assassins creed origins gay romance options

Love, Loss, and Long Jumps: Exploring LGBTQ+ Romance in Assassin's Creed

The Assassin's Creed franchise, known for its historical settings and parkour prowess, has also been quietly evolving in its depiction of love and relationships. But how successful have these virtual romances been, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation? Are we talking groundbreaking narratives, or just fleeting flirtations in between assassinations?

A History of Hugs and Hidden Blades: A Look Back

Let's face it: romance in Assassin's Creed wasn't always a priority. Remember Ezio Auditore from Assassin's Creed 2: Brotherhood? He had a… "romantic encounter" with a countess that was considered pretty risqué for its time. But in comparison to modern RPGs, it feels like a distant memory, a wink and a nod rather than a fully developed storyline. Did it push boundaries? Maybe a little. Would it fly today? Probably not without a lot more nuance.

Fast forward to Assassin's Creed Origins. The inclusion of same-sex relationships sparked conversation, but some felt it fell short. While flirtatious dialogue existed, the depth of these relationships felt limited. One could argue it was a "good start," considering the historical setting and the series' initial reluctance to fully embrace diverse romances. But the fleeting nature of these interactions left many wanting more. Were these genuine connections, or just convenient plot devices?

Odyssey and Valhalla: Choice, Consequence, and Controversy

Assassin's Creed Odyssey took a bolder step. Players could choose their protagonist (Alexios or Kassandra) and pursue relationships with various characters, regardless of gender. Finally, true bisexual options were available! But this freedom of choice also introduced new challenges. With so many potential partners scattered across the map, some argued that the relationships lacked depth and emotional weight. Was quantity sacrificed for quality? Perhaps.

And then came the infamous DLC controversy. Some players felt betrayed when their protagonist was forced into a heterosexual relationship against their will, effectively erasing their established queer identity. This sparked outrage and raised important questions about player agency and representation. It served as a stark reminder that inclusivity isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about respecting player choices and crafting meaningful narratives.

Valhalla continued the trend of offering diverse romance options, but faced similar criticisms. While the game presented several potential love interests for Eivor, many felt that these relationships were underdeveloped, especially compared to the main storyline. The sheer number of options seemed to dilute the impact of each individual connection. Remember Randvi? While she might have been the most thematically relevant love interest, her story wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been. Was Valhalla prioritizing breadth over depth? It's a valid question.

More Than Just a Fling: What Makes a Good Video Game Romance?

So, what makes a truly compelling romance in a video game? It's more than just a steamy cutscene or a few lines of flirtatious dialogue. It's about building meaningful connections between characters, exploring their vulnerabilities, and facing challenges together. Think of the iconic romances in Bioware games like Mass Effect or Dragon Age. These relationships are often central to the plot, shaping the protagonist's journey and impacting the overall narrative.

Consider these key elements:

The Future of Love and Assassination: What's Next?

As the Assassin's Creed franchise continues to evolve, there's a real opportunity to create more meaningful and impactful LGBTQ+ romances. Imagine an Assassin's Creed game where the protagonist's queer identity is integral to the plot, informing their motivations and shaping their relationships with other characters.

Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a new setting and new protagonists. Will it also usher in a new era of inclusive and compelling romance options? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: players are hungry for authentic representation and meaningful connections. The future of love in Assassin's Creed is in the hands of the developers. Let's hope they choose wisely.

Perhaps future titles could incorporate:

Ultimately, the goal is to create romances that feel real, relatable, and impactful, regardless of the characters' genders or sexual orientations. Let's hope the Assassin's Creed franchise continues to evolve and embrace the full spectrum of human experience.