RPG Companions Need to be Hateable, Otherwise Nobody's Going to Love Them

short-reviews Aug 17, 2026

The article argues that flawed companions are essential for engaging storytelling in RPGs. Without a degree of dislike, characters can feel flat and uninteresting. - Companions should evoke a range of emotions, from admiration to frustration. - This complexity enhances player attachment and investment in the narrative. The piece references several games where loveable companions fell flat due to their lack of depth. It contrasts this with titles that feature more controversial allies, which lead to memorable moments. Overall, the discussion is thought-provoking, urging developers to rethink character design. However, some readers may argue that not all companions need to be hateable to be compelling.

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