Dating Is Terrible In Boyfriend Dungeon, And Maybe That’s The Point (2023)

Dating isn’t something we often talk about fondly. Sure, there’s excitement in getting to know new people and the hope that we'll all find that special someone. Still, the process is exhausting and anxiety-provoking, full of awkward exchanges and embarrassing moments. Figuring out if you’re compatible with someone takes time, and that time rarely turns into an actual love connection. That’s part of what I find really fascinating about Boyfriend Dungeon. It doesn’t romanticize dating. Every potential love interest is an imperfect being, complete with flaws and their own baggage. You simply have to decide what you can put up with.

The dating sim genre often presents picture-perfect love. The process takes an idealized form, just like we see in romance novels and romantic comedies. 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. 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. People have their reasons for choosing one person over another. Some like pining for those who play hard to get, while others want a kindhearted soul. And sometimes, it really is just about the muscles.

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However, most dating sims are associated with lighthearted, giddy feelings. Maybe this is because we know how silly this idealized concept is and that it has no bearing on our actual dating lives. But do they all have to be that way? Boyfriend Dungeon goes against the genre standard. It’s bold and risky, and that’s part of what drew me to it. 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. And sometimes, that means being honest about the baggage or flaws you can handle in a relationship. 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.

Dating Is Terrible In Boyfriend Dungeon, And Maybe That’s The Point (1)

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I liked how Boyfriend Dungeon doesn’t lock you into one romance; you can date everyone if that’s your style. I enjoyed getting to know a slew of different people but settled on K-pop idol Seven. Seven didn’t win me over at first. 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. And our relationship centered on an important conversation about mental health while watching terrible movies and laughing over their absurdities. On the other side of the coin, I thought I would romance Valeria because she’s just a cool, laid-back chick. 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 recognizedwe were better off friends. 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. There’s also something to be said about Boyfriend Dungeon not having a “right” or “perfect” choice. Whatever works for you is just fine.

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. The ending is abrupt, and when dealing with a stalker, your hand feels forced. I was disappointed by not having more dungeons and bonding moments. 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. But I like that Boyfriend Dungeon wasn’t afraid to try something different and attemptto represent how complicated dating really is. Dating isn’t easy, but people often want it to be in video games. Does that mean it should? I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer there. Our expectations with the dating sim genre have been set one way for so long that it is difficult to appreciate something different. However, I can’t fault Boyfriend Dungeon for accurately making dating the unglamorized process that it really is. And that’s probably what I most enjoy about it.

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For more on Boyfriend Dungeon, be sure to check out our review and see it in action in our New Gameplay Today.

FAQs

Why are people mad about Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

For a window of time, Boyfriend Dungeon became a lightning rod for criticism of its inclusion of the stalker plotline, to the point where voice actor Alexander Gross received online harassment for just playing Eric, the character the content warning was referring to.

Can you be poly in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

The ability to spark romances with non-humans isn't the only way that Boyfriend Dungeon branches out regarding romantic relationships. While the potential to date a cat is unique, the game bravely touches upon polyamory, making it stand out further.

Can you date multiple characters in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

The game tries to juggle both genres well, but the way it meshes these elements together doesn't always work. In the game, you can date up to seven characters at the same time. Each of these characters can also turn into a weapon that players can equip in dungeons.

What gender is Rowan from Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Rowan Blair III is a non-binary bisexual character from Boyfriend Dungeon.

Does Sunder always break up? ›

It turns out every ending with Sunder is the bad ending; no matter what you do, he'll break up with you.

Is there a time limit in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

There is no time limit to Boyfriend Dungeon unlike a game akin to Persona 5 which has a calendar set up. It's actually a pretty laid-back adventure. Jump into the dungeons and raise the bond level between the player character and the weapons. Once a weapon's bar is filled up, they can go on dates.

How many partners can a poly person have? ›

Other researchers like Fleckenstein and Cox found that most polyamorous people maintain two or at the most three partnerships simultaneously.

How many people can you date if your poly? ›

Generally, polyamorous relationships involve having the option to date two or more people at the same time.

Can you marry two people in a poly relationship? ›

A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that one in nine single American adults had engaged in polyamory. In legal terms, polyamorous people are unable to marry all their of partners: It is illegal throughout the United States to marry more than one person at a time.

