So, I decided to deviate a little from my usual features and make this one more like a blog post with featured artwork. I don't know about you guys, but lately I've obsessed with finding strong female characters that would represent our gender proudly.
To do that, I've combed through different mediums (videogames, literature, visual novels/otome games, manga, anime, tv series) within our pop culture and, let me tell you, it has been quite challenging. Females are still mostly portrayed according to molds to serve no purpose other than:
a) being a love interest (little development and not critical to the main plot. She's just there to keep the main character company) ,
b) support the main lead (that's her only goal and dream. It doesn't matter if he treats her bad (in fact it's almost encouraged) because she will insist on chasing him until he change his mind. Has little to no self-respect),
c) fan-service/eye candy (fights in her underwear while the guys have the full protection of armor. The more level she gains, the less armor she's given. She's also well doted, because apparently exercise doesn't make you lose your bosom in a made-believe world),
d) needs to be protected (damsel-in-distress scenario. The mission is to rescue her, so you hear little about her),
e) she's a damn robot (she's some kind of AI or weapon with whom the main lead falls in love with. Her strength, however, is only because she's a machine. And even then, sometimes the guy still has to save her).
So, that said --written?-- here are some gems that I've found within a sea of coal. These are six badass characters from various RPGs that can hold their own against any guy, and who do a great job of representing our gender. They are not in any particular order and I'm aware there are many more kickass characters that I have not included, but I might do so in the next feature. If you have any suggestions feel free to comment.
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FEATUREI. Commander Jane Shepard [Mass Effect Triology] / PC :: Xbox :: PS3She is the heroine of the series. Her background is customizable and so is her personality. She can be a commanding bitch or a charming leader depending on your choices. She fights at the front of the line, not only in the battlefield but also, when she needs to, in the intricate field of politics. An N7 soldier turned ambassador for peace, beacon of hope and queen of war, her mission throughout the series goes beyond personal gain. She fights in defense of the earth, for the feature of the galaxy and would allow no one and nothing to stand in her way.
II. Elly Van Houten [Xenogears] / PS Though she is not the main character, she is the co-star. She's a young officer of Gebler who operates a powerful robot/mecha. She encounters Fei (the main character) early in the game and --despite their differences-- decides to help him out. She is a character that remains strong and true to herself throughout the entire game (never losing her power and becoming your typical damsel-in-distress). This game was actually one of the first I played and she became one of my favorite characters. Years later, I still remember how strong she was and how well she represented our gender.
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III. The Warden [Dragon Age Origins & Awakening] / PC :: PS3 The Warden is a character a little like Commander Shepard. You're in charge of determining her name, background and race, as well as her personality through your choices (though not as well defined as Sheppard). She becomes a gray warden and takes it upon herself to lead the war against the darkspawn. She gathers a group of unusual allies along the way. If played correctly, she can earn the loyalty of her companions and become a respected, competent leader. From beginning to end, the warden maintains her prowess in battle and, in so doing, determines the fate of the entire continent.
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IV. Tifa Lockhart [Final Fantasy VII & Advent Children] / PS :: Movie Though she was a supporting character in FFVII and wasn't as fleshed out as I would've wanted, the potential for bad-assness is still there. You might come to see this a little more with the movie Advent Children (which is a sequel to the game). Tifa Lockhart is not only beautiful, kind-hearted, positive and strong, she is also one of the first females I played that broke the mold of being the "sweet, rose-colored healer" of the party. The fact that she doesn't mind getting down and gritty with hand to hand combat is what sets her apart and makes her a warrior to behold.
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V. Alicia Melchiott [Valkyria Chronicles] / PS3 For some reason this game is still vastly unnoticed, which is a shame considering it has an amazing story, entraining game play (strategy based), incredible art and extremely lovable characters. The story plays like a book with two main characters: Welkin Gunther (Commander of Squad 7) and Alicia Melchiott (Sergeant of Squad 7, and therefore, Welkin's second in command). They are both part of the militia and are given missions that end up earning them fame and reputation. Unfortunately, it also earns them the jealousy and scorn of the regular army. Alicia's class is a scout, which means she can run fast and rarely gets hit. She remembers little of her past and fights only because she feels she must. Though she can be sweet, she proves, time and again, that she's not to be taken lightly. As the story progresses, you find that there's a lot more to her than meets the eye and she becomes key to defending the small country of Gallia.
**BTW, there's an anime about this series as well. It follows the game very close, but it's told from Alicia's perspective and it adds a small love triangle between her, Welkin and Faldio.
VI. Tear Grants [Tales of Abyss] / PS3 Tear may not be the main character of Tales of Abyss, but she isn't just a support character either. She plays an important part of the story which goes beyond just helping out Luke (the main character). She is a Seventh Fonist in the military wing of the Order of Lorelei. She lost her parents when she was still an infant, and has been raised as a warrior ever since. This makes Tear's personality different from other typical female characters. Rather than sweet and dumb, she is calm and reserved, making her seem cold at first. However, as you get to know her, you find she has a rather innocent side to her as well. She is polite and respectful to all, particularly to those in positions of authority, but has a secret weak spot for cute things.
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If you have any requests of what I should feature next, or if you're looking for recommendations on good things to read/play/view let me know!
