Image via Complex Original
Stereotypes in video games are still found in rampant abundance, even in these more, supposed, self-aware days.
Tired tropes are the unfortunate result of lazy plotting at best, and at worst, are intentionally pointed commentary on race and gender. We've seen it a million times before, and we'll probably see it a million times more before any real change becomes apparent. Games like The Last of Us, and the upcoming Transistor, are doing their part to change gender norms in games, and for that we are grateful.
Here is our list of 15 Video Game Stereotypes We're Sick of Seeing Recycled
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15. Bayonetta
Character: Bayonetta
Game: Bayonetta series
It's easy to look at Bayonetta and assume she's simply for camp.
Everything about her is straight up sexually-charged, libido-fueled librarian. It's working for her, but this is the "sexy" look so many imagine when dreaming up this kind of character. Even though she has some different sides to her, take her image in as a whole.
A fantastical imagining of a woman's body, if we ever saw one.
14. Jolly Roger
Character: Jolly Roger
Game: Banjo-Tooie
Jolly Roger speaks in one of the campiest voices typically associated with gay characters. In Banjo-Tooie he even goes as far to offer "Seaman's Brew." It's not just terribly stereotypical, it's completely offensive -- everything about his behavior.
13. Princess Yorda
Character: Princess Yorda
Game: Ico
Princess Yorda is a mysterious, lithe waif of a girl.
She's completely helpless, acting like a child throughout the entire game. She's a stereotypical "delicate flower" of a character that makes her significance and power known throughout her actions and her personality...if you can call it that.
12. Larry Laffer
Character: Larry Laffer
Game: Leisure Suit Larry series
A balding older man who's only interested in courting the ladies?
Stop us if you think you've heard this one before. His "moves" are pathetic, his jokes are tired, and he's about twice the age of the women he's trying to bed. It's straight out of a terrible comedy. Poor Larry is just about the stereotypical middle-aged man.
11. Cheiron Archer
Character: Cheiron
Game: Sakura Wars
Cheiron fits the "sassy black woman" stereotype to a T.
Right down to her attitude and her dialogue. It's as if her lines were written without the knowledge that this is an intelligent, well-read woman who really sounds out of place speaking the way she does. Did we mention her theme song is a gospel tune? Seriously, it is.
10. Mei Ling
Character: Mei Ling
Game: Metal Gear series
Mei Ling is a Chinese-American data analyst going to MIT during Metal Gear Solid. She's attractive, Asian, and extremely intelligent. There's nothing much more to say on the subject, but her name gives it all away.
Really? Mei Ling seemingly exists to fill the "nerdy Asian" trope we see so often in media.
9. Master Chief
Character: Master Chief
Game: Halo series
Chief is the silent but deadly space marine to end all space marines.
Recent attempts via Halo 4 to revamp his stoic personality have done little to break the mold. Huge helmet? Check. Never see his face? Check. Gruff, serious, but sometimes sarcastic? Check. Get him suited up and on the prowl. We've got generic alien races to exterminate.
8. Adam Malkovich
Character: Adam Malkovich
Game: Metroid: Other M
This gruff, no-nonsense superior was one of the many reasons Metroid: Other M was looked upon in a negative manner, thanks to his demeanor and attitude toward Samus. The domestication of Samus was frustrating in many ways, and this stereotypical gruff, borderline sexist older man was largely responsible.
7. Nathan Drake
Character: Nathan Drake
Game: Uncharted series
There's something exquisitely everyman about the star of the Uncharted series.
A white, "rugged" adventurer type in safe clothing with a "safe" personaility. He's the quintessential white male video game hero, and he even hangs out with "acceptably ethnic" sidekicks.
6. Jack
Character: Jack
Game: Mass Effect series
Tattoos and piercings do not necessarily equate to "punk" or a "bad attitude." In Jack's case, her tumultuous childhood is attributed to her hotheaded nature. But of course, that honor has to go with the girl rocking an edgy hairstyle, body covered in tattoos.
Was that intentional, BioWare? We think so.
5. Princess Peach
Character: Princess Peach
Game: All of the Mario titles.
Perpetuating the dumb, ditzy blonde stereotype, Princess Toadstool is truly a damsel in distress.
She can barely take care of herself, baking cakes for Mario and floating along with her pretty pink parasol. No wonder Mario always has his hands full. A reimagination of the classic Peach would certainly be welcome in our book.
4. Thunder Hawk
Character: Thunder Hawk
Game: Street Fighter series
Adding insult to injury to Native Americans everywhere, Thunder Hawk is an over-the-top offensive stereotype that brings to mind nearly every single "shaman," "tribal chief," or other similar character archetype we've ever seen in the media.
Just look at him. Sigh.
3. Dhalsim
Character: Dhalsim
Game: Street Fighter Series
Street Fighter is a veritable breeding ground for racial stereotypes.
Additionally, the series creates bizarre misconceptions about the country of origin each character hails from. In Dhalsim's case, he fits every preconceived notion the less educated masses entertain about Hinduism and persons of Indian descent.
Spitting fire, levitating, screaming the word 'yoga!' before he attacks...for real?
2. Augustus Cole
Character: August Cole
Game: Gears of War series.
Hop aboard the Cole Train, baby!
Hop on board for a look at how an alarmingly large portion of the public thinks people of color behave at all times, i.e. using urban slang, an obsession with sports, and dabbling in rap. It's even more embarrassing when we have to hear "yeah, woo, bring it on, sucka!" in the infamous Gears rap at the end of the game.
We weep.
1. Mario
Character: Mario
Game: All of the Mario titles.
It's-a me, Mario!
Mario is a quintessential "Italian" type, with black hair, a love for spaghetti, and even that horrible accent. He's also a plumber. Did we mention sometimes he hops into a boot? What's Italy shaped like again? Poor Mario is a reflection of year's worth of Italian stereotypes heaped into what is, ironically, one of the most, if not the most, well-known game characters of all time.