This year, players have enjoyed an absolute benevolence of great games from all genres. There’s something for everyone, from inventive indies to long-awaited sequels to critically acclaimed AAA titles. But this year also showed the potential of one major gameplay mechanic that seems relatively untapped in larger games: the ability to romance and smooch the people around you.

Romancing lovable companion characters is undoubtedly part of why Baldur’s Gate 3 has continued to ride a hype train months after release. Fans absolutely love sharing the particulars of their romances with Astarion, Shadowheart, and other members of the game’s excellent cast. Some of the moments in these storylines are indulgent and sweet; others are surprisingly touching. Astarion, for instance, is an abuse survivor, and his struggle to come to terms with loving and being loved in the aftermath of that abuse is a deeply touching and thoughtful story. Baldur’s Gate 3 goes in-depth and focuses on the emotional connection between........

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