It’s International Women’s Day (aka IWD2019)! A day to celebrate women from all over the world and, in this case, the digital world. Today, we asked a few members of the crew who their favourite lady game characters are.
Ida (Monument Valley)
This was Fran’s first choice, and here’s what she had to say about this delightful lady:
“Personally, I haven’t played a lot of games where the main character is a woman. So, when an indie mobile puzzle game does, it’s amazing. Ida isn’t just some perfect, flawless princess. In the game, she’s on a journey for forgiveness and redemption for herself and her people.”
Samus Aran (Metroid series)
Ross chose the classic Samus Aran from the Metroid series. And, really, what’s not to love? More than being one tough lady, she’s also the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. With more successful missions than most people have had breakfasts, Samus will always be one of the standout pinnacles of strong women in games. Also, remember when she looked after a baby Metroid? That was very good.
So whether she’s wearing her power suit or not, nothing can stop Samus once she gets going. So it’s probably just a good idea to stay out of her way because she has a lot of very big guns.
The Boss (Metal Gear series)
Michael chose The Boss from the Metal Gear series. Here’s his take:
“Voyevoda, The Joy, a patriot who saved the world! Although Snake, later known as Big Boss is the protagonist of MGS3: Snake Eater, The Boss is easily the most important character in the game — and probably one of the most important in the whole franchise. She’s Snake’s mentor and mother figure, but her defection to the Soviet Union puts her directly at odds with Snake, so you know you’re in for a heartbreaker from the get-go.
Kojima goes Full Kojima in conveying just how badass she is — she infiltrated Los Alamos while pregnant, survived a bullet to the head, lead the Cobra unit at the Battle of Normandy not long after waking and gave birth right there on the battlefield, was the first American in space; and the list, much like Kojima himself, goes on, and on, and on. The final battle between Snake and The Boss is unquestionably one of the most memorable in gaming, and you owe it to yourself to play the game to experience it for yourself.
You don’t want to kill her, but when you realise what’s at stake, you know you have to — and so does she. To happily die, forever known as a traitor and war criminal, in order to save the world from certain nuclear war? Ultimate badass.”
Bayonetta (Bayonetta)
Grace’s personal favourite. For good reason, and here’s why:
“Bayonetta exemplifies what it means to use sexuality as a weapon. And, in a rare example of the trope, it’s not a bad thing. She’s always in control of every situation and never needs help (and when she does, it’s from fellow badass in crime, the witch Jeanne. Who would also make this list if I could have more than one entry) even when facing the literal embodiment of God herself when she’s been forced into the body of herself as a little girl. But it’s fine, because then she kicks God so hard her soul flies out of her body and into the Sun, causing a meteor shower thanks to all the planets she hit on the way.
It’s a really weird series. But that’s why I love it. And it’s why I love Bayonetta. Never F with a witch.”
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)
Quite possibly the poster girl for women in games, Lara Croft in any iteration is badass personified. Her original games made her an experienced treasure hunter able to tackle any task, whether it’s fighting tigers or… Well, raiding tombs. The reboot gave her a more vulnerable side but didn’t tone the badass down in the least. From humble beginnings, Lara learns what it takes to be a hardened treasure hunter and work her way up to uncover all kinds of mysteries. Less tiger killing though, but plenty of human killing and just being a very kickass lady in general.
Your favourite?
So, who’s your favourite video game lady? Take the time to play one of their games this International Women’s Day and celebrate badass characters from all walks of life.
