1527 réponses à ce sujet

[Beholderess]

Apollo Rising wrote...

Aniki_21 wrote...

Okay i just went back and played through the game and as a male Shepard it just doesn't make any sense at all to me why he isn't liked. It's definitely awkward talking to him as fem Shepard but I he's just a normal cool guy when you're a guy Shepard. Weird. This extreme dislike of Jacob makes even less sense to me now.

Dont you know that a black man has to be the ole grandfatherly type or act like a fool (ala Cole Train from Gears)to be popular with the majority of "mainstream gamers". A stable non-stereotypical black man doesn't stand a chance obviously. The whole "romance" thing and "he's boring" doesn't fly with me. What makes any other teamate more exciting? Garris has hardly any convo....Thane is emo as hell....both of these guys die rather quickly in combat. I have friends that also play Mass Effect(all of us black men, 1 italian) and I brought up the whole Jacob thing and none of them understood the hate,except for the obvious answer.

(sigh) So people much like each and every dark-skinned character, no matter how boring such character is to them, in order to not being considered racists? How cute.
I don't hate Jacob, by the way, and haven't seen many people who do. I actively dislike Jack, Mirand and Zaeed, and over the cource of game wanted to throw each of them out of airlock at least once=). But at least they inspire some emotion.
As for the other teammates, I like Garrus for his voice, humor, Chaotic Good tendencies and loyalty to Shep, and like Thane because I find themes of redemption very appealing. Which is subjective, and I am not going to make any guesses about the character of the people who don't like these 2 for whatever reason.
If you don't consider Jacob boring, I am glad for you. Really. Cos'you have 1 more character you enjoy than I do.
But why it is so difficult to accept other people's explanation of their reason for being indifferent to Jacob as a face value? Is the skin colour the only reason to dislike a character? That's just sad.

Of cource, coming from the white girl living in a country that has no sizable population of black-skinned people (Russia, if you must know), that probably means nothing for you. Everyone who dislikes Jacob must be a racist, right?

[Nostradamoose]

DrathanGervaise wrote...

Jacob is one of my favorite characters.

Brofist mate

[Onyx Jaguar]

DrathanGervaise wrote...

Nostradamoose wrote...

DrathanGervaise wrote...

Jacob is one of my favorite characters.

Brofist mate

I agree with the brofist.

Thread is full of haters.

Haters gonna hate.

[Darkhour]

Beholderess wrote...

Everyone who dislikes Jacob must be a racist, right?

Uh, yeah... pretty much...

[Nostradamoose]

Onyx Jaguar wrote...

DrathanGervaise wrote...

Nostradamoose wrote...

DrathanGervaise wrote...

Jacob is one of my favorite characters.

Brofist mate

I agree with the brofist.

Thread is full of haters.

Haters gonna hate.

Long live Jacob.

[Beholderess]

Polka14 wrote...

I understand the OP's point. The OP wished to say that regardless of how the FICTIONAL character "Jacob" behavior is dictated by the script, it is the underlying assertion that most people for some reason can not relate to
this character because of the real world race this (again) FICTIONAL character happens to be. Not only do I find that ridiculous but I would believe that the OP's real message which may or may not have been hidden was to call everyone who even happens to lightly dislike jacob for how the character was written as racists was even more so. The OP should have just called everyone racist instead of implying it with some nonsense. Like I said earlier you do not know me or my race so assuming anything about me or anyone in regards toward their feelings about a FICTIONAL character is easily the most asinine thing you can do. I also like you last part of your statement clearly stating that I might be saying this because I am of a "different perspective". If my perspective is bias because I do not consider myself racially insensitive about not liking a FICTIONAL character, then so be it.  You can not say that someone posting inflammatory, insensitive and insulting comments toward the communtiy can not be dealt without frustration. I will not be called a racist by any means for not liking a FICTIONAL character.

We are not racists we are the Mass Effect community and we will not apologize.

This! So very, very this.
Besides, I still fail to understand how it could be more difficult to relate to Jacob than to the aliens, hmmm? It might as well be said that a brunette should have a trouble relating to redhead.

[Nazomi]

Polka14 wrote...

Nazomi wrote...

Polka14 wrote...

Apollo Rising wrote...

Aniki_21 wrote...

Okay i just went back and played through the game and as a male Shepard it just doesn't make any sense at all to me why he isn't liked. It's definitely awkward talking to him as fem Shepard but I he's just a normal cool guy when you're a guy Shepard. Weird. This extreme dislike of Jacob makes even less sense to me now.

Dont you know that a black man has to be the ole grandfatherly type or act like a fool (ala Cole Train from Gears)to be popular with the majority of "mainstream gamers". A stable non-stereotypical black man doesn't stand a chance obviously. The whole "romance" thing and "he's boring" doesn't fly with me. What makes any other teamate more exciting? Garris has hardly any convo....Thane is emo as hell....both of these guys die rather quickly in combat. I have friends that also play Mass Effect(all of us black men, 1 italian) and I brought up the whole Jacob thing and none of them understood the hate,except for the obvious answer.

I am surprised that this ridiculous thread has not derailed by now. "Obvious Answer"? Really? Well you are completely wrong in your psych analysis of this forum. People are not as fond of jacob compared to the rest of the crew because he does not speak of his backstory on the normandy and he can be seen as arragant, unsociable, and generally rude. I can not speak of the romance thing but people say it is atrocious so I would have to take their word for it. Anyway what was so obvious? Racism? Well I am sorry if you think not liking a fictional african character makes me racist considering you do not even know my race much less my understanding of foreign races so I think that makes you ignorant. Furthermore your idea that an african or african inspired character can not be liked unless the character acts a certain way is wrong too and it is another abusrd notion that everyone is racist. I do not know why you are comparing Jacob to the other crew.  The other crew members are not relevant to why people generally dislike Jacob. That is about it for now. Think about what I said...or dont.

How is it that you have come to the conclusion that the thread is ridiculous pray tell? Is it because the numerous posters who have ignored the OP's original point? Or is it because the thread topic is of a perspective different than yours?

I understand the OP's point. The OP wished to say that regardless of how the FICTIONAL character "Jacob" behavior is dictated by the script, it is the underlying assertion that most people for some reason can not relate to
this character because of the real world race this (again) FICTIONAL character happens to be. Not only do I find that ridiculous but I would believe that the OP's real message which may or may not have been hidden was to call everyone who even happens to lightly dislike jacob for how the character was written as racists was even more so. The OP should have just called everyone racist instead of implying it with some nonsense. Like I said earlier you do not know me or my race so assuming anything about me or anyone in regards toward their feelings about a FICTIONAL character is easily the most asinine thing you can do. I also like you last part of your statement clearly stating that I might be saying this because I am of a "different perspective". If my perspective is bias because I do not consider myself racially insensitive about not liking a FICTIONAL character, then so be it.  You can not say that someone posting inflammatory, insensitive and insulting comments toward the communtiy can not be dealt without frustration. I will not be called a racist by any means for not liking a FICTIONAL character.

We are not racists we are the Mass Effect community and we will not apologize.

So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

[devilsgrin]

jacob is not the kaidan of ME2... he's the Ashley. he's generally boring, with occasional glimmers of friendship potential to a Shep (glimmers only, til the very end with the potential drinking buddy comment even then you never get to "go drinking"), but never more than an object of lust to a femshep... (very poor writing on this one from BioWare... they've never dropped the ball this badly with a PC/NPC relationship before). Ash is not boring, as such, but her personality is somewhat reprehensible... her prejudices are the No 1 reason why she will NEVER leave Virmire alive in any playthrough for me.

Kaidan is one of my favourite characters in the ME universe... why? because he is a distinct character. he may share the voice, but he's not nearly as flat as Carth Onasi. Kaidan has a much deeper personality than most of the ME 1 characters, and this was in a crew with significantly better developed crewmembers. Kaidan, he's not white either... so clearly his race isn't the issue for the people who dislike him too.

The ME1 characters were definitely fleshed out more than the disposable ME2 crew. Since every one of the ME2 characters can die, i see BioWare's logic in keeping the surviving LIs from ME1 off the Normandy... better that we get our real "friends" back, than be stuck with the shallow(er) ME2 peeps. There are a couple who show great potential, and one or two (Jack and Miranda, Samara too actually) who demonstrate their depth of character. (i found Grunt (understandably for a newborn) and Thane to be the least fleshed aside from Jacob... and Thane was reasonably interesting still, he at least opened up).

Jacob unfortunately is the most shallow (development wise) of a generally shallow crew. He's the only one who never opens up. its not that he doesn't have any issues... hes got issues coming out his ears, but he never once open up about them. He just doesn't stand out in the crowd of extremely cool ALIENS. you'd think people would be more likely to dislike another species than another race of the same species, showing that in all likelihood, the reason people dislike/hate/are-indifferent-to Jacob is not his racial background.

[Beholderess]

Nazomi wrote...


