The Definition of "Handsome"

[Gemina]

Handsome and masculine are not the same thing. However, both are male characteristics. The only thing that distinguishes Zero as a female is her VA. If you put a male VA in there, I would immediately assume that Zero is a male.

That said, I don't find Zero to be handsome or masculine. She is also not someone I would refer to as feminine either. The character is androgynous. She could be really pretty if allowed to be because she has the face for it, but this would require for her to take on more feminine traits. A handsome man is the same thing just on the male side of the spectrum. It doesn't require for a man to be rugged, but many people, myself included find these features on a man to be very handsome. Solid Snake from Metal Gear with his beard fits this example. So does old man Rhalgr. Both are very handsome, rugged, and very masculine.

A face like Zero's could be considered handsome, but for someone like me, if it lacks that ruggedness then it just comes off more boyish and I am not attracted to that at all. Youthfulness and lack of experience is what propels attractiveness in females, while the opposite works for males. I'm old-fashioned though. I can actually agree with the OP on this one, and would love to see more 'survived in the trenches' types of males in this game.