Female Game Characters: The Good, The Bad, and The Sexist.

[Blayze]

I don't think I've posted in here before, but...

Planescape: Torment's Fall-from-Grace. She's intelligent, pleasant and able (Even by Torment's high standards) to engage in deep, meaningful conversation. And that says nothing of her abilities both as a Sensate and as a Priest.

 

[jebussaves88]

I may be annoying some people with my constant refernce to these two games but two examples of games which aren't sexist and contain some very strong female characters are Max Payne 2 (with Mona Sax) and Otogi 2 (with the sorceress Seimei and the general Sadimatsu) Ok, so Mona Sax is presented as a love interest, but it never seemed to be done in a way which showed Max as the strong heroic hero. If anything, it is in fact her who ends up saving him (building site level)

 

[frontier psychiatrist]

This isn't really the same thing, but your character in Penny Arcade Adventures has great dialogue options. I thought my female character was way cooler than most pre-written ones.

Usually when games have humorous characters, they tend to be male. I wonder why that is?

 

[frontier psychiatrist]

Except GLADOS is not a robot and Chell is not a cyborg.

 

[Spleeni]

...Chell isn't a cyborg
WTF ARE YOU SMOKING?

...
And why aren't you sharing?

I've found that most girls (that I know at least) don't mind that women in games are portrayed as over sex-ed sex beasts (dripping sex at every corner). What they DO mind are the incredibly butch women who act more like men than women. The consensus seems to be that the latter is less believable than the former.

 

[SanitysRequiem]

Hey you forgot the oblivious Best Friend archetype. Pretty much exclusive to JRPG, but it happens enough to merit mention methinks. They're all up in that main characters pants, but won't admit it until one of the two of them is dead or about to die, or something to that stupid degree. Usually a good fighter, but not as good as the male lead, if you fully upgrade their skills/equipment, they'll be in your final squad but, again, never better than the male lead.

Notables: Aika from Skies of Arcadia, Tifa (of course), Marle from Chrono Trigger, REbecca Chambers and (arguably) Alex from Half Life, much love for Alex though, she's a bad ass.

Great females characters though are indistinguishable from great male ones, their strong physical and mental attributes make them rise above ANY gender stereotypes. They have a strong sense of what their doing within the context of the game and are both willing to stand up for themselves in the face of adversity and offer a helping hand when needed.

Couple that come to mind; Ursula from Gladius, Jade in Beyond Good and Evil, Aerith in VII, Alex in Eternal Darkness: Sanitys Requiem, Samus, Olga in Metal Gear Solid Series, Velvet from Odin Sphere (and Gwendolyn to a lesser degree, Mercedes though? If she didn't have a Rambo style crossbow, she'd be pixie flavored toast in 5 minutes) probably some others I'm not thinking of, but woot-ever, ya'll get the point.

 

[AngryMan]

The protagonists of both the "Longest Journey" games struck me as good female characters.

 

[SargentToughie]

I'm actually writing a game script right now, to be made in a few years. and I'm planning on breaking the mould on several things... female stereotypes included, but on the topic...

The first one to come to mind is Alyx Vance who I'm willing to bet has been mentioned plenty of times allready

but a less known one that comes to come to mind is Mirage from Star Ocean, till the end of time.

 

[Dancingman]

Ashley Williams from Mass Effect was a well-written character, although she fell victim to the "supermodel soldier" disease, she was a very interesting relationship to pursue, as well as talking in marine jargon to make her seem more attached to her part, she played an endearing part as a woman in the story.

Valeria from Age of Conan was a disappointment to me, I am an avid reader of Robert E. Howard and her character was immensely more interesting than her character in the game, all in all, she was the best of Howard's women in that she could actually fight rather than get kidnapped and scream.

Rayne from Bloodrayne was the most sexist character in gaming I have yet seen. As much as I loved the bloody carnage of the series, it was annoying to see that for the most part she wore skintight clothes that did nothing but accentuate her tits. Then stupid idiot in Playboy decided that she needed to be featured in a topless picture and was obviously bent on ruining whatever credibility she may have had left.

