Top 10 Unrequited Loves in Video Games

Enjoyable as the back and forth is, there's hints of something more at the margins. When introduced in “Devil May Cry 3”, the demon hunter Lady was consumed by the hunt for her father Arkham, crossing paths with Dante in the process. As events progressed it became clearer that Lady cared for Dante to some degree beyond friendship, opening up to him and comforting him in tough times. Yet Dante, perhaps because of his natural flippancy, does not appear to reciprocate such feelings – though that doesn't stop him from exhibiting gentlemanly behaviour.

The thief and the cop... a match made in heaven? At the very least, it's an interesting dynamic shared between master thief Sly Cooper and INTERPOL inspector Carmelita Fox. Sly's dedication to his family's heritage of thieving often comes into conflict with Carmelita's dedication to the law. Further frustrating the issue is the clear romantic undertone that arises whenever they cross paths. It's readily apparent that they like and respect one another, but only time will tell if the future is bright for this duo.

Duty is a noble thing, rendered tragic in this instance. If players elect to make their character in “Dragon Age: Inquisition” a female elf, then they have the opportunity to attempt to romance Solas, an elven hedge mage. Polite and reasonable in nature, Solas also appears to grow more interested in a relationship – but is secretly bound to a plan to destroy the world of Thedas. This fact, coupled with his ambiguous nature and the heart-wrenching manner in which he departs the Inquisitor's company, doesn't leave much in the way of hope.

Sometimes people just aren't interested, plain and simple. In the “Persona 4” games, Kanji Tatsumi, a first-year student at Yasogami High, copes with his feelings for the seemingly-male high school detective Naoto. Kanji's turmoil over his own sexuality and misinterpretation of Naoto's intent makes for more than a few awkward exchanges, up to the reveal of Naoto being an androgynous girl. Even after that point, Naoto remains disinterested in Kanji, thought they still maintain a solid friendship.

Talk about a misunderstanding. During his quest to find the Spirtual Stones, young Link is tasked with venturing into the belly of Lord Jabu-Jabu in order to rescue Ruto, Princess of the Zoras. All is well and good, until Link requests Zora's Sapphire from Ruto, not realizing that taking it constitutes a marriage pledge. Even after Link's seven-year slumber, Ruto remains dedicated to their engagement... which makes Link's confusion and potential lack of interest more than a little depressing. It might be time to move on, Ruto.

Some part of us wishes this relationship would progress further. From their first meeting in “Resident Evil 2”, former cop Leon Kennedy and secret agent Ada Wong have had hints of romance and mutual respect in every encounter. Whether dealing with debilitating parasites or battling mutated bosses, there's been no shortage of ship teasing in scenes involving these two. Yet perhaps because of their stations in life – Leon being part of the US government, Ada being morally ambiguous – they remain at arms' length.

Heroism can inspire plenty of things – including, it seems, love. During the events of “Sonic CD”, Sega's speedy mascot Sonic went about travelling through time in order to rescue the female hedgehog Amy Rose from Doctor Robotnik's clutches. This single impressive feat endeared Amy to Sonic; over the course of subsequent games, Amy was fixated on convincing Sonic to reciprocate her love. Sadly, because of Sonic's aloofness and seeming disinterest in commitment, this may well be a pipe dream. Though that doesn't stop Amy from showing her concern.

Leave it to Hideo Kojima to take an odd scenario and give it emotional weight. During the events of the PlayStation game “Metal Gear Solid”, computer engineer Hal Emmerich – better known as Otacon – revealed his affections for the FOXHOUND member Sniper Wolf. Infatuated with the elite sniper for showing him a modicum of decency, Otacon's interest in Wolf is certainly sincere, if perhaps naive considering the circumstances. Unfortunately, the possibility of Otacon forming a full-fledged relationship with Wolf was cut short by her death at the hands of Solid Snake... which Otacon was tragically present to witness.

Ah, that classic tale about a princess and her... evil turtle king. From the first “Super Mario Bros” game, the kidnapping of Princess Peach by King Bowser has had something of a one-sided romantic subtext to it. Though it varies from game to game, hints exist of Bowser being in love with Peach, prompting everything from going along with a forced marriage to uprooting Peach's castle. However, Peach continually remains disinterested in, or at least resistant to Bowser's various advances. We imagine a certain red-hatted plumber is a factor here, but that's just our theory.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Sakura and Ryu
“Street Fighter” series (1996-)

Tim and The Princess
“Braid” (2008)

Melia and Shulk
“Xenoblade Chronicles” (2012)


Commander Shepard and Samara
“Mass Effect 2” (2010)

It's both unexpected and somewhat sad in a way. Early in “Grand Theft Auto IV”, Niko Bellic is introduced to Michelle, and encouraged to go out with her. Their relationship seems to develop nicely, with Niko's charms seeming to interest Michelle. Sadly, Michelle is not who she seems to be; her real name is Karen Daniels, and she's a government agent sent to spy on Niko. The reveal of this information casts Karen's actions in a cynical light, setting the tone for the rest of the game... and leaving Niko more than a little bitter.

Do you agree with our list? What unrequited video game love are you rooting for? For more lovely Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.