10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

As a long-time gamer who has witnessed the evolution of video game companions, I must say that some characters have left a sour taste in my gaming memories. One such character is Navi from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Now, I remember this little fairy shouting “Hey!”, “Look!”, and “Listen!” more than I care to admit. While her target-locking ability was useful, it couldn’t make up for the frustration she caused throughout my playthrough.


Video game companions, more often than not, prove useful. They may aid during battles, offer valuable tips, or simply serve as a loyal friend, regardless if they walk on two legs or scamper around on four furry ones.

Unfortunately, though, that’s not always the case.

In simpler terms, some video game partners can actually make the gaming experience challenging or downright unpleasant, as they may not be much help.

Some companions can prove unreliable due to their habitual hindrance, excessive need for assistance, or simply because they are overly bothersome. In fact, it might be more advantageous for them to stay within the confines of the backstory.

10 Lydia

Skyrim

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

In the game Skyrim, Lydia is the initial follower (and possible marriage prospect) players encounter after completing the “Dragon Rising” quest and being appointed Thane of Whiterun. Loyal to the hilt, she vows to safeguard the Dragonborn, as well as everything they possess, with her very life.

Little did anyone know she would then throw her own life away at any chance she could.

From running head-first into dungeon traps, diving off mountains/cliffs, or simply falling victim to friendly fire, it’s very easy to lose Lydia to all kinds of ridiculous manners. In fact, thousands of players have shared memorable and bizarre ways she’s died in their playthroughs.

Instead of being helpful to the player, her habitual carelessness often leads to unfortunate outcomes for herself, making her an untrustworthy companion due to her inconsistency.

9 Strong

Fallout 4

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

Experiencing the desolate landscape of a post-nuclear world, struggling to stay alive amidst ruin, while constantly dealing with a grumbling, dissatisfied companion, mirrors the ordeal of traveling alongside Strong from Fallout 4.

Strong hates when players hack computers, pick locks, or even wear power armour. All of these actions are crucial for the game, and make up a significant portion of the gameplay loop in several builds. He expresses strong disdain for players that are playing Fallout 4 as it’s best intended.

Players frequently become puzzled, wondering if there’s something he truly enjoys or appreciates.

Yes, actually: cannibalism.

8 Survivors

Dead Rising

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

In some cases, people may not have enough survival skills; however, those who are rescued by Frank in Dead Rising often seem to lack any instinct for self-preservation whatsoever.

Instead of just a few or a small number, it’s every individual who managed to survive. Shockingly, the total count is 48 survivors in this particular game.

In this scenario, they may encounter swarms of zombies, disregard instructions, or just stand there passively, acting as easy targets for attack. Keeping them safe becomes a challenge because it requires constant supervision and equipping them heavily at all times. It’s quite distressing.

In Dead Rising, you can attempt to save multiple survivors simultaneously from a large horde, an endeavor that may prove chaotic and challenging. Good luck earning that achievement!

7 Eileen Galvin

Silent Hill 4: The Room

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

As a devoted fan, I find “Silent Hill 4: The Room” chilling and enigmatic within the Silent Hill universe. However, Eileen Galvin’s character seems to have stirred up some disagreement among players, contributing in part to its divisive status.

Eileen lives next door to the main character, Henry Townshend, and plays a larger role in the second half of the story. Following a devastating assault by the game’s primary antagonist, Walter Sullivan, she eventually becomes a companion.

To achieve the game’s favorable conclusion, players must ensure that Eileen doesn’t get hurt because, during the climactic battle against Walter, Eileen will be possessed and headed towards her demise.

As she sustained more harm while being an ally, she tended to move quicker, and should the harm become excessively severe, there would be no way to recover her – just as challenging as stopping her from receiving damage initially.

She moves noticeably more slowly than Henry, hobbling due to injury, and leaving herself exposed. Furthermore, certain hazardous zones, like the frustrating inclined walkways, pose an unavoidable risk of harm. Therefore, the players can only cross their fingers that Eileen sustains minimal damage, allowing for a potential rescue at a later time.

6 Sheva Alomar

Resident Evil 5

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

The series Resident Evil hasn’t always done a great job with game characters who join you, and Sheva Alomar from Resident Evil 5 doesn’t improve that impression.

It appears that while Sheva can help with combat and puzzles, her artificial intelligence doesn’t seem to fully understand these concepts. In fact, she tends to behave unpredictably, such as charging into gunfire, swarms of enemies, or even walls, depending on her current mood. Additionally, she quickly depletes resources like ammo, making her more of a hindrance than a help most of the time.

