Asgaming has evolved, so has the need for complex dynamics between characters that are explored with great nuance. Many modern titles that have witnessed critical and commercial acclaim feature great writing, with the bonds on display in these games being a highlight in every way. Watching a father and son interact with each other while trying to work together makes for a great time and a relatively easy narrative thread to get invested in.
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However, while somefather-son relationshipsare pretty jovial and heartwarming, there are others that show the strain that can be put on such a relationship. This dynamic can either take center stage or play out in the background, with fans loving the compelling storytelling on display here at all times.
John Marston is one of the greatest protagonists in gaming history, with his tale of redemption ending on a sad note as the Pinkertons betrayed him and closed all the loose ends from Dutch’s gang once and for all.Red Dead Redemption 2showsthat John wasn’t exactly the best father to his child. The fact that he wasn’t even around his family all that much in the first game cements this fact.
However, despite the lack of any bonding moments between the two inRed Dead Redemption, the fact that Jack felt the need to avenge his father’s gruesome death showed that he definitely had a lot of respect for his old man. It’s a shame that many people didn’t really like this character as a protagonist inRed Dead Redemption, and fans can only wonder if he’ll play a central role in the third game.
5Cid & Balthier (Final Fantasy 12)
Despitethe story ofFinal Fantasy 12focusing mostly on Ashe and Vaan, many people argue that the best character in the party who deserves way more love than what he gets is Balthier. This smooth-talking protagonist seems like a happy-go-lucky guy… only for fans to uncover the complicated relationship he shares with his father, Cid.
Final Fantasy 12’s story places Balthier at odds against his father, culminating in a moment where he is forced to fight against Cid and eventually duel him to the death. It’s an emotional moment that further proves why so many people love Balthier’s character and consider him to be the best party member inFinal Fantasy 12.
4Kratos & Atreus (God Of War)
God of War’sreboot was a massive success, with the advent of a more mature and thoughtful Kratos resonating with most fans. What really hammered in just how much Kratos had grown from his early, rage-filled years was the relationship he had with Atreus. His struggles to be a father while trying to hide his past is something that many parents can relate to.
While their relationship does become stronger over time, watching the animosity between them early on inGod of Warcan be a rather bitter pill to swallow. Thankfully, Kratos learns from his mistakes and strives to be a better role model for his kid, while Atreus puts in the effort to understand his father and see his point of view - despite being rather immature at times.
3Jecht & Tidus (Final Fantasy 10)
Tidus is a protagonist whom many fans have mixed feelings about, which is understandable. There’s such a thing as being too cheerful, and Tidus' energy can wear down on players who find his enthusiasm to be a bit too misplaced at times. However, there’s no denying that this character has a lot of depth onceFinal Fantasy 10players look past the facade he puts up, and his relationship with his father is a great example of that.
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Tidus never really got along with his old man and continues to chase the shadow of his father all the way to the very end ofFinal Fantasy 10’s story. Their relationship is a complicated one, and many players feel likeFinal Fantasy 10did justice to this dynamicdespite the lack of screen time these characters had together.
2Ethan & Shaun (Heavy Rain)
Heavy Rainisone of the best narrative-driven adventure gamesthat players can check out, with its choice-driven gameplay being simple yet engaging in its own right. After losing his son to an avoidable car accident, Ethan’s life is left in shambles as he tries his hardest to take care of his surviving child, Shaun.
Their relationship is strained and is truly put to the test when the Origami Killer abducts Shaun, forcing Ethan to show the lengths to which he will go to save his own child. His mind, body, and spirit are tested to their very limits, and players who manage to save Shaun by the end ofHeavy Raincan enjoy a great epilogue where it seems that Ethan and Shaun will be alright, after all.
1Hojo & Sephiroth (Final Fantasy 7)
There are relationships between fathers and their sons that are pretty strained… and then there are others that are completely messed up, like the ‘bond’ between Sephiroth and Hojo inFinal Fantasy 7. After seducing Lucrecia, the mad professor injected an extraterrestrial being’s cells into his unborn child totry and create the perfect SOLDIER.
However, this ended up having dire consequences for the world, with Sephiroth losing his sanity entirely after learning that he was a genetically engineered freak with no other purpose. He rebelled against his creators and embarked on a path of destruction to take out the entire world, with Hojo showing a complete lack of care towards his child, making him arguably the most evil character inFinal Fantasy 7.
