When a creative's imagination is the limit, there's no shortage of compelling characters in video games. And when you spend hours, sometimes even dozens or hundreds of them, staring at a protagonist, villain, or trusted sidekick, it never hurts for them to be pleasing to the eye.
Sometimes, I feel a little bit of a crush on some of them and I think back to the handsome men I've met on some of my travels. While I'm not sure I could fully commit to a relationship with some of these problematic guys (sadly, I can't fix that), I would definitely take them out for a nice dinner.
10 video game guys I'd invite to dinner and (maybe) the movies
10. James Sunderland of Silent Hill 2
Whether it's just dinner or coffee, any kind of engagement with James is probably a bad idea, given his history with Mary in Silent Hill 2Perhaps you saw it as an act of compassion, or simply out of selfishness in pursuit of a life free of burdens, but either way, it's not exactly something you'd be willing to overlook.
It's just that I think James could use a nice dinner after being stuck in a terrible mental experience, you know? Plus, he's pretty easy on the eyes and reliable if I get attacked by the horrible creatures of the creepy town of Silent Hill. So I'll take him out on a date, but only one.
9. Sephiroth of Final Fantasy VII
Look at that gorgeous, flowing hair. The black jacket, the sword, the wings… Obviously, I'd say yes to a date with Sephiroth if he asked me, just because of his aura. You can't ignore it.
However, this is the one character on this list that I probably wouldn't even enjoy a date with. He's so consumed by his hatred that I don't think I could put him down even during a meal at a cozy bistro in the city. But, since he's so cute, he had to be here.
8. Johnny Gat from The row of saints
Johnny Gat is a gangster who is a killer to the extreme. But he is a elegant A murderous gang member. And he's a lot of fun to hang out with when he's in the house with his fellow Saints.
Sadly, Johnny also lost his girlfriend Aisha to the Ronin. Saints Row 2So I'm not so sure I can protect myself from those same rival gangs. That's why a relationship with him would never work; it's just not practical. Surely they won't attack me if we only go out once, right?
7. Solid snake of Metal gear
We love a man who can get things done, and no one does it as well as Snake. This is the man who makes the impossible possible, after all. Give Snake a mission and you can bet he'll complete it, whether it's a highly classified operation or loading the dishwasher.
Unfortunately, the couple's rapid aging is a big obstacle. Does he still deserve love? Yes. Could I provide it, knowing that his life expectancy is much shorter than mine thanks to all the spying? Probably not. So a few nice dates that we both enjoy, but move past, will do the trick.
6. Arthur Morgan of Red Dead Redemption 2
You could tell me I'm going on a date with a real cowboy and I'd be there. But Arthur Morgan? Not only is he a cowboy, but a true Wild West heartthrob. We could hunt for dinner and then enjoy it under the stars by a campfire.
There is one major problem with Arthur, though – spoiler alert: he’s dead. I’m not really looking forward to going back in time either, especially to a time so far away that I lack modern conveniences. And since the game is set in 1899, that’s not a good idea. Time may separate us, but I can dream of the delicious dinner I’d enjoy with this cowboy.
5. Master Chief of Halo
The suit stays on. I don't need to know what he looks like underneath it. It doesn't matter. This man almost single-handedly saved all of humanity from both the Covenant and the Flood; that alone would get me out of the house and sitting at a table at Olive Garden.
Master Chief also has one of the softest voices in gaming history, and you know that an intimate conversation with him would be music to your ears. However, I don't think marrying him would be ideal, as if anyone is committed to his job, it's him. I'll be going on as many dates with him as I can before the UNSC calls him back.
4. Wyll of Baldur's Gate 3
I'm sick of everyone talking about Astarion and Gale all the time. Yes, they're adorable, but you're missing out on this heartthrob warlock, Wyll. This folk hero is kind, brave, and will do anything to keep Baldur's Gate safe. Plus, he's got the whole dark, tortured secret that haunts him every day going for him. All the ingredients for a great romantic interest.
Now, there's the whole Mizora soul-bonding thing to deal with, and I understand that can push people away. However, I can ignore it. Not forever, but at least for a few romantic steak dinners before we part ways.
3. Link from Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
He's the hero of Hyrule and the first love of almost every gamer girl, so obviously he'd invite Link over for dinner. Better yet, he can cook us dinner, since he has the skills to make things like one-pot meat pies. There's a reason why almost everyone in Hyrule is thirsty for him during the Age of the Wild.
There is one problem with Link, though, and that is that he is already very committed to someone. He is so committed to Princess Zelda that he will die for her, and he has. I am not willing to stand in the way of their relationship, and I don't think I can. But I am sure Link can do without some dating to make my thirteen-year-old self happy.
2. Waluigi from Super Mario Bros.
I don't need to explain this. If you know, you know.
1. Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil
How could you look at this man and not want to date him? He's gorgeous. He fights zombies. He has some of the most beautiful hair in all of video games. Of course, Leon Kennedy is number one on this list because he's clearly the best choice.
Much like Link, Leon seems to be involved with Ada. Their relationship is much more complicated than Link and Zelda's, but it's pretty clear that he won't let her go. I hope they can both be happy together, but only after I get my dinner date with Leon first.