A great method for maximizing Sheva’s abilities would be to engage her in a multiplayer setting, where another player takes control of her character.

5 Natalya Simonova

GoldenEye 007

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

In the early stages of video game development, the artificial intelligence (AI) was quite rudimentary. Games like GoldenEye 007, for instance, lack a feature that allows non-player characters (NPCs) to be aware of where their weapons are pointed, known as muzzle awareness. This oversight is becoming apparent, especially in the character of Natalya Simonova, who serves as James Bond’s main NPC companion in the pioneering First-Person Shooter game.

In a nutshell, Natalya might not have been aware that the concept of self-preservation exists at all.

Natalya frequently finds herself in danger, even when it means charging towards gunfire or remaining exposed to it. Her disregard for her immediate environment often leads to unfortunate outcomes, such as a higher rate of death and multiple failed missions.

Just ask players about how the Control mission went with her and watch them have war flashbacks.

4 Donald Duck

Kingdom Hearts

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my affection for the captivating Square Enix franchise known as Kingdom Hearts. This extraordinary series is celebrated for its unique blend of Disney and Final Fantasy intellectual properties. Over the years, this role-playing game has kept me hooked, following the dynamic trio comprising of myself (representing Sora), my trusty companion Goofy, and the wise Donald Duck. Together, we embark on an epic quest to vanquish darkness from our world.

Donald Duck is the party healer, and unfortunately, he does a terrible job at it.

In the process of recovery, Donald Duck always attends to Goofy first, regardless of Sora’s critical state. However, players can only adjust settings to potentially receive healing, though success is never certain.

In the midst of a grueling boss fight where Sora might lose his life, Goofy gets a mere paper cut instead, which he deems more urgent to attend to first.

3 Navi

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

One well-known video game character is Navi from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a fairy who travels alongside Link during his quest to save Hyrule. However, she’s not always fondly remembered and is often criticized as one of the most irritating companions in the entire Legend of Zelda series – and for abandoning Link when he needed her help the most.

“Hey!”

“Look!”

“Listen!”

Throughout their gaming experience, players became accustomed to Navi’s constant guidance. However, it’s important for her to remain trustworthy. Navi is instrumental in helping Link lock onto enemies, which is the only advantage she provides. This targeting feature is a significant gameplay aspect that makes Link effective in combat.

Yet, when it comes to the ultimate confrontations against Ganondorf, she departs. She argues that his overwhelming malevolence is too potent for her, despite having aided Link in defeating numerous evil forces beforehand. Consequently, this impedes Link from being able to lock onto Ganondorf during combat at all.

In simpler terms, it adds complexity to the end battles, yet it seems like her persistent negative demeanor throughout the game becomes meaningless in the end.

She’s supposed to function as a guide for Link, serving as a sort of mentor during his journey. However, following this last incident, many players are finding themselves wishing they could imprison her in a vacant container and cast it off into the distance.

2 Ashley Graham

Resident Evil 4

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

Players new to Resident Evil, especially those unfamiliar with the original Resident Evil 4, might have heard about Ashley Graham’s frustrating AI primarily through word of mouth or general game lore.

In the Resident Evil 4: Remake, Ashley’s character underwent substantial modifications that greatly enhanced her portrayal. Nevertheless, longtime players of the original game recall precisely why she was among the most frustrating escort missions in video games.

In the updated version, Ashley is vigilant, cognizant, and self-confident. She’s resourceful and quick-witted, making her an exceptional and delightful companion to be with. Conversely, in the original game, she lacks these qualities. To put it simply, the original Ashley from a college background comes across as immature, which isn’t appealing.

She’s only tolerable in the original game when she’s completely plated in a full suit of armour. Even then, she’s cuter in the remake’s armour anyway.

1 Baby Mario

Yoshi’s Island

10 Most Unreliable Video Game Companions

For numerous kids, Yoshi’s Island served as a cherished Nintendo title that significantly shaped their childhood memories, but for many, it marked the inception of a profound dislike towards missions that require protection or escort duties.

As Yoshi, players take on the task of caring for, safeguarding, and shielding a small version of Mario, who is defenseless against any threats. By battling numerous adversaries along the way, Yoshi aims to reunite these baby Super Mario Brothers with their family.

Indeed, as Mario is literally a baby in this scenario, he doesn’t possess the ability to assist. Regrettably, being just a baby, his capabilities are limited to crying – an action he performs persistently throughout the game. This makes for a challenging experience not only for children but also parents, who can only persevere through each level with determination.

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2024-10-10 17:09