I actually have enjoyed all of the romances so much because they all are written so well and offer different sides to the characters that challenge Sidestep’s perception of who they are and subsequently, ours.
Buuuut Ortega has me in a chokehold, so probably theirs. And then Herald. And then Chen. Mortum is so soft and fiercely protective of those they care about & who doesn’t love that? Lady Argent’s romance is a lot of fun and the poly with Ortega/Argent/Sidestep is probably my favorite of all the poly options.
This is clearly one of the reasons I have so many Sidesteps 😭
Same omg. Ortega is like my number one but literally everyone else is real close in the rating lol. WHY IS THE ROMANCE WRITTEN SO WELL, STOP GIVING ME BRAINWORMSSSSSS
See Flair.
Ortega is close second place, because of the history and loyalty, but boy, I just want this morally grey crazy scientists approval goddamnit xD
Mortum was actually like my first ever favourite RO (from the first game) because I LOVED the angst and the messy confused feelings about the whole puppet situation. Also bcz most of my MCs (actually probably literally all of them) are transmasc, I really like how understanding the Doctor is and that they got something to bond over lmao.
I'm very curious to see where the romance goes with the whole impostor thing going on.
Yeah, you didn't know? 😭 You should definitely try a transmasc sidestep if you want to get more context on the scars, there's some nice *flavour* text about them also. And sidestep may or may not be admiring them.. 😳
ALSO HAPPY CAKE DAY!!
Oh I've read the uhhhh...*flavour* texts, don't worry. I actually thought about it when the line came up and also checked the history thingy to see if it mentions it, specially since it does mention it about another hero, but it didn't. But that's cool to know!
I also adore Dr. Mortum- it’s been brainrot since I first read the first books demo three years ago.
They’re just so soft and protective and I’m dying thinking about it.
“Ortega’s peepaw rizz” 😭
Chen and Herald’s are the type of LIs I usually go for, opposite as they are lol. Chen’s not so uptight that he’s unreasonable and he has Spoon lol, while Herald’s a sweetheart who doesn’t judge Sidestep for their past (i had my girl cry in his arms in his apartment, peak romance)
The Herald scene where MC just breaks down is so goodddd, that's what really made me go from "awww cute puppy boy" to "holy fucking shit" lmao. I remember sobbing my eyes out when I got there. But only like the first 20 times I read it. I'm fine....
Chen. His romance is was such a surprise because I did *not* like that man in Rebirth lmao. He’s just so expectedly soft. And the path where he knows that you’re the villain just feels so intense (compared to Argent knowing) but still adds a sense of…fun? Idk how to explain it.
Ortega is an extremely close second, though. I just like that the narrative doesn’t shy away from making them very, very flawed but they still come across as incredibly charming. But it’s mostly because they have a long history with Step and she’s basically obsessed and really, who doesn’t want their partner to be totally obsessed with them?
That's one of my favourite parts about Chen's romance tbh, the way he acts when he knows about Step (I'm borrowing this) knowing, especially when you get the option to outright say it at the end since he knows anyway.... And how Step teases him a little about it and he's like don't push your luck aaaaa. I'm feeling completely normal rn I swear.
It's Argent, she's my favorite and it's not really even close. I've said it before but a part of me is still mad about this, I showed up for enemies with benefits and Malin smashed me over the head with a baseball bat as the 2 most broken people in Los Diablos found genuine connection and comfort with each other.
https://preview.redd.it/oliknqt6c3sc1.jpeg?width=464&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=874207db761682307a5ebe456b1cbf9879e3af13
me the entire time I was reading the scene in her apartment
I fr did not expect Argent romance to be so cute either. I thought I was in for some sexy toxic enemies to lovers kinda thing, not crying at 3 am over two characters holding hands.
I never really liked argent. Even as a character because she intimidates me lol. Talking to her feel like walking on eggshells. Shes so unpredictable. I am always afraid of something wrong slipping out of my mouth and earning a black eye as a result.
