25 Video Game Romances That Made Us Uncomfortable

Romance is often a weak spot in video games, rarely capturing the believable connection and spark seen in movies or books. Game writers sometimes create relationships that don’t feel natural or throw characters into strange scenarios that don’t fit the story. Technical issues, like glitches or clumsy animations, can also ruin romantic scenes, making them unintentionally funny. The games listed below attempted romance but left many players confused or disappointed.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ (2006)

This platforming game includes a romance between Sonic and Princess Elise, which many players disliked. The story centers on their relationship, even though they’re very different. It reaches a climax when Elise kisses Sonic, who appears to be dead, and revives him using magical emeralds. A lot of players found this scene awkward and out of place because of the contrast between a realistic human character kissing a cartoon hedgehog, and it didn’t fit the overall tone of the Sonic games.

‘Heavy Rain’ (2010)

Ethan Mars is a father desperately searching for his lost son, but he’s also struggling with memory loss. He encounters Madison Paige, a journalist who helps him after an injury, and they quickly begin a romantic relationship. However, this intimate connection feels out of place considering the serious and somber tone of the story. Many critics felt the relationship happened too fast, given the trauma both Ethan and Madison were experiencing.

‘Fahrenheit’ (2005)

The game starts with Lucas Kane and Detective Carla Valenti investigating the same murder, but from different angles. As the story unfolds, it becomes supernatural, and they must team up to prevent an ancient artificial intelligence from destroying the world. Despite only recently meeting, they share a romantic moment on a subway train, a scene many players feel is unearned and doesn’t fit with what they already know about the characters.

‘Ride to Hell: Retribution’ (2013)

The game is well-known for being technically flawed and having a strange story, especially when it comes to its main character, Jake Conway. The romantic scenes are particularly awkward, showing characters fully clothed and moving stiffly. Bad camera work and repeating animations make these moments feel unintentionally funny rather than romantic, and the lack of realism makes them seem like glitches instead of intimate encounters.

‘Metroid: Other M’ (2010)

Samus Aran is a highly skilled bounty hunter, but the recent portrayal of her shows her unnecessarily taking orders from her old commander, Adam Malkovich. The game forces Samus to ask for permission to use her own skills and weapons, even when she’s in critical situations like facing enemies or extreme heat. Many fans disliked this, as it clashes with the strong, independent character they’ve come to know in past games.

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

In the game, Commander Shepard has the option to romance an Asari character named Morinth. However, Morinth has a rare genetic condition: any partner she becomes intimately connected with dies instantly. If the player chooses to pursue this relationship to its conclusion, Shepard will die, resulting in a game over. This presents a dangerous and unexpected outcome for players hoping for a typical romance storyline.

‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’ (2018)

The ‘Legacy of the First Blade’ expansion adds a romantic partner for the main character, no matter what choices players made earlier in the game. Players can pair Kassandra or Alexios with either Natakas or Neema, with the story focusing on continuing their family line. Many players were unhappy with this, as they had carefully defined their character’s preferences during the main game. This felt forced and undermined the freedom of choice that was a key part of the original game.

‘Persona 5’ (2016)

In the game, players can develop a romantic relationship with their high school teacher, Sadayo Kawakami, by first contacting her through a maid service and learning about her personal life. This storyline has sparked debate among players due to the significant power imbalance and age difference between a teacher and a student. While ethically questionable, the game presents this relationship as a normal dating option, despite the clear professional and legal boundaries it violates.

‘Fire Emblem Fates’ (2015)

In the game, the main character, Corrin, is torn between two kingdoms at war, filled with their siblings – both biological and adopted. Players can marry almost any opposite-sex character, including members of the royal families. While the game tries to justify these relationships by stating some characters aren’t actually blood-related, many players still felt uneasy about romancing those who grew up as siblings.

‘Far Cry 3’ (2012)

Jason Brody falls in love with Citra, the leader of a tribe on a remote and perilous island. Throughout the game, she subtly guides him towards violence and pushes him away from his friends. The story culminates in a shocking ending where Jason willingly participates in a ritualistic execution of those closest to him, at Citra’s urging. Immediately after, Citra kills Jason to ensure their child will inherit leadership of the tribe.

‘Duke Nukem Forever’ (2011)

The Holsom twins mainly exist in the game to create sexual appeal for the main character. One scene specifically shows them flirting with Duke while he’s healing, and the conversation is filled with childish and obvious innuendo – even more so than usual for this series. This depiction of the twins was a major reason critics disliked the game’s humor and overall tone.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

Quiet is a unique sniper who absorbs oxygen through her skin, requiring her to wear very little clothing. She develops a close connection with Venom Snake, shown in a scene where they playfully interact in the rain. However, this lighthearted moment felt out of place given the game’s serious and realistic tone. Many viewers also felt the camera lingered excessively on her body during this scene.

