In a world full of monsters, sometimes looks aren’t important (yet sometimes they are).
You could say we are in a Resident Evil renaissance right now. The release of Resident Evil 7 in 2017 marked a huge turning point in a series that, for many, had lost its way. Now, we’re right on the heels of the release of Resident Evil 2, a complete reimagining of the 1998 classic. It’s on track to be one of, if not the most successful entry in the series, and truly looks to be a blend of all the greatest aspects of the best Resident Evil games.
With everyone looking ahead, why don’t we look back at Resident Evil’s past? For a world that’s constantly on the brink of peril, there are a lot of people who simply don’t know how to dress for the occasion. It seems a lot of the crew from Raccoon City and Beyond appear to favor style over function. In a world where zombies, mutated animals, and sentient mold are a constant threat, you’d think these people would care a little bit more about how well-protected they are. Now, I’m all for fashion and dressing how you want, but sometimes, you need to think a little more practically.
So, with that said, here are some of the absolute worst outfit offenders in the Resident Evil series. (And no, we’re not talking about bonus costumes. These are all canon.)
It seems that someone got a little too inspired by Lara Croft. For someone as highly-trained as Jill, you would think she would have a better sense of how to properly dress. If you’re trying to escape a zombie-infested city that’s about to be nuked, something a little more practical would make sense, no? Apparently, Jill is supremely confident in her abilities, because for her big escape from the doomed city, she opts to wear a turquoise tube top, miniskirt, and knee-high boots.
The most puzzling part of her outfit is no doubt the random sweater that’s just draped around her waist. Why did she opt to use it as an accessory, rather than wearing it? This is a nagging question that continually takes you out of the experience. Sure, sex appeal is great! Feeling confident in your body and outfit is wonderful! But sometimes, a little bit of coverage will go a long way. Especially when you’ll be fighting past meanies who want to scratch and/or bite you.
Steve Burnside (Resident Evil CODE: Veronica)
Oh boy, where do we begin with this? Now, Steve was a prisoner, rather than someone on a mission, so his questionable fashion choice is somewhat forgiven. But still, there’s a lot we need to discuss about this.
First, there’s his short-sleeve jacket, which looks like it’s way too short. It’s paired with a neon yellow t-shirt that is tucked in. And now we get to the absolute worst offender: those pants. Are those supposed to be camouflage? Plus, tucking baggy pants into combat boots is a giant no-no. Unfortunately, (spoilers?) Steve eventually transformed into a horrible, horrible monster, meaning this outfit is the last thing he ever wore. Pity.
Ada Wong (Resident Evil 4)
There’s something to be said about someone who knows what they like. Ada likes red, and her outfits reflect that. However, her outfit for her mission in Resident Evil 4, which takes her to a remote Spanish village, is far from sensible. Sure, the holster on her thigh is very convenient, and you could say that the extreme slit allows for more mobility. But the question as to why she even decided to wear the dress in the first place persists. And don’t even get me started on those stilettos.
Truly, for a super-serious espionage mission, Ada really could have chosen better. Sure, it fits well in the whole femme fatale image she’s cultivated. But something more similar along the lines of her Resident Evil 2 outfit would be perfect for her escapade. Thankfully, she became a little more sensible in Resident Evil 6.
Leon Kennedy (Resident Evil 4)
For once, a Resident Evil character who favors functionality over style. Is this being hypocritical? Probably, but man, this outfit is ugly. I suppose when you’re trying to sneak into a village overrun by cultists to save the president’s daughter, the goal is to not blend in. But couldn’t Leon pick something with a little more pizazz? It would probably make the mission much more exciting.
Heck, even Leon’s goofy police uniform in Resident Evil 2 looks better than this. It’s just so bland. A brown, fur-lined leather jacket is the only standout piece in what is otherwise drab and boring. Plus, he’s wearing cargo pants. Again, his look in Resident Evil 6 is much better (hey, at least the outfits in that game are good!).
Jessica Sherawat (Resident Evil: Revelations)
Of all the Resident Evil characters, Jessica’s outfits may take the cake. Her looks are neither practical nor fashionable. Really, this is a one-two punch: both her cold-weather outfit and her wetsuit are horrendous.
First off, for her cold-weather escapades, Jessica decides the more fur, the better. Her sleeves, collar, and hat are full of fur, and to top it off, she even has some fur leg warmers. Add in some shorts, purple leggings, and heels, and you have a masterclass in bad outfits. But that doesn’t even compare to her wetsuit. You know, the one she wears when her and Chris are on a mission on an abandoned boat. This may be the most ridiculous outfit to ever make it in a Resident Evil game. She literally has one leg completely exposed. Why? When she (spoilers!) turns out to be a double agent, we should’ve seen it coming. No one who dresses this way is good.
What do you think? Are there any Resident Evil outfits that really take the cake for you in terms of outfits? Let us know!
