42753 réponses à ce sujet

[JamieCOTC]

Canonical femShep

I tend to play only one Shepard myself and while I’ll cheat (reload) and try out new things w/ her she’s still very close to the Shep I started out w/ in the game.  She’s a colonist/sole survivor and a vanguard.  Head canon wise, she has changed in some ways, but I think that is due to her growing as a character than any cosmetic changes I have pushed onto her.  The biggest change to her canon was her name.  My femShep began life as Urania, a name I give to all my female main characters.  It’s an odd quirk.  But as this particular avatar grew into a genuine character she needed her own identity, so over time she became Urania Jane or UJ.   That short nickname really suited her character as no nonsense w/ a hint of mystery and ultimately defined her and allowed me to fill in some of the details of her life.  The biggest cosmetic change I made to UJ was to her eyes.  Originally her eyes were very close to Miranda blue, but I changed that to the vivid blue style.  What was an intended as an esthetic choice, the vivid blue stood out well against her pale skin, became another way to define her character.  The eyes added a bit of excitement to her persona along w/ that hint of mystery.  I love character creation in a game and if it wasn’t an online game, I would probably buy APB just for that aspect.  Around here, I’ve noticed that a lot of people like to experiment w/ their characters, but they don’t tend to push them in any real OOC direction. I believe therein lies the real talent and we seem to have it in spades on this board. 

The 80% Self Fulfilling Prophesy

I was talking w/ an old friend last night and somehow we got on the theme of female protagonists in popular culture, she’s a HUGE Buffy fan, btw, so maybe that’s how we got there.  Anyway, I mentioned the female incarnation of Commander Shepard and she acknowledged that it sounded cool, but that she was really not into video games as they are today.  She liked the idea of “MYST” type games and was an avid D&D player in college, but FPS games had no appeal at all.  So that idea gave me a thought.  BW claims that they aim their games at a male dominated market because more males buy them than females.  But what if that is simply a self fulfilling prophesy in that more males buy these games because they are aimed at males, especially when it comes to marketing. In other words BW has two brands, X and Y, but they only market X. Then BW stands behind skewed statistics that “prove” X is the more popular brand, thus completing a very artificial cycle.  I don’t believe this is an intentional conspiracy toward female players, but a very real “attempt” at creating a brand, a brand that IMO is not very iconic which sort of defeats the purpose of creating a brand in the first place.  I also know that BW is not likely to change any time soon, if ever.  As Chris Priestly said, the gaming industry is not in the business of social change, but it appears they are no longer willing to takes risks either.  A shame as that’s what it is going to take to produce real change and broaden (i.e. grow) their audience. 

To get back to femShep, I’m afraid she will have to remain the long suffering suffragette of the gaming world, especially when it comes to marketing.  We have seen some advancement in LotSB and I certainly wouldn’t give up, but it’s unlikely we’ll ever see her in a trailer or even a screen.  Whether or not it really is branding, ego, fear or all of the above that made BW cast her aside that does not detract from femShep’s awesomeness. If anything it makes her worth fighting for even more.

[Chignon]

Flies_by_Handles wrote...

Count me in as another fan of the Earthborn background. I see it as a diamond in the rough type of story. My main Shep, Devi, rose above her environment and sought the Alliance for a better life. This background helps explain her dedication to the military and her dislike of petty crime and human vice in general. It also explains her desire for peace among various alien species. Having seen humanity at its most flawed back on the slums of Earth, Devi does not have an idealized view of her own species.

That's very unique and nice interpretation, Flies! I like it.

[Chugster]

@Iwakura...tbh its just pure luck...i just hit the key when ever Sara is inshot...as for her face...thats just one i found on a website that seems to work really well

@Captain Crash...funny you should say that, on most of my playthroughs i tend to stick with the same squaddies (apart from ME2 loyalty stuff)but in this char i decided to mix it up from the start in ME1

it will be interesting if my canon shep can produce cool screenies, she has a similar face, just different colours...i really think im gonna re-run her just for screenies

Modifié par Chugster, 12 octobre 2010 - 08:22 .

[Iwakura-Lain]

Flies_by_Handles wrote...

Count me in as another fan of the Earthborn background. I see it as a diamond in the rough type of story. My main Shep, Devi, rose above her environment and sought the Alliance for a better life. This background helps explain her dedication to the military and her dislike of petty crime and human vice in general. It also explains her desire for peace among various alien species. Having seen humanity at its most flawed back on the slums of Earth, Devi does not have an idealized view of her own species.

I've always been a Sole Survivor, Colonist. 'Earthborn' always spelled too much 'Top Gun' to me. Your post just goes to show that you can draw strength, courage, and direction from almost any background... just as in real life.

Modifié par Iwakura-Lain, 12 octobre 2010 - 08:26 .

