The "rule of cool" is regularly deployed when developing games to let characters shine in unique looks that immediately tell you who the main character is, regardless of how impossible they may face.
Mario never loses his hat, Sonic always has his sneakers on, and Bayonetta maintains a chic pair of eyeglasses that have seen villains fall — a pair so iconic that it has even become a statement piece named after the Umbra witch, one beloved by K-Pop stars, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts in the real world. With luxury fashion lines coming out with official game collaborations and stars emulating iconic character style choices, it’s a great time in gaming to get into the aesthetic of it all.
In the new wave of trends meeting games, sunglasses are the undeniable shorthand accessory for ‘rizz’ or charisma. Studies have even shown that both Generation Y and Z respond to brands that establish their coolness in-game, with advertisements and collaborations making way for a purchase. Customization also makes immersion hit a new level, so even Pokémon titles let you find black sunglasses for your Dark-type Pokémon and put eyewear on your trainer. If we’re talking inspiration for style, who better to look to than some of the most dashing sunglasses-wearers to grace these digital worlds?
You can’t have a discussion on cool dudes with sunglasses on without Duke Nukem. The man is a cultural touchstone in shooters, representing the never-dying epitome of a sunglasses-clad muscleman with a penchant for coming in with guns blazing. Since his first introduction in the ‘90s, he has graced comics, various merchandise, and countless game titles beyond his series because of how much people love the character and design.
His look became such a part of his aura that the lack of sunglasses in the second game was a recurring joke in the fandom that the developers would address in succeeding materials like the Duke Begins trailer. The rerelease saw the eyewear patched back onto the hero as a response to people modding it into the original. Those looking to emulate his wraparound eyewear can’t go wrong with a Ray-Ban Wayfarer or Oakley Eye Jacke Redux.
Heroes aren’t the only ones who serve looks. Albert Wesker is one of the smoothest villains in gaming and is largely considered the most charismatic in the Resident Evil franchise. Not only is his persona compelling, but his style is effortlessly cool. In response to the shift in his eyes from the virus, Wesker wears prescription sunglasses that enable him to continue his long hours in the lab under harsh lights while maintaining his chic aesthetic. Paired with a black vest and a long leather trench coat, you can emulate the look with a pair of Ray-Ban Balorettes or the Tiffany TF426U. You can even throw in a pair of gloves to truly embody his go-to ensemble when on the move.
Numerous polls rank Wesker as the best and most popular villain in the series, and even newer fans will be quick to identify him from looks alone. From how he moved to the lines he spoke, the character exuded character and presence like no other. How can you not when you’re dressed like that?
The Deus Ex series has an indelible mark in the games industry as its first entry is essentially considered the grandfather of cyberpunk titles. Adam Jensen takes the helm in Human Revolution and Mankind Divided and immediately establishes himself as the prime protagonist of the series. This is why there has been much coverage and fan uproar around the seeming delays on the continuation of the series with him, with his voice actor Elias Toufexis even getting contacted by the studio to talk less about the character.
While the original hero and aloof agent, JC Denton, also donned a pair of sunglasses, it’s hard to top Jensen's coolness. With sleek outfits that complement his mechanical augments, he tops it off with angular sunglasses with a polarized tint. When dealing with the same level of world-impacting threats, glare is the last thing you want to take you down. Oakley Flak 2.0 XL or Costa Blackfin captures this vibe nicely, making you feel ready to drop in from the sky like it’s no big deal.