And our relationship centered on an important conversation about mental health while watching terrible movies and laughing over their absurdities. In fact, he’s kind of a jerk and standoffish, but it took getting to know him to see that something much larger was going on. ![]() I enjoyed getting to know a slew of different people but settled on K-pop idol Seven. I liked how Boyfriend Dungeon doesn’t lock you into one romance you can date everyone if that’s your style. For instance, does it bother you if somebody you’re dating remains close to their ex? What if they have religious values that greatly conflict with your own? How important is monogamy to you? The narrative examines different facets to relationships and what people want without judgment. And sometimes, that means being honest about the baggage or flaws you can handle in a relationship. Kitfox Games doesn’t always portray its characters in a positive light, but it clearly shows how difficult it is to get to know someone during the dating stage. It’s bold and risky, and that’s part of what drew me to it. ![]() But do they all have to be that way? Boyfriend Dungeon goes against the genre standard. Maybe this is because we know how silly this idealized concept is and that it has no bearing on our actual dating lives. However, most dating sims are associated with lighthearted, giddy feelings. And sometimes, it really is just about the muscles. Some like pining for those who play hard to get, while others want a kindhearted soul. People have their reasons for choosing one person over another. ![]() In video games, we get more choice and agency in our narratives, making them a bit more personal when we decide which romance to pursue. A wonderful person shows up and says all the right things, and even if they make a mistake, they make up for it with some grand gesture that makes us swoon so hard that all is forgotten. The process takes an idealized form, just like we see in romance novels and romantic comedies. The dating sim genre often presents picture-perfect love. You simply have to decide what you can put up with. Every potential love interest is an imperfect being, complete with flaws and their own baggage. That’s part of what I find really fascinating about Boyfriend Dungeon. Figuring out if you’re compatible with someone takes time, and that time rarely turns into an actual love connection. Still, the process is exhausting and anxiety-provoking, full of awkward exchanges and embarrassing moments. Sure, there’s excitement in getting to know new people and the hope that we'll all find that special someone. But for both non-binary options to be the odd one out just feels a little disappointing.Dating isn’t something we often talk about fondly. Boyfriend Dungeon is superb, not just in terms of representation but also its hilarious writing and surprisingly complex combat mechanics. I have already written in defence of Kitfox, Eric’s character, and the trigger warning, so this isn’t me trying to kick the game when it’s down. Eric, the character in question, is brilliantly written, and an important inclusion in the story. Kitfox Games, the developer of Boyfriend Dungeon, has already come under fire for including a character that stalks and manipulates you, despite having a trigger warning for stalking and manipulation in the game's opening moments. ![]() Related: Queer Stories Are Complicated, And Gaming Needs To Show That I scream it from the rooftops “I’m nitpicking!” - but these are important nits to pick. I understand that complaining about non-binary love interests, in a game that offers you two distinct choices and has no problematic tropes, seems like nitpicking.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |