Bayonetta as a role model

[Undeadpool]

writers are afraid if they have a female character show any weakness ever, they'll be labelled as sexist.

Excellent point! Why should character flaws be seen as sexism? Women have weaknesses that men don't have, men have weaknesses that women don't have. These shouldn't be shied away from, but embraced.

It's sadly because there will always be some overly sensitive type (often "White Knight-males" even) who will try to call them sexist because their female characters aren't some Mary-Sue invincible superhero. And sadly some writers take that to heart and become so afraid of the criticism itself that they stop being creative.

 

[Rachel317]

It's sadly because there will always be some overly sensitive type (often "White Knight-males" even) who will try to call them sexist because their female characters aren't some Mary-Sue invincible superhero. And sadly some writers take that to heart and become so afraid of the criticism itself that they stop being creative.

Ah yes, the people who get offended on behalf of other people, even if the group in question isn't all that put out by it. I get sick of seeing Ice Queens and Damsels in distress, not because I find those portrayals offensive, but because they're now so overdone that it's becoming boring.
If we're talking purely about characters, I thought Trip from Enslaved was an excellent portrayal. She enslaves Monkey, this big, strong dude, to get her home as she acknowledges that she can't do it on her own. But she brings computer skills to the table (yeah, nerdy, hot cliche, I know). I wish more developers would acknowlege that it's OK to portray weaknesses as well as strength. Real people aren't as simple as "strong" and " not strong", so why must characters be?

Bayonetta is a great character because, although she's fan service on the surface, she can kick serious arse (thanks, of course, to her deal with the Devil above all else) and is emotionally strong, yet also shows real vulnerability when it comes to Luka and Cereza.

You raise an excellent point though. Exactly who IS offended by this kind of portrayal, and why is she seen as offensive towards women when, instead, we could all just not give a damn?

 

[John Stalvern]

And I personally loved the game, between Bayonetta's character, the awesome fighting, and the awesome scenery.

It IS an excellent game. Shame about the cut scenes...I liked the film slides for the flashbacks, but it wasn't so good during the present day. Financial issues?

I agree with you on your point about the sexualisation. She's not meant to be a whore or a young boy's wet dream (well...ok, maybe she is ;D), but if she can appeal to women to, then she can't be THAT skanky. There are women (such as myself) who are openly sexual like Bay. Admittedly, I'm nowhere near as flirtatious, but I believe sex should be openly discussed. Not necessarily peoples' personal sex lives, but far more openly than the taboo it currently is.

EDIT: I am able to relate to Bayonetta much more than Lara Croft and the likes. if I can, then there will be other women out there who can kind of see themselves in Bay too.

I'm enjoying this thread so far, and am glad that someone shares the view I gained after playing the game.

 

[Rachel317]

I'm enjoying this thread so far, and am glad that someone shares the view I gained after playing the game.

Hey, thank you! It got kinda rough in the middle, there, but it's a lot more civil now!

I'm very happy that you share this view of Bayonetta as a character! I get why people wouldn't understand it (it's quite easy to see why, I suppose), but it's always nice to meet a kindred spirit. Sexuality doesn't need to be taboo, nor gratuitously shouted about, it just exists and I believe we should acknowledge this fact, without it being a case of pandering.

Thank you for sharing your positive opinion of Bayonetta.

 

[Legion IV]

Ok i immedality want to laugh and flame you but let me read your op firs and try to be reasonable.

Your right if she wasint presented the way she was and dressed the way she was and was doing somthing sexual at every given moment. Shed be a very intresting character. That said she does all those things. I couldnt finish the game even though i payed 60$ i felt embarssed playing such a over sexualized game. It feels like its a game you ask for and they have it covered behind a black sheet or somthing. Like i think the simple act of walking and shotting is sexualized lemme check (watches a youtube vido called "Bayonetta ass 2" Oh lord i cant discuss this chracter reasonably.

Everything this character does is either doing overly exual posing or shaking her ass somehow. Am glad i took this game back it was a sore thumb the games just ludacris. (going into angrey rant mode) I find it hilarious how the lead desighner was mad about the doujinshi. Yet in AN INTERVEIW!! you gloated about how long it took you to perfect her ass. Good lord this game is stupid! stupid! (melts down)

I'd really like somone to prove me wrong. As a i use to love Hideki Kamiya since am the worlds biggest fan of devil may cry. Just suprised the dude went this far....