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Feminist Frequency creator Anita Sarkeesian has debuted a new video series focusing on the positive depiction of female characters in games.
The first video in the series focuses on Capybara’s 2011 title Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and its protagonist the Scythian. The episode examines how the game employs recognisable action adventure game tropes and how it asserts that women can fulfil the role of a mythic hero as effectively as men can.
“Most video game heroes become more powerful as their quest progresses,” said Sarkeesian.
“This is one way in which Sword & Sworcery subverts expected gaming tropes. There’s nothing in it for the Scythian. She doesn’t gain more health or better gear over the course of the game. In fact, the quest takes a toll on her; she starts the game with five units of health but loses one each time she wins a boss fight, decreasing her overall maximum health as her adventure progresses.
“This game is not about levelling up or becoming more powerful. And Sword & Sworcery ends with the Scythian doing something Link never has. To rid the world of an ancient evil, the brave hero sacrifices herself.”
You can watch the full video below.
