Alwaysdoubted, here!
I figured to drop another non-story piece here after talking about it with Salty in detail. Who are your Top 10 Female video game characters?
There are a lot of notables and newcomers for this list, as well as some honorable mentions. Not all entries are from fighting games, per se. These are in no particular order, but there are specific criteria each character must meet to land a spot.
(Character designs, personality, importance to the story, skill level, overall appeal)
Let's get to it!
#10: Fareeha "Pharah" Amari (Overwatch)
Still relatively new in the gaming world, but one I couldn't pass up on this list.
What sold me on Fareeha other than being a hero was her intriguing backstory growing up in Egypt as commitment to duty runs through her blood. She grew up with both her parents Sam and Ana Amari while becoming acquainted with Overwatch early on, even wanting to follow her mother's footsteps into the organization. However, Ana wished better for her daughter and barred Pharah from joining, thus straining their relationship.
Her devotion to fighting for the greater good can be seen as an endearment or detriment as the question always looms. Does the man/woman come first, or the mission? There are a lot of characters who can fit this description, but Fareeha lives and dies off it.
Background and personality aside, there's no denying Fareeha's natural appeal. When's the last time you saw a character from Egypt play a major role? Almost never. Kudos to Blizzard for introducing her.
#9: Lisa Hamilton (Dead or Alive)
I'll be honest; I struggled with this one.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not the biggest fan of Dead or Alive despite the massive sex appeal in their women. That's the major selling point. (From my perspective)
However, Lisa is more than just eye candy. A scientist with brains to put anyone to shame. Nothing's more attractive than a woman with ingenuity. And having the alter ego as 'La Mariposa' teaming up and battling against Tina Armstrong was a bonus as well. Roll that into one, you have a winner.
Reason why Lisa's not much higher on the list is due to her somewhat concealed past and her involvement with DOATEC. Gladly, she left that alone and decided to do some good. Another drawback is her workaholic approach for whichever employer pays her services.
Still though, Lisa left an unforgettable mark on me.
#8: Taki (Soul Calibur)
Talk about a character who's grown on me.
I haven't thought much about Soul Calibur (still don't), but that doesn't take away from their excellent roster diversity, including this babe from Japan.
The "Hunter of Darkness" carries the same attributes as any ninja should have. Serious, quiet, driven. Yet through her hard exterior, Taki shown to have a soft side, caring for her apprentice Natsu as if she was her own daughter.
Alas, a difficult decision looms if the demon with Natsu was to ever break free.
Taki's demon protecting armor is a nice throwback to her native Japan as this is what most would wear to protect themselves from the supernatural. A nice touch indeed.
Along with her obvious figure, Taki's skills are only matched by her honor as a noble warrior to stop Soul Edge from destroying the world. She's definitely a ninja you do not want to cross or anger.
You may not live to tell the tale.
#7: Ayame (Tenchu)
Many gamers have forgotten about this kunoichi from a once popular series. Tenchu was one of the first games I followed as a kid, and one of my favorites. It had introduced a new style of gameplay in feudal Japan where you can play as a ninja. (Almost every gamer's dream)
Of course, you had the star in Rikimaru who leads the Azuma ninja clan, and his partner in Ayame. Talk about a difference in personalities. Ayame relishes in taunting and belittling her opponent before a showdown if she hasn't slit their throat or punctured a vital organ already. As the years went by and subsequent games followed, she became more mature and developed a sisterly bond to Kiku, daughter of Lord Ghoda.
Though not as 'busty' as Taki, Ayame doesn't lack by any means and stays true to herself and not being a stereotypical ninja.
This is one of the games I would love to see have a remake. It broke through in the late 90's, early 2000's. Tenchu is a gem that deserves a makeover.
#6: Master Raven (Tekken)
Speaking of breakthrough, why the hell did it take Tekken damn near 25 years to introduce the series' first African American female!?
Well, no use complaining now.
A new 'main' for me in the Tekken world, Master Raven is the senior officer to Raven and fellow subordinates in the United Nations' secret intelligence bureau. Her reveal trailer told me all I needed to know as far as gameplay. She's seems quicker and more powerful than Raven, not to mention sharing his devotion to bringing the war between Heihachi and Kazuya to an end. It appears Master Raven is also opposing Sergei Dragonuv like her top agent did, albeit with less difficulty.
I'm sure everyone is aware of the hairstyle. (How could you not? It's hard to ignore) While I appreciate what Harada tried to do, I don't see this as suitable for her occupation. And her bodysuit could do without the shoulder pads and face guards as the attire seems overdone. But they got the sword part right since she is a Master.
There was no possible way I could have Master Raven in my top 5 list simply because she's only been around for a few years and that not much is known about her origins along with Raven. Should that ever change, expect the ranking to change because there's potential here. (If Harada will ever pull his head out of his ass concerning the Mishimas)
#5: Samus Aran (Metroid)
Another classic throwback.
It's hard to argue against putting Samus on the list. Metroid is a hard to forget retro game that I enjoyed as a kid. But like anyone else, I had no idea the character was a woman. Others can surely back me up on this notion.
Sure, she's not the first Heroine in gaming, but that doesn't detract from Samus' overall standing in video game lore. An intergalactic badass bounty hunter with state of the art technology at her disposal? That's tough to beat in my estimation.
But her physical attraction? Samus just might be the prettiest blonde gal I've seen in a video game.
