I liked Naoto a lot. That said, I guess I understand why the way the story unfolded was disappointing for some.
(End-gamey stuff in here)
Getting the impression that Naoto is a transgender man is pretty reasonable in-context, and if Index had pursued that and actually written it well, it could have been a huge, positive moment for a group that basically never gets nuanced representation in games. When the character's real arc is that they're just cross-dressing to assuage professional insecurities, I could see feeling like there was a sort of narrative shell game going on.
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
I liked Naoto a lot. That said, I guess I understand why the way the story unfolded was disappointing for some.
(End-gamey stuff in here)
Getting the impression that Naoto is a transgender man is pretty reasonable in-context, and if Index had pursued that and actually written it well, it could have been a huge, positive moment for a group that basically never gets nuanced representation in games. When the character's real arc is that they're just cross-dressing to assuage professional insecurities, I could see feeling like there was a sort of narrative shell game going on.
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
Naoto is fantastic
I get peoples frustration at feeling like they "chickened out" of making two separate characters non-cis
But I don't think the character is lesser for grappling with gender identity issues and coming out on the other side with a better understanding of who she is just because part of that identity included being cis
I liked Naoto a lot. That said, I guess I understand why the way the story unfolded was disappointing for some.
(End-gamey stuff in here)
Getting the impression that Naoto is a transgender man is pretty reasonable in-context, and if Index had pursued that and actually written it well, it could have been a huge, positive moment for a group that basically never gets nuanced representation in games. When the character's real arc is that they're just cross-dressing to assuage professional insecurities, I could see feeling like there was a sort of narrative shell game going on.
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
but also it's more than that because Naoto presents the same way after being outed and does not correct people who use he/him
I liked Naoto a lot. That said, I guess I understand why the way the story unfolded was disappointing for some.
(End-gamey stuff in here)
Getting the impression that Naoto is a transgender man is pretty reasonable in-context, and if Index had pursued that and actually written it well, it could have been a huge, positive moment for a group that basically never gets nuanced representation in games. When the character's real arc is that they're just cross-dressing to assuage professional insecurities, I could see feeling like there was a sort of narrative shell game going on.
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
but also it's more than that because Naoto presents the same way after being outed and does not correct people who use he/him
So I interpret her as genderqueer
I don't recall anything in the game that would really subvert that interpretation (offhand), though I'm sure if you romance her it'd pretty much torpedo that opinion/understanding of the character, but I don't know if there's anything like that if you're just buds (I thought not).
I liked Naoto a lot. That said, I guess I understand why the way the story unfolded was disappointing for some.
(End-gamey stuff in here)
Getting the impression that Naoto is a transgender man is pretty reasonable in-context, and if Index had pursued that and actually written it well, it could have been a huge, positive moment for a group that basically never gets nuanced representation in games. When the character's real arc is that they're just cross-dressing to assuage professional insecurities, I could see feeling like there was a sort of narrative shell game going on.
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
but also it's more than that because Naoto presents the same way after being outed and does not correct people who use he/him
So I interpret her as genderqueer
Naoto
Yeah, that seems like a pretty reasonable assumption.
I believe Mitsuru actually uses male pronouns when referring to Naoto in P4A, and she never corrects her.
I think that Naoto's gender identity issues weren't fully resolved during the full course of the game, is the thing. Like Kanji, I think that there was a breakthrough made, but while Kanji is explicitly going to continue to explore that space, I don't think the game intimates that Naoto is going to be doing the same. If there was more of an idea that Naoto was going to explore what appeared to be some tendency towards the genderqueer spectrum instead of just stopping after that first breakthrough, I'd feel like the game stuck the landing a little better. That's not to say that the realizations made during the game weren't well-done, but it DOES feel like half the story. That's my gripe, I guess
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
I think that Naoto's gender identity issues weren't fully resolved during the full course of the game, is the thing. Like Kanji, I think that there was a breakthrough made, but while Kanji is explicitly going to continue to explore that space, I don't think the game intimates that Naoto is going to be doing the same. If there was more of an idea that Naoto was going to explore what appeared to be some tendency towards the genderqueer spectrum instead of just stopping after that first breakthrough, I'd feel like the game stuck the landing a little better. That's not to say that the realizations made during the game weren't well-done, but it DOES feel like half the story. That's my gripe, I guess
This makes sense.
I actually really like how P4 doesn't really truly "solve" anyone's problems, and that the character development is more about realizing those problems exist and that it will be something they have to deal with as they grow up, but now they at least have a place to start and friends that will support them.