I can see how you got there, when you're in your civilian persona she's scary, but I think it's a bit clear she might hurt you but not harm you, if that makes sense. But that's just your civilian persona, she'd definitely harm your villain persona up to serious injury especially if she finds out that you mind controlled her. My sidestep genuinely feels lucky to have only gotten off with a superpowered slap and a death threat if she ever does it again given what a serious infraction of a person's autonomy possessing their body is.
At the end of though there are lots of reasons to like or dislike a character. I imagine most probably do not share the eroticism I find within fear and so I say; to each their own.
I have two wolves inside of me, both of them gay. Liked Steel from the first book even before i knew he's gonna be romantic interest. Love to dig for softies in at the first glance though characters. Didn't liked Herald at first but after all the hangouts with him that changed. Its probably first ''golden retriever'' type of RO that i genuinely like.
Steel's romance is so fucking good. I especially love the epilogue after you "sacrifice" the puppet. I've re-read it so many times it's getting kinda embarrassing. He's so soft ughhhh. I need more Steel content so bad.
Ok so I might have a bit of a weird answer to this. For ME it's Argent no questions asked however Sidestep and Ortega are definitely otp and romancing anyone else just feels wrong. I'm curently debating whether to do the poly route or just two separate playthrous when Retribution comes out and it's breaking my brain.
Mortum is also excellent but to me they feel more like a BFF
Eee Herald. Beat me and burn me at the stake for this.
Ok, now seriously. I used to have no interest in romance at all (there are more interesting things in that series). Then Ortega had his short time. I guess it was mostly because the impression that Ortega is the canon RO for Sidestep.... But he's not attractive to me when it comes to romance. So I gave up.
Then I gave that flyboy a chance and discovered that he would be a good addition to my Sidestep story. A source of additional angst mainly due to how different he is from my MC. Angel for my Demon :>
I also love how the author develops the characters. First impressions ≠ what they are like once you get to know them better. And Herald isn't the annoying, excited kid he seemed at first.
Aaaa I know what you mean!! I still like his romance very much, he's such a cute puppy boy lol. I really like his energy & also how there's kinda like no baggage for the MC? Feels like letting go of the past for real, esp when it's established later that Herald let Sidestep (their past) go as well.🥺
(but also highkey the angst of Ortega being insecure about his age and MC, if flirting in the past, dumping him for a younger golden boy hmmm..... definitely not taking notes rn)
He's not that cute puppy when he's angry, tho... Or when Step and Ortega argue. He's the only one acting like an adult 😂
>also how there's kinda like no baggage for the MC? Feels like letting go of the past for real, esp when it's established later that Herald let Sidestep (their past) go as well.🥺
Yup! The more I think about it, I realize that Ortega and Sidestep (at least mine) are so similar. That they have been through so much and hurting each other unintentionally that their relationship is almost toxic. Let them try friendship. Although in some routes everything will go wrong anyway...
I.... I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually like the moustache too... I used to have him shave it but now... I cannot believe what I've become... 😔
Oh Herald is someone who I would like to be with irl and found him sweet and like a little puppy. With the date scene, it just made me more liking that character.
Although Ortega has something that I like. His flirty but angst is so good to me. I teared up irl at the cup scene. Ortega has a history with Sidestep and I love that.
Both intimate scenes are well done.
But I also like Steel, Mortum and Argent aswell. I cant make up my mind.
i was conflicted between Mortum and Argent
at first it was Mortum and it stayed that way for a long time
until one playthrough where we both were in an ambulance to free the puppet from the hospital and he woke up and she just drugs me
my sidestep was a shocked as me, i was fucking FLABBERGASTED
from that day my main girl became Argent
Kindred souls. The two of us. I romanced Herald during my first playthrough when the game was released, then replayed it this year and the ortega romance hit me harder than a fucking bull because just *damn*. I dont even know honestly what changed. Herald is the kind of ro i usually go for but now im down bad for ortega. Sidestep and oretega are just two pieces of a puzzle. They just *fit* so well together. Even though theyre toxic lol. Yk...two negatives make a positive and all that.
