Female protagonist in Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse? WHAT

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?  I did not know this!!

i.imgur.com/LkJ6u9B.png



wtf. are drag queen options the best the developers could do? -___________-;  OR is that their idea of a noble attempt at including a female protagonist option with their costume/model reskinning method (which is actually what even games like Fortnite does, calling even alternate models as "outfits", and even GTA3 referred character change as "costume change", even when playing as different characters/pedestrians)

I mean geez at least include 2D portrait art changes based on the costume sets worn so the portrait matches their 3D appearance.
though, now with these revelations, it is apparent that Nanashi was intended to be a somewhat androgynous character design that could pass for male or female depending on their costume.

I'm not sure if this gender bender teasing is an intended insult/mockery towards female gamers and trans people, or their humble effort to somehow try to make the game appealing for female gamers too.

megamitensei.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Shin_Megami_Tensei_IV_Apocalypse_Items/Clothing

So I'm confused. I dunno whether to praise their effort, or be disturbed by how they apply female identity.
they never did this before. their intent will remain unknown.

though with other examples like Adramelech's SMTIV:A design being so transgender in makeup, accessories, and behavior
megamitensei.wikia.com/wiki/Adramelech
it makes one wonder if SMT team are self aware there is a demand and need for female protagonist, and SMT has a history of SMT if... and NINE including female protagonist option,
but the devs are either internally conflicted by it, unsure whether to hold onto or let go of the male only protagonist tradition, or they have a deeper message they keep to themselves and perhaps want to add female protagonist option as a standard traditional feature for the series in the future, like Pokemon is doing since Crystal.

meanwhile, Dx2 SMT Liberation is taking steps forward with that subject, and ensuring the story and game is designed around both male and female versions of the protagonist (which is how RPGs should be designed, so they are adaptable for both genders from the start. series like Elder Scrolls, and now Pokemon do it all the time).

www.4gamer.net/games/393/G039361/20171128021/







perhaps SMT could be starting to see it's more profitable and beneficial to the devs, publisher, SMT series, and consumers as a whole providing both options.
well SMT V could determine if they will reach out to the female demographics as well, it would increase interest, fanbase and profits.