‘Lollipop Chainsaw’ (2012)

Juliet Starling is a cheerleader with a very unusual companion: the severed head of her boyfriend, Nick. She carries Nick on her belt, and he constantly talks throughout her battles with zombies. The game’s mechanics allow Juliet to even use Nick’s head as a weapon or attach it to zombie bodies, turning their relationship into a darkly humorous and bizarre take on a typical high school romance.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

Markus, an android leader, fights for his people’s freedom with his second-in-command, North. The game tries to create a romantic relationship between them, even if their beliefs clash throughout the story. You can even play the game peacefully while North pushes for violent solutions, but the romance is still available. However, because they lack believable connection and have fundamentally different values, their relationship feels forced by the game’s story instead of developing naturally.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005)

Okay, so in this game, I’m Leon Kennedy, and I’m basically stuck babysitting the president’s daughter, Ashley Graham, as we run around Europe trying to escape this creepy cult. Honestly, a huge part of the game is just protecting Ashley, who, let me tell you, loves to scream and cling to me. And the ending? Super weird. After everything, she just casually asks me if I want to, uh, hang out back at her place! I immediately shut that down, but it felt totally out of left field after spending the whole game keeping her safe. It just didn’t fit.

‘Beyond: Two Souls’ (2013)

In the game, Jodie Holmes partners with CIA agent Ryan Clayton, who initially hurts and betrays her. While the story gives players the option to forgive Ryan and eventually become romantically involved with him, many found this difficult to accept given his earlier, manipulative behavior. The game tries to show his redemption, but the transition from enemy to love interest feels rushed and lacks enough development to feel believable.

‘Wolfenstein: The New Order’ (2014)

B.J. Blazkowicz is a soldier battling the Nazis in a world where they won World War II. He begins a romantic relationship with a nurse named Anya Oliwa, and their connection quickly becomes physical. They share intimate moments, even engaging in sexual activity on a train while surrounded by enemies, creating a stark contrast between their personal connection and the constant danger they face. This unexpected intimacy heightens the tension and creates a disturbing feeling for the player.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Trevor Philips abducts Patricia Madrazo, the older wife of a drug lord he’s crossed. Surprisingly, Patricia begins to develop feelings for Trevor, even though she’s being held captive in a turbulent situation. Their relationship has elements of Stockholm syndrome, but it’s portrayed with an unexpected tenderness. This unusual pairing is one of the most bizarre parts of Trevor’s already unpredictable and violent story.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

In the game, Geralt can develop a romantic relationship with the sorceress Keira Metz if he assists her with quests in Velen. Their connection leads to a night of intimacy, but it’s ultimately revealed to be a deception. Keira uses a spell to knock Geralt unconscious and steals important, dangerous research. Players are then forced to deal with her betrayal, and can even choose to kill her, making their previous encounter feel like a calculated manipulation.

‘Until Dawn’ (2015)

Emily and Matt are a couple staying at a mountain lodge when things take a terrifying turn. Emily is consistently unkind to Matt and expects him to always obey her, even as danger rises. Players often find it difficult to save Matt because doing so means defying Emily’s controlling and often hostile requests. Their unhealthy relationship makes it hard for viewers to care about their survival.

‘Kingdom Hearts II’ (2005)

Sora and Kairi’s relationship is central to the story’s emotional impact, but their on-screen connection often feels awkward. Instead of realistic conversations, scenes depend on overly dramatic music to show their bond. This makes their sweet, innocent romance seem out of place with the complicated plot involving hearts and memories.

’12 Minutes’ (2021)

A couple finds themselves stuck in a repeating cycle of violence, constantly targeted by a police officer. The story later reveals they are actually half-siblings with the same father. This shocking discovery completely reframes their relationship and the pregnancy they’re excited about, turning what seemed like a mission to save their love into a deeply unsettling experience.

‘Shadow of the Colossus’ (2005)

In the game Wander, the player journeys to a prohibited realm to defeat sixteen massive creatures, hoping to revive a girl named Mono. Throughout the game, Mono lies motionless on an altar, while Wander sacrifices his own well-being in an attempt to save her. This is a deeply unbalanced relationship fueled by Wander’s intense desire to bring her back to life. The quiet and stillness surrounding Mono creates a haunting feeling, making players question whether Wander’s violent actions are justified.

‘Final Fantasy X-2’ (2003)

Brother pilots the airship and is Yuna’s cousin. Throughout the game, he repeatedly and boldly expresses his romantic interest in Yuna, using the Al Bhed language. While Yuna mostly brushes off his advances, the ongoing behavior is meant to be humorous. However, because they’re family, his constant flirting feels awkward instead of funny.

‘Dragon Age II’ (2011)

Anders is a mage with a spirit of Justice dwelling within him, and he can become a romantic partner for the main character, Hawke. However, he secretly tricks Hawke into collecting components for what turns out to be a powerful magical bomb. Anders then uses this bomb to destroy a church and kill hundreds of innocent people, committing a terrible act of violence. This shocking betrayal leaves the player with a difficult choice: kill the person they love, or be seen as helping him commit mass murder.

2025-11-24 15:21