How do you determine which character to select?

[Nirvana]

There's so many games where you have the option to select a character. Whether it be selecting a fighter in Street Fighter, or determining who will be in your party in Chrono Trigger. Or who you're going to select in that TMNT arcade game. Well, let's say you don't have any knowledge of the character outside of what the game has given you.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty big on physical appearance. I chose Guile in Street Fighter when I was little because I thought his haircut was cool (hey, I was little >_> ). Also, in FFVII, I thought having Vincent in my party was awesome because he had a gun and his character design was just awesome, IMO. Growing up, I got the habit of picking female characters in games because I think the idea of getting beat up by a girl is awesome.

I know it kind of depends on the game, but what helps you choose your character?

[Astrosmash]

There's so many games where you have the option to select a character. Whether it be selecting a fighter in Street Fighter, or determining who will be in your party in Chrono Trigger. Or who you're going to select in that TMNT arcade game. Well, let's say you don't have any knowledge of the character outside of what the game has given you.

I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty big on physical appearance. I chose Guile in Street Fighter when I was little because I thought his haircut was cool (hey, I was little >_> ). Also, in FFVII, I thought having Vincent in my party was awesome because he had a gun and his character design was just awesome, IMO. Growing up, I got the habit of picking female characters in games because I think the idea of getting beat up by a girl is awesome.

I know it kind of depends on the game, but what helps you choose your character?

With RPGs (like I have time to play them anymore!), unless characters are forced into the party I typically try to cycle the characters frequently to level evenly, but I'll sometimes put in a particular character for particular sections either for skill or story purposes (i.e. I usually have Magus in my party for the end of the Black Omen in Chrono Trigger).

For fighters, usually it's just whoever I feel like using, usually for no particular reason. (Though if I'm in a serious 2-player battle in Super Street Fighter II, it'll almost always be Cammy as she's my best character.)

[j_factor]

In RPGs I usually just base it on the characters class/job or abilities. Like in FF6, I really like Edgar and Sabin for the tool and blitz abilities, and I tend to avoid characters with more iffy special abilities like Setzer and Relm, or abilities that require grinding like Setzer and Gau. My favorite is Gogo, for the cheapness.

In fighting games I tend to pick a character or two that I find interesting, and stick with them. I don't care for the slow, lumbering characters, but I don't necessarily go for the fastest either.


Growing up, I got the habit of picking female characters in games because I think the idea of getting beat up by a girl is awesome.

...

[SPAZ-12]

In games where the characters are equal in abilities (i.e. any 007 game on multiplayer) I usually pick a female character, for something to look at while playing. So it all comes down to looks.

For other games, the first time I play it I choose based upon looks, but I try out all of the characters and then focus on a couple that seem suited to me. For example, I always play as Zelda in SSB Melee or Brawl, because I like her long range and magic attacks. So for those games I find a character I can play with, and then develop my abilities around that player.

Oh, and I agree with Nirvana. One of the reasons that I love playing as Zelda in SSB is that people first laugh at you, and then seem amazed when they just got their asses kicked by a girl (character).

[Ronfar]

As far as fighting games go, I tend to lean more towards someones whose speed is top notch.

[ryborg]

I generally take the weakest character(s) because I've always been a fan of the underdog, plus it makes the game a little more challenging. It's especially rewarding when you can beat a game like the first Final Fantasy with two thieves, a black belt and a white mage.

[Ed Oscuro]

"Special endowments." Just the reason why there's been only one character I gravitate towards in this week's Game of the Week club (Metamoquester).

[Cryomancer]

Breast Size.

Seriously though I tend to play female when it's an opinon, especially in a third-person game. All thsoe years I got called "gay" for playing a female in PSO...well if I'm staring at my character's ass the entire time you're damn right I'm playing female. Most of thoe cases it was always a short HUmar with DBZ hair too, so I feel doubly-justified in ignoring their opinions.

The girls in fighting games are also generally the faster ones, which is my preference in the genre. And I shouldn't even need to explain the desire of playing as the princess in mario 2.

Obviously if there are more useful characters gameplay-wise I will take them, but if it's down to choosing from a list of clones, I'll take the hot one.

