Lin Lee

Lin's overall character was generally well received by critics.[15] Numerous journalists noted Lin as one of the few standout characters in the game that received notable character development, and praised the humor she introduced into the game,[3][16] notably the jokes about cooking and eating the character Tatsu.[4][17] IB Times referred to her as "funny, impulsive, and actually rather enjoyable to watch...She's got a lot of fun dialogue, though it's a bit hard to believe that she's 13."[5]

Lin's revision in costume design and age from her original portrayal in Xenoblade X's Japanese release to her portrayal in Western releases in North America and Europe elicited much discussion from journalists in regards to censorship and differing cultural values.[9] While her original costume was interpreted as shocking or inappropriate by Western audiences, it was seen much more as normal and mundane in Japan.[18] Western websites had mixed reactions to the changes. Websites like IGN and VG247 decried the changes as censorship.[7][19] Others were more supportive of the changes. Kyle Nofuente of Tech Times found the changes to be "reasonable enough to tone down Lin's sexuality to a level more appropriate for her age" but conceded that Nintendo's fanbase may not be as understanding, considering the negative reaction similar changes to Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water.[9] Tatiana Morris of GameZone expressed similar sentiments, stating that, while she was initially surprised at how much of Lin's design had been changed, and would usually be against it, but ultimately felt that the combination of the revealing outfits and Lin being under 18 was enough to warrant the changes in her eyes. Siliconera also felt that her age made the changes "understandable".[20] Tom Phillips of Eurogamer found Lin's revealing costume choices questionable regardless of her age, referring to it as an "eye-opening choice of outfit for an adventurer readying for battle."[21]

Journalists noted that many fans had negative reactions to the changes as well, complaining they constituted unnecessary censorship.[15][22][23] The debate even inspired a response from Cassandra Morris, Lin's English voice actress, who defended Nintendo's changes to the character, stating:

"People are calling it censorship. I really see it as localisation. There are a lot of cultural differences between Japan and the US and Europe. I, personally, don’t mind that Lin’s outfits were changed for the US version. My hope is that players will be able to concentrate on Lin’s abilities and what she can bring to your game and what she can do for the other members of her party and not just how she looks. I also think that covering Lin up a little bit will make parents more comfortable with kids playing the game, so it also opens the game up for a wider audience."[14]

Alexandria Burlacu of Tech Times agreed with the notion, theorizing that some may feel the changes made her more believable and realistic character for Western audiences.[18]