Romantic subplots in video games.

I hate them. I hate them all. They are the devil.

What do you guys think?

Mine is love and hate.

I really love it when it's done beautifully well. Shadow Hearts is main example, Shadow of Colossus, and Final Fantasy X is another. (although FFX is not really subplot but main plot)

But when it's done bad, like Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Forced Unleashed, etc. I feel like choking someone.

Concur. This useless tripe is foisted upon on us in action movies. To be asked to tolerate it in our games as well is intolerable. Now, pls let me caveat.

When the acting chemistry is good between an actor and actress in an action flick, and the side-story adds to the plot (which, when it does, usually has a comedic flavor to it), then it's ok. The story between Leia and Han was funny while they were insulting each other, tolerable for the first five or ten minutes when they made it clear that they liked each other, and downhill after that.

I would say the same about games. When it causes some tension that adds to the story, gives us a laugh, or when one of the "in love" characters turns out to be a turncoat, then it is ok. Of course, these are more statements about what I like, rather than an insistence that this is the "right" way to do it.

- Vr/GJr.

In Baldur's Gate 2, it was fun the first time. But after that, they became kinda annoying.ShotGunBunny

Mine is love and hate.

I really love it when it's done beautifully well. Shadow Hearts is main example, Shadow of Colossus, and Final Fantasy X is another. (although FFX is not really subplot but main plot)

But when it's done bad, like Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Forced Unleashed, etc. I feel like choking someone.

TriangleHard

I love 'em when they are done right! Final fantasy 6 for example, was awesome.

When it is done wrong, though, it just sucks big time, i agree

Mine is love and hate.

I really love it when it's done beautifully well. Shadow Hearts is main example, Shadow of Colossus, and Final Fantasy X is another. (although FFX is not really subplot but main plot)

But when it's done bad, like Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Forced Unleashed, etc. I feel like 'force' choking someone.

Mine is love and hate.

I really love it when it's done beautifully well. Shadow Hearts is main example, Shadow of Colossus, and Final Fantasy X is another. (although FFX is not really subplot but main plot)

But when it's done bad, like Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Forced Unleashed, etc. I feel like choking someone.

TriangleHard

I totally agree with you about FU, but IMO KOTOR's romance subplot was superbly handled. What didn't you like about it?

[QUOTE="TriangleHard"]

Mine is love and hate.

I really love it when it's done beautifully well. Shadow Hearts is main example, Shadow of Colossus, and Final Fantasy X is another. (although FFX is not really subplot but main plot)

But when it's done bad, like Knights of the Old Republic, Star Wars Forced Unleashed, etc. I feel like choking someone.

Dutch_Mix

I totally agree with you about FU, but IMO KOTOR's romance subplot was superbly handled. What didn't you like about it?

I think structure-wise, it wasn't bad.

But few things killed it quite a bit. The presentation was bland as it can be, and the pacing was done poorly (although not much Bioware can do since they let players choose, which is good example why non-linear format is not always good thing)

Let's put it this way. I can't find one character just talking about his life story on and on very romantic.

I don't mind a love story here and there. I liked the Final Fantasy VIII in particular, because Squall was a heartless bastard in the beginning:p

And the passion of the Prince (of Persia) to Farah in the end of Two Thrones was priceless also! I bet you all noticed how he tried to hit on her with that time-travelling story again lol:D

It all depends on the type of game.

In RPG's I'm usually ok with it. After years of NPC team mates that were nothing more than mindless tin solider to order around on the battlefield anything that adds depth to them is a plus. Romances allow me to add some depth to my character too. However, the romance aspect of a RPG would probably be better if it were limited to sexual tension, flirting, or one night stands. With games getting shorter its getting harder to believe we are going to go from strangers to soul mates in what feels like two weeks of adventuring.

Actions games are a different story. I don't even like it when to do it in action movies because its usually more about sex sells than adding to the adventure. Leave it out of the game. It adds nothing.

Like many have said, if its well done I'm all for it. And if it is well-done, I may be more interested in the romance than the actual plot.

Typically I'm a bad guy. Anyone who has read my posts will know me as being cynical, snide and a bit of an ass.

In this instance I have to walk the path of light I'm afraid. Simply put, love is the only thing with true meaning in the entire universe. Everything else is just a supporting actor in the grand scheme of absolute true and beautiful love. Those who do not know love should be pitied, those who cannot love are soulless and those who hate love are devils who should be removed from existence. With that being said, a truly well thought out and implemented romance can sometimes bring a tear to my eye. I'll admit it, I make a terrible evil tyrant. When my minions come in and I'm crying over a dramatic romance I often have to spend the next three months making examples of those who question my tyrannical nature.

When asked whether I want love in a game or not I have to simply answer... If the game is based on a worthwhile story, some form of love (though not necessarily romantic love) has to be a part of it. Still, nothing quite gets to me as much as pure love between two youths who have yet to be corrupted by the dark and twisted world that we have grown accustomed to. Lets face it, were all jaded, each and every last one of us. When love can no longer exist however, and more disturbingly is no longer even desired, then I can't help but make the universal judgment that humanity deserves nothing more then extinction.