So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Of cource that is not a coincidence. Protagonist is someone we are supposed to identify with (not just relate to, but "become" them), and in the vast majority of games protagonist either customisable...or, indeed, a white male. Usually young one, too.
However, it has nothing to do with a dislike for Jacob. And since when he is a lead character anyway? He's a sidekick.


There were numerous examples of people geniunely liking other dark-skinned characters in this thread. However, those bent on seeing racism immediately invented explanation after explanation as to why characters like Anderson or Jolee cannot be used as an example, in order to not let it interfere with their neat theory.

(sigh) It appears that if you dislike 1, just 1 black man for whatever reason, it is your hidden racism manifesting. Right?

[Keldon Northwind]

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Jacob sucks because of his useless skill setup. Completely un-attractive tools at his disposal. Why would I ever pick him when I can take Samara or Miranda or Thane?

[Errol Dnamyx]

Keldon Northwind wrote...

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Jacob sucks because of his useless skill setup. Completely un-attractive tools at his disposal. Why would I ever pick him when I can take Samara or Miranda or Thane?

Admit it already! You never pick him for your squad BECAUSE HE BLACK.

*grabs popcorn*

[themastakillah]

[ROD525]

With so few non-stereotypical brothas in games, to finally get a well rounded black man was real cool to me.Then I discovered these boards, and the amount of hate directed at Jacob...it was jarring to say the least. I dont agree with players who say he has no depth...all you have to do is keep talking to him.Its Biowares fault that he comes off as abrasive in your first few convo's,but he does open up...eventually. Im ex military so Jacobs attitude is really nothing new to me but I can see him being unaproachable to some.

I think his romance is cheesy and funny,nothing to get so vexxed about...people are blowing it way out of proportion. Combat wise he's solid,talk to him enough and you get the bro hug and offer to spill some drinks...I hope we get the chance in ME3. Jacobs cool...open up your hearts and show him some luv...

[FataliTensei]

Madi wrote...

The big elephant in the room here that no one wants to talk about is the fact that Jacob is black. Now before you start getting ultra defensive and start accusing me of reverse racism I’d like to point out that I’m biracial and have no racial biases of any kind.  Secondly I’m not saying the reason that Jacob  is such a  massively unpopular is because the people who don’t like Jacob are inherently racist. However that doesn’t mean that the fact that Jacob is black isn’t a factor. In fact I would say it’s a significant factor.

I think it’s probably largely subconscious. Jacob is a relatively basic character with nothing incredibly interesting about him although still a much more solid, well rounded character than you’ll find in most games. The issue is I think that most white gamers just find it difficult to relate to black characters. I think that’s one of the main reasons why black characters are so rare in video games and actual black protagonists are nearly nonexistent in video games.Especially non- stereotypical characters (i.e. C.J. from GTA)  Can you honestly tell me that if Jacob was a suave white guy he’d be this unpopular? Just look at Kaden who Jacob is commonly compared to.  Most people seem to agree that he isn’t much more if at all more interesting a character than Jacob yet he’s still infinitely more popular than Jacob. Once again that doesn’t mean that you’re a racist but I just think it clearly shows that race plays a factor in a lot of things, whether subconscious or otherwise. Although I think the fact that he bears a strong resemblance to Kanye West didn’t really help either. I don’t really get why his look was changed so dramatically from Mass Effect Galaxy. It’s like he’s a completely different person.

http://masseffect.bi.../market/galaxy/

I think Jacob is so unpopular because he's so damn boring, no real depth to his character, idc what his race is, he could be white, asian, latino, middle-eastern or anything in-between and I'd still find him boring, even black people i know who play the game find him boring and don't really like him that much

Kaiden had a background to him and a character, a mature and intelligent character with analytical perpective on life, a guy who has issues with relationships due to events in his life.

Jacob had daddy issues....there ya go

BTW Kaidan is indian(indicated by his birthplace), mixed with japanese( have you read his name?) Have you looked at him, he does not look like a white guy.

[Nazomi]

Beholderess wrote...

Nazomi wrote...


So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Of cource that is not a coincidence. Protagonist is someone we are supposed to identify with (not just relate to, but "become" them), and in the vast majority of games protagonist either customisable...or, indeed, a white male. Usually young one, too.
However, it has nothing to do with a dislike for Jacob. And since when he is a lead character anyway? He's a sidekick.


There were numerous examples of people geniunely liking other dark-skinned characters in this thread. However, those bent on seeing racism immediately invented explanation after explanation as to why characters like Anderson or Jolee cannot be used as an example, in order to not let it interfere with their neat theory.

