Historically, mainstream media has perpetuated the stereotype that wearing glasses is a sign of inferiority. From picked-on nerds to sickly wallflowers, being bespectacled was an easy and honestly rather lazy narrative device present across films, TV shows, books, and comics. However, if there’s one form of media that’s actively sought to dispel this image, it’s video games. While some titles still use glasses to inform players of a character’s nerdy or shy nature, most treat specs as stylish and powerful accessories.
This is most evident through the iconic Bayonetta series. Since the urban fantasy action-adventure franchise was first released in 2009, it’s quickly achieved a cult-like following not only for its gameplay and visuals but also for its protagonist’s style. Specifically, the lead character Bayonetta’s glasses have become mainstream fashion inspirations. Recently, slim
rectangle glasses even went viral on social media, with stars like Bella Hadid sporting them out and about. Even exclusive labels like Miu Miu and Kate Spade have joined the bandwagon by releasing their own takes on the sleek siren specs.
Of course, Bayonetta is hardly the only glasses-wearing video game character who has elevated eyewear over the years. Here, we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the most memorable Xbox-playable characters who’ve made eyeglasses cool again.
Harry Potter
Is any list about eyeglasses complete if you don’t include The Boy Who Lived? Since Harry Potter was first introduced via J.K. Rowling’s hit book series in the 90s, the young wizard has been best known for his lightning-shaped scar and specs. While the animation around Harry’s face has shifted drastically in the video game world, he’s always easy to recognize because of his eyewear. This extends to more playful iterations of the Magical Wizarding World, such as the remastered LEGO Harry Potter Collection. Today,
round eyeglasses are still all the rage, including among fashionable brands like Ray-Ban. While the retail leader’s rounded eyewear is not directly related to the Potterdom, its RB1970V OVAL model can easily pass for what Harry himself wears. More than just a cosplay accessory, these specs can be worn with prescriptions, which is perfect for any fan who, like Harry himself, has less than stellar vision.
Xianyun
Although Genshin Impact is relatively new, having only been released in 2020, it’s quickly become one of the most successful action RPGs of late. Thanks to its recent
5.0 update, the game has only attracted more positive attention with the introduction of a new region called Natlan. Through this, players can enjoy even more lore, characters, abilities, and prehistoric creatures. Having said this, another reason that keeps players coming back for more is the game’s compelling characters. This includes the Adeptus Xianyun. Dutiful and formal, her appearance reflects her taciturn demeanor. Tall, slim, with long, navy hair that she keeps tied up in a high ponytail, Xianyun is also known for her red eyeglasses. The precise reason why she wears these is debated, with some thinking it’s more for style and others believing it indicates her academic passions. Given that she’s over a thousand years old, it’s also perfectly possible that she really just needs the vision correction. Since eyewear labels like Clearly and Prada also offer these types of frames, it helps give Xianyun a more contemporary vibe that players resonate with.
Joseph Oda
One of the lead characters from The Evil Within, Joseph Oda, is a KCPD detective. Video game fans know that while the game itself is critically acclaimed, it’s been somewhat commercially underrated as a
horror franchise. As a result, many are still eagerly waiting for a reboot to do it better justice. Despite this, one aspect of the game that’s rightfully gotten praise is its characters. In particular, Joseph’s complex relationships and reactions to the chaos around him reflect how carefully thought this world’s lore is. Aside from his manner of speech, his pristine appearance symbolizes how he’s the more passive and cool-headed among the game’s personas. On top of his official uniform, a character staple for Joseph is his oversized glasses. Originally his grandfather’s, these specs are reminiscent of real-life models like Oakley's NXTLVL glasses. For Joseph, these glasses are essential for his eyesight, and they serve the added benefit of helping him pick up on the finer details regarding the anomalies around him.
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