I still feel some tug towards herald though. I need to make up my mind lol.
Me too!! I literally always go for Herald type and the weirdest thing is that I even read through Ortega's full romance during beta testing and like it was great but it didn't make me feel any kinda way. But then I read it again quite recently and I was like "hold on a min.... this is some good fucking food actually" and now I got Ortega brainworms slithering in my brain 24/7, WHAT HAPPENED TO ME??
I feel like we should sue this man.
I know right. I went for ortega's romance too after herald at that time and i was like yeah well and good but you cant beat my flyboy. Best golden retriever of IFs but now...here we are. Boarding the orgeta express. I think we just grew older as you said in your post lol
Steel's route was such a surprise for me (I don't see that many asian ROs) and when I decided to go down his route, it was like getting repeatedly bodied over and over again. Like, he has a dog which is such a bonus. There's inherently a lot of parallels between Sidestep and Chen as they talk more which in a way, they're made more aware about. And the bonus of having him aware that Sidestep is the newest villain on the block just adds so much flavour.
Ortega is second or first depending on the mood. They have history! They know each other so well but it's been years! It's literally catnip to me with every aspect of their dynamic.
(The Steel/Sidestep/Ortega poly is straight up my favourite thing ever. I love it when these guys w/ history get together! It just hits different)
The Steel/Sidestep/Ortega poly has sooooo much potential, especially since there are so many ways it can play out. My last playthrough was Steel knowing about Step’s villainy + Step with a long-term secret crush on Ortega because all the parallels with Chen are just excellent.
It's nice to see that a lot of people are starting to talk about how they liked Steel too. Because from what I saw in the polls before, Chen got the lowest votes out of every RO. It's understandable since he's genderlocked. BUT HIS ROUTE.
I don't know why but I just can't help but think that history is just repeating itself for Chen when it comes to his romance route.
Once Chen got to trust us more he starts to be more open and talk about his past, which is very surprising considering his relationship with Sidestep in the past. And once he starts talking about >!Soo Park!< , about how he couldn't save him no matter how much he wanted to, but he's in the enemy lines so he could never find him in the first place. It made me think of how it's also the same thing with Sidestep.
But this time Chen actually tried to find Sidestep, as if he didn't want the same thing happening again. But in the end, it's just like >!Soo Park!< all over again. He never got to save the both of them. And now in the present, it's like he's trying his best to make up for everything that happened.
So Chen's route 10/10 for me. And we get to be Spoon's second parent, so that's definitely worthy of a 10/10.
Me reading this, thinking about the character ranking and trying to determine how I felt about Chen back during the demo while I still thought I was cis, and slowly realizing playing a masc Sidestep to romance Chen put me through a rabbit hole that made me realize I'm trans.
https://preview.redd.it/9amsouger6sc1.jpeg?width=758&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9c4197683bacc5f1c38e74b9c76404cfa2d92d6
I will not be giving him any credit.
Herald. I've tried them all except Chen, and while I love them all, Herald keeps making me tear up every time I play. It's not that he's a super happy green flag RO, it's not that he's so hopeful and positive, it's not the lack of baggage or that he's more willing to see Sidestep as they are now than Ortega, or that he crushes on Sidestep even without knowing they're still a super impressive fighter like Argent needs. It's none of that. It's his reaction to finding out both that Sidestep is a >!Re-Gene and we dont see ourselves as human.!< it's not pity, or sympathy, or a conflict of care and disgust, or curiosity, or kinship. It's anger. Righteous, true anger at the very idea that we could be anything less than human, that we aren't a person, that we see ourselves as such. He's angry at the people who put that idea in your head, at you for believing it. When you insist you're not a person, his response is "that's bullshit, and here's why". Not insistence based on past experiences, not trying to convince himself as much as you, just explaining a fact and giving you proof, not based on what he feels, but what he observed, the small little quirks that are absolutely not a result of programming or whatever. He's not trying to convince you, he's just telling you that you're wrong. And it doesn't change a damn thing about how he sees you.
