#BOYFRIEND DUNGEON RULE 34 FULL#

Our expectations with the dating sim genre have been set one way for so long that it is difficult to appreciate something different. Does that mean it should? I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer there. Dating isn’t easy, but people often want it to be in video games. But I like that Boyfriend Dungeon wasn’t afraid to try something different and attempt to represent how complicated dating really is. That summer goes by too darn fast, and I don’t think the finale is all that satisfying for how your character is supposed to grow through the experience. I was disappointed by not having more dungeons and bonding moments. The ending is abrupt, and when dealing with a stalker, your hand feels forced. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that Boyfriend Dungeon’s attempt to go against the grain of the usual dating sim sometimes misses the mark. There’s also something to be said about Boyfriend Dungeon not having a “right” or “perfect” choice. We all bring our own experiences that color our story in these games, but I like how I saw versions of people who felt straight out of real life, from my own or my friends’ dating escapades. But, I realized I wasn’t a fan of how she couldn’t let go of her past relationships or her adrenaline rush for trouble, and I recognized we were better off friends. On the other side of the coin, I thought I would romance Valeria because she’s just a cool, laid-back chick. And our relationship centered on an important conversation about mental health while watching terrible movies and laughing over their absurdities. In fact, he’s kind of a jerk and standoffish, but it took getting to know him to see that something much larger was going on. I enjoyed getting to know a slew of different people but settled on K-pop idol Seven. I liked how Boyfriend Dungeon doesn’t lock you into one romance you can date everyone if that’s your style. For instance, does it bother you if somebody you’re dating remains close to their ex? What if they have religious values that greatly conflict with your own? How important is monogamy to you? The narrative examines different facets to relationships and what people want without judgment. And sometimes, that means being honest about the baggage or flaws you can handle in a relationship. Kitfox Games doesn’t always portray its characters in a positive light, but it clearly shows how difficult it is to get to know someone during the dating stage.

It’s bold and risky, and that’s part of what drew me to it. But do they all have to be that way? Boyfriend Dungeon goes against the genre standard. Maybe this is because we know how silly this idealized concept is and that it has no bearing on our actual dating lives. However, most dating sims are associated with lighthearted, giddy feelings. And sometimes, it really is just about the muscles. Some like pining for those who play hard to get, while others want a kindhearted soul. People have their reasons for choosing one person over another. In video games, we get more choice and agency in our narratives, making them a bit more personal when we decide which romance to pursue.

A wonderful person shows up and says all the right things, and even if they make a mistake, they make up for it with some grand gesture that makes us swoon so hard that all is forgotten. The process takes an idealized form, just like we see in romance novels and romantic comedies.

The dating sim genre often presents picture-perfect love. You simply have to decide what you can put up with. Every potential love interest is an imperfect being, complete with flaws and their own baggage. That’s part of what I find really fascinating about Boyfriend Dungeon. Figuring out if you’re compatible with someone takes time, and that time rarely turns into an actual love connection.

#BOYFRIEND DUNGEON RULE 34 FULL#

Still, the process is exhausting and anxiety-provoking, full of awkward exchanges and embarrassing moments. Sure, there’s excitement in getting to know new people and the hope that we'll all find that special someone. Dating isn’t something we often talk about fondly.

Boyfriend dungeon rule 34