I don’t think I’ve ever felt as sad while playing a jrpg as I felt when, after defeating the big evil of Dragon Quest V, I made a victory lap around the world, visiting old friends and allies, and called upon Bianca to find her exactly as I’d left her ten years earlier, alone and caring for her ailing father in a backwoods village. I rejected my childhood friend’s profession of love and married a rich girl I hardly knew cause she seemed cute and had a cute dog. I felt pretty grand about my decision for the rest of my playthrough, as her rich dad constantly showered us with gifts and praise. And I didn’t think about Bianca much at all

But once I’d saved the world I stormed back into her life for three whole minutes, just enough time to march my beautiful wife and adorable kids around her small log cabin, to foist a comically cruel situation upon her in which all she could do was mutter a few more words of praise for me and my perfect family, words I’d heard a thousand times already. And then I was out the door and flying away again on a dragon god’s back, without having asked a single question about her life or how she’s holding up. I didn’t even let her keep the sabrecat we rescued together as kids (a rescue that was her idea no less). I just kept him imprisoned in my monster wagon instead and forgot he existed

Dragon Quest V taught me that I’m an evil far worse than any demon lord

Incredible game though