Thanks for the giveaway! While I disagree on almost all of the points that the "critic" has made, she has at least opened more avenues for discussion in the area of gender roles in gaming. My favorite female character is Jill Valentine, personally (although, I haven't played 5, so I dunno if that game would affect my perception of her). While she's super hot (which 3 mildly exploited, but oh well), it's not her sole defining feature, and isn't even that prominent. Sure, she doesn't have that much of a character besides being a badass, but she's perfect for the game she's in: she can take help from others, but she can also help others, and lead the show (and I liked her a helluva lot more than Chris). As for a female character that actually has a personality, Agent Victoria McPherson from Still Life is also pretty cool (a funny example of a girl with a boyfriend that has no personality :P)

Count me in! :D for Tomb Raider, right?

Someone already mentioned her, but since I agree, I'll also go with Tali'Zorah. She's the only character in any video game I have ever played that I think of as "cute," and that is based entirely on her personality.

Also, thanks for the giveaway (I'm in).

The Queen of Blades (former Sara Kerrigan) for her 'forced' evolution... (picture in avatar)

But also I love Bastila from Kotor

Thanks for the giveaway, I'm in! :)

I'm partial to Grace Nakamura from the Gabriel Knight games, for no other reason that she's smart, resourceful and a reliable source of sarcasm. Hell, I wish she had a game of her own instead of being the sidekick,

Count me in and +1 for you.

Back on topic: It hasn't been mentioned but my favorite character is Rosella from King's Quest IV. It was the first female character I ever played.

I have to mention that I also like Aerith in FFVII, that of course was until... (No spoilers here).

Chun Li from Street Fighter:
More than 25 years and still unbeaten.
Those thighs fear no competition either.
Thanks for the giveaway.

Not in!

All great choices but I have to go with Kate Walker from the Syberia trilogy? If they ever make the third one. With her obnoxious boyfriend, meddling Mother. We spent many hours adventuring together and I look forward to doing it again when the next one comes out.

Leliana, from dragon age origins. she isnt a main character, but as far as female game characters go i feel like she is among the most complete. among all the characters in all the games i have played she is top of the list for female characters that actually feel real, as if somewhere she could almost be a real person.

I'm in.

Aina from the game I'm making (can you tell its my favorite game? :p) She is one of the two playable characters, the other being her twin brother.

Actually I found her rather mean & ****hy for no good reason in GK 2, especially the first 3rd or so. Loved her in GK1 though. Have yet to play GK3.

Not in

The Lara Croft from the older TR games, because she was just so "perky".

Does SHODAN count as a female character? She is likely the greatest female villain ever.

I guess I'm entering for Tomb Raider..

Thank you!

I'd probably have to say either April Ryan from The Longest Journey, Emmy Altava from the Professor Layton games,
or Franziska von Karma from Ace Attorney.

Heather Mason because she's a very realistic portrayal of an average teenager. I love that she's cute but not "pretty," if that makes sense.

A lot of good ones have been mentioned so far. I will enter with Fall-From-Grace from Planescape: Torment. A Tanar'ri who overcomes her very nature through pure force of will and uses her cunning and intelligence to escape a life of eternal slavery would seem to fit the definition of 'strong'.

Thanks for the cool giveaway, good luck everyone!