We've all seen popular games portray women in a negative, yet somehow totally acceptable way. Whether it's taking a backseat to more "important" male characters, or being given a ridiculous character to play as, women haven't had much say in the video game world. A perfect example of this is Mrs. Pacman, who was basically Pacman with a pink bow on her head, and also wore heels, which at the time was the only way to separate a female character from a male character.
Even the example of above, seems ridiculously misrepresentative of the average woman. With that being said this character was seen as a step in the right direction for females in video games. This was because of her amazing athleticism, and her ability to think through very complex situations, without needing a mans help. Although not being able to relate visually, this was the character many women had been waiting for.
Before Lara Croft came along, Female characters took a backseat to their male counter-parts. Usually having huge breasts, and only being there for small tasks and to be the main male character's girlfriend. Until tomb raider challenged this notion this was simply seen as "normal".
Now, nearly 15 years later, Females are finally given a chance to breath in the video game world. Now certain games like the one above (mass effect), allow women to create a character of their own, with more realistic appearance capabilities. This gives women the notion that they are capable of anything a male character can accomplish. This is important because the female character used to be there just to cater to younger boys, who were thought to be the only ones who play video games. Now, it is realized that many females are themselves gamers, therefore they should be represented just as respectfully as a man would be.