[Arcade_Ness]

In RPGs I usually pick who is the most powerful, and if I personally like the character's design and background.

In Fighting Games I usually gravitate towards female characters, as they have speed and are easy on the eyes. On the other hand if I like a character's design and style enough it doesn't matter what gender they are, or if they're even human. Finally, it depends on the character's moveset as well, if I don't feel comfortable with pulling off their moves then I'll pick someone else. Which is why I stay away from charge characters or grapplers.

[Sonicwolf]

I dont play fighting games much so I just pick whatever the hell I feel like it. If its Super Smash Bros. I usually pick Pikachu for the use of its pika-lightning-spam... If its Melee then I pick Ganondorf, my best character. Unfortunately they wrecked him in brawl. He is nothing but a ridiculous, slow fatass.

[DefaultGen]

.....

[c0ldb33r]

Seriously though I tend to play female when it's an opinon, especially in a third-person game. ...if I'm staring at my character's ass the entire time you're damn right I'm playing female.
Wow, I was going to post the exact same thing. I'd rather stare at some chick's posterior for hours rather than some dude's. Anyone that's used Fran in FFXII knows what I'm talkin' about ;)

[Sabz5150]

Breast Size.

Might I suggest the new Super Robot Taisen game released recently. Hueg like Xbox.

I'm one for magic users. Given the choice to get up in your face with a sword or set you on fire from a distance, I'll choose the BBQ every time.

Tossing in a few cents towards the female character chat, my Nocturne lineup is almost exclusively female... just happened to work that way, they have all the power and spells I require. As long as they lay waste to my enemies, they can be whatever gender they want.

[123►Genei-Jin]

It depends on the game for me. When I first saw SF World Warrior I went straight to Chun-Li, but when I had the chance to play the SNES version and test all the characters I ended up playing Guile and Sagat way more than any other character.

In KOF i just play random select most of the time, my mains are just a mixed bag depending on which KOF I'm playing (Kyo, Goro, Shermie, Mature, Angel)

RPGs where you get to create your own character (Baldur's gate, Oblivion, Fallout, KOTOR...) I normally play female characters, probably for the same reason as Cryomancer.

Old school beat 'em ups I just try all the characters whenever I have (AKA when I get my ass handed by the CPU and get to change characters after hitting continue)

[Draven]

Wow, I was going to post the exact same thing. I'd rather stare at some chick's posterior for hours rather than some dude's. Anyone that's used Fran in FFXII knows what I'm talkin' about ;)

Scary. Same here. I try female fighters first on beat-em ups for this reason (especially if they have bouncy, digitized jubblies). I almost always revert back to males once I figure everyone's moves out, though.

When it first came out I remember playing as Dahlsim on SF2 because I felt like I was accomplishing a special move every time his limbs would stretch...or I'd play as Chun Li and do the fast kick.

On MK it HAD to be the 2 ninjas!! Ironically, they are still my favorites from the series (as they are with alot of people, I'm sure).

I tend to keep away from RPG's, so no input there.

[shopkins]

Yeah, I go for the cute chick. I'm shallow, but there you go.

In RPGs with more characters than you can have in your party at one time I try to make sure everyone gets a turn, though. I feel bad about benching someone for the whole game.

[MissingNo_1231]

I guess I go for the badass-ness factor, if that's what you can call it.

Whichever character looks the most badass.

In FFVII I had Cloud, Red XIII and Vincent Valentine. I would have traded Cloud for Barrett, but I don't think it's allowed.

In Chrono Trigger I had Chrono, Frog, and Magus.

As far as fighters, in Mortal Kombat I prefer Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Reptile, and all their various clones.

In Street Fighter I've always liked Blanca.

I don't know if that serves as much of an explanation or not.

[skaar]

I always play the chick first. Mainly for speed, but the previous "Hey I'd rather stare at a chick than a dude all the time" argument would also stand.

It also makes it really easy to decide in most games. If there are multiples I'll choose the tomboyish one ;)

[mnbren05]

Gotta go with the coolest looking/strong players that still have a bit of quickness over the high defense slow huge characters. Ex. include Ryu, Guile, Captain Falcon, Link, and Johnny Cage. I also will toss a female character from time to time to spice things up.

