(German translation here / deutsche Übersetzung hier)
If you’re looking for a multiplayer fantasy game in which sorceress babes flounce into combat armed in their ever pragmatic bikinis, or who violently hack and slash away at their friends in a gore filled frenzy of carnage, or who titter inanely in the background doing nothing at all, then best don’t read on because Villagers and Heroes is, refreshingly, not that game.
Welcome to a land you’ll never want to leave – it’s a place where women wear clothes and debate the statistics of ice javelin damage ratios instead of bosom dimensions; where they coordinate community projects as opposed to raiding their neighbors’ crops, and where, instead of slaughtering each other, they thrillingly battle, in strategic coordination with their teammates, all manner of challenging monsters and foes in a surprisingly bloodless fashion.
Villagers and Heroes is a rare gem in today’s gaming world, not simply because of its remarkable lack of sexism and depictions of graphic violence, but rather because of the consequences of those choices – it is a wonderfully civilized group of people who play this game, and it is their personalities, generous, respectful, and intelligent, which have created such a positive environment, one in which women can especially thrive. And they do.
Women of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities have discovered that Villagers and Heroes offers them something that so many other MMOs do not: a place where they can simply be themselves. Armed with choices, beginning with an assortment of non-degrading character ‘toons’ to select from, the female players, from the moment they step into this intoxicating world, are free to do, and be, exactly as they please. And whether it’s combat, crafting, questing, or even just organizing vaults for hours on end, they will always be in good company.
So to any and all prospective players out there, please know that a game does exist in which men and women are treated equally. And perhaps because of this, not only is a great deal of fun had by both sexes and lasting friendships made, but Villagers and Heroes has gathered within its fold a particularly thoughtful and strong-minded group of women. But don’t take my word for it. Read for yourselves what they had to say about their experiences in the game, what drew them to it, and just what it is that keeps them playing.
-- Sarah Otter
“I like that I can choose a female character and still be able to take care of myself.” – Fauna G Windspirit
“It makes this game quite unique. The complete equality between male and female characters (down to the distribution of male and female NPC and their "jobs"), the lack of gore and exaggerated depictions of violence, the cartoonish but not too childish look, the absolute absence of PvP and competitiveness, but a heavy stress on working together, all the other non-violent activities the game has to offer (gardening etc. And crafting. I hate crafting.) All of this might be appealing to women, and it should be highlighted more, so that women looking for games might give this one a try.” – Mackiai
“We were not defined or confined by the fact we were playing a female character…I guess you could say, there are no limitations in this game, just because you play a female toon. No preset expectation of what you should or should not be able to accomplish.” – Soy Azeltin
“I loved the fact that the female "toons" themselves weren't just the "bubbleheaded side-kick" to the warriors I saw in so many other games at that time, the half-dressed buxom toons that were all over the searches. But here they are just as awesome and could hold their own in a fight. That the classes are limited only by the imagination of the player and we aren't led around by the nose and made to do certain tasks at certain times but instead are free to do what we please, when we please, or free to just stand in one place and goof off with friends.” – IrishElf
“This is the first game I played that has an actual character that I can see. Being able to pick out my own look is a huge plus.” -- Myst
“The one thing I love most about this game is the community! I have played Runescape, World of Warcraft, and many other games over the years. This is the only game I keep coming back to. We are like a family not just in our guilds but in general game play as well. Everyone (give or take) works together as a whole to accomplish things from crafting to bounty hunting. I love that my toon doesn't have a rack the size of a baboons butt, or hips that make hippo's envious.” – Trillium
“I never really knew why people went out of their way to help, but having played so long now I have adopted that same nature and continue to pay it forward, hoping that those that I help do the same to continue growing a friendly environment in which players can log on to relax and make friends.” – Scarlet
“I LOVE the community here…I've made (and, sadly, lost) too many friends to leave. I've had so many joys and tears with this game....so many memories, parties, etc. I’ve seen many faces come and go. When they leave, I always tell them I’ll leave the lights on for them.” – DaimTest
“The market is saturated with PvP glorifying games, where even your friends are your enemy; there are also countless 'no-brainer' type games out there, but very few that appeal to the growing number of reasonably mature, credit card wielding women who wish to spend a bit of stress free, quality time on line. So far this game is providing all that.” – Kaydee
“Another thing I truly enjoy is the fact that I can work together with other players if I want to, but when I’m in the mood for a bit more solitude, I can do almost everything on my own as well. The community on the German server is great, and I was surprised to find out just how many women play V&H, as I was (wrongly - and probably misguided by the media) under the impression that computer games and especially MMOs are more of a “guy thing.”” – Bluerider
“I love this game! I've logged on almost every single day since I began playing back in 2012. But what I like best is the energy that comes from other players. I spend hours standing around in Ardent just chatting, cracking jokes, teasing and flirting, but also lending a sympathetic ear, asking for advice and helping others with questions.” – Vinalso
“I can’t stop playing and wouldn’t try! I do want to add that there are quite a few of us "older" or more mature female players in here too, I happen to be in my sixties and have never played any other games like this before. A friend kept telling me I should play this game and after a few months I decided to try V&H and haven't looked back! I love the friends I've made, how everyone helps each other.. whether it's crafting or killing those "multi-legged" critters and just the game itself!” – Madd Mary