Shemale that way it's fair.

I think a female lead character would be a welcome change for Final Fantasy.

It would definitely be a change from the FF series... I don't really count X-2 as a full game. The only thing that bothers me is how a love story would pan out, as there has been one in just about every FF game in recent memory.

Female. I find it easier to play the sex that i am.

I hope it's like FF XII where you can play as anyone. I would hate to be tethered to only one protagonist.

I'm fine with whatever fits the story best.

A good example of this would be Alien. Do you think the movie would be better with a male main character? I would not think so.

However, if the story is not impacted by the gender of the protagonist, I would not care too much. However, I feel a bit more immersed when playing a male character. I could not care less if he was super macho or really effeminate. Unless, of course, it became unbelievable and silly. (Oh right, it's Final Fantasy.)

I'm not much for FF at all and never have been, but 13 when it actually gets here, I'll definitely check it out. I generally in games make a male character as its easier reflecting myself onto it, then make a female character next run through,(or in mmo's case make a male my main and alts female sometimes) but in FF13's case, I think having a woman as a main character is a great choice. They've never even had a female lead before in the first place either, and she's pretty smokin and badass looking.

try to model chars after my slef

dude /chick don't really mind as long as it story's good

I find the name "Lightning" troubling.

Does "Edge Maverick" mean anything to you?  I hope not.

I prefer characters that are well written. Gender is irrelevant.

male, female. This is final fantasy. Whats the difference?

it does not matter as long as the character is well designed and develops through the story

I've always preferred playing a male character.

Female role playing leads almost always don't live up to any sort of potential.  If they can pull it off (something I can't see a Japanese game doing), sure.  Otherwise, I'd say play it safe and do a male lead.