Character customization in Pokémon Legends: Arceus fell flat despite opportunities to give Pokémon fans better options for their playable trainer. The ability to create unique, relatable character designs is a staple of modern RPGs, and many popular titles such as Dragon Age and Skyrim include extensive character creators. While Pokémon Legends: Arceus likely didn't need a complex creation system, the options provided are no different than previous games and lack diversity.
Character customization is a surprisingly recent adaptation in the Pokémon game series. The function was first available during Generation 6 with Pokémon X and Y, offering players a chance to choose from a slim palette of skin tones, hair colors, and facial features. Customization has been offered on a limited scale in most Pokémon titles since Gen Six but requires players to rely on in-game outfit combinations to create a truly unique playable character.
Unfortunately, when starting a new game in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it is quickly revealed that the open-world-inspired RPG has kept the limited character customization options from previous games. Players can choose between a distinctly male or female character, each with four pre-set appearances for skin tone and hair. There are no options to change facial features, preventing the addition of freckles, moles, or eyebrow types.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Needs Customizable Character Body Types
One of the most frustrating exclusions of character customization in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a lack of different body types. Despite the main protagonist being 15 instead of 10, both male and female options are roughly the same build, with no ability to adjust character height, weight, or muscle tone. The inclusion of diverse body types in RPG games not only offers another level of dimension to the character's appearance but also provides much-needed normalization of all body types in media. By only offering a single option, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has shut out an opportunity to allow each player to see themselves in their protagonist.
While Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers more character customization than Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the game also lacks racial diversity. While the four preset character builds have complexion options that include fair, tan, and dark skin tones, the selection doesn't accurately represent the large percentage of Pokémon players. The overgeneralization omits inclusive hair types, darker skin tones, or complexions with unique qualities like freckles or complex complexion colors. By adding a feature that allows players to choose a skin tone from a color wheel, Pokémon Legends: Arceus would greatly improve diversity in character customization, and offer players more creative and relatable protagonists to play.