[Xian042]

I usually go for the guy that nobody else would pick. Anyone that looks strage or underpowered or difficult. Like in Phantasy Star Online I picked the Magician, because I read he was underpowered and can't use guns. I make it a point to show that an underdog can be useful. Or in Soulcalibur I picked Voldo first because he was freaky. My main in Street Fighter is Dhalsim, I always shock everyone when I pick him and whoop their arse.

[PentiumMMX]

It's usually a matter of which character has the most even balance of abilities in RPGs, or in anything else, it boils down to which character looks cooler.

[The 1 2 P]

In games where you can pick a male or female character(Star Wars: Rebel Assault) I generally use the male and play the second time thru with the chic.

For fighting games, I pick the character with the biggest jiggle potential. Why not have some jiggle to go along with your air juggos? Breast FTW.

Although I do play with alot of female characters(Mai in KOF, Julia in Tekken, Mileena in MK) I also like to have atleast one or more back up characters to use just in case the "girl kicking your ass" thing doesn't work. But in fighting games it basically comes down to who's move set I like the best.

[Shaq-Funaki]

With fighters, I use the character I can use well. With Street Fighter I use Sagat because I am really good with him and he's cheap as hell. With Smash Bros. I use Luigi (his super thing in Brawl is him getting high...) and Jigglypuff (Getting beat by Jigglypuff=PWNAGE).

With RPG's, I use the best characters first and by appearance second. With FF7 I use Cloud, Cid, and Red whatever the number is. I used Cid because his limit break was really good and Red because he looked cool.

With TMNT I always use Donatello. His bow is the best weapon. usually with beat em ups, I don't really care. Except for X-Men (I hate Dazzler, stupid firecracker b****)

[thom_m]

It depends on the game. The only well-defined rules:

- On console Beat'em ups, I always prefer the big-strong-slow guy: Haggar in all Final Fights, Max in SoR 2, Pimple in Battlemaniacs.

- On Konami four-player arcades (Like TMNT or Simpsons), I always take player 3. They're always the best/cooler character: Donatello, Bart, Bob on Sunsetriders...

[Rickstilwell1]

Breast Size.

Seriously though I tend to play female when it's an opinon, especially in a third-person game. All thsoe years I got called "gay" for playing a female in PSO...well if I'm staring at my character's ass the entire time you're damn right I'm playing female. Most of thoe cases it was always a short HUmar with DBZ hair too, so I feel doubly-justified in ignoring their opinions.

The girls in fighting games are also generally the faster ones, which is my preference in the genre. And I shouldn't even need to explain the desire of playing as the princess in mario 2.

Obviously if there are more useful characters gameplay-wise I will take them, but if it's down to choosing from a list of clones, I'll take the hot one.

I second that. But also I haven't had the experience of playing online so I don't get any trouble from the Peanut Gallery. Why else do guys appreciate Tomb Raider so much?

[Lady Jaye]

In RPGs (including hack n slash games), I always choose a warrior, a female character if possible (when there is one available as a warrior).

[StakeRaiser]

Firmness of buttocks

[exit]

In fighters I usually go by the characters face at first, it's kind hard to explain it, but if they have that one particular expression I'm looking for I pick them. If it's Street Fighter I always choose Chun Li first, I was almost unbeatable with her in SFII on SNES and I'm still decent with her in the newer ones. In 4 player coin-ops I usually choose my favorite character (Donatello ftw!), or whoever has the oddest presentation, I sometimes use Marge in The Simpsons game because she beat people up with a fucking vacuum.

In RPGs it depends on how useful the character is to me, so if I can't find a single use for a characters abilities, then I'll more than likely never use them. If it's a hack and slash, unless there's some kind of customization to even abilities out, I usually go for the warrior.

[bangtango]

-On console Beat'em ups, I always prefer the big-strong-slow guy: Haggar in all Final Fights...

Good answer.

For me, it depends on the game but usually falls into one of the following categories.

1. Sometimes I can't resist taking the true "star" of the game: examples? Terry Bogard in Fatal Fury games. Mario in SMB 2, SMK and the "party" games. Ryu in Street Fighter 2. Sonic the Hedgehog in "Sonic" games.