Can you date the AXE in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Jonah is one of the dateable weapons in Boyfriend Dungeon. He is seeking new opportunities, and transforms into an Axe. The player meets him at an event hosted by Jesse.

Can you date Eric in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Eric is a character in Boyfriend Dungeon and can be dated. The player is introduced to him by Jesse. Eric is the owner of Naked Steel and he works there as a blacksmith. Additionally, he teaches about the History of War at Verona Beach College, and does weapon appraisals.

Are there females in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Boyfriend Dungeon's Valeria (Dagger)

Valeria is currently the only female bae you can date, and she certainly is a fiery one. She's very defensive at first, hinting to previous damage, but is a fun and sassy companion when she warms to you.

Are there any non-binary characters in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Sawyer is a non-binary bisexual character from Boyfriend Dungeon.

Is Sawyer a child Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

But let's examine the characters closely. Sawyer is a child. Literally, they are still in college, and their dates include you teaching them how to make grilled cheese, giving them answers to a test, helping them with a homework assignment, and defending them to their college professor.

Where is Leah in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Leah is one of the dateable weapons in Boyfriend Dungeon. She is an athlete, and transforms into a Hammer. The player meets her in the Verona College on Semester 4. She is famous in Verona Beach for her figure skating.

How many endings does Boyfriend Dungeon have? ›

Though Boyfriend Dungeon is a dating sim, there aren't any branching paths or multiple endings to unlock. Ultimately, the game tells a linear story, but you get to choose which weapon(s) to take along for the ride.

Can you save in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Boyfriend Dungeon autosaves as well, so you don't even have to worry about manual saving.

How many levels are there in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

There are two dungeons you'll need to clear in order to beat the game: The Mall and the nightclub, La Rosa. The latter won't unlock until you beat the boss of the first. Each dungeon has over 12 floors and you simply need to reach the stairs leading down to advance.

Can you romance all characters in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

The narrative examines different facets to relationships and what people want without judgment. I liked how Boyfriend Dungeon doesn't lock you into one romance; you can date everyone if that's your style. I enjoyed getting to know a slew of different people but settled on K-pop idol Seven.

Will Boyfriend Dungeon get an update? ›

MONTREAL, AUGUST 17, 2022 - Kitfox Games are blushing to announce that Boyfriend Dungeon: Secret Weapons, a substantial free update for Boyfriend Dungeon, is out today for free on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Windows 10, the Epic Games Store, and Steam!

Can you romance Sunder in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Sunder is the dashing and dangerous Talwar available to romance in Boyfriend Dungeon. He is very quick to flirt with you, and probably will be most players' first official date in the game. Sunder is quite a handful, though, so proceed with caution.

What is kitchen table polyamory? ›

Kitchen Table Polyamory (KTP) refers to 'a style of polyamorous relationship in which the interrelationship of a network, and the integration of multiple romantic relationships into one life or group, is prioritised,' explains Jordan Dixon, a clinical sex and relationships psychotherapist.

What celebrities are polyamorous? ›

Below, we round up the 11 celebs you didn't realise were polyamorous...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. ...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Bella Thorne. ...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Yungblud. ...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Kehlani. ...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Willow Smith. ...
  • Polyamorous Celebrities - Shailene Woodley.
Feb 21, 2022

What is a vee relationship? ›

Vee. When one person is in a relationship or dating two people who are not involved with each other, that's a vee polyamorous relationship. The easiest way to understand this type of polyamory is to think of the letter V.

How common is polyamory in the US? ›

Monogamy, or the practice of having only one romantic or sexual partner, is the most practiced type of relationship in the United States. However, according to statistics published in 2021, roughly 4%–5% of the population practices polyamory.

What is considered cheating in poly? ›

Polyamory is, in short, consensual, ethical, and responsible non-monogamy. This goes directly against the idea of cheating. Cheating is non-consensual, in that the person being cheated on did not consent to non-monogamy, and is unable to make informed decisions about their sexual and emotional health.

Is polyamory a trauma response? ›

But research has yet to establish any convincing link between polyamory and childhood trauma. Unless you're finding that consensual non-monogamy is exacerbating symptoms of a pre-existing psychological condition you have (for example, depression, anxiety, PTSD, a personality disorder, etc.)