(sigh) It appears that if you dislike 1, just 1 black man for whatever reason, it is your hidden racism manifesting. Right?

The point is which you seem to agree on is that race can and is indeed often a factor so it seems a little disingenuous  to dismiss it as "ridiculous" to contemplate if Jacob's ethnicity may be a contributing factor as to why people have a harder time relating to him and are therefore dismissive and in a lot of cases actively dislike him.

[The Governator]

Beholderess wrote...

Nazomi wrote...


So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Of cource that is not a coincidence. Protagonist is someone we are supposed to identify with (not just relate to, but "become" them), and in the vast majority of games protagonist either customisable...or, indeed, a white male. Usually young one, too.
However, it has nothing to do with a dislike for Jacob. And since when he is a lead character anyway? He's a sidekick.


There were numerous examples of people geniunely liking other dark-skinned characters in this thread. However, those bent on seeing racism immediately invented explanation after explanation as to why characters like Anderson or Jolee cannot be used as an example, in order to not let it interfere with their neat theory.

(sigh) It appears that if you dislike 1, just 1 black man for whatever reason, it is your hidden racism manifesting. Right?

Badda BING!  Beholderess is my new heroine! 

For what it's worth, I actually like Jacob, a lot.  But if I did not like him, OP, you better believe I would have the courage to state as much and it would NOT make me a bigot.  

There are lots of reasons to like or dislike anyone.  Some of them are acceptable.  Disliking someone for a trait he cannot help is stupid.  Disliking someone for personality or lack of it (as Jacob is accused of lacking) is a reasonable explanation.

[Aniki_21]

Nazomi wrote...

Beholderess wrote...

Nazomi wrote...


So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Of cource that is not a coincidence. Protagonist is someone we are supposed to identify with (not just relate to, but "become" them), and in the vast majority of games protagonist either customisable...or, indeed, a white male. Usually young one, too.
However, it has nothing to do with a dislike for Jacob. And since when he is a lead character anyway? He's a sidekick.


There were numerous examples of people geniunely liking other dark-skinned characters in this thread. However, those bent on seeing racism immediately invented explanation after explanation as to why characters like Anderson or Jolee cannot be used as an example, in order to not let it interfere with their neat theory.

(sigh) It appears that if you dislike 1, just 1 black man for whatever reason, it is your hidden racism manifesting. Right?

The point is which you seem to agree on is that race can and is indeed often a factor so it seems a little disingenuous  to dismiss it as "ridiculous" to contemplate if Jacob's ethnicity may be a contributing factor as to why people have a harder time relating to him and are therefore dismissive and in a lot of cases actively dislike him.

Totally agree here. You can't have it both ways. "Race is a factor a lot of times but not here and up yours for suggesting it might be"

[AtraAngelis]

I just read this thread and never really thought about this issue.



I happen to like Jacob. Not because hes black or Boring or whatever , but because he is a boyscout.

I play a almost pure paragon path in the game. Jacob thinks and behaves like my play style. I take NPC's who i think my player would gravitate to. I never take Jack (stupid Emo hoe!), or Grunt because i think they stink as people(or Krogans)



I vote yay for Jacob.



any how my 2cents...

[Polka14]

Nazomi wrote...

Polka14 wrote...

Nazomi wrote...

Polka14 wrote...

Apollo Rising wrote...

Aniki_21 wrote...

Okay i just went back and played through the game and as a male Shepard it just doesn't make any sense at all to me why he isn't liked. It's definitely awkward talking to him as fem Shepard but I he's just a normal cool guy when you're a guy Shepard. Weird. This extreme dislike of Jacob makes even less sense to me now.

Dont you know that a black man has to be the ole grandfatherly type or act like a fool (ala Cole Train from Gears)to be popular with the majority of "mainstream gamers". A stable non-stereotypical black man doesn't stand a chance obviously. The whole "romance" thing and "he's boring" doesn't fly with me. What makes any other teamate more exciting? Garris has hardly any convo....Thane is emo as hell....both of these guys die rather quickly in combat. I have friends that also play Mass Effect(all of us black men, 1 italian) and I brought up the whole Jacob thing and none of them understood the hate,except for the obvious answer.

