Let's Talk About Zero Suit Samus

So I've been seeing a bit of discussion lately about the design of Samus's appearance while outside her Chozo-made Power Suit, with one of my friends calling it "the most disgusting thing ever to happen to a strong video game character," calling it chauvinistic, and many other people writing off the design as sexist, meant to "appeal solely to men." Hell, there was a discussion in this very Spam Zone a while back about how her new heels apparently escalate that idea, being "unnecessary" in many people's minds.

I personally dislike these claims that the Zero Suit is sexist. It's not at all different from the sneaking suits that Solid Snake or Raiden use in much of the Metal Gear Solid series, and nobody seems to raise issue with those outfits. Also, she doesn't suddenly become a weaker-willed person in the Zero Suit; she's sneaking around simply due to being unable to use her suit, but she's still kicking ass, and apparently becomes quicker (this part I kinda get confused by why the Power Suit wouldn't be faster...) To me, a lot of the debate feels like people trying to jump on the social justice bandwagon, but it's not as informed of an opinion just yet.

What do you guys think about the arguments against the Zero Suit?

 

She's higher tier than normal Samus in Brawl.

 

I'm

Just

Glad

Samus

Was

Never

Sexualized

Before

 

the high heels bother me, but that's about it.

 

... What changed? I've never played a Metroid game and I don't frankly care enough to, but like, holy ****, I've seen people losing their **** over this thing.

 

Here's an article I just found that details some of the changes, mainly the heels.

And then another article about representation.

 

Also.

 

I don't get this. Hasn't Samus always been sexy?

 

I liked this response to the second article

 

Yeah, that pretty much encapsulates my own opinion on everyone who thinks Zero Suit Samus is such a sin. Like, what the fuck do people want? Samus to never be shown as a strong character out of her suit? Doesn't her being able to kick ass outside the suit only further show how strong she is, both physically and mentally? As I said, the social justice bandwagon just feels so strongly associated with the arguments. I personally quite like that she doesn't look like this.

 

The suit is practical and likely the most comfortable choice of clothing to wear under a suit of Power Armor. Plus it is far from the skimpiest outfit she has had under the armor so people who say crap like "the most disgusting thing ever to happen to a strong video game character" can officially go f*** themselves.

The heels however I can't forgive cause they are just stupid. HOW DO THEY EVEN FIT IN THE DAMN ARMOR?! Why would a badass bounty hunter have such impractical footwear?! DAMN TEAM NINJA! I BLAME YOU FOR THIS!

 

Heels are just another weapon in her arsenal.

 

Well in this case Zero Suit Samus doesn't actually emerge from her armour like in Brawl, so it stands to reason this is a more combat ready version of the suit

 

The suit was already combat capable, given that Samus has fought outside her armor before.

 

I don't even get what's so sexual about high heels anyway.

 

It's not emant to be though. When you use it it's weak, you can't fight enemies properly with it. It'd make sense for it to be enhanced for proper combat

They uh
Show off some ankle?
I guess?
If this was the 1920s this would be scandalous!

 

Nothing. Just impractical.

Or it could be Nintendo wanted to do away with the whole two characters in one thing they had going on and decided to make them ZS!Samus (along with Shiek) their own characters.

 

Tell me that when you can outrun a hooker trying to get away from a pimp.

 

It's the way they make you stand when you wear them. The higher heels make you stick out your butt and chest a bit to keep your balance.

 

Seriously? I always thought wearing heels was like standing on your toes.