Since last October 14, with the new banner available within the popular video game Genshin Impactthe five-star character known as “Nilou, The Lotus Dancer“. His profile writes:
- «Under the dim glow of the spotlights, Nilou moves to the music as if it were an immaculate lotus flower in the wind. Her talent is such that she is able to captivate the minds of viewers with her gentle dance steps. When the performance comes to an end, the viewers are brought back to reality, as if they had really fallen into a trance for a few minutes. But those who really know her know that Nilou is far from the image that the public has of her. Behind that veil of fantasy that accompanies her when she is on stage, only a young woman hides like any other her age, sweet and enthusiastic, with an affable smile drawn on her face. So if you happen to come across her off stage, don’t hesitate, greet her with conviction. I’m sure she’ll be glad you do.».
Nevertheless, apparently his attitude and his interactions with the Traveler have caused a sector of the players to express their criticism on social networkscrossing it out as “a fanservice character, empty and unnecessary on campus“. Let’s review some of the most popular opinions regarding it:
- «Nilou’s entire character was unnecessary and she only exists for fanservice. Don’t get me wrong, I love her and I used everything I had saved for Nahida on her. But she wasn’t needed. That is all».
- «I’m hoping one of the writers will do a really Nilou-focused quest that fleshes out her personality. The one he currently has is garbage…why did HoYoverse do this to him?!».
- «I think it’s fanservice focused yes, but it also gave us more insight into how underappreciated the arts are in Sumeru compared to academics, regarding Kusanali and the Flower Goddesses who end up being two main gods of Sumeru, definitely not it’s 100% useless».
- «I feel bad for all those female Genshin Impact characters that only exist to please male fantasies.».
- «As a man, this characterization also irritates me. I wish Genshin Impact would be more creative in characterizing some female characters…and I see characters like Ayaka and Keqing totally mischaracterized as Traveler obsessed apes for one scene. It is exhausting».
- «Her story is lacking from the beginning to be honest… She is just portrayed as a girl who likes to dance. Even Diona or Noelle or Barbara have more to tell than her. She’s literally all things visual I guess».
- «People are always going to criticize female characters because they will never live up to their expectations. If she’s nice, she’s fanservice, if she’s outgoing, she’s a pick-me, if she’s independent, she’s overloaded, milf or “Ara Ara”, if she can’t take shit, she’s rude».
- «It’s really a fandom issue, they struggle to see these characters as anything more than fanservice a lot of times, not looking past the way they talk to the Traveler and putting them down for some suggestive things they said or did.».
- «I still think his backstory might have been better presented. I was very happy when I saw that the discussion regarding art and the oppression of art was on the table with her, but I still feel that it was treated very simply».
- «It is a very superficial perspective. Nilou’s character has shown us to what extent the Akademiya despises those who persecute the art. Art is knowledge, but the Akademiya refuses to acknowledge it, and Nilou has shown us that knowledge is not one-sided or narrow.».
However, a thread also emerged that tried to explain and defend the personality of the character in question:
- «Nilou’s character represents the struggles and oppression Iranian women experience from the government, which actively discourages them from pursuing their passions and art. The fact that his name is Persian and his classical Persian dance, which is being forgotten, are proof of this. The whole “just because a female character is shy, kind, and sweet to the Traveler must mean it’s for fanservice” mentality is a product of overconsumption of low-end harem anime. Nilou’s character is much deeper than that».
- «This kind of interpretation of personality is often propagated by people whose only understanding of the game is how to relate a new female character to Aether. For example, take a moment to understand a character and how it potentially symbolizes real-life struggles. I can understand people not knowing the context, but the way Sage Azar treated Nilou in the first “Archon Mission” was deeply tragic and reminiscent of how Iranian women are treated (although they are now being killed too). Just because you think it’s fanservice doesn’t mean it is.».
In the end, the interpretation of the character depends on each player. Which is yours?
Description of Genshin Impact
Welcome to Teyvat, a fantastical continent where countless creatures thrive in harmony. Ruled by seven Archons, this world is a place where the seven elements converge… Two twins arrive from another world. A deity appears in front of you, separates you and makes you fall into a deep sleep. When you wake up, the world is no longer the same as you used to… Thus begins your journey in Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven, the elemental gods. Explore every corner of this wondrous world, join forces with a wide cast of characters, and unravel the many hidden mysteries…
Climb mountains, cross rivers, soar high and low, and take in breathtaking scenery. Whether you discover a wandering Seelie or a mysterious device, there will always be something waiting for you. Will it be a pleasant surprise, or an unexpected accident? Master the Anemo, Electro, Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, Dendro, and Geo elements to trigger different elemental reactions. Vision wielders control the elements in their favor to gain the upper hand in battle. Will you vaporize your enemies by combining Hydro with Pyro, charge them with Electro energy, or freeze them with Cryo? Delight in majestic landscapes, lush real-time animations, and finely detailed character movements in a fully immersive viewing experience. Lighting and weather change over time, bringing every detail of this world to life.
Fuente: Yaraon!
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