Best RPGs Where Fashion Matters

Summary

RPGs with stat-boosting outfits exist. Players strategize based on fashion choices.
Some games like Senran Kagura utilize clothing mechanics to enhance gameplay.
Customize characters’ abilities through outfits in unique ways in RPGs like The Legend of Zelda.

Experiencing an RPG where you can customize character outfits can be quite entertaining. For instance, the costume shifts in “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” might showcase cool and silly looks during cinematics. Typically, games with such outfit modifications are mainly designed for aesthetic purposes.

In some role-playing games (RPGs), there’s a focus on fashion elements. Wearing certain outfits can enhance stats in specific game areas. Additionally, clothing can get worn out or damaged, impacting gameplay as well. While not all games emphasize this aspect, those that do offer unique experiences for players to consider. The emphasis on fashion will be evaluated based on its integration into the mechanics of the game.

The 3rd Birthday

Keep Your Clothes On Aya

As a dedicated fan, I’d say “I’ve been eagerly following the Parasite Eve series, and ‘The 3rd Birthday’ marks my third adventure with this captivating franchise on the PSP. Although there were some notable changes, Aya Brea remained at the helm of this tale. This time around, she embarked on a mission to rewind time and forestall another catastrophe befalling New York City. Alongside this mission, she acquired a unique ability called Overdive, empowering her in ways I’ve yet to fully grasp.

In battles and expeditions, players can make friends with non-player characters (NPCs) who can temporarily join Aya’s team. If Aya sustains too much damage, her clothes will begin to rip, signaling players to switch to a new character. The action of “Overdive” allows Aya’s brainwaves to merge with one of her NPC friends, resulting in a change of gear, health restoration, and the mending of torn clothing. Although fashion may not be a primary focus in this game, clothing plays an unusual role by enhancing the gameplay experience.

Senran Kagura: Estival Versus

Beach Happy Ninjas

In essence, the majority of Senran Kagura video games share similar storylines and gameplay features, much like the Musou series. The characters in these games are an assortment of teenage girls who possess unique weapons and individual skill sets. Each character has two different outfits that can be worn simultaneously. As the levels progress, players will initially find their characters dressed in traditional attire, but upon reaching a certain point, they can morph into their empowered ninja versions.

Similar to The 3rd Birthday, certain games indicate health loss by tearing clothing. In these games, characters sustain more damage as they reveal more skin, making it wise for players to dress their characters as modestly as possible while maintaining the least revealing appearance. Many of these games can be found on Steam and a variety of consoles. Senran Kagura: Estival Versus is notable for its expansive collection of characters and larger levels compared to its portable counterparts, setting it apart from other entries in the series.

The Legend Of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes

A Link To The Dressing Rooms

Enthusiasts may debate endlessly about whether the Zelda series truly belongs to the RPG genre, but for our current discussion, let’s focus on “The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes.” This game stands out due to its innovative take on costumes. Unlike previous multiplayer Zelda games that offered four-player co-op, this one is designed for three players who can link their 3DS devices together. While you can complete the game solo, having a full team makes it more enjoyable and less challenging.

In addition to the cooperative gameplay, a key feature is acquiring various Link costumes through story advancement and town purchases. Each fresh costume serves as a sort of character class change in an RPG, granting unique abilities to each Link. For instance, the Big Bomb Outfit empowers Link to deploy Big Bombs, while the Cheer Outfit, adorned with pom poms, can raise team energy levels by 50%. These costumes can alter party configurations and unveil new paths in dungeons, making it beneficial for players to strategize together.

Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed

Protect Your Skin From That Wicked Sunlight

Developer: Acquire
Publisher: Xseed Games (NA)
Released: August 12, 2014 (NA)
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, PS4

In a simplified and engaging manner, one could say: “Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed” shares a unique clothing system with games like Senran Kagura and The 3rd Birthday. While some might perceive the game as primarily aimed at providing entertainment (with its various costume changes), it’s essential to note that these clothing choices serve a strategic purpose. The story unfolds in Akihabara, a vibrant Japanese district celebrated for promoting nerd culture, where our unnamed protagonist transforms into a Synthister – an artificial vampire who is weak to sunlight but gains extraordinary strength instead.

In Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, players venture through Akihabara searching for leaders and vanquishing Synthisters. To triumph in combat, players must remove as much clothing as feasible prior to defeating them with sunlight during battle. It’s vital for players to keep their hero well-dressed to prevent sun damage; however, they can dress up their character fashionably if they wish. This game may be a bit overlooked and silly, but it’s enjoyable if players are willing to embrace its absurdity.

The World Ends With You

Fashion In The Afterlife

As a gamer, I’d say “The World Ends With You” stands head and shoulders above many other games, thanks to its unique qualities that shine whether you first played it on the DS or experienced the Switch remaster. You start off as Neku, a reserved teenager who finds himself in a life-or-death game set in a Shibuya-like limbo. To cheat death, I have to conquer this Game, and every new week brings a different ally my way. My first companion is Shiki, a stylish teenage girl with an emerging passion for fashion design.

In battles, players can attach Pins to their characters, which grant them special powers such as lightning strikes or fireballs. These Pins are essentially fashion items popular in Japan and their worth changes based on current trends. Wearing trendy outfits can enhance a player’s effectiveness, but the location also plays a role, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the map to know what to wear. This unique system, despite being slightly limited by the DS hardware as characters don’t physically change their clothes during gameplay, still showcases an innovative take on a DS RPG.

Infinity Nikki

Dress To Impress

Contrary to what some may believe upon downloading it, Infinity Nikki isn’t the debut of a new series. It’s actually the fifth installment in a franchise that’s been around for about ten years. However, Infinity Nikki is indeed an upgrade compared to its predecessors, offering an expansive open world, a peculiar narrative, and a wide variety of exploration possibilities through various costumes. Some costumes can be obtained through the storyline, some by gathering specific resources, and others can be bought using in-game currency from the store.

This free-to-play game, despite having mechanics similar to what you might be familiar with, offers an immersive RPG experience, even for those who tend to avoid gacha-based games. In this open world adventure, various outfits allow Nikki to glide effortlessly, while others unlock combat skills. The game is relaxing and enjoyable overall, focusing on fashion, exploration, and positive experiences, yet it never becomes monotonous. While it may appear targeted towards girls, everyone can find enjoyment in Infinity Nikki.

2025-08-24 09:35