 

[videot76]

I'm going to go BGII on you and say Jaheira's my girl any day - she has lots of depth, attitude and a wicked sense of humour. (plus that voice...I don't mind if the accent is a bit overdone I think she stands out for me because she was the first interesting AND believeable female character I encountered in a video game.
Oh, and for everyone complaining about her being too old - she's actually the youngest of the romanceable characters...acting older to compensate for insecurities. So there.
(And while on the BG subject, Imoen is a clear member of the "Best Friend" archetype)

I did hate Ashley in Mass Effect with a passion though. She is an alien-hating bigot (the future equivalent of a racist) who believes in God (except the tolerance and "thou-shalt-not-kill" bits, obviously) and likes poetry. I find those stock ingredients for making "deep" characters, making her rather bland. Well, Ashley, I sent you to your death and you did not "regret a thing". Neither do I.
The other female NPC, Liara, has potential but was given FAR too little screen time/dialogues. Only the sequel will tell if she's a good character or not.

Oh, and Kai from Heavenly Sword was great too. She is clearly somewhat disturbed and/or insane, but she is NOT your typical "quirky female with mental problems". Much better written, and with a clear excuse for being a little out there. And surprisingly clear-headed at times..."Peek-a-boo".

 

[Calamity]

but a less known one that comes to come to mind is Mirage from Star Ocean, till the end of time.

How so? All I remember of Mirage is her saying "roger" and a few sarcastic remarks in Cliff's direction.

As for the topic...Anise takes the title of worst in my opinion.
I really wish you could leave her behind after she betrays you.

 

[Noamuth]

You forgot one.

The Spunky Tomboy: Generally found in RPG's, the Spunky Tomboy is usually the main supporting character. She tends to wear shorts and a very small top, always exposing the stomach area. Her motives include: avenging the death of her parents, wanting to support her best friend, the main character, who she grew up with. The Tomboy is quick to take charge of any situation, and is almost always competent.

Examples: Kid (Chrono Cross), Shiki (The World Ends With You), Aika (Skies of Arcadia)

Well, not to be old or anything, the Spunky tomboy I remember seeing first was in Chrono Trigger, the Princess who doesn't want to be princess...

Lucca could fall under that category too, methinks. Save for the dress-sense aspect.

 

[Copter400]

Samus Aran is all business. ;-)

She has her own category,

That's a Girl?: A female character that shows no femininity or any signs of gender so that everyone assumes they are male. Being female is just an interesting tidbit the designers decided to tell you and has no impact on story, gameplay or anything else.

At least it's better than 'That's a Guy?' ifyaknowwutimeen.

 

[Madaxeman101]

You forgot one.

The Spunky Tomboy: Generally found in RPG's, the Spunky Tomboy is usually the main supporting character. She tends to wear shorts and a very small top, always exposing the stomach area. Her motives include: avenging the death of her parents, wanting to support her best friend, the main character, who she grew up with. The Tomboy is quick to take charge of any situation, and is almost always competent.

Examples: Kid (Chrono Cross), Shiki (The World Ends With You), Aika (Skies of Arcadia)

you missed out tifa from ff7

 

[cheatking]

best female character has to be the old begger lady from eldar scrolls 4, i could be in the middle of the city fireballing and hacking through the guards when she grows the balls to ask me for a couple of gold. To pull that off she deserved the 5 gold i gave her


That or your sister from fable 1, the ***** was so god dam annoying and loved it when [possible spoiler] you got the sword of aeons and plunged it into her chest....ahhh satisfaction.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

Ada Wong from Resident Evil. Feminine, nicely dressed and packing some of the best weapons in the game (Bowgun, anyone?). Also basically carrys Leon for most of the plotline.

 

[hardcore max]

i gotta know what game does it tell you about how the boss gave birth to revolver ocelot