There’s something rather unusual appearing in the latest Gears of War game: women. More specifically, Gears of War 3 is the first game in the series to feature female characters who aren’t simply NPCs. Kotaku was quick to point out that, according to the universe’s lore, women have been primarily required to pump out babies in order to replace those lost in the Locust invasions (those women that do take part in any fighting tend to only do so as they can’t have kids); nice.

Gears of War 3, however, is to feature Anya Stroud, daughter of Major Helena Stroud. Raised by her mother, Anya is, sure enough, one of the aforementioned women who is unable to have kids and thus allowed to perform military service. However, she is probably one of the best developed female characters in the game, having an integral role in a number of the universe’s key events (albeit generally not on the field).

Anya Stroud is also to be accompanied by two other prominent female comrades: Samantha Byrne and Bernadette Mataki. Samantha (or Sam) is a tattoo artist and serial risk taker, claiming to be more willing to take chances than her fellow male Gears (much to her superiors’ collective chagrin). Bernadette (or Bernie) joined the army at eighteen when she was told by a male recruiter than women didn’t make good snipers, later leaving her disgruntled husband at home to look after the farm they bought together when they married. She’s certainly a tough old bird (her dreads may be going grey but she still looks badass), and is widely known for her many and varied skills.

Can these depictions still be considered in some way sexist? Clearly the best way to find out is to get hold of a copy of Gears of War 3 when it comes out and see for yourself.

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