Their response was something along the lines of: “We’ve considered this aspect of the game with much deliberation and have chosen the vehicle of Axis with purpose.”

So for good or bad, they made their choice. I also brought up that the female audience is going to possibly resent the character. No need to explain that. What percentage of the population looks like Axis? And what wife/fiance/girlfriend would want to compete with her?

I’m sorry, but the whole focus on voluptuousness, (while the physical beauty is undeniable), is just too much akin to other world religious views that virgins in heaven are awaiting those who meet certain requirements. And if an Axis is not awaiting in Heaven for us personally (after all, she is Joshua’s grandmother), it might be thought that at least hopefully many of them might be there to grace the scenery. What a shame that message might be propagated here, and though not outright spoken, can be taken as implied.

If even one male ends up hoping the real Heaven has an Axis for him and for that reason he’d “consider God” before he dies, then Genesis Works has tainted its offering to the gaming world. It didn’t need to be.

A few graphics modifications on the character could have been done. But I’m sure when I wrote them about this issue they probably considered themselves too far along to change things, but they did have an opportunity to consider it, they provided me an answer, the game is released, and they have set their course.

I sure hope more Christian companies begin demanding excellence as you say.

Even though I haven’t played the game, I would have to agree that I think the developers had the male, mainstream/secular gamers in mind when they were making this game. They were obviously trying to target this group of people moreso than Christians, which is all well and good, but it can also have negative effects.

Axis is obviously getting the most controversy. I personally don’t see her outfit too bad, however, for a Christian game, this may not send the appropriate message.

I’d also like to add that this review, and the attitude you guys at Soma portray in general, are exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been looking at different approaches to combining Christian values and video games and you seem to have struck the best balance I’ve seen so far. Are you guys hiring?

It seems pretty obvious that they designed Axis for sex appeal, and then focused on that through camera angles. Shame on them.

You did do right by trying to contact them first and try to get another side. Good job being thorough. I think if they would have offered their side of it, you should include it but still be firm about how you feel.

I hope that you take a firm stance when reviewing my games, too. We need accountability to make it to the point of excellence.

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly, and am glad you were willing to point them out. I’m not someone that is adamantly opposed to violence, drama, or anything else that goes into media, but usually they were design choices that could have been avoided or addressed differently. The perception really does make a difference.

I’ve noticed many times that any time I’ve tried to share the REASON I’m a Christian, people get caught in a hitch where they have misconceptions made by hypocritical folks. Folks that say they act, think, do one philosophy… yet in actuality, they’re acting just as the world does. The same goes for any organization.

Basically, when sending one message, don’t send another. Be true to what you say you’re true to.