[Yeled]

@Jamie:



I think its something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, but its not one that's on BioWare alone. I think the industry in general has created the bias over decades. If BioWare attempted to appeal to female gamers with the hopes that they would convert or attract new people they might be successful to a point, but they would never be able to drive their sales like they can with the installed male audience.



While I wish the industry as a whole would move in that direction, its a very risky proposition financially for any one company with any one game.

[Chugster]

more, more, more



Intimidation offensive



you may want to look behind you







struggling to find things to do?



from Big Time Gamers come the all new...Tipping the Volus



wheres the next volus?



Sara suddenly forgets Kaidan's name



Sara the paragon

[Mr.Vakarian]

Boy, seems I missed quite a bit of good game play and story possibilities! I'll be making up a new Shepard with the Earthborn background tonight..haven't played in a while anyway.

[Yeled]

I love your captions, Chugster.

[Iwakura-Lain]

Flies_by_Handles wrote...

JamieCOTC wrote...
As Chris Priestly said, the gaming industry is not in the business of social change, but it appears they are no longer willing to takes risks either.  A shame as that’s what it is going to take to produce real change and broaden (i.e. grow) their audience. 

 Not in the business of social change? If we are to equate video games with other forms of media, then yes, it has the ability to change our perceptions. What a BS remark to make. And that was directed towards Chris.

Back in the ME1 days (when I posted as 'liarafan' -- I know, not highly original, LOL), I used to be engaged in long discussions about the why of Femshep and Liara, gamewise. I always took the position of being grateful to Bioware for being open-minded enough to allow a 'female-female' relationship (though it's technically not truly lesbianism, of course; but it's close enough). I was more often than not met with (often outspoken right-wing; go figure) folks, insisting Bioware was just in it for having people see a girl-on-girl action, and that they had no greater vision at all. Even when that is true, they still took a risk doing something potentially controversary, that could have easily backfired on them. So, despite what Chris Priestly said, I'd like to maintain my belief that Bioware is more than just about the cold coin -- if only for my own state of mind.

[sagefic]

@ jamie: as usual, i agree.



i know one person IRL who plays ME. he is a teenager who (while a sweet kid) only just found out he could play femshep.



i know many female friends who would LOVE this game, many male friends, too, but they are turned off by the shooter-heavy marketing and the seeming emphasis on blowing stuff up. i try to tell them "there's a story there" but they have already tuned out at sight of miranda's unrealistic bewbage. for me, its the story that keeps me coming back. i follow any story i like, be it in novel, VG, anime, manga, tv, movie, or evern opera format. whatever. i like a good adventure. but it's hard to argue with the overwhelming image of sheploo.

[Ashwraith]

So guys.
I've been doing the 'OC influence meme' on DeviantArt, and it got me to thinking.
If you're like me, when you create a roleplaying (or story) character, chances are they're going to have some influences from either popular media, or people you know personally. You may not even be aware of this until you examine your character closely.

Now, looking back over the past few pages, I can see that you -and I- put some serious thought into 'your' Shepards: what makes them who they are, how they react, why they've made some of those in-game choices... all that jazz.
My question is... who, if anyone, inspired that particular personality (and appearance)? Why?

I'll post my own responses in a bit. Or I could just link you to the meme. Either way. >.>

[Chugster]

Yeled wrote...

I love your captions, Chugster.

hehe, comes from watching too much tv and playing too many games

[Ashwraith]

sagequeen wrote...

i know many female friends who would LOVE this game, many male friends, too, but they are turned off by the shooter-heavy marketing and the seeming emphasis on blowing stuff up.

You know what I think is hilarious?
My parents -who think video games in general are boring and pointless- love Mass Effect. Not just for the graphics, which admittedly were what grabbed them in the first place (they walked in on me while I was talking to the Illusive Man) but for the story and the characters.
Keep in mind that my mom was a teacher and hates violent media, and my dad is a technical pacifist. And they were cheering me on while I was sniping people. (I could barely play through the Archangel recruitment mission; my mom has developed a crush on Garrus and was convinced he was going to die.)

I think most of the abovementioned (fencesitters, and whatnot) just need to give the game a chance- start 'em off with the first game if they'd prefer something more roleplay-oriented, or rope 'em in with some of the cutscenes in 2.

[Jagged Orchid]

LesEnfantsTerribles wrote...

Speaking of Shepard's various differing backgrounds, I find it quite sad that a Spacer Shepard does not contact Hannah in order to inform her that she is alive once again. Hannah herself seems quite exasperated over this fact, and almost chastises Shepard in her email for the fact that she was forced to learn of her child's status via Alliance channels.

I do like the conversation with Hannah in ME1, though.

It would have been nice if she had had a chance to call Hannah and just say, "Hi Mom, I'm alive." That whole scenario could have been done much better.

I did and did not not like the conversation with her mother in ME1. Now this could just be me nitpicking, but when you first call, Hannah basically treats Shep like she is some no nothing high schooler just calling to say hi. If I remember correctly she saying something like, "I'm on duty, I can't take personal calls right now." Just something about her tone struck me the wrong way. Like Shepard has time to just call and talk about the weather. Once you get past that part though, I really did enjoy the conversation.

sagequeen wrote...

