Late in the game I realized...

By the time I got to animating the last sprites (the hardest as Sam's hair kept changing) I realized it would have been easier (and possibly less cliche) to have her be brunette. Alas. Too late.

Sam's brown haired sister, Maggie

Initially, when I started the jam, I came with an idea rather than a mechanic. This is one of the problems with being a writer and not a game designer. I think in terms of story first, gameplay second. Games are (and should be) built gameplay first, story second.

But I really wanted to do something unexpected. To discuss "strong female characters" in a larger frame. Of course, thats what novels and essays are for. But I wanted to talk about how one of my favorite movies, The Secret of NIMH stars an incredibly strong female character. Despite her timidity and fears, she goes on an adventure to save her family. Its the perfect metaphor for what I believe.

We use strength as a gendered term, implicitly. Especially when we frame strength with physical feats. Strength is masculine. But it doesn't have to be. When we talk about strength, we should speak of strength of character. What makes a character strong? I have a theory. Its not about cutting their hair and joining the army (masquerading as a man, naturally). Its not about being a body builder or an archer or competing in a sport not designated for your gender. Its about the things you believe in and those you hold closest – and the lengths you are willing to go to protect/defend all that you hold dear. Its not about being perfect, flawless, and unemotional. Its about being flawed and complex, realizing these faults, and overcoming whatever demons/ problems you face regardless of them.

What makes a good strong character, is a character who, despite their faults, succeeds. Who faces insurmountable – even magically improbable – challenges and at best, wins, at worst, survives.