What is your opinion on female characters in games? Which ones have been done correctly, and which ones have been royally screwed up?
My Opinion:
Personally, I like to see a good number of female characters in games. However, I don't want to be seeing clevage, too short of shorts, etc. I think women offer so much more than just bodies. In fact, I believe they are even more complex then men. So much could be done with a great female character that it is such a shame that we don't see many of them. However, some games are making a comeback when it comes to female characters. At least now I can find games with great female characters. Also, I may be strange, but I find them to be the best when they are not trying to be sexy. For example, take Mila in Hotel Dusk. Although she is only in one game, she has moved at least into my top 20 favorite characters, if not top ten. The artists did not try to draw her as sexy (although she does get comments from Louie); instead, it is the sorrow in her life and how she has triumphed that makes her such a great character. Also, as to actual looks, she is dressed rather well, in a dress that is not designed to be provoking, but looks cute (not best word, but no better one comes to mind), which is much better. Other ones I have enjoyed include Florina (Fire Emblem 7), Lyn (Fire Emblem 7), Daisy (Mario games), Hope (Sonic Comics), Sally (Sonic Comics), Natasha (Fire Emblem 8), Marisa (Fire Emblem 8), and more (mostly from FE 6/9, neither of which I own (but read stories and looked at sprites and graphics)). Only two games come to mind for the other extreme: Puzzle Quest right off the bat. Only the two female knights are well-dressed. Every single other character I remember (including NPCs) had plenty showing. I also have disliked many of the females that I have seen from the Final Fantasy series. With that said, one of my favorites (just from looks, know nothing about her) is from a FF game (I don't even remember the name or game; it is the one djmarky likes so much).
What are your thoughts on this topic?
BTW, I think one of the reasons for the slight increase in good female characters comes from the increase of female gamers. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but do any of you actually like the inappropriate clothing?