What states recognize polyamory? ›

Multiple U.S. states (including California, Washington, Louisiana, and Rhode Island) have explicitly recognized the families with multiple parents, such as step-families, adoptive families, and families with CNM parents.

Can you be monogamous after being polyamorous? ›

Well, you can, but chances are it isn't going to go very well because the “rules” of monogamy, which are about exclusivity and allegiance to one person, don't apply. Polyamory requires creating new relationship parameters that are agreed upon by all.

How long do poly couples last? ›

A survey of 340 polyamorous adults shows their polyam relationships lasting an average of eight years. The most typical polyam relationship involves a primary committed couple, with each member free to explore other relationships.

Do you date the cat in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

"Dates" With Pocket. While they can hardly be described as 'dates', on account of Pocket being a cat, there are a series of social excursions the two of you can go on. So begins your interesting friendship with Pocket. While you cannot gain romantic levels with him, Pocket is easy to befriend.

Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon protagonist? ›

Bell Cranel is the main protagonist of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?. He is an aspiring adventurer in the Goddess Hestia's Familia.

Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon girls name? ›

Haruhime Sanjōno (サンジョウノ・春姫, Sanjōno Haruhime) is a Renart, a demi-human with fox traits. Originally a member of the Ishtar Familia and trained as a prostitute, she is rescued by Bell and Mikoto when the Ishtar Familia is destroyed by the Freya Familia.

Who is the antagonist in Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Katana (also known as Masamune) is a character in Boyfriend Dungeon and is one of the antagonists. He is created by Eric with pieces they chipped off of other weapons. He is intended to be the perfect servant, being completely devoid of free will and obeying only his owner's (Eric's) wishes.

Who was Tom Sawyer's girlfriend? ›

becky. Becky Thatcher, the leading lady in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, is the wealthy young love interest of Tom Sawyer. Becky is first introduced on the porch of her father Judge Thatcher's house.

Does Sawyer become good? ›

Against all odds, Sawyer became someone who cared about the greater good. He helped Jack and the others defeat the Man in Black and save the Island and the larger world. His evolution into caring about the greater good is also shown in the flash-sideways.

What age level is Tom Sawyer? ›

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
...
Product information.
Language‎English
Reading age‎8 - 12 years
Item Weight‎8 ounces
Dimensions‎5.39 x 0.59 x 7.4 inches
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Can you marry Leah? ›

Leah is a villager who lives in a small cottage outside Pelican Town. She's one of the twelve characters available to marry.

What happens if you ask Leah May I have a kiss? ›

"(creepy) May I have a kiss?" -100 friendship points. (If you do this option, Leah will blush and then punch you.)

Who was Leah's boyfriend? ›

Teen Mom Star Leah Messer and Fiancé Jaylan Mobley Split.

What is the main plot of Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

Boyfriend Dungeon is a dungeon crawler-dating sim developed and published by Kitfox Games. Taking place in an urban fantasy setting, the player character must fight through dungeons with the help of a human partner who can transform into a sentient weapon.

Is there an end to Boyfriend Dungeon? ›

The ultimate goal is to get to the end or bottom of each dungeon to find a legendary or take down a fearsome boss. In Boyfriend Dungeon, you'll need to complete each dungeon as well as develop a relationship with the weapons in order to complete the story.

Is Boyfriend Dungeon getting an update? ›

Boyfriend Dungeon's Free Update Is Now Live, Adds New Romance Options And Whip-Wielding Villain. The Secret Weapons update includes a new villain was created by Unseen Inc. CEO Ikumi Nakamura and voiced by popular streamer Loserfruit.

Is it wrong to pick up girls in a dungeon plot? ›

In this city of dreams and desires, new adventurer Bell Cranel has his fateful encounter with the tiny Goddess Hestia. Thus begins the story of a boy striving to become the best adventurer and a lonely goddess searching for followers both hoping to reach their goals and perhaps have some romance on the side.

Will there be a Dungeons 3? ›

Dungeons 3 is a video game developed by Realmforge Studios and published by Kalypso Media. It was released on October 13, 2017, for Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and for Nintendo Switch on September 15, 2022.

Does Boyfriend Dungeon have girls? ›

Boyfriend Dungeon's Valeria (Dagger)

Valeria is currently the only female bae you can date, and she certainly is a fiery one. She's very defensive at first, hinting to previous damage, but is a fun and sassy companion when she warms to you.

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