I am surprised that this ridiculous thread has not derailed by now. "Obvious Answer"? Really? Well you are completely wrong in your psych analysis of this forum. People are not as fond of jacob compared to the rest of the crew because he does not speak of his backstory on the normandy and he can be seen as arragant, unsociable, and generally rude. I can not speak of the romance thing but people say it is atrocious so I would have to take their word for it. Anyway what was so obvious? Racism? Well I am sorry if you think not liking a fictional african character makes me racist considering you do not even know my race much less my understanding of foreign races so I think that makes you ignorant. Furthermore your idea that an african or african inspired character can not be liked unless the character acts a certain way is wrong too and it is another abusrd notion that everyone is racist. I do not know why you are comparing Jacob to the other crew.  The other crew members are not relevant to why people generally dislike Jacob. That is about it for now. Think about what I said...or dont.

How is it that you have come to the conclusion that the thread is ridiculous pray tell? Is it because the numerous posters who have ignored the OP's original point? Or is it because the thread topic is of a perspective different than yours?

I understand the OP's point. The OP wished to say that regardless of how the FICTIONAL character "Jacob" behavior is dictated by the script, it is the underlying assertion that most people for some reason can not relate to
this character because of the real world race this (again) FICTIONAL character happens to be. Not only do I find that ridiculous but I would believe that the OP's real message which may or may not have been hidden was to call everyone who even happens to lightly dislike jacob for how the character was written as racists was even more so. The OP should have just called everyone racist instead of implying it with some nonsense. Like I said earlier you do not know me or my race so assuming anything about me or anyone in regards toward their feelings about a FICTIONAL character is easily the most asinine thing you can do. I also like you last part of your statement clearly stating that I might be saying this because I am of a "different perspective". If my perspective is bias because I do not consider myself racially insensitive about not liking a FICTIONAL character, then so be it.  You can not say that someone posting inflammatory, insensitive and insulting comments toward the communtiy can not be dealt without frustration. I will not be called a racist by any means for not liking a FICTIONAL character.

We are not racists we are the Mass Effect community and we will not apologize.

So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Are you saying Bioware was uncomfortable with having a non-European character as a protagonist? I hope that is not true but that has nothing to do with the subject of GAMERS having trouble relating to jacob.  I am no psychologist but I know that I have no problem with any race on Earth even foreign ones.  If developers think that having more European protagonists could relate to European players or those with European ancestry then it is the developer's fault not ours. I would like to add that dismissing our claims of why we may dislike the fictional character jacob is not fair if you base it on your own reasons why you like that particular character. Some may find Jacob's powers useful. I do not. For example he has an ammo power and pull and barrier. Samara has pull and barrier/ammo powers are useless as I am an infiltrator with squad powers. Sure, Jacob is potentially interesting but he is openly hostile toward the crew and his only truly interesting point was his loyalty mission.

This is essentially your argument: "you dislike jacob because of his race...and the developers know it". <_<

[Beholderess]

Nazomi wrote...

Beholderess wrote...

Nazomi wrote...


So you don't that the race of  "fictional" characters in video games plays any factor in the minds of gamers and developers for that matter? You think it's just a big coincidence that the vast majority of games with non optional lead characters are white? Is it "rediculous" to assert that this may be done deliberately because the main market is made up of white males?

Of cource that is not a coincidence. Protagonist is someone we are supposed to identify with (not just relate to, but "become" them), and in the vast majority of games protagonist either customisable...or, indeed, a white male. Usually young one, too.
However, it has nothing to do with a dislike for Jacob. And since when he is a lead character anyway? He's a sidekick.


There were numerous examples of people geniunely liking other dark-skinned characters in this thread. However, those bent on seeing racism immediately invented explanation after explanation as to why characters like Anderson or Jolee cannot be used as an example, in order to not let it interfere with their neat theory.

(sigh) It appears that if you dislike 1, just 1 black man for whatever reason, it is your hidden racism manifesting. Right?

The point is which you seem to agree on is that race can and is indeed often a factor so it seems a little disingenuous  to dismiss it as "ridiculous" to contemplate if Jacob's ethnicity may be a contributing factor as to why people have a harder time relating to him and are therefore dismissive and in a lot of cases actively dislike him.

Of cource race can be a factor. But it doesn't have to be. And even in the rare instances where it is a factor, it is not the only one.
And numerous people had stated their reasons for disliking (or not caring about) Jacob, and those reasons are both complelling (subjective, sure. After all, there seem to be a lot of people who like Jacob. But it's not like the issues with this character are non-existent) and consistent.
So why do some people keep looking for the hidden motives?
I am pretty sure that if Jacob was a white guy (not suave white guy as per OP, cos' suave is a personality trait that has nothing to do with a skin color) he might have been received a little better - and would still remain at the bottom of the "favourite squadmate" polls. And if he was written better, he would be much more popular - despite whatever minor setback his skin colour might have given him.

