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| Thread: Women and Heroes of Might and Magic |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 · NEXT» |
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted March 13, 2006 09:17 PM |
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Women and Heroes of Might and Magic
This topic has been brewing in my mind for awhile so I wanted to finally put it down in the form of a survey. It's obvious from all the fan boards that women are a minority in the HOMM community so I wanted to explore the reasons why. I mean I can understand why women shun 1st person shooters but I'd like to try and get a fix on why there's such a large imbalance in HOMM. (This has also been a lifelong quest for me, to figure out how the female mind works. I think I'm about 3% of the way there)
So I have a few questions for the ladies.
1. How good were you at math and specifically geometry when you were in school? And did you enjoy it?
2. What aspects of the entire HOMM series do you find most appealing. For example the strategy, the visuals, the music, the storylines etc…And what aspects do you find irrelevant? Feel free to be specific about each version of HOMM.
3. A lot of noise has been made about the percieved sexism in HOMM5. For example the "good guys" seem to be men and the "baddies" all seem to be women. (And then of course there's that infamous Dungeon Heroine.) I want to know if you find this annoying or offensive, or not at all.
4. Due to HOMM5's "darker" and more violent nature (and also the above mentioned percieved sexism ) I'm curious if you think you will be less likely to buy and play HOMM5 (In answering this question please ignore the impact the system requirements will have on you)
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kookastar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
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posted March 14, 2006 08:49 AM |
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IMHO...
Disclaimer - I am generalising, stereotyping, and just babbling on. I recognise that like men (alot of which are more likely to be out 'doing' in RL rather than playing computer games) we are all different.
I think the issue is probably related to computer games in general rather than just HOMM. Also, women are seen as more social and may play the game and just not bother with posting on forums such as this 
Anyhoo, to answer your questions (as personally invited via HM!)
1. How good were you at math and specifically geometry when you were in school? And did you enjoy it?
I was really good at Maths in primary, average in the upper level of Maths (incl geometry) in High School, mainly because I was more interested in extracurricular activities (naughty). I enjoyed it as much as any subject I guess.
2. What aspects of the entire HOMM series do you find most appealing?
The strategy most of all. Also the mythological creatures and magic - the universe. Not so much the stories - I don't really read all the pop-up story parts. The reason that HOMM is the only game I have ever really gotten into (2,3, and 4)is because of the mouse function. I can't stand having to use function keys etc when playing.
3. I want to know if you find this [the sexism]annoying or offensive, or not at all?
I am more interested in the strategy and embrace the creatures for what they offer. See my replies in the sexism threads for more of my opinions on this matter.
4. Due to HOMM5's "darker" and more violent nature ...will [you] be less likely to buy and play HOMM5?
Are you kidding  I started waiting for H5 12 months after H4 was released. I don't really see it as darker or more violent, perhaps just more graphic. Once again, I am more interested in the strategy and working out how best to use creature's advantages and targeting other's weaknesses. I can dissassociate this with the real world. I am still waiting to hear from someone at a games shop to see if it will be quicker to preorder HOMM5 online or to get them to get it for me If anyone has an opinion on this [arrival dates] please let me know.
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pandora
Honorable
Legendary Hero
The Chosen One
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posted March 14, 2006 06:18 PM |
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1. How good were you at math and specifically geometry when you were in school? And did you enjoy it?
I have no mind for math whatsoever, I have always hated it. I can do it, my marks in school were high, but I had to work for it.
2. What aspects of the entire HOMM series do you find most appealing. For example the strategy, the visuals, the music, the storylines etc…And what aspects do you find irrelevant? Feel free to be specific about each version of HOMM.
I like turn-based strategy. I also like the difference between the towns and how they play against each other, I am also a fan of all the little details, like terrain bonus, luck, speed morale etc.
3. A lot of noise has been made about the percieved sexism in HOMM5. For example the "good guys" seem to be men and the "baddies" all seem to be women. (And then of course there's that infamous Dungeon Heroine.) I want to know if you find this annoying or offensive, or not at all.
hehe, I find I have better things to worry about Its funny to me that this concerns anyone actually.