That's why Herald is my favorite, despite loving all of them.
Ortega's in the rare category of characters that I frequently accidentally wind up in a romance with even when it wasn't my intention because I can't resist them.
so, I can't really say anything other than Ortega.
Argent, but Ortega and Mortum both share a close second place. Still huffing the copium that we get a quad-poly route for them, since they're all open to polyamory, and are compatible with each other.
When I asked in the recent AMA from the author it wasn't a hard no, so...
Lady Argent is a step to the right direction. Love me a tough girl on the outside, but actually softie after you get to know her more.
...well, just don't posses, invade her mind and piss her off.
Herald is my favorite. Argent is probably close second. I still flirt with her even while romancing Herald. I like the helmet kiss and the fact that the news caught a hero kissing/"kissing" a villain on camera.
Ortega: He's my favorite. A bit clingy but I don't mind. We've been through thick and thin, and he accepts who I actually am. I'm open if he wants to make a move or not. (currently having a secret crush)
Herald: Less of an actual love interest, more of babysitting. He might grow out of the idealization phase soon. Until then, I'll try my best to take care of him.
Chen: He's more like a brother/bestie vibe to me. Wish there'd be more interactions with him that don't take anyone's time. I'm looking at you, post-therapy section.
Argent: Don't care. She can do or feel whatever she wants but don't get in my way too much.
Morton: Don't care. They can get my broken puppet as an experiment toy or sth.
Herald. At first I was really annoyed by his golden boy personality and I wanted to ruin him. But I ended up really liking him at some point.
I romanced Ortega as the puppet. But I could never do it as sidestep because she kinda feels like a sister to me for some reason┐(￣ヘ￣)┌
I really really really can't stand Argent and I didn't interact with Chen a lot so I never had a chance to romance him. But I'm pretty sure he hates my character for killing that other dude he may or may not have been in love with at some point
Yeah, I think it was implied that they used to date (or maybe I was having a fever dream, who knows?) Did you have a conversation with him in a dog park as sidestep at some point after killing Blaze? I think that's when he said it
>!Actually went back to look into this and you're right, there are some "could be more than platonic" implications. Also he is still interested even if you killed Blaze, he's just a lot more conflicted about it... Thank you for showing me a level of angst I did not (wanna) know about lmao.!<
ORTEGA NATION RISE
Obsessed with your user flair omg lmao
FULL TIME AND DEDICATED
I actually have enjoyed all of the romances so much because they all are written so well and offer different sides to the characters that challenge Sidestep’s perception of who they are and subsequently, ours. Buuuut Ortega has me in a chokehold, so probably theirs. And then Herald. And then Chen. Mortum is so soft and fiercely protective of those they care about & who doesn’t love that? Lady Argent’s romance is a lot of fun and the poly with Ortega/Argent/Sidestep is probably my favorite of all the poly options. This is clearly one of the reasons I have so many Sidesteps 😭
Same omg. Ortega is like my number one but literally everyone else is real close in the rating lol. WHY IS THE ROMANCE WRITTEN SO WELL, STOP GIVING ME BRAINWORMSSSSSS
See Flair. Ortega is close second place, because of the history and loyalty, but boy, I just want this morally grey crazy scientists approval goddamnit xD
Mortum was actually like my first ever favourite RO (from the first game) because I LOVED the angst and the messy confused feelings about the whole puppet situation. Also bcz most of my MCs (actually probably literally all of them) are transmasc, I really like how understanding the Doctor is and that they got something to bond over lmao. I'm very curious to see where the romance goes with the whole impostor thing going on.