But I can agree that some of them should have been taken a little further, Naoto being one of them.
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
More P4A/Naoto spoilers
Yeah, I'm not crazy about Naoto being an MC romance.
Which is why I perked up when Naoto seemed to show great interest in Mitsuru during her P4A route.
They're probably not gonna take that anywhere in P4U, but I can dream...
I think that Naoto's gender identity issues weren't fully resolved during the full course of the game, is the thing. Like Kanji, I think that there was a breakthrough made, but while Kanji is explicitly going to continue to explore that space, I don't think the game intimates that Naoto is going to be doing the same. If there was more of an idea that Naoto was going to explore what appeared to be some tendency towards the genderqueer spectrum instead of just stopping after that first breakthrough, I'd feel like the game stuck the landing a little better. That's not to say that the realizations made during the game weren't well-done, but it DOES feel like half the story. That's my gripe, I guess
This makes sense.
I actually really like how P4 doesn't really truly "solve" anyone's problems, and that the character development is more about realizing those problems exist and that it will be something they have to deal with as they grow up, but now they at least have a place to start and friends that will support them.
But I can agree that some of them should have been taken a little further, Naoto being one of them.
Yeah really all I wanted was some indication that Naoto was going to continue to explore her gender and sexuality post-game and I'd have been way more on board, that's all
it's also kinda my main reason for disliking Rise's whole thing too, the game never really sets any expectations for her life after the game
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
More P4A/Naoto spoilers
Yeah, I'm not crazy about Naoto being an MC romance.
Which is why I perked up when Naoto seemed to show great interest in Mitsuru during her P4A route.
They're probably not gonna take that anywhere in P4U, but I can dream...
Because that would be pretty interesting.
I didn't realize how awesome a Naoto/Mitsuru couple would be until you said that just now.
I think that Naoto's gender identity issues weren't fully resolved during the full course of the game, is the thing. Like Kanji, I think that there was a breakthrough made, but while Kanji is explicitly going to continue to explore that space, I don't think the game intimates that Naoto is going to be doing the same. If there was more of an idea that Naoto was going to explore what appeared to be some tendency towards the genderqueer spectrum instead of just stopping after that first breakthrough, I'd feel like the game stuck the landing a little better. That's not to say that the realizations made during the game weren't well-done, but it DOES feel like half the story. That's my gripe, I guess
This makes sense.
I actually really like how P4 doesn't really truly "solve" anyone's problems, and that the character development is more about realizing those problems exist and that it will be something they have to deal with as they grow up, but now they at least have a place to start and friends that will support them.
But I can agree that some of them should have been taken a little further, Naoto being one of them.
Yeah really all I wanted was some indication that Naoto was going to continue to explore her gender and sexuality post-game and I'd have been way more on board, that's all
it's also kinda my main reason for disliking Rise's whole thing too, the game never really sets any expectations for her life after the game
Luckily for you we're getting
Dancing All Night
Everyday we stray further from God's light Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
Yeah I...really did not like how Sarah ended up being treated in episode 4.
I actually found her to be a really interesting and sympathetic character through the series, and then episode 4 just really takes a dump on her.
I thought she was great in episode 4
The way those telltale employees talk about her is not great
I was pretty disappointed that you constantly got told that she was a pointless burden, but never got the chance to prove that statement wrong.
The fact that she dies either way feels like a "See? Told you so!" moment.
I disagree that her death felt like an I told you so because Sarah's death is just bad luck, she happened to stand on the bad part of the deck. It had nothing to do with her disability
But I can see being disappointed that she never got a chance to prove herself
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
Yeah this part is awful
My main issue with the romances in that game is how ALL of them change how they act for the main character, or at least bend over backwards to please him
I think that Naoto's gender identity issues weren't fully resolved during the full course of the game, is the thing. Like Kanji, I think that there was a breakthrough made, but while Kanji is explicitly going to continue to explore that space, I don't think the game intimates that Naoto is going to be doing the same. If there was more of an idea that Naoto was going to explore what appeared to be some tendency towards the genderqueer spectrum instead of just stopping after that first breakthrough, I'd feel like the game stuck the landing a little better. That's not to say that the realizations made during the game weren't well-done, but it DOES feel like half the story. That's my gripe, I guess
This makes sense.
