Guys have lost the stranglehold on the videogame market: Some 48 percent of today's button-mashing masses are female. Though gals will happily take on their male counterparts in traditional sports, shooting, and fighting arenas, they find genres requiring mental stamina more stimulating. Let's just say exploration and adventure titles tend to beat out gratuitous blood spillage and pixelated cleavage. In an effort to appeal to the ladies, developers are rethinking their content and marketing strategies. Here's a look at what's being churned out to turn women on.
Final Fantasy X-2 (PS2)
Gameplay: In this RPG sequel, there's more to do than tote machine guns. As Yuna, you explore floating castles and hang from ledges - while looking fabulous in a sexy Pocahontas-meets-Little Red Riding Hood getup.
Girl sell: X-2 will be the first in the Final Fantasy series to feature a female central character. In fact, the main crew consists of three girls. It's Charlie's Angels sans behind-the-scenes bickering.
Developer: Square Soft
Release: Fall 2003
Kameo: Elements of Power (Xbox)
Gameplay: OK, you're a fairy princess with pointy ears and big hoop earrings, and your special power is raising animals. But that's not all: You can morph into 60 other creatures and taunt your boss with a roll of the eyes.
Girl sell: You can avoid confrontations by letting animals duke it out for you. Think kinder, gentler cockfighting.
Developer: Rare
Release: 2003
Malice (PS2, Xbox)
Gameplay: An Alice in Wonderland-esque madhouse where, as a wide-eyed grrrl, you brandish a big-ass hammer and master magic to smack down a fire demon and become a powerful goddess.
Girl sell: This is definitely not about T & A - it's a thinking woman's revenge fantasy masquerading as a fairy tale. Call it Through the Looking Glass Ceiling.
Developer: Argonaut Games/Sierra Entertainment
Release: Spring 2003
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