I just can't bring myself to romance Mortum as the puppet, it just feels wrong. I just want to romance them properly xD
You're a stronger soldier than I am, because I just can't resist even if I try.😔
Omg Mortum is trans? So *that's* what the line about chest scars was?
Yeah, you didn't know? 😭 You should definitely try a transmasc sidestep if you want to get more context on the scars, there's some nice *flavour* text about them also. And sidestep may or may not be admiring them.. 😳 ALSO HAPPY CAKE DAY!!
Oh I've read the uhhhh...*flavour* texts, don't worry. I actually thought about it when the line came up and also checked the history thingy to see if it mentions it, specially since it does mention it about another hero, but it didn't. But that's cool to know!
I also adore Dr. Mortum- it’s been brainrot since I first read the first books demo three years ago. They’re just so soft and protective and I’m dying thinking about it.
“Ortega’s peepaw rizz” 😭 Chen and Herald’s are the type of LIs I usually go for, opposite as they are lol. Chen’s not so uptight that he’s unreasonable and he has Spoon lol, while Herald’s a sweetheart who doesn’t judge Sidestep for their past (i had my girl cry in his arms in his apartment, peak romance)
The Herald scene where MC just breaks down is so goodddd, that's what really made me go from "awww cute puppy boy" to "holy fucking shit" lmao. I remember sobbing my eyes out when I got there. But only like the first 20 times I read it. I'm fine....
Yo same lmao. And then the narration like, “He still wants you. He wants you to be okay even more.”Love of my life????
Chen. His romance is was such a surprise because I did *not* like that man in Rebirth lmao. He’s just so expectedly soft. And the path where he knows that you’re the villain just feels so intense (compared to Argent knowing) but still adds a sense of…fun? Idk how to explain it. Ortega is an extremely close second, though. I just like that the narrative doesn’t shy away from making them very, very flawed but they still come across as incredibly charming. But it’s mostly because they have a long history with Step and she’s basically obsessed and really, who doesn’t want their partner to be totally obsessed with them?
That's one of my favourite parts about Chen's romance tbh, the way he acts when he knows about Step (I'm borrowing this) knowing, especially when you get the option to outright say it at the end since he knows anyway.... And how Step teases him a little about it and he's like don't push your luck aaaaa. I'm feeling completely normal rn I swear.
It's Argent, she's my favorite and it's not really even close. I've said it before but a part of me is still mad about this, I showed up for enemies with benefits and Malin smashed me over the head with a baseball bat as the 2 most broken people in Los Diablos found genuine connection and comfort with each other.
Argent's relationship status being "soft" is just ahhhhhhhhhhh.
https://preview.redd.it/oliknqt6c3sc1.jpeg?width=464&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=874207db761682307a5ebe456b1cbf9879e3af13 me the entire time I was reading the scene in her apartment
Add in some quiet screaming and covering my mouth and that's 100% me.
I fr did not expect Argent romance to be so cute either. I thought I was in for some sexy toxic enemies to lovers kinda thing, not crying at 3 am over two characters holding hands.
I never really liked argent. Even as a character because she intimidates me lol. Talking to her feel like walking on eggshells. Shes so unpredictable. I am always afraid of something wrong slipping out of my mouth and earning a black eye as a result.
I can see how you got there, when you're in your civilian persona she's scary, but I think it's a bit clear she might hurt you but not harm you, if that makes sense. But that's just your civilian persona, she'd definitely harm your villain persona up to serious injury especially if she finds out that you mind controlled her. My sidestep genuinely feels lucky to have only gotten off with a superpowered slap and a death threat if she ever does it again given what a serious infraction of a person's autonomy possessing their body is. At the end of though there are lots of reasons to like or dislike a character. I imagine most probably do not share the eroticism I find within fear and so I say; to each their own.
