Representation of Women in Video Games

Answering the following:

A.) Who was the first woman video game character that you can remember, (you played as) describe her.

The first character I remember where you play as the girl would be Cassandra from Soul Calibur.  She always wore short tops that easily showed off her chest and often never wore trousers or anything other than a pair of pants to cover her body below, this emphasized her bum and chest to the players which gave off the typical sex appeal.  Even though she carried a sword and shield she was always limited to certain moves, for example when I played as her I remember I was limited to a simple stab, a nudge with the shield and sexual taunts.  Nothing quite as powerful or amazing as the males but we were thankful to see a female fighter on the scene.

B.) Who was the first woman you knew that played video games? Describe her.

The first woman who I knew to play video games would have to have been my mother who would often play shooting, puzzle or driving games with me or on her own.  She sometimes acts what most would call masculine compared to what many stereotype a female to play. Lynda (my mother) also behaves in a tomboy manner so she doesn't care much for beauty or fashion.  Now however, she doesn't play as much because she finds new consoles such as the Xbox 360 and PS3 confusing, she likes to stick to the simpler games or ways of playing such as solitaire which seems to be at the moment her favourite game, even if it is a card game.

C.) Do you think the woman gamer felt she was "represented" in the character you described? Why? Why not?

I think Lynda would probably laugh and say that in a way she was represented by Cassandra because of the fact that Cassandra has strong thighs, and always looks so determined, which my mother has in common.  However, Cassandra wouldn't be a true representation because for one my mother wears a lot more clothing, and isn't afraid to pack a proper punch.  Not just that but Lynda doesn't have the perfect curved figure that this character does and this character is a lot younger too.

D.) Can you think of another woman character that this woman would feel is a representation of her, why?

The only character I can think of would be Lara Croft.  My mother loves action which is all Lara ever does.  They both also love to rock climb and explore new places as well as both being strong independent women who know how to take care of themselves and others.  The view of Lara in the new game has become a lot less sexually stereotyped- setting her as an equal to men almost, this is another thing that they would have in common.  With the way my mother dresses and acts everyone sees her as an equal no matter what gender they were.