2. Like thom said, I also like the "strongest" characters. So I'm apt to take Toad in SMB 2 (I always use either him or Mario, never the other 2). I like to use Haggar in the Final Fight's. When I don't use Terry Bogard in a Fatal Fury game, if he is available in that installment I always use Big Bear.

I use a slightly different formula in a sports game........

When doing fantasy drafts for sports games, I almost always choose veteran guys that I am familiar with, people who had been in the league for a long time by the time the game was released. Even if their stats aren't very good anymore, I usually prefer using veteran players that I've actually heard of in sports games to lower priced rookies or fictional players.

Point being, I don't draft a lot of rookies in fantasy draft. If I want to play with rookie players, I'll either create them in "Create a Player" to help fill a need on my roster if the free agent pool is thin or just pick them up the following season in the rookie draft.

Plus in sports games that use a fantasy draft (such as Madden or 2K), I usually avoid selecting guys that don't have a "stock photo" on their player profile. As you know, in most of these games about 50-60% of the players have a real photo and the rest have either a generic face on their player profile or no picture at all.

[Steve W]

Seriously though I tend to play female when it's an opinon, especially in a third-person game. All thsoe years I got called "gay" for playing a female in PSO...well if I'm staring at my character's ass the entire time you're damn right I'm playing female. Most of thoe cases it was always a short HUmar with DBZ hair too, so I feel doubly-justified in ignoring their opinions.
My first character in Phantasy Star Online was (I can't remember the class) an android female, the one that looks like a French maid (gotta love the Japanese with their maid fetish). I chose an android because I was just starting out and didn't want to mess with techniques, I just wanted more action and less spell casting. I got the character to a pretty high level offline, and considered going online with it, but I was a bit embarrassed of playing a cute female French maid android online, so I never did. Well, I have an aversion to playing online due to me hating humanity with every beat of my cold black heart, so that played a role in my decision too. :)

I've since created other characters, especially with the GameCube version (all the good ones got erased when I accidentally slightly nudged my third-party memory card while it was saving) and I've nearly always chosen male characters.

Here's a quick question: is the Xbox version of PSO now worthless since it can't be played either online or offline without Xbox Live, which (I believe) doesn't support the original Xbox anymore?

[todesengel]

Always a female character if there is one, not sure why I do it just seems to be a habit.

[Sparkster]

SFII I started with Blanka because he was the most effective, especially with the biting and the electricity. But Ryu has since become more effective - mostly for the distance attacks. But I often do random just to see how well I fare with other characters.

Eternal Champions, I used Trident because he has a devastating triple-combo that can take off 2/3 of the opponent's health.

SMB2, I was pretty selective based on who would be most effective for the particular level (Princess for hard jumping, Toad for speed). I often use Mario because he has better jumping than Toad.

RPGs don't matter... I use the strongest guys available to me. DW3, I was curious as to how ridiculous the goof-off could be. But I grouped him with the hero, a fighter and a pilgrim (later Sage).

So if we were going brand spanking new with a game, I think I would go with whoever is fastest.

[Vkmies]

With RPG's i tend picking the characters with different styles. Like one mage,warrior,rogue and so on. With fighting games, i first pick the coolest, after that i tend to see the fighting styles. First time i played Virtua Fighter 2 ( i think it was 2...) i was like: DAMN! A ninja, that must be cool... He is still one of my favourite fighting game characters!

[Jorpho]

If some of you people always choose the hot chick, how would you make the choice in, say, Rumble Roses?


whoever has the most ridiculous character design (Kusaregedo!)Indeed, all other factors being equal, ridiculous character design is the way to go in my book. If I'm going to lose badly, I might as well look amusing in the process. (I recall kicking some major butt with Alex in Tekken 3 once.)

Otherwise, I tend to go with the "balanced" character to start with - though of course I usually end up giving all the characters a whirl eventually.

[Iron Draggon]

I usually just choose whatever character/vehicle is highlighted by default... sometimes I choose whichever one I think looks the coolest... otherwise I choose whichever one is the most balanced... or I just choose at random