Oh, and I repeat the question again - am I allowed to show no interest in one black guy and not be considered racist? Or the only way to be considered prejudice-free is to love each and every character?

[Beholderess]

Polka14 wrote...

Are you saying Bioware was uncomfortable with having a non-European character as a protagonist? I hope that is not true but that has nothing to do with the subject of GAMERS having trouble relating to jacob.  I am no psychologist but I know that I have no problem with any race on Earth even foreign ones.  If developers think that having more European protagonists could relate to European players or those with European ancestry then it is the developer's fault not ours. I would like to add that dismissing our claims of why we may dislike the fictional character jacob is not fair if you base it on your own reasons why you like that particular character. Some may find Jacob's powers useful. I do not. For example he has an ammo power and pull and barrier. Samara has pull and barrier/ammo powers are useless as I am an infiltrator with squad powers. Sure, Jacob is potentially interesting but he is openly hostile toward the crew and his only truly interesting point was his loyalty mission.

This is essentially your argument: "you dislike jacob because of his race...and the developers know it". <_<

Speaking of non-European protagonists, I believe it's been mentioned in this thread already that only one Bioware game has an enforced etnicity. That game is Jade Empire, and the main character has to be Asian. Not European=)
And there were times when I've made a dark-skinned character because the portraits offered were nicer. Imho, Dynaheir portait for BG was one of the most beautiful of those avaliable for PC without mods, and she certainly looked dark on that portait. And dark-skinned female head for KOTOR is the only one I could bring myself to use, cos' all the rest were either ugly or had some weird expression.

[Polka14]

Beholderess wrote...

Polka14 wrote...

Are you saying Bioware was uncomfortable with having a non-European character as a protagonist? I hope that is not true but that has nothing to do with the subject of GAMERS having trouble relating to jacob.  I am no psychologist but I know that I have no problem with any race on Earth even foreign ones.  If developers think that having more European protagonists could relate to European players or those with European ancestry then it is the developer's fault not ours. I would like to add that dismissing our claims of why we may dislike the fictional character jacob is not fair if you base it on your own reasons why you like that particular character. Some may find Jacob's powers useful. I do not. For example he has an ammo power and pull and barrier. Samara has pull and barrier/ammo powers are useless as I am an infiltrator with squad powers. Sure, Jacob is potentially interesting but he is openly hostile toward the crew and his only truly interesting point was his loyalty mission.

This is essentially your argument: "you dislike jacob because of his race...and the developers know it". <_<

Speaking of non-European protagonists, I believe it's been mentioned in this thread already that only one Bioware game has an enforced etnicity. That game is Jade Empire, and the main character has to be Asian. Not European=)
And there were times when I've made a dark-skinned character because the portraits offered were nicer. Imho, Dynaheir portait for BG was one of the most beautiful of those avaliable for PC without mods, and she certainly looked dark on that portait. And dark-skinned female head for KOTOR is the only one I could bring myself to use, cos' all the rest were either ugly or had some weird expression.

The race of my character may vary. I have two characters in ME2. A European character and a Latin American character. Both are different shepards with different personalities and character classes. Never played any other Bioware game though. I even vary my character's apperance in other games too.  Race is not a factor in how I view fictional characters.

[Beholderess]

Polka14 wrote...

The race of my character may vary. I have two characters in ME2. A European character and a Latin American character. Both are different shepards with different personalities and character classes. Never played any other Bioware game though. I even vary my character's apperance in other games too.  Race is not a factor in how I view fictional characters.

Heh, my main male Shepard's etnicity is hard to determine. Looks like Latin American for the most part, but has blue almond-shaped eyes. What can I say? I like the look and don't care if it fits together)

[Polka14]

Beholderess wrote...

Polka14 wrote...

The race of my character may vary. I have two characters in ME2. A European character and a Latin American character. Both are different shepards with different personalities and character classes. Never played any other Bioware game though. I even vary my character's apperance in other games too.  Race is not a factor in how I view fictional characters.

Heh, my main male Shepard's etnicity is hard to determine. Looks like Latin American for the most part, but has blue almond-shaped eyes. What can I say? I like the look and don't care if it fits together)

My Joseph Shepard is a renegade so he has red eyes.   And he is an adept so Jacob is very useless as a squadmate with Joseph. I wish Jacob had Sigularity instead of Barrier. He would be better than Samara.