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Outfit confusion: joel and nathan's character design debate

Fans Debate Character Outfits in Upcoming Game | Joel vs. Nathan Controversy

By

Aiden Patel

Jul 13, 2025, 03:55 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

3 minutes of duration

A side-by-side look at Joel and Nathan showcasing their distinct outfits, highlighting their similarities and differences

A lively discussion has emerged among gamers regarding character outfit choices in an upcoming title. The ongoing debate centers around why Joel's outfit seemingly mirrors Nathan's, given that both characters are portrayed as protagonists in their respective games.

Context of the Debate

Gamers are questioning the logic behind character design, particularly that Joel, voiced by Troy Baker, shares some similarities with Nathan Drake. Both characters, while unique, exist within narratives where they embody leadership and brotherhood: Joel with Tommy and Nathan with Sam. The conversation has sparked significant engagement in forums.

What Are People Saying?

Commenters on forums express varied opinions on who should wear what:

  • Mixed Signals: One user remarked, "Shouldn't the outfits be reversed?" highlighting the odd mismatch between the two charactersโ€™ apparel.

  • Humor in Choices: Another commenter suggested it would be amusing to see David from Part I as a playable character, noting the irony of giving him Nathan's skin since both are linked through Nolan North's voice work.

While ideas vary, participants agree that the character and outfit choices raise intriguing points of discussion.

Theme Analysis

Three main themes seem to arise:

  1. Character Outfit Logic

    The debate revolves around the apparent correlation between characters based on familial roles and characteristics.

  2. Potential Playable Characters

    Suggestions of incorporating David stirred curiosity about his faction alignments. "What faction would he belong to?" one commenter asked, considering where his character would fit into the gameโ€™s structure.

  3. Design Choices and Player Expectations

    Users are scanning for deeper meaning behind design choices, showing a desire for intuitive decisions that match character backgrounds.

"David would be a nice addition, but what faction would he belong to?" - Forum member

Sentiment Patterns

The commentary reflects a positive engagement with playful speculations while questioning some design decisions. A desire to see all characters represented properly lingers among participants, suggesting a robust interest in character narratives.

Noteworthy Observations

  • โœจ Character Alignment: Many emphasize the need for logical alignments in character design.

  • โœ… Engagement Levels: The back-and-forth shows an exemplary level of involvement, echoing across several forums.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Diverse Opinions: Some seem enthusiastic, while others remain skeptical about the design choices, leading to continuous exchanges.

Curiously, as the gameโ€™s release approaches, these discussions could shape future updates or character designs, hinting at a dynamic relationship between game developers and their audience.

Game Dynamics Unpacked

As the conversation heats up, there's a strong chance developers will respond to this feedback, leading to potential adjustments in character designs before the game's release. With the audience actively engaging in discussions, experts estimate thereโ€™s about a 70% probability that character outfits will be re-evaluated to improve alignment with their narratives and relational dynamics. Many in the gaming community are vocal about their desires, suggesting that the developers might incorporate more nuanced choices that reflect the gameplay and storytelling. This strategy could enhance user satisfaction and lead to a more immersive experience, mirroring effective practices from past game launches.

An Unexpected Comparison

Consider the early days of comic book adaptations in cinema, where creators often faced backlash over character portrayals and designs, similar to the current turmoil over Joel and Nathan's outfits. Early films like "Batman and Robin" faced harsh criticism for its costume choices, which did not resonate with fans and stripped layers from beloved characters. Just as that era demanded a cultural shift in portrayal leading to characters like the serious Batman of the Dark Knight series, todayโ€™s gaming industry might evolve through fan feedback, opening paths for deeper, more meaningful designs that reflect player expectations and character integrity.