Although romance isn't new to games, more recent games are adding relationships that have deeper meanings behind them. Video games are able to immerse the player in their storytelling, which is often jam-packed with adventure and sometimes, a certain love interest.
Seeing fictional characters fall in love in real time gives them an additional sense of accomplishment. Oftentimes romantic gestures to create a spark could include constantly speaking to that character like in Stardew Valley, or it's just meant to be in the game like The Last of Us. Otherwise, there are out-of-the-blue romance options that completely catch the player off guard.
Grey Warden And Morrigan
Dragon Age: Origins
In Dragon Age: Origins the player can romance Leliana, Zevran, or Morrigan. Morrigan is the most difficult to romance as she is set in her ways. Growing up in isolation, Morrigan didn't understand love and had difficulty with the thought of any romantic gestures. She often doesn't wish for love, making it interesting when attempting to romance her.
At first, Morrigan is bored at the idea of sparking a romance with Warden, but once you gain her approval it leads to more than just friendship. She has never really been in love before so the feeling of needing someone else terrifies her. She values her independence and power, which requires her partner to do so. Many players believe the difficulty of winning her heart is well worth it, even if it takes time.
Ellie And Riley
The Last of Us: Left Behind
In The Last of Us, the story follows Ellie and Joel as they journey across the United States. With the Left Behind DLC, the player gets a look into Ellie's past as she lived a normal zombie-infested life with her best friend, Riley. At first, they were the best of friends until they both realized that they had feelings for each other.
It flashbacks to Ellie and Riley having the time of their lives together, giggling and dancing. It's obvious with how comfortable they are around each other that they can be themselves with each other. Young love may not last forever, but it stays with her throughout the series. This short-lived DLC brings the player along the life of Ellie before she met Joel and when young love blossomed.
Revan And Bastila
Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic
KOTOR allows the player to be emersed in the world of Star Wars. The romantic options for the player are limited to Carth, Bastila, or Juhani. To be with Bastila, the player needs to assist her mother on Tattoine and kiss her. On the Unknown Planet, the player will either embrace the dark side or talk Bastila down from it, sealing the deal on the romance.
With the main mission in mind, Revan and Bastila spend a lot of time together during their adventures, especially saving one another often. Even though she was closed off at first, their Force bond helped strengthen their relationship. Their differences in their past made for a difficult beginning, but their love conquered in the end.
Kaidan And Commander Shepard
Mass Effect Series
Commander Shepard is able to find love between three characters within the Mass Effect series. One of the characters, Kaidan Alenko, is adored by players for his charm and playful self as he speaks with their playable character, Shepard. When making tough choices, it's always best to stick by Kaidan's side as their workplace friendship turns into a romantic relationship.
Whether the player plays as a male Shepard or female Shepard to romance Kaidan, the characters grow to love one another in between missions. It becomes a slow burn through the entire trilogy, but his growth and special quirks make him special. He's often considered the perfect fit for anyone.
Corvo Attano And Jessamine Kaldwin
Dishonored
Empress Jessamine held a close relationship with Corvo, her personal guard in Dishonored. During their time spent together, they became lovers on the 2nd day of the Month of Rain. Their relationship was kept secret, disregarding the rumors throughout Dunwall. She tried to be a compassionate ruler, but she was unable to please everyone.
A relationship that grew out of work association is often rumored, but never outright told. Although their time was short, it is fairly straightforward that they were lovers for a long time. Many players even believe that Corvo is the father Emily.
Curie And The Sole Survivor
Fallout 4
Many characters have lost their loved ones in Fallout 4, creating an opportunity to search for love in a radiated wasteland with who knows how many options. Curie holds the honor of being one of the most beloved romantic companions. At first, she is a heavily modified Miss Nanny Robot, but later she is transformed into a synth. She's offered as a companion who is incredibly useful in fights, and easy to talk to.
This uncommon relationship with a synth comes naturally in this toxic wasteland. The player must reach maximum affinity to unlock any romance options for her and successfully pass each Flirt challenge. Many players believe these challenges are well worth it because she becomes the strongest companion in the game.
Leah And The Protagonist
Stardew Valley
In Stardew Valley, the player moves from the big city to take care of inherited farmland, learns to love it in their small farm town, and gets a chance to meet the locals. There are many romance options, specifically half of the locals. One great romance that blooms is with Leah.
Although the game's main focus is farming, romance takes its experience to another level. Romancing a character takes a tremendous amount of time and effort to grow similarly to the crops. For those who value personality over in-game gains, Leah is the one for them with her engaging nature and creativity as an artist.
Joker And Haru Okumura
Persona 5
The Joker has many romance options to choose from throughout Persona 5. By the time Joker meets Haru at the end of the game, some players have already picked their romance. She is generally shy, reserved, and has serious trust issues until her true Persona shines as a girl who speaks for herself. When they meet, she is in an arranged marriage with her abusive fiancé - with a real desire to get out of the commitment.
Romancing her shakes the basic plot making for an interesting story. Although she doesn't swoon like the other girls, she seems to have real feelings for Joker. She doesn't outright speak her mind, but she awkwardly hints at a date when talking about a yellow carriage that helps you find your true love. Many players loved her character, unaware that she can cause chaos.
Ezio And Sofia
Assassin's Creed: Revelations
The beloved couple met in 1511 at her birthplace in Constantinople. As an assassin, he continued his work meeting Sofia, a bookstore owner. A partnership began that was beneficial for both of them to assist in the search for Masyaf keys. Their time together adventuring turned into a love that lasted. She comforted him as he spoke about retiring from the Order.
Their relationship is like no other in the Assassins Creed franchise. In the end, they eventually get married and have two children together. Ezio has lived a long and dangerous life, but when he meets Sofia, he decides it's time to settle down, changing his whole world. Although it's quite normal in the 16th century, their 17-year age difference and partnership led to a wonderful marriage that many didn't believe could last.
Monkey And Trip
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
In order to survive, Trip enslaves Monkey with a hacked slave headband to escort her safely back home or suffer a painful death. With no choice, Monkey reluctantly partners up with Trip. As they travel through the Wasteland, their mutual partnership develops into a romantic relationship.
They evolve in complex ways with Monkey becoming more dependent and Trip gaining confidence as they adventure together. The subtle ways they act towards one another create a relationship that could last a lifetime. Though they constantly argue, their feelings become more real every second they spend with each other.
Source:gamerant.com