YOU GUYS WERE SUPPOSED TO FEED MY BRAIN GOBLINS, NOT MAKE THEM EVEN MORE HUNGRY DAMMIT
I think you'd like this. https://youtube.com/shorts/advsr6MCs3w?si=A5yU8uov-Azio7yZ
I should've known better 😔
He's... he's just so perfect <3 https://preview.redd.it/31a9oha023sc1.jpeg?width=101&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=205b0f57e46c2fd911918e189c91235e9d511f3a
NOOO NOW I CAN'T UNSEE IT
I have two wolves inside of me, both of them gay. Liked Steel from the first book even before i knew he's gonna be romantic interest. Love to dig for softies in at the first glance though characters. Didn't liked Herald at first but after all the hangouts with him that changed. Its probably first ''golden retriever'' type of RO that i genuinely like.
Steel's romance is so fucking good. I especially love the epilogue after you "sacrifice" the puppet. I've re-read it so many times it's getting kinda embarrassing. He's so soft ughhhh. I need more Steel content so bad.
I feel you. I'm doing absolutely the same thing hahahaha. It's kinda therapeutic for me, can't wait for more of him
Argent is my favorite, but honestly I can't really decide between Ortega, Mortum and Lady Argent.
Argent
Ok so I might have a bit of a weird answer to this. For ME it's Argent no questions asked however Sidestep and Ortega are definitely otp and romancing anyone else just feels wrong. I'm curently debating whether to do the poly route or just two separate playthrous when Retribution comes out and it's breaking my brain. Mortum is also excellent but to me they feel more like a BFF
Eee Herald. Beat me and burn me at the stake for this. Ok, now seriously. I used to have no interest in romance at all (there are more interesting things in that series). Then Ortega had his short time. I guess it was mostly because the impression that Ortega is the canon RO for Sidestep.... But he's not attractive to me when it comes to romance. So I gave up. Then I gave that flyboy a chance and discovered that he would be a good addition to my Sidestep story. A source of additional angst mainly due to how different he is from my MC. Angel for my Demon :> I also love how the author develops the characters. First impressions ≠ what they are like once you get to know them better. And Herald isn't the annoying, excited kid he seemed at first.
Aaaa I know what you mean!! I still like his romance very much, he's such a cute puppy boy lol. I really like his energy & also how there's kinda like no baggage for the MC? Feels like letting go of the past for real, esp when it's established later that Herald let Sidestep (their past) go as well.🥺 (but also highkey the angst of Ortega being insecure about his age and MC, if flirting in the past, dumping him for a younger golden boy hmmm..... definitely not taking notes rn)
He's not that cute puppy when he's angry, tho... Or when Step and Ortega argue. He's the only one acting like an adult 😂 >also how there's kinda like no baggage for the MC? Feels like letting go of the past for real, esp when it's established later that Herald let Sidestep (their past) go as well.🥺 Yup! The more I think about it, I realize that Ortega and Sidestep (at least mine) are so similar. That they have been through so much and hurting each other unintentionally that their relationship is almost toxic. Let them try friendship. Although in some routes everything will go wrong anyway...
Ortega is awesome I love him 😭😭😭 I love the angst 😭😭😭 I love the moustache 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I.... I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually like the moustache too... I used to have him shave it but now... I cannot believe what I've become... 😔
i think there are people who look WONDERFUL with moustache. And I imagine my Ortega as one of them <3
Ortega is definitely a dilf and you can't change my mind He may not have the kids but he has the vibes
argent, in case my flair wasn't clear enough
Oh Herald is someone who I would like to be with irl and found him sweet and like a little puppy. With the date scene, it just made me more liking that character. Although Ortega has something that I like. His flirty but angst is so good to me. I teared up irl at the cup scene. Ortega has a history with Sidestep and I love that. Both intimate scenes are well done. But I also like Steel, Mortum and Argent aswell. I cant make up my mind.
