Happy International Women’s Day 2023. Yes, women celebrate the annual holiday which became the focal point of the women’s rights movement. It is a day in which we celebrate the women, mothers, daughters, sisters and wife’s around us. They’re inspiring, they’re strong and resilient. And they make our days better.
Women’s Day 2023 VS Through The Years
What would the world look like without women? It would be a less creative, less colorful place that’s for sure. And if you’re looking for some insight into how we celebrated International Women’s Day the previous years? Then check out our previous article here. You’re welcome. However, in that article, we focused on the women in film. Now we’re gonna focus on the women in video games.
We already had a similar article but in that one, we honored the Moonscars game. You can check out that article here. But now it’s time for a different video game and a different batch of ladies. More specifically on the bad-ass female characters in some of the coolest video games.
Solar Ash: What’s It All About?
Developed by Heart Machine and published by Annapurna Interactive, Solar Ash is an action-adventure platforming game with a cool female character in the middle.
From the creators of the award-winning Hyper Light Drifter comes the high-speed and gravity-bending world of Solar Ash.
Set amidst a surreal dreamscape filled with long-abandoned ruins of great civilizations past, you play as Rei. A Voidrunner determined to stop at nothing to save her planet from falling prey to the Ultravoid’s path of eternal hunger.
So, you get to fight through mobs of grotesque creatures, grind rails with sheer delight, and grapple to wild heights. All in order to take down enormous bosses, and surf the ashen clouds of shattered, bygone worlds swallowed by the void.
In this highly stylized action adventure unlike no other, will Rei persevere and make her way through the deadly encounters of this ravenous void to save her home? Will she learn the truth about these massive beasts that roam this strange land and uncover the mysteries of the Starseed and Echo?
Find out for yourself. Get Solar Ash now. It’s available for purchase here.
Women’s Day 2023 VS Women In Video Games
Now, this article won’t be a lecture on the role of women in the video game industry. No, for now, we’re gonna focus on some key exceptional female characters. They’re smart, resourceful, and tough and most of them can kick anyone’s behind and never give it a second thought. So, with that in mind, let’s start.
Yennefer from The Witcher
One of Geralt’s lovers and a mother figure to Ciri. Yennefer is also one of the most powerful mages on the continent and is surpassed by only a handful. Not to mention he’s gone from an ugly duckling to a true swan transformation. That’s right before becoming a beautiful sorceress, she was a hunchback woman with horrible facial paralysis. Terrified and ignored by many at first, she became admired and feared mage. Always dressed in black and white, she’s the epitome of beauty. Furthermore, she is what is called a conduit. Someone capable of harnessing the magical energy of the universe without undergoing any kind of modification. All of these things are what makes her so special, but frankly, there are plenty more to add to the list.
Samus Aran From Metroid
An ex-soldier of the Galactic Federation turned a galactic bounty hunter. She’s equipped with a powered exoskeleton and an array of weapons at her disposal. Such as directed-energy weapons and missiles. So you just know she’s not messing around. She’s capable and precise and she executes missions given to her by the Galactic Federation and the Chozo. All the while hunting the antagonistic Space Pirates and their leader Ridley. You can safely say that Samus Aran is one of the most beloved characters in the entire Metroid franchise. She’s a woman in a male-dominated role, and get this… 2013’s Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition declared Samus as “the first playable human female character in a mainstream videogame”.
Faith Connors From Mirror’s Edge
Or Phoenix Carpenter according to her alias. Voiced by Jules de Jongh, Faith is a Runner. Or rather a Courier. She transports items for revolutionary groups hiding from the totalitarian government. But she’s remarkable in so many ways too. Her face has a distinctive tattoo around her right eye, imitated by the game’s logo. And is usually seen wearing a black tank top with white stripes down the side. Thus, showing her arms and her tattoo. But above everything else, she’s tough and a badass. IGN even called her “one of the strongest women in the modern gaming landscape. Hey, they even placed her as #3 in their top list of female gaming heroines, so that’s pretty cool.
Ellie From The Last Of Us
In the words of Britney Spears… Ellie is a girl. Not yet a woman. However, she’s a female character and that in my view qualifies her to be on this list. Why? Well, because although underage, she lived through some of the most horrific events imaginable. She goes from a precocious teen girl that Joel must babysit to a resourceful, tough and intelligent young woman. However, much like her father figure (Joel), she’s very much a complex character. Ellie is vulnerable yet resilient, and the circumcises of her life made her grow up and mature faster. Ellie is something special, that’s for sure. And we’re not saying it because of her immunity. She truly is one of a kind character.
Oh and if you’re interested to read more The Last Of Us content, head out here. We have a great article.
The Last Of Us is available for pre-purchase here.
Elena Fisher From Uncharted
Another Naughty Dog creation. But this time you have Amy Hennig to thank for Miss Fisher. She’s a sidekick and a love interest to Nathan Drake. She’s blonde but don’t let the blond stereotypes fool ya. Elena is an independent and strong character that acts as Nathan’s equal. Or as Amy Henning said about Elena: She’s the female version of Nathan. Her journalistic background goes well with the charming, intelligent and tenacious character she possesses. Hey, even Game Informer named Elena as one of 30 characters “who defined a decade”. And here’s something fun about Elena. Bret Dawson of the Toronto Star even compared her appearance to the likes of Jennifer Anniston. You know… Rachel from Friends. How cool is that?
Uncharted Legacy Of Thieves Collection Is available for purchase here.
BONUS: Daphne from Die Young
Yes, we might be a bit biased here but we have a little surprise for you. Daphne, the protagonist from our own game, Die Young, is a strong woman. Firstly, Daphne is incredibly resourceful, and she uses her wits and survival skills to navigate the dangerous environment. She must climb, jump, and run her way through obstacles, all while avoiding deadly traps and enemies. Daphne’s ability to adapt to new situations and find solutions to problems makes her a formidable opponent.
Daphne’s ability to push through physical challenges and keep going even when it seems impossible is a testament to her strength and determination. Throughout the game, she is faced with numerous obstacles and setbacks, including the loss of friends and loved ones. However, she refuses to give up or succumb to despair. Instead, she uses these experiences as motivation to continue fighting and striving for survival. Daphne’s ability to stay strong and focused even in the face of adversity is a powerful example of inner strength and resilience.
From her resourcefulness and adaptability, to her physical strength and emotional resilience, Daphne is a powerful example of what it means to be a strong and capable woman in today’s world. And, that’s why, in her honor and the amazing ladies on this planet, we are offering for FREE for a limited time only Die Young.
Happy Women’s Day 2023!
We’d like to wish you a Happy Woman’s Day 2023. Stay strong, brilliant and bad-ass.
