HOTTEST GIRL
Previous Winners
2012: Syrenne (The Last Story)
2013: Anna (Fire Emblem: Awakening)
2014: Neptune (Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1)
2015: Katsuragi (Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson)
There were a lot of great candidates this year for “Hottest Girl”, perhaps even more than in previous years. Before we narrowed it down through voting, there were 40 or more fetching ladies, which is kind of crazy. Luckily, we were able to cull it down to 5 lovely ladies from all walks of life. Ranging from wyvern riding mages to grope-happy ninjas to purple haired goddesses to Pokémon trainers to Dragoons. The one thing they all have in common is that none of these ladies are damsels in distress. Each and every one of them can hold their own and are as badass as they are beautiful. The following ladies, presented in alphabetical order, are Oprainfall’s five “Hottest Girls” of 2017.
Aranea Highwind – Final Fantasy XV
NA Release Date: November 29, 2016
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Our first lovely lady is a formidable lancer from Final Fantasy XV. Though I didn’t play that particular game, the impression I get from everyone who did is that Aranea Highwind is equal parts lovely and deadly. It’s odd that she wasn’t a main character in the game, yet she was still able to steal the show. She starts out the game as a captain of the Third Army Z-Corps 87th Airborne Units, but that changes when doubts take root in her heart about the actions of her empire. Aranea then becomes a freedom fighter of sorts, aiding refugees and retaliating against her former allies. Strong moral convictions are definitely sexy on their own, but when paired with finesse, power, and beauty, it makes for a heady mixture.
Camilla – Fire Emblem Fates
NA Release Date: February 19, 2016
Platform(s): 3DS
Aranea may be a beauty, but in my humble opinion, she’s got nothing on everyone’s favorite big sister, Camilla! I fell in love with Camilla the minute I saw her introduced in the first Fates trailer, and that love only grew when I saw how delightfully twisted she was. You’d think that would be negative, but keep in mind my other favorite Fire Emblem lady is none other than Tharja, who is kind of known for being naughty. Camilla’s only downside is the voice actress chosen to play her sounds like an old, matronly grandmother, but even that doesn’t detract much from how lovely, fierce and downright entertaining Camilla is. Quickly shifting from doting sister to fierce savior in a single breath, her duality was the thing I liked most about her. Just something about me and purple haired women, I guess…
Katsuragi – Senran Kagura: Estival Versus
NA Release Date: March 15, 2016
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation TV
Katsuragi is a very special person. And by special, I mean the dirtiest old man who’s actually a woman. I don’t know if it’s because she’s a lesbian or just enjoys the discomfort of her fellow shinobi, but it’s always entertaining watching Kat grope and harass both friend and foe. If that was all she was, she wouldn’t rank so high, but Kat is also a fierce fighter, laying a swath of devastation with her fancy footwear, and also a very loyal friend. That last part might seem like a contradiction, but Katsuragi is complex enough to be both a pain in the ass and a stalwart ally. When the chips fall, she will always be there to support her friends, even if it’s just their softest parts…
Neptune – MegaDimension Neptunia V-II
NA Release Date: February 2, 2016
Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Steam
On the topic of purple haired beauties, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention everyone’s favorite goddess, Neptune! Gameindustri’s finest and snarkiest lady had to make it on our list since she is another fierce and lovely woman. Granted, she’s a bit more childish than many of the other candidates, but none of that matters when she transforms into a literal goddess. Neptune may be lazy most of the time, but she is able to dole out the punishment when she needs to.
Olivia – Pokemon Sun/Moon
NA Release Date: November 18, 2016
Platform(s): 3DS
I admit I was taken by surprise when introduced to Pokémon Trainer and Elite Four mistress of all Rock-types, Olivia! Usually, you don’t expect attractive women in Pokémon games, let alone mature ones who are tough as nails. Referred to online as the Alolan Beyonce, Olivia certainly earns her title. She isn’t a bimbo or empty-headed beauty, but a very compassionate and often triumphant Pokémon trainer. She is a distinct challenge in the Elite Four and manages to convey her sharp edges with an alluring hint of soft edges. She’s by far my favorite new Elite Four member, and I’m glad to see her take the Pokémon series into a more adult framework. Here’s hoping Sun and Moon aren’t the last we see of the brown skinned beauty.
Hard decision, huh? I admit I wasn’t sure who would win this year. I fully expected Nep-Nep to take the crown or one of the newcomers like Camilla or Olivia. Hell, Katsuragi is a strong and formidable choice as well, but nevertheless, the lady who took the crown this year is none other than…
Aranea Highwind – Final Fantasy XV
Turns out, Final Fantasy XV‘s sexy Dragoon was the one who got the majority of the vote, and for good reason. Here’s hoping we see her take on a more prominent role in a future Final Fantasy game.
