Now we can look forward to a continuation of this series with updated graphics and mechanics.
But the technology isn’t the only thing aboutV:tMBthat’s in need of an update.
Fans were excited to hear that the original writer of the first game was returning for the sequel.
Theres only two named characters out of the entire cast who are Black: Skelter and Fat Larry.
He initially threatens the player upon meeting, and is aggressive in almost all of his dialogue options.
Hes an arms dealer with a big afro that sells illicit items out the back of his pickup truck.
via Youtube
I dont think I need to tell you what kinds of stereotypes thats tapping into.
Do Black men like Skelter and Larry exist in real life?
Statistically, yes, obviously.
Does their portrayal encompass the entirety of Black male dispositions?
Obviously not and therein lies the problem.
The same argument holds for Nines Rodriguez, the only named Latino character in the game.
(To say nothing of Black and Latina women, who make no appearance in the game.)
Its a lot to stomach at once.
Almost every Asian NPC speaks with heavily accented English, responding to the players approaches with No English.
Theres even a point where an NPC loudly chastises a coworker for neglecting their English studies.
More major characters meant to be sympathetic are still portrayed as passive and helpless.
What troubles me in particular is the misogyny thats present in the Orientalism.
There are four named Asian female characters in the game, all of whom who speak in perfect English.
That is, onlyafterpeople hear me speak, of course.
This perfectly encapsulates the damned if I do, damned if I dont conundrum that the Asian-American community faces.
The moment we attain that fluency, however, we are immediately branded as bratty and entitled.
Theyre robbed of an active, legitimate voice, no matter what they do.
Ming-Xiao, one of the games principal antagonists, occupies a specific trope within this perception.
In conversations with her, its clear that shes an intelligent and insightful individual in her own right.
Even her own dialogue is needlessly condescending without presenting a reason for her being so.
Why does she lie and manipulate?
Why does she amass power?
Why does she sow chaos in Chinatown to consolidate her control?
Why does she take an interest in controlling L.A., and why does she go after the sarcophagus?
Why does she make all those arrangements and deals with Prince Lacroix?
There is no denying that Ming-Xiaos depiction is reminiscent of this prejudice, if not directly influenced by it.
Sure, maybe her character is more an example of a badly written antagonist than intentional racism.
And then theres Yukie, whose depiction feels like road salt rubbed into a raw wound.
The concentrated mixture of fetishization and infantilization of Asian girls into this one character is absolutely nauseating.
And the way that she talks is… just… indescribably insulting.
It even stands a good chance of being the next big thing in vampire game media.
Because itcando so much better.
Heres hoping it will.
Berkeley, California: Univ.
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