30 day video game challenge day 11

   I would say this was just in time for valentines day, however my blog decided not to save yesterday so whatever. I thought choosing my favorite game couple was a little strange at first as I was faced with analyzing the relationships of fictional characters like a therapist in need of therapy of his own. But that is me all over so I ran with it. The obvious choice would be Princess Peach and Mario. But I ask you, who decided they were so perfect? The whole thing just reeks of a dysfunctional relationship. Being captured so often by Bowser seems fishy to me, almost like she isn't being captured at all... maybe Mario should look into that next time. Italians are passionate, it could get ugly, so there's a sequel to look forward to. Mario and the Mushroom Murder Inquiry.  Don't forget my royalties.

    My favorite game couple would have to be Master Chief and Cortana of Halo fame. I know you probably saw that one coming, and their status as a couple or indeed if a 7ft government made cyborg and an artificial intelligence can actually be a couple is debatable, but in my eyes their relationship seems the most human. Which is ironic because neither of them are strictly human... Regardless, I cant help but find  the whole thing rather poetic. Which again comes as a surprise in an FPS title, but Bungie have always been good at combining original gameplay and concepts with engaging narrative and memorable characters. The connection of the two is more than skin deep, both are seen as outcasts- mere tools by design that should be utilized for war, that human emotions and compassion are beyond them. But  battling for the fate of the universe on the fringes of the galaxy, they get through it together. A symbiotic relationship of brains and brawn forged in the fires of battle. You cant get much more intimate than someone living inside your head, that's like having flatshare with your partner inside a bowl of cereal. But there Cortana resides, serving as an extension of the Master Chief- the voice inside his head, and the one true friend in his times of need. The one true human connection in an alien world.

   It is something that is never mentioned within the games, merely implied upon. But to me that serves to enforce it. A forbidden love that cannot be discussed will always be more powerful than the fairytale relationship of a princess and an Italian plumber. (I mean come on Nintendo, that is just lazy). Ultimately as their story concludes, the Master Chief goes through hell itself to rescue Cortana from the clutches of evil. It is difficult to find that sort of compassion anywhere else in the gaming world. I am speaking metaphorically of course, if you want a more literal interpretation of that particular scenario The Darkness offers a taste of pure hell as the protagonist watches the love of his life executed in front of his very eyes, and in an act of  finite desperation proceeds to feed himself a lead sandwich. Next level? You guessed it, the plains of hell. But I figure that is too grim of a tale for valentines day, so instead let us focus on the love between a lean green killing machine and his glowing holographic woman. Hallelujah!