I actually really like how P4 doesn't really truly "solve" anyone's problems, and that the character development is more about realizing those problems exist and that it will be something they have to deal with as they grow up, but now they at least have a place to start and friends that will support them.
But I can agree that some of them should have been taken a little further, Naoto being one of them.
Yeah really all I wanted was some indication that Naoto was going to continue to explore her gender and sexuality post-game and I'd have been way more on board, that's all
it's also kinda my main reason for disliking Rise's whole thing too, the game never really sets any expectations for her life after the game
Rise
I'm crossing my fingers that either Rise's route in P4U or the story of Dancing All Night delves into that some more.
My main issue with the romances in that game is how ALL of them change how they act for the main character, or at least bend over backwards to please him
Kinda creeps me out
This is why the best and worst romance option is Ai.
Everyday we stray further from God's light Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
nah that's bs
if you say you like her higher pitched voice on chrismas eve she will dress in the girl's uniform. at which point she immediately says "I'm going to go back to dressing my usual way"
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
Yeah this part is awful
My main issue with the romances in that game is how ALL of them change how they act for the main character, or at least bend over backwards to please him
The whole thing where you can romance her and get her to change how she dresses.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
Yeah this part is awful
My main issue with the romances in that game is how ALL of them change how they act for the main character, or at least bend over backwards to please him
Kinda creeps me out
Rise doesn't.
Rise stays Rise.
The romance with her is largely just her finally having someone who understands and loves both of her personas: the idol and the average girl.
Posts
There is a thing or two I don't like about her portrayal but it's not enough to erase the good that's there.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
Tumblr | Twitter PSN: misterdapper Av by Satellite_09
(End-gamey stuff in here)
I think that the near-end-game reveal about the origins of the TV-world's shadows is really important when contextualizing Naoto (and Kanji, for other reasons). Given that the shadows are reflective of the town's collective subconscious (or perception, or whatever, I obviously didn't internalize the game's philosophical vocabulary all that well), it allows you to distinguish between some of the in-dungeon "characterization" and what the character(s) themselves say and demonstrate through their behavior.
With that considered, I thought Naoto was a likable character who acted consistently, and who felt three-dimensional and fully-formed.
It is quite literally a video series about dan and his exploits
I thought that was a pretty ok question to ask
I'm sorry the post was curt I guess?
I actually found her to be a really interesting and sympathetic character through the series, and then episode 4 just really takes a dump on her.
Who do you think you're talking to here
Naoto is fantastic
I get peoples frustration at feeling like they "chickened out" of making two separate characters non-cis
But I don't think the character is lesser for grappling with gender identity issues and coming out on the other side with a better understanding of who she is just because part of that identity included being cis
So I interpret her as genderqueer
Steam | Twitter
I thought she was great in episode 4
The way those telltale employees talk about her is not great
Naoto
I believe Mitsuru actually uses male pronouns when referring to Naoto in P4A, and she never corrects her.
That's shitty. If she came to the conclusion that she wanted to start dressing that way as part of her own independent development I would be fine with it, but the way it can happen feels real creepy.
I don't really like that she's a romance option at all, really. It just doesn't feel right.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
The fact that she dies either way feels like a "See? Told you so!" moment.
Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
This makes sense.
But I can agree that some of them should have been taken a little further, Naoto being one of them.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
Shit, I still haven't done this.
I should
I should maybe do that tomorrow and post pictures of the process.
I should send that email someday
More P4A/Naoto spoilers
Which is why I perked up when Naoto seemed to show great interest in Mitsuru during her P4A route.
They're probably not gonna take that anywhere in P4U, but I can dream...
Because that would be pretty interesting.
it's also kinda my main reason for disliking Rise's whole thing too, the game never really sets any expectations for her life after the game
Sorry Kanji. I'm shipping something new now.
My Let's Play Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2go70QLfwGq-hW4nvUqmog
Luckily for you we're getting
Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
But I can see being disappointed that she never got a chance to prove herself
Yeah this part is awful
My main issue with the romances in that game is how ALL of them change how they act for the main character, or at least bend over backwards to please him
Kinda creeps me out
Rise
Or both, ideally.
But hey, I'm not gonna be picky.
This is why the best and worst romance option is Ai.
Steam Switch FC: 2799-7909-4852
Also I'm assuming I shouldn't read these spoilers
nah that's bs
she does not change how she dresses.
yukiko doesn't do this
Steam | Twitter
Rise doesn't.
The romance with her is largely just her finally having someone who understands and loves both of her personas: the idol and the average girl.