Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s outfit customization is very limited

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet expand on the world of Pokémon in so many ways. Paldea is the setting for the games, which takes place in the vast, expansive world that the franchise calls home. These games offer players alternate paths and challenge gym leaders, which adds to the depth of their core experience. While the vision scope are well beyond what we’ve seen in prior mainline Pokémon games, there is one key aspect where they take a clear step backward: character design.

That’s because, for the first time since Pokémon X and Y, you can’t customize the full outfit of your trainer. Although you have the option to customize your look by using a variety of hairstyles and skin tones that aren’t gender-specific, only four outfit options exist.

Pokémon Scarlet VioletYou play the role of a new-minted trainer at an elite school. Accessories such as sunglasses, sneakers, socks and hats can be added to your trainer. These items can all be purchased in different cities. But you can’t change your character out of the school uniform. The current base uniform has four choices: pants and suspenders, puffer vests with shorts, or both!A look similar to wrinkly beach-shorts, or a formal pant and coat with a winter coat. All of these outfits riff on the school’s stiff look of a white button-up and tie.

Additional, accessories shopping can prove difficult. You will need to search each shop individually and purchase different accessories in every town. You’re forced to store hop as you buy each and every item — from the sock shop to the backpack shop and to the hat shop — in each town. The games’ technical issues also impact the ability to shop. To see my pink trainer with my pink stockings, I had to wait for my Switch to turn on before I was able to enter a shop menu.

This frustrating experience is overshadowed however by some other limitations. I selected a curly hairstyle for my character and wasn’t able to wear many of the hats. This eliminated a large section of the customization options. I liked the options I did have — I settled on some hip round sunglasses, but I just wished I could put her in a skirt or dress or something other than the four basic options.

With its narrative, the game is worth it. Although you might be an undergraduate, it is possible to skip school after just a few hours. However, independent learning allows you to explore other parts of the world. However, it was disappointing that I couldn’t choose my skirt. I love my character and I love the cute selfies she takes with others, but it’s just a bummer to see that cute outfits didn’t seem to be a priority in this particular adventure.