4. Due to HOMM5's "darker" and more violent nature (and also the above mentioned percieved sexism ) I'm curious if you think you will be less likely to buy and play HOMM5 (In answering this question please ignore the impact the system requirements will have on you)
You know, I actually find this question to be rather offensive. Do you think that if the creatures aren't pretty unicorns riding away on rainbows, it would be too scary for us little girlies?
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"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
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Xarfax111
Bad-mannered
Supreme Hero
The last hero standing
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posted March 14, 2006 06:53 PM |
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Quote:
You know, I actually find this question to be rather offensive. Do you think that if the creatures aren't pretty unicorns riding away on rainbows, it would be too scary for us little girlies?
no unircorns sneef riding away on cute sneef little rainbows? sneef (begins to cry)
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted March 14, 2006 08:06 PM |
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Quote:
"You know, I actually find this question to be rather offensive. Do you think that if the creatures aren't pretty unicorns riding away on rainbows, it would be too scary for us little girlies?"
When I'm playing HOMM my wife will occasionally stop and make a comment about how cute one of the little cartoons is. (keep in mind she's the same age as me). Not for one second though could I get her interested in actually playing HOMM. I guess what I'm driving at is a general question about the "cuteness" factor in games generally and whether women find that appealing. It's just been my general observation that the games that are marketed and sold to women seem to be conscious of that type of thing, and I guess more generally speaking, whether they should be.
so anyway, I take it your answer is no...
(BTW: say what you will, HOMM2 was undeniably, indisputably, incontrovertibly cute)
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TNT_Addict
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Beautiful Liar
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posted March 14, 2006 08:13 PM |
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As a strong independant woman that I am, I find it hard to play heroes wearing white clothes on those 3 damn days each month...
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pandora
Honorable
Legendary Hero
The Chosen One
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posted March 14, 2006 08:43 PM |
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TNT_Addict - you're simply confusing...
Well, I suppose as far as the cuteness goes - I would prefer for things not to be cute when I'm killing them, I don't feel as guilty killing a hobgoblin as I do killing unicorns
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"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
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Russ
Promising
Supreme Hero
blah, blah, blah
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posted March 14, 2006 08:45 PM |
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Edited by Russ on 14 Mar 2006
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roflmao @ TNT! I think that post might explain why you are single. And the fact that I find it hilarious might explain why I am single
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Khaelo
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Underwater
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posted March 15, 2006 12:34 AM |
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Quote:
1. How good were you at math and specifically geometry when you were in school? And did you enjoy it?
I did very well in math, including geometry. It wasn't my favorite subject, but it wasn't my least favorite, either. (Curious about the relevance of geometry to HoMM? I can't remember the last time I played with a protractor. )
Quote:
2. What aspects of the entire HOMM series do you find most appealing. For example the strategy, the visuals, the music, the storylines etc…And what aspects do you find irrelevant? Feel free to be specific about each version of HOMM.
HoMM2 was the first video game I ever bought with my own money. I picked it for the fantasy theme and stayed with it because I like collecting things. I liked the "tin cans" of HoMM2 (paladins) which slaughtered anything they touched. Skeleton collections are always fun, and HoMM3 SoD allows the collecting of liches, too. A moderate pile of HoMM 4 genies can do some very neat tricks. HoMM also doesn't require lightning-quick reflexes or fancy console moves. I'm one of those people who tends to jump up and down in the chair when trying to get a character onto a ledge. Alas, jerking your Sega controller upwards doesn't make the character jump higher. Finally, in HoMM 3 and especially 4, I enjoyed building powerful heroes.
Later, I got into the storylines.
What I don't care about: multiplayer. It's important because it keeps other people interested in the game, and they post useful tips on the Internet.  Myself, I hate the competition and much prefer to bug an AI, build up my heroes, and read a story. Also, I play casually, and AI is more forgiving of careless mistakes and doesn't care if you never finish a game. I don't even bother with the scoreboard.
Quote:
3. A lot of noise has been made about the percieved sexism in HOMM5. For example the "good guys" seem to be men and the "baddies" all seem to be women. (And then of course there's that infamous Dungeon Heroine.) I want to know if you find this annoying or offensive, or not at all.
Annoying, but typical of the genre. See my responses in the Altar thread.
