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I'm told the new Tomb Raider is fantastic (haven't played it yet, totally planning on it). I know that B is enjoying the shit out of it. And to be fair, Metroid: Other M is not a bad game (assuming, of course, that you skip every cut-scene, and plug your ears during most of the dialogue).
But that's just the point here. Gameplay aside, these games endeavour to take the video game heroines who have been around the very longest, and develop their characters in ways that no previous game featuring them has attempted. Other M's dreadful treatment of Samus depicts her as a weak girl with daddy issues who needs men around to get anything done. Admittedly, it's not like we knew much about her story from other games, but I wasn't alone in finding this horrifically counter-intuitive to the ass-kicking bounty hunter we grew up on.
Tomb Raider, on the other hand, shows Lara learning independence through heart-breaking tragedy and trial-by-fire survival situations, bolstering our belief in the capable raider of tombs we know and love.
The sad part is, I don't know if Nintendo will ever have a chance to right this wrong after how badly they ehf-ed that up. We can hope, though.
~C
I won't get into too much detail yet, but I'm loving the shit out of Tomb Raider. The game has made Lara's character feel vulnerable and real but at the same time made her a total ass-kicker.
If you want humanize a character more by putting them through the ringer in some way, I'm fine with that. But don't make them all whiny about their experiences. Make them stronger for it. I feel like they've done that with Tomb Raider.
Nintendo, take note.
~B
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7 thoughts on “Oh, the Aran-y”
Schmuck Man
I prefer to think Metroid: Other M never happened myself. Yes, I think it was THAT bad.
Michael Corley
Until then, back into your sphere!
Jarman
The Metroid series has never been about character development.
And this whole weird, women’s rights movement in video games? I could care less. Get back in the kitchen ladies!
boliver
Truth, which is why it was a shame when it tried.
I don’t think you’re using “women’s rights” correctly there, Jarman. I’m sure you’re a real “charmer” with the ladies :S
ShadowBlade
In my house, the kitchen is MY domain, but my wife does indeed cook. We also BOTH do laundry, clean, and EQUALLY raise our daughter. She will be raised with these same values and if any little shits like you ever talk to her that way, I will be certain she hands you your ass as she shows you the door.
What’s between your legs does not define you. We are people and we will never find “equality” by ignoring real opportunities for change.
Gooberandcindy.com
Ooh man. I just love this comic. Art, Topic and writing are excelent. Keep up the good work guys. 🙂
boliver
Thank ya, Daniel 😀