Throughout Women's Month, we'll be counting down the top five female protagonists and antagonists in video games. This isn't going to be your usual babe list though, because we're not going to be counting down based on looks. What we're looking for has more to do with how cool the character is, what she can do and, most important, her franchise power. Of course, any kind of countdown list like this will be biased in some way or another, so if you feel that our top five isn't good enough, let us know. In fact, send us your top five so we can see just what you think. Here's today's pick.

First Appearance: Prince of Persia: Warrior Within

If this was simply down to fighting skill rather than overall evil behaviour, we'd have given this one to the Empress of Time herself, but Shahdee's harsh tone, complete indifference and flat-out cruelty make her stand out when compared to her master. Shahdee made her first, and only, appearance in Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. She was the loyal subordinate of the Empress of Time, charged with protecting the Empress and carrying out her orders.

We'll be rounding out the rest of the top 5 female protagonists and antagonists in video games throughout the rest of Women's Month, so stay tuned.