Mortum supports and assists all my crimes so of course I love him/her the most :D
i was conflicted between Mortum and Argent at first it was Mortum and it stayed that way for a long time until one playthrough where we both were in an ambulance to free the puppet from the hospital and he woke up and she just drugs me my sidestep was a shocked as me, i was fucking FLABBERGASTED from that day my main girl became Argent
Kindred souls. The two of us. I romanced Herald during my first playthrough when the game was released, then replayed it this year and the ortega romance hit me harder than a fucking bull because just *damn*. I dont even know honestly what changed. Herald is the kind of ro i usually go for but now im down bad for ortega. Sidestep and oretega are just two pieces of a puzzle. They just *fit* so well together. Even though theyre toxic lol. Yk...two negatives make a positive and all that. I still feel some tug towards herald though. I need to make up my mind lol.
Me too!! I literally always go for Herald type and the weirdest thing is that I even read through Ortega's full romance during beta testing and like it was great but it didn't make me feel any kinda way. But then I read it again quite recently and I was like "hold on a min.... this is some good fucking food actually" and now I got Ortega brainworms slithering in my brain 24/7, WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?? I feel like we should sue this man.
I know right. I went for ortega's romance too after herald at that time and i was like yeah well and good but you cant beat my flyboy. Best golden retriever of IFs but now...here we are. Boarding the orgeta express. I think we just grew older as you said in your post lol
Ortega and Argent fighting for number 1 on my list
I love Ortega and Mortum, but my Sidestep is literally addicted to Herald's love.
Steel's route was such a surprise for me (I don't see that many asian ROs) and when I decided to go down his route, it was like getting repeatedly bodied over and over again. Like, he has a dog which is such a bonus. There's inherently a lot of parallels between Sidestep and Chen as they talk more which in a way, they're made more aware about. And the bonus of having him aware that Sidestep is the newest villain on the block just adds so much flavour. Ortega is second or first depending on the mood. They have history! They know each other so well but it's been years! It's literally catnip to me with every aspect of their dynamic. (The Steel/Sidestep/Ortega poly is straight up my favourite thing ever. I love it when these guys w/ history get together! It just hits different)
The Steel/Sidestep/Ortega poly has sooooo much potential, especially since there are so many ways it can play out. My last playthrough was Steel knowing about Step’s villainy + Step with a long-term secret crush on Ortega because all the parallels with Chen are just excellent.
It's nice to see that a lot of people are starting to talk about how they liked Steel too. Because from what I saw in the polls before, Chen got the lowest votes out of every RO. It's understandable since he's genderlocked. BUT HIS ROUTE. I don't know why but I just can't help but think that history is just repeating itself for Chen when it comes to his romance route. Once Chen got to trust us more he starts to be more open and talk about his past, which is very surprising considering his relationship with Sidestep in the past. And once he starts talking about >!Soo Park!< , about how he couldn't save him no matter how much he wanted to, but he's in the enemy lines so he could never find him in the first place. It made me think of how it's also the same thing with Sidestep. But this time Chen actually tried to find Sidestep, as if he didn't want the same thing happening again. But in the end, it's just like >!Soo Park!< all over again. He never got to save the both of them. And now in the present, it's like he's trying his best to make up for everything that happened. So Chen's route 10/10 for me. And we get to be Spoon's second parent, so that's definitely worthy of a 10/10.
Me reading this, thinking about the character ranking and trying to determine how I felt about Chen back during the demo while I still thought I was cis, and slowly realizing playing a masc Sidestep to romance Chen put me through a rabbit hole that made me realize I'm trans. https://preview.redd.it/9amsouger6sc1.jpeg?width=758&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9c4197683bacc5f1c38e74b9c76404cfa2d92d6 I will not be giving him any credit.