@ jamie: as usual, i agree.

i know one person IRL who plays ME. he is a teenager who (while a sweet kid) only just found out he could play femshep.

i
know many female friends who would LOVE this game, many male friends,
too, but they are turned off by the shooter-heavy marketing and the
seeming emphasis on blowing stuff up. i try to tell them "there's a
story there" but they have already tuned out at sight of miranda's
unrealistic bewbage. for me, its the story that keeps me coming back. i
follow any story i like, be it in novel, VG, anime, manga, tv, movie, or
evern opera format. whatever. i like a good adventure. but it's hard to
argue with the overwhelming image of sheploo.

Both of you make a good point. I do have quite a few male friends that hapily play this game. Most of them are actually drawn to the story. I have a few female friends as well that I think would actually really enjoy the series. Unfortunetly, I've yet to convince them to give it a try. I just keep getting excuses about shooters, and lack of RPG elements etc. It's all there, you just have to look past the marketing.

I bought ME1 because I've pretty much always enjoyed Bioware games. However, I'm not your typical female. I am a gamer. If a game looks interesting, I will buy it. However, I think there are a lot of females (and even males) who are missing out because well, they are not being marketed too. It's too bad really, but unfortunately, I don't see that changing anytime soon 

[Yana Montana]

Ashwraith wrote...

My question is... who, if anyone, inspired that particular personality (and appearance)? Why?

I think most guys agree with me that at least 30% of your Shepard's RP comes from your own world perception, tastes, likings and leanings. My main Alex is not an exception. I'd say she took 60% of her personality from me. As for her appearance, well, I was inspired by ballet dancers and Golden Age Hollywood actresses.

[Iwakura-Lain]

Time for a blatant self-plug again, LOL. Femshep... Well, she's in it:

http://ranka-mei.dev...t.com/#/d30l1wp

Feeling particularly talentless tonight, what with all these great screens flying by, I just decided to upload a few old works I redid today. Soon I'll make something real again.

N.B. Cinematically, Femshep looks heroic in almost scene. Now all we need is to get her on the cover of the trilogy-closer.

[Chugster]

ok...last pics for today...



trying to keep up wtih Mordin's conversations



EXTREME CLOSE-UP!!!!!



Bar hopping with Miranda



Dealing with the press...again



It is...it is...green



Selling your soul...Citadel style

[Sable Phoenix]

Re: backgrounds, I don’t necessarily prefer one over the other, but I know which one I don’t prefer, and that’s Spacer. Dunno why, but it seems boring to me, without a real defining conflict or tragedy to set up Shepard’s character. That does mean she could go any way you want, of course, but I find the idea of pairing Earthborn/War Hero (Jessica’s canon) or Colonist/Ruthless to be the best pairings that make the most sense. Jessica’s story is like Oliver Twist… or, well, Olivia Twist… only with spaceships and aliens, and the other is very easy to play as a xenophobe. Similar to Spacer, I also find Sole Survivor boring, because Shepard didn’t really do anything; she just got put into a disaster by chance and managed to survive it. Given what we know of thresher maws, her survival had to have been mostly luck, whereas the other “disaster” background, Colonist, has plenty of room for her to do something to escape and survive the slavers. I know that Sole Survivor seems to be one of the more popular choices, though, but then I’ve never had a problem being in a minority.

[Chugster]

still trying to work out why my Sara looks so different in ME2...same face code (apart from no blush in ME2)

Modifié par Chugster, 12 octobre 2010 - 09:17 .

[FireEye]

Sable Phoenix wrote...

Re: backgrounds, I don’t necessarily prefer one over the other, but I know which one I don’t prefer, and that’s Spacer. Dunno why, but it seems boring to me, without a real defining conflict or tragedy to set up Shepard’s character. That does mean she could go any way you want, of course, but I find the idea of pairing Earthborn/War Hero (Jessica’s canon) or Colonist/Ruthless to be the best pairings that make the most sense. Jessica’s story is like Oliver Twist… or, well, Olivia Twist… only with spaceships and aliens, and the other is very easy to play as a xenophobe. Similar to Spacer, I also find Sole Survivor boring, because Shepard didn’t really do anything; she just got put into a disaster by chance and managed to survive it. Given what we know of thresher maws, her survival had to have been mostly luck, whereas the other “disaster” background, Colonist, has plenty of room for her to do something to escape and survive the slavers. I know that Sole Survivor seems to be one of the more popular choices, though, but then I’ve never had a problem being in a minority.

According to Shepard when talking to Talitha, her house fell in on her and the slavers took her for dead.  I dunno if it's luck, per se, but...

Then again, I like Sole Survivor because Shepard didn't necessarily do anything.  And you can go around with an attitude of "I got lucky" or "I lived because I refused to die."