Although it’s true that the gaming world is still less than perfect when it comes to equal representation, there have been some notable strides in the past decade. It’s unfair to assume that no progress has been made and to dismiss the games that do portray women in a positive light.
There are some badasses out there such as Sheik from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Laura Croft from Tomb Raider.
Not everything has to be about power play. Not every woman’s role has to be sexualised or submissive.
For example, Hildegard von Krone from Soul Caliber IV is a female warrior who is very much not sexualised in the game. The armor she wears is actually practical, and even her alternate outfit is elegant. Interestingly, director Katsutoshi Sasaki described Hilde as the “most alluring” female character in the game!
Additionally, Alyx from Half Life 2 is fiercely independent. She is immensely skilled at hacking and engineering and easily able to hold her own in a fight. Cheerful, witty and even practically attired, few people wouldn’t want Alyx on their side.