Alternatives to NPC romance, since it's a polarizing topic

[Brynne]

Though I do see how having access to Urianger's buddy quest could be troublesome if he's gone. The quests themselves could be timeline locked? Like, if you don't do certain quests in post-ARR content, Urianger is still there at the Waking Sands even during ShB, though he is supposed to be unconscious at the Rising Stones. Instead, the starting NPCs for these buddy quests can be new NPCs, or some other mechanic. Such as Urianger getting a letter from someone, and the moogle or person delivering it has trouble finding him but found you instead. The quests would then be meant for a certain period, the NPCs references not new revelations, but ones meant for the time period. They can even have them become flashback quests that rely on your echo to relive the time you grew close to your bud.

To take this further, you could even have a separate interface like the New Game + where you initiate these quests. Maybe they even take you into an instance or set things back to how they were during the time period the quest takes place in. Seeing as how they're already doing that for New Game + it should definitely be doable for friendship quests.

I'd just like to learn more about the characters and have my character interact with them. The characters are already considered friends with the WOL; this just gives you a chance to interact with them a bit more. It shouldn't impact the story at all if done right.

[Tennyoelf]

To take this further, you could even have a separate interface like the New Game + where you initiate these quests. Maybe they even take you into an instance or set things back to how they were during the time period the quest takes place in. Seeing as how they're already doing that for New Game + it should definitely be doable for friendship quests.

I'd just like to learn more about the characters and have my character interact with them. The characters are already considered friends with the WOL; this just gives you a chance to interact with them a bit more. It shouldn't impact the story at all if done right.

Yup, that's how I feel! Those are great ideas and since they've already implemented in the game, it would be easy to do!

[Shougun]

Would be fun to get our companions back. And while I guess the chocobos kind of fulfill it a bit, I do miss the scenes and dialogue with my companion. She was no-nonsense!

I had the pervy flirty miqote and the grab me a dictionary lalafell, good times :3. Chocobo certainly wouldn't be able to fulfill all the feelings of a talking companion, but I think it could also add other elements too. I know it's a bit silly sounding but really if they added like a patting, combing, ambient noises, different food mechanics (meaning the mechanic itself, not strictly 'more foods' - I don't feel the simple timer is the most conducive option for growing a partnership vibe), chocobo hot and cold, interactions with the environment, etc, imo, you could add a pretty strong animal-companion vibe. It doesn't help that there are so many mounts, I suppose, and while I do enjoy many of the non-chocobo options we have, in some ways I feel it's a shame that chocobos have such a back seat presence in most places of the game.

But on the talking companions, of course there is a lot of value to be had in being able to converse with them.

[Catwho]

If anything, I'd like to nudge certain NPCs into dating my preferred other NPCs. I've no interest in romancing them myself, but, for example, I'd love to introduce various character to Magnai and see if someone is finally willing to be his namaa.

Or others where there's been a hