Editor’s Note: This is the first year we are running the “Best Heroine” category. Female protagonists were previously included under “Best Hero”
BEST HEROINE
It is that time once again when we here at oprainfall pick our favorite games, characters, and music for our yearly awards. This year saw a bunch of great heroines in gaming from the crazy antics of Gamindustri’s own Neptune to the bad ass sword wielding of Sword Art Online‘s Asuna.
The question is which girls made an impression on our staff and were voted to be the best of the best, let’s find out!
Neptune (Megadimenson Neptunia V-II)
NA Release Date: February 2, 2016
Platform(s):PlayStation 4, Steam
First up we have Neptune from the Neptunia franchise. As one of the four Goddesses that rule over Gamindustri, Neptune heroically keeps the peace in her nation. While certainly not the hardest working Goddess, Neptune’s cheerful personality and love for her friends makes her very enduring. This is very much shown in Megadimension Neptunia V-II as her and her sister are sucked into a strange dimension. While most people would panic, Neptune just looks on the bright side of things and works hard to help out their new friend Uzume. She may enjoy pudding more than fighting, but never underestimate her resolve when the world is in need of a savior.
Aranea Highwind (Final Fantasy XV)
NA Release Date: November 29, 2016
Platform(s):PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Next up we have Final Fantasy XV’s very own Aranea Highwind. This free spirited mercenary stole the hearts of several of our staff members during their time with the game. Aranea is very strong willed and independent. She shows this by being a strong leader and her followers, Biggs and Wedge, would follow her to very ends of the world, no matter which side of the war she was fighting for. With all these qualities it is no wonder this bad ass woman was a favorite of our staff and fans alike.
Gwendolyn (Odin Sphere Leifthrasir)
NA Release Date: June 7, 2016
Platform(s):PlayStation 3, PlayStaion 4, PlayStation TV, PlayStation Vita
The next heroine to receive a nomination is none other than Gwendolyn from Odin Sphere Leifthrasir. The fearless lady is never afraid to walk into battle with anyone against any odds. Though she one of the toughest ladies you will ever meet, she still grapples with issues of love and acceptance. This gives her a real human quality and is likely reason why she became so endearing to our staff.
Meiya Mitsurugi (Muv-Luv)
NA Release Date: July 14, 2016
Platform(s): PC, Steam
Our next nominee comes from what some would consider the greatest Visual Novel ever: Meiya Mitsurugi from Muv-Luv. Though her background varies a bit depending on which Muv-Luv universe you’re in, one thing is consistent, this strong woman is both beautiful and headstrong. Never backing down from an enemy or a romantic rival, it’s no wonder she won our hearts to secure herself a nomination.
Yumi (Senran Kagura: Estival Versus)
NA Release Date: March 15, 2016
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation TV, PlayStation Vita
Our final nominee is none other Yumi from Senran Kagura. Saying Yumi has a strong sense of justice is an understatement, though it is pretty cute when she calls random things evil. Always there to help her Gessen School Classmates, with a sister’s love she can come off as cold at times, but she is really one of the most caring shinobi of all. This is very much shown in Senran Kagura: Estival Versus as she must come to terms with loss, of her and her team’s grandfather and mentor Kurokage, supporting her Classmates through their grief. Yumi is proof that sometimes the people that appear the coldest can have the warmest of hearts.
And the winner of oprainfall’s Best Heroine of 2016 is:
Neptune (Megadimenson Neptunia V-II)
Neptune’s always positive personality, devotion to her friends, and willingness to face any challenge has put her on top of all the other heroines on our list. She may not be the most active Goddess or the most serious, but when duty calls she’ll put down the controller and get ready for action, unless eggplants are involved.