You can't have a top 10 list without her on it as it wouldn't look right.
#4: Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII)
Remember the phrase, "The Girl Next Door?" This perfectly describes Tifa.
Probably the most recognizable woman in the Final Fantasy series. She reminds me so much of a childhood friend of mine due to her cheerful personality and penchant for helping people. It doesn't pertain just to Cloud, but to everyone in their makeshift family, particularly Marlene and Denzel.
For all her independence, Tifa lacks the needed reciprocation from others, mainly from Cloud. She cares a lot for him due to their past as kids before their home was destroyed. I applaud her for making a concerted effort to help a longtime friend, even if he's difficult to understand.
The remake for Final Fantasy VII was better than I anticipated from watching the numerous gameplays on YouTube. I might have to consider getting it for myself.
Don't let the looks fool you. Tifa is more than capable of holding her own in the ring. There's almost nothing sexier than a woman who can fight.
#3: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
OG? Classic? Survivor? Does it even matter?
Lara Croft can almost define a generation of gaming gals, seeing as she was one of the first to have her own title. Her impact goes far beyond the console as the character has graced the movie screens. (Angelina Jolie played that role to perfection)
Like most on this list, Lara Croft's impact cannot be understated while changing the narrative surrounding females in a lead role. Athletically built, can use multiple weapons, is a deadly shot, and is super attractive.
What more could you possibly want?
Yet with all the praise Lara has received (rightfully so), even she trails the next woman.
#2: Chun-Li (Street Fighter)
To the woman who started it all.
Chun-Li is the inspiration and standard to most, if not all, the female characters you see throughout gaming today. The first to participate in a Fighting Game, the "Spring Beauty" did not disappoint though she came up short in the second Street Fighter tournament.
From looks alone, it's clear that Chun-Li is no ordinary woman, judging by her iconic blue qipao and combat boots. The shape and size of her legs strikes fear into anyone who doesn't stand a chance against her. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of those kicks, lest some teeth go missing.
Her determination and drive to stop evil from spreading should truly be commended. And you can make the safe bet that future female leads will take after Chun-Li in some form.
It's only right it should stay that way.
Honorable Mentions:
Symmetra (Overwatch)
Similar to Pharah, Symmetra has also grown on me as a gifted student coming from the slums of India. I bet she can challenge Lisa for having the biggest brain on this list and a figure that can leave almost any man drool.
The only thing stopping her from cracking the top 10 is that her decision to help create a better world was done with the right intentions but with the wrong methods. Nevertheless, an intriguing character.
Juri (Street Fighter)
Can you imagine the amount of cackling and bloodlust if Juri and Mileena were to ever face off? Makes me fear what lengths they'll go to ensure victory.
Easily the most chaotic female I've ever seen Street Fighter reveal, Juri is the perfect Yang to Chun-Li's Yin, though both have similarities. (Hatred for Bison, of course)
Great character design to match her deranged personality, she can't unseat Fighting Game's first lady due to time and… she's crazy.
Kitana & Tanya (Mortal Kombat)
Probably the toughest decision I had to make.
You're probably thinking, "Why the hell did you leave out Kitana?" Relax, and I'll explain.
No disrespect at all to Kitana. We're talking about a displaced Princess of a borderline paradise realm. All the shit she went through throughout Mortal Kombat should be a novel in itself as she finally got her so-called ending. (MK 11 trash notwithstanding) Let's not forget possibly the most popular female in all of MK. (Which says a lot and depends on your preference)
However, I've seen the Princess storylines from other genres way too much for my liking. Kitana, unfortunately, falls into that category through no fault of her own.
Man, where do I begin with Tanya?
A traitorous woman to her realm for the sake of power and influence. (Where have we heard this before?) Joking aside, I did like the fact that they diversified MK even more as the story went along, adding Tanya in MK 4. You can laugh all you want, but I seriously thought she and Jade were the same person when I was younger. (Thank goodness that wasn't the case)
The obvious reasons Edenia's deceiver didn't make the cut other than her selfishness and betrayal is right below on the list.
#1: Jade (Mortal Kombat)
Come on now. Did you think it was anyone else? My profile on FF and AO3 should've been a dead giveaway.
This beauty from Edenia represents everything I wanted in a female character. Sassy, intelligent, beautiful, perceptive, strong, and loyal. It also helps that she's adept at using multiple weapons during a battle. (Also breaks from the norm of being your stereotypical Princess)
As Mortal Kombat evolved, so did Jade and her friendship with Kitana. I've always been a significant believer in this statement, along with other fans of each character. You can't have one without the other. That's a fact. Jade is a rare character that may not have the most prominent role story-wise in a game, but she's someone you cannot dismiss because of her importance. (See MK: Deception)
However, the latest iterations of Mortal Kombat have dragged Jade's potential down in almost unimaginable ways. Yes, her outfits remain top tier and always have been. But her development and romantic choice (Which was utter bullshit, do not argue with me on that) have been lackluster, to put it nicely. Taking away her rivalry with Tanya did not help matters either. There was so much to gain if NRS stayed with that arc in the previous timeline and into the current one.
Despite those gripes, it doesn't deter me to say that Jade is my favorite female video game character - importance, skill level, design, and appeal all rolled into one fantastic package.
(And please, don't start a pointless debate of whether Jade's black or not. She's a person of color, leave it at that)