not the same, and unless the game is specificly made with it in mind i'd like to avoid both to be honest, the only sharing i have no problem with is adding another female.
Unless it has a story that can compel you from the beginning, and manages to use consistent images (so don't have the girl be a blond on day 1 and be a brunette in the next scene) i tend to just pass them over.
I think i've only ever played 2 that managed to do that. most others just never get...