Quote:
4. Due to HOMM5's "darker" and more violent nature (and also the above mentioned percieved sexism ) I'm curious if you think you will be less likely to buy and play HOMM5 (In answering this question please ignore the impact the system requirements will have on you)
No. I like dark. And from HoMM I moved to Might & Magics and Neverwinter Nights, both of which are up-close-and-personal violent. Anyway, if nothing dies, how am I going to collect skeletons?
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 Cleverly
disguised as a responsible adult
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Xarfax111
Bad-mannered
Supreme Hero
The last hero standing
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posted March 15, 2006 12:51 AM |
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Quote:
... Anyway, if nothing dies, how am I going to collect skeletons?
mmmh wisely spoken.
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Aculias
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
Pretty Boy Angel Sacraficer
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posted March 15, 2006 05:40 AM |
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So when are you going to make a Post Xarfaxia  .
By the way didnt they have an actual test with men & women when came to certain areas like physical & memory etc.
Tought they did if i am wrong.
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Fofa
Famous Hero
Famous? Me?!
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posted March 15, 2006 05:57 AM |
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Edited by Fofa on 15 Mar 2006
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Quote:
1. How good were you at math and specifically geometry when you were in school? And did you enjoy it?
2. What aspects of the entire HOMM series do you find most appealing. For example the strategy, the visuals, the music, the storylines etc…And what aspects do you find irrelevant? Feel free to be specific about each version of HOMM.
3. A lot of noise has been made about the percieved sexism in HOMM5. For example the "good guys" seem to be men and the "baddies" all seem to be women. (And then of course there's that infamous Dungeon Heroine.) I want to know if you find this annoying or offensive, or not at all.
4. Due to HOMM5's "darker" and more violent nature (and also the above mentioned percieved sexism ) I'm curious if you think you will be less likely to buy and play HOMM5 (In answering this question please ignore the impact the system requirements will have on you)
Me? Well. ..
1. I'm good at Math, I just don't want to do it for the rest of my life. I'd rather work in designing video games and characters.
2. What I like about HoMM. . .The addictive nature. . .variety of towns, troops and heroes. . .combat. . .the music. . .building up towns. . .Casting spells. . .the Skill and Artifact systems. . .I guess I like all of it.
3. As long as I don't see internet people going like "wtf!? tht d4k 3lf is the h0t qu33n!!!!", or people buying the game just for the girls' looks, I don't care. It's a HoMM game and that's all that matters. Although being a character designer and feminist myself, I find it a bit offensive when people allow women to walk around parading like THAT.
4. I just said, it's a HoMM game and that's all that matters. I don't care about the game's supposed increased graphic look. In video games, there's no way to avoid violence.
P.S Please ignore my lame attempt at writing l33t. It was my first time, and it was rather painful. I always use and write proper English.
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted April 20, 2006 05:39 PM |
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womennnnnnn
need more womennnnnnn for my expehhhhhhriments
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Guitarguy
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Rockoon.
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posted April 20, 2006 05:54 PM |
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Hmmm, you'd have 2 more if LG and LR come around.
Or is that only 1???
-Guitarguy
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TNT_Addict
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Beautiful Liar
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posted April 20, 2006 05:54 PM |
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russ
Promising
Supreme Hero
blah, blah, blah
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posted April 20, 2006 06:03 PM |
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There's also GG (the female GG version).
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted April 20, 2006 06:09 PM |
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Quote:
Hmmm, you'd have 2 more if LG and LR come around.
Actually GuitarGuy that would be zero, which is an endless source of puzzlement to me...
[edit] This is because neither LG nor LR play HOMM 
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Guitarguy
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Rockoon.
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posted April 20, 2006 06:09 PM |
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Quote:
There's also GG (the female GG version).
You were *this* close to looking like your avatar, Russ...
-Guitarguy
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FriendOfGunnar
Honorable
Legendary Hero
able to speed up time
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posted April 20, 2006 06:59 PM |
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on a more serious note
If there's any women still reading this, please ignore the spam. I'm actually trying to go somewhere with this thread...
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russ
Promising
Supreme Hero
blah, blah, blah
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posted April 20, 2006 07:02 PM |
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Where are you going with this, Zigmund Freud Jr.?
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