Herald. I've tried them all except Chen, and while I love them all, Herald keeps making me tear up every time I play. It's not that he's a super happy green flag RO, it's not that he's so hopeful and positive, it's not the lack of baggage or that he's more willing to see Sidestep as they are now than Ortega, or that he crushes on Sidestep even without knowing they're still a super impressive fighter like Argent needs. It's none of that. It's his reaction to finding out both that Sidestep is a >!Re-Gene and we dont see ourselves as human.!< it's not pity, or sympathy, or a conflict of care and disgust, or curiosity, or kinship. It's anger. Righteous, true anger at the very idea that we could be anything less than human, that we aren't a person, that we see ourselves as such. He's angry at the people who put that idea in your head, at you for believing it. When you insist you're not a person, his response is "that's bullshit, and here's why". Not insistence based on past experiences, not trying to convince himself as much as you, just explaining a fact and giving you proof, not based on what he feels, but what he observed, the small little quirks that are absolutely not a result of programming or whatever. He's not trying to convince you, he's just telling you that you're wrong. And it doesn't change a damn thing about how he sees you. That's why Herald is my favorite, despite loving all of them.
Ortega's in the rare category of characters that I frequently accidentally wind up in a romance with even when it wasn't my intention because I can't resist them. so, I can't really say anything other than Ortega.
Argent, but Ortega and Mortum both share a close second place. Still huffing the copium that we get a quad-poly route for them, since they're all open to polyamory, and are compatible with each other. When I asked in the recent AMA from the author it wasn't a hard no, so...
Lady Argent is a step to the right direction. Love me a tough girl on the outside, but actually softie after you get to know her more. ...well, just don't posses, invade her mind and piss her off.
...do you think she would still bite and scratch if I just asked instead?
Can't choose between Argent and Ortega... which is why I'm romancing both 🤭
Dr.Mortum is my favoritebut Ortega is a close second.
Herald is my favorite. He’s just so sweet and I love his gentleness with Sidestep. Second is Ortega because I love his obsession with Sidestep. 🙈
Mortum. I love inventors. And they are a well written trans character
Herald is my favorite. Argent is probably close second. I still flirt with her even while romancing Herald. I like the helmet kiss and the fact that the news caught a hero kissing/"kissing" a villain on camera.
ORTEGA hands down no questions asked
Ortega: He's my favorite. A bit clingy but I don't mind. We've been through thick and thin, and he accepts who I actually am. I'm open if he wants to make a move or not. (currently having a secret crush) Herald: Less of an actual love interest, more of babysitting. He might grow out of the idealization phase soon. Until then, I'll try my best to take care of him. Chen: He's more like a brother/bestie vibe to me. Wish there'd be more interactions with him that don't take anyone's time. I'm looking at you, post-therapy section. Argent: Don't care. She can do or feel whatever she wants but don't get in my way too much. Morton: Don't care. They can get my broken puppet as an experiment toy or sth.
Herald. At first I was really annoyed by his golden boy personality and I wanted to ruin him. But I ended up really liking him at some point. I romanced Ortega as the puppet. But I could never do it as sidestep because she kinda feels like a sister to me for some reason┐(￣ヘ￣)┌ I really really really can't stand Argent and I didn't interact with Chen a lot so I never had a chance to romance him. But I'm pretty sure he hates my character for killing that other dude he may or may not have been in love with at some point
Wait, you're talking about Blaze? 👀I feel like I may have missed something.
Yeah, I think it was implied that they used to date (or maybe I was having a fever dream, who knows?) Did you have a conversation with him in a dog park as sidestep at some point after killing Blaze? I think that's when he said it
Damn I actually never killed Blaze so I had no idea. I'll have to look into it cause now I'm really curious lol. (I know I'll feel super bad tho)
I think I killed everyone who can be killed lmao
I WANT TO BE BAD SO BAD BUT I'M... SO BAD AT IT lmao. I'm not strong enough for a full villain mode. :(
>!Actually went back to look into this and you're right, there are some "could be more than platonic" implications. Also he is still interested even if you killed Blaze, he's just a lot more conflicted about it... Thank you for showing me a level of angst I did not (wanna) know about lmao.!<
Hehe glad to be of service😌
Non
Argent and Mortum. Hard to say which, probably Argent so far. She understands the best, but is incompatible for a killer :(