Gender roles within Video games

I always have been rather fascinated with Video games. Despite my mother constantly telling me that no its really only for guys, I could never seem to draw myself away from watching my younger brother engross himself in them and then learning myself which video games I was really best at.

It became love at first sight with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Now as I've become older I've noted that obviously along with the rest of the marketing, there are games that appeal more to women rather than men. For reasons along the lines of romance, less violence (although I am prone to enjoying cutting of a bublins head with glee) and story lines.

Furthermore, such games impress upon certain gender roles. Sims for example impress the importance of your sim finding love and romance and then having children and babies.
For people living in the 21st century I almost find it odd to have these gender roles re-enforced, and through perhaps the least likely medium of video games. Furthermore, take adventure games such as Zelda and we find that it is always a male protagonist setting out to save a princess.

Thoughts?