Female characters infiltrate gaming world
02-20-03, 05:25 PM
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Female characters infiltrate gaming world
By Josh Zelman
CNN Headline News<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
Wednesday, February 19, 2003 Posted: 1829 GMT
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(CNN) -- On the
heels of the release of "Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball," Jeanne Kim
Trais, a contributor to Electronic Gaming Monthly and Computer Gaming World,
told me that when it comes to video games, women can be counted on to serve up
more than just eye-candy.
And if they can't -- well, in most cases, she's OK with it.
According to Trais, the topless women who do tricks on bikes in "BMX XXX" and
the scantily-clad women who have a feel for each other in "Outlaw Golf" provide
action which, she says, is a little over the top.
However, the clothed leading lady, Cate Archer, in "No One Lives Forever 2: A
Spy in H.A.R.M.'S Way" represents a different story. Trais feels Archer packs a
skull full of brains alongside her toned body and that's not such a bad
combination.
As Trais sees it, whether it is in films, television or books, sex sells. So
why should video games be "any different"? Trais says it's the quality of the
game that matters, and "people shouldn't make an issue over gender when it is
just entertainment."
For those who feel differently, there are options.
In "Sega Sports Tennis," for instance, players smash serves at their
opponents while playing as Venus or Serena Williams. In "Tony Hawk 4," gamers
can skate their way to fame just like Elissa Steamer, and in "The Sims," Trais
said, women are portrayed "just as they are" in real life.
Trais says it all comes down to this -- if you are going to drop $50 on a
game that features characters, male or female, just make sure you're getting a
game that you like.
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02-21-03, 10:44 AM
I submitted a question/correction to the CNN website, but their only response was to thank me for my contribution.
02-21-03, 11:52 AM
Actually the story (broadcast on Headlines News) referred to the Metroid series as being led by a male, not a female.
I submitted a question/correction to the CNN website, but their only response was to thank me for my contribution.
Doesn't surprise me that they would screw it up. When the local news was trying to get some ratings by scaring parents with their big story on BMX XXX and GTA: Vice City during the holidays the story was full of things about the games and video games in general that were totally false. It was obvious the reporter knew nothing about video games and took no time to check the details.
02-21-03, 01:08 PM
I always thought it was a robot. Does it even matter? The character has no voice during the game or anything.
