I'm not sure if the results of that study were interpreted correctly. If you morph lots of faces together, the average face will probably look symmetrical, which looks more attractive than an asymmetrical one.

I think it's very true you can't make any assumptions about what a particular person likes based on generalizations (I myself never seem to like what most others seem to like). However, I have never heard of any woman saying she likes beefy dudes. Muscular maybe, but definitely not the types you see in games. I'm not saying these women don't exist, I'm saying I've never know of one.

Exactly. The Barbarian is the male ideal of 'sexiness' from a male perspective, while the female with the chainmail bikini is the female ideal of 'sexiness' from a male perspective. They are both archtypes created by males for males, and while neither may be very realistic, what is true is that they don't take into account female perspectives.

Good point. I've never thought about that, but it certainly makes sense, and would be a factor very hard to control.

Yep. My remarks were meant in a general way, i.e. not as a specific reply to your post. The topic was just touching one of my pet peeves (the huge amount of effort that many people put into changing themselves into some stereotype that they _assume_ to be more attractive, instead of embracing the individual differences that make them stand out from the crowd).

You're probably right in saying that the current popular ideal of male attractivity is more Bloom-ish than Bean-ish. On the other hand, The Woman Of My Dreams (tm) absolutely adores Alan Rickman (luckily enough he isn't exactly available), another girl I know was infatuated with Andre the Giant, and in general I'm just happy that the variety in preference/taste matches the variety of human shapes and characters. ;)

I know exactly what you mean! I've never been attracted myself to the "traditionally good-looking" men or poster boys, instead I think faces with some "imperfections" look more interesting. Sometimes I think it's a pity how many perfectly pretty females like to cover all of their unique features under so much make-up they end up looking like a plastic doll made from the same mold as a million others.

BTW, this is the most attractive RPG character to me:

http://www.gibberlings3.net/images/npcportraits/portrait_gavin.png

(No, really! :-P)

Well, I... had some kind of... relation to a girl some years ago who... umm... surely doesn't fit the beauty ideal of the immoralic western civilization. So I naturally have to agree.
(Well, it's hard to find a really ugly girl anyway even if you search for one.)

I've heard of Captain Woodcock and the Impotents for awhile, Bulgy Codpieces could actually work:)

So you're gonna tell me this guy: http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/CymTyr/tim3.jpg

is more attractive than this guy: http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/CymTyr/Screenshot20091104113245102.jpg

Sweet. I have now confirmed I'm sexier than a dwarf that doesn't exist. Also, I don't have long hair anymore.

ALSO ALSO: If you want a good game with a female protagonist that I do not remember as being portrayed in a sexist way, I would highly recommend The Longest Journey.

Dwarves are sexy, yes. But are they as sexy as.... *wait for it*

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/CymTyr/AlienBuddha.jpg

We don't...really tend to do that here. Much. Welcome to the GOG forums - hope you stick around! :D

Seconded. TLJ is a fantastic game (though not an RPG) and April is a great character all around.

To the OP: I recommend Bioware RPGs, such as the Baldur's Gate saga and Mass Effect, if you want to play a great RPG with a kick-ass female character.

Way sexier than weird alien dude. Way sexier.

Dwarves rock. And yes, they are sexy---because they aren't out there worrying about whether their abs look good, they're getting on with taking care of important stuff!

Like drinking:)