Pokémon Legends: Arceus' Character Customization Limits Creativity

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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.

Related: Legends: Arceus Proves Future Pokémon Trainers Have Terrible Parents

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.

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