it was easier to create female or gender-neutral characters than traditionally rugged ones, sparking a debate about how current social values are impacting role-playing games. The game offers players a lot of freedom to create their own unique identity within the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Despite these complaints about character appearance, Baldur’s Gate 3 has become a huge success with both critics and players.

‘Horizon Forbidden West’ (2022)

Aloy’s appearance in ‘Horizon Forbidden West’ sparked a lot of debate among players. Some felt her face was either too or not feminine enough, leading to negative reviews on websites where players share opinions. The developers had tried to make her look more realistic in the new game. This whole situation showed how closely female characters in games are examined and judged.

‘Star Wars Outlaws’ (2024)

When the main character, Kay Vess, was revealed in ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ people immediately began discussing her look and personality. Some felt her design was a break from classic Star Wars heroes, and criticized it for seeming too focused on current fashion trends. This sparked a lot of negative reactions on social media and in early user reviews. The game itself tells the story of a scoundrel operating in the galaxy’s criminal world, and how people react to Kay Vess remains a key topic as the game’s release approaches.

Tell me your thoughts on these character design changes in the comments.

2025-12-30 20:19