SL(GBTQ+)OTH’S TAKE ON QUEER ROMANCE
“If it ain’t black, I ain’t taking it!” That’s what Reaper used to say (and still does) after coming out the closet about 4 months ago. He was searching for a suit to wear to a friend’s wedding. Despite having suits that represented the whole LGBTQ+ community with how colourful they were, he still didn’t find a black one.
Sup gamers, Sloth here, and if you haven’t guessed already, today’s topic will be some of my favourite LGBTQ+ romances from different games. Including LGBTQ+ romances makes gaming more inclusive and diverse. More people feel accepted, and that leads to a wider audience. Exploring LGBTQ+ relationships also adds depth and variety to storytelling. It allows writers to craft unique narratives, explore complex emotions, and reflect the diversity of real-world experiences. Well-written LGBTQ+ romances challenge stereotypes and showcase the humanity and depth of these relationships. This can help combat prejudice and encourage empathy among players. So, personally, I do feel that LGBTQ+ relationships should be featured in more games. Or at least, choices could be given like in Mass Effect.
Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix, Life is Strange is an episodic narrative adventure game. The story centres on Max Caulfield, an 18-year-old photography student who discovers she has the power to rewind time after saving her childhood friend Chloe Price from a fatal gunshot. It is set in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay, Oregon. Together, they investigate the disappearance of Rachel Amber, Chloe’s close friend, and uncover dark secrets about their town. But every action that Max takes leads to the butterfly effect. After she goes to San Francisco, she calls Chloe, realizing that, for all her effort, a storm she had envisioned at the beginning of the story has reached Arcadia Bay. At the end, we have to make a heart-wrenching choice: sacrifice Chloe to save Arcadia Bay or let the town be destroyed to keep her alive.
Throughout the game, Max becomes Chloe’s anchor, supporting her through grief, anger, and fear. Chloe, in turn, becomes Max’s confidante, encouraging her to take risks and embrace her newfound time-rewinding powers. As they navigate the mysteries of Rachel Amber’s disappearance, the dangers posed by Arcadia Bay’s darker side, and the emotional struggles in Chloe’s life, their bond starts deepening. There is a kiss scene in the 3rd episode for those who want to form a romantic relationship between Max and Chloe. Also, Max’s choices in conversations and decisions throughout the game subtly shape the romantic tone. Be sure to prioritize her above others if you want these two to end up together. The romance between Max and Chloe is celebrated for its authenticity and emotional resonance. Their relationship is free from tropes or stereotypes often associated with LGBTQ+ narratives (ehem, ehem… I won’t say anything about this), focusing instead on their raw emotions and individual growth.
Developed by Guerilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Environment, the story in Horizon Forbidden West picks up six months after the events of Horizon Zero Dawn. The Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores DLC expands the story of Horizon Forbidden West, focusing on Aloy as she journeys to a volcanic, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. After the events in the main game have transpired, Sylens sends Aloy on a mission to investigate a new threat in the Burning Shores, a treacherous landscape filled with lava flows, violent storms, and dangerous dino-robots. This is where our charismatic redhead meets Seyka of the Quen tribe, who is searching for her lost people. Together, they uncover a new faction of the Far Zeniths and face off against Walter Londra, a charismatic yet sinister Zenith obsessed with leaving Earth to colonize the stars.
A redhead-and-brunette pair is truly eye-candy, just below a brunette-and-blonde pair. The relationship between Aloy and Seyka marks a significant development in Aloy’s emotional journey. She met Seyka early in her mission to the Burning Shores. At first, their relationship was built on mutual respect for each other. Aloy found her confidence and ingenuity compelling. As the game progressed, Seyka proved to be more than just a capable ally- she was someone who Aloy looked up to. Her bravery and willingness to take risks amazed Aloy. Slowly, the two began to open up to each other about their personal lives, with Seyka sharing her responsibility toward her people and Aloy revealing her isolation as the saviour of humanity. Seyka’s forthright nature contrasts with Aloy’s tendency to be guarded. With her encouraging Aloy to share her feelings and doubts, we see moments of vulnerability between them. They relied on each other not just for survival, but as emotional anchors amidst the chaos.
At the end of the DLC, Seyka tells Aloy she wants to be with her and hopes she feels the same. We are given three options- Fist is “This is too much for me”, Brain is “I’m not ready for this”, and Heart is “Yes, I do”. Me being me, of course I chose the last one. They both share a tender kiss, probably both of their first kisses the way they reacted. Not gonna lie, it took me back to my own first kiss (lol). This did mark a huge step in Aloy’s personal life, and I hope the devs build on it in future games coz obviously, the story isn’t over yet.
That was it for today. Moral of the blog? The only L I take is that in LGBTQ+. So long, peeps. Happy procrastinating!
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