Best drag in video games

Originally posted on The Tuck Magazine.

It’s no surprise that drag has transcended from theatre and film into video games. Whilst it may not seem like there are many drag stars in games, the ones that do make a huge impact.

Here are five drag artists from video games that are the right balance of campy and heart.

LALA ESCARGOT, Persona 5

Running the famous bar Crossroads in Shinjuku and friend to one of the protagonists’ confidants. She is never the focus on the game, but her being a drag queen is never a joke or used against her. It’s a part of her charm and is a refreshing take on drag not being mocked by a hetro audience. A tasteful representation of a drag queen – not perfect as she is stereotyped sometimes – and a fun little addition to the game.

SHEIK, Legend of Zelda series

The male alter-ego of Princess Zelda showing that she can fight just as much as Link. Sheik is a way of Princess Zelda expressing herself and being free to do as she pleases. Only learning that Sheik is the alter-ego of Zelda towards the end of the game, Sheik lives in history as one of the coolest characters in The Legend of Zelda and it’s a drag artist.

TEDDIE, Persona 4 Golden

Whilst Persona 4 may have a few issues with it’s shadow portrayal of Kanji, the drag competition is wholesome fun. The male members of the investigation team are entered in a drag competition as revenge for forcing the ladies into a beauty pageant. Kanji is butch, Yosuke is timid, the protagonist is cool, but the winning prize goes to Teddie who is a vision in blue and is respected by the rest of the group for his boldness and beauty.

CLOUD STRIFE, Final Fantasy VII

This drag is for practical purposes but Cloud looks amazing anyway. He is transformed into a vision with three possible outfits to receive. The goal of his drag is the trick Don Corneo into choosing Cloud as his wife whilst figuring out what he knows and who he is reporting too. Cloud’s delicate face makes him the prime candidate for a stunning drag queen.

KING, Art of Fighting series

King has worked many jobs but her passion is street fighting. She earned fame in fighting but felt that she needed a male persona to be taken seriously. She isn’t afraid to embrace her feminine side, but her drag side is the one that is known in the fighting community. Her use of drag is never held against her and she is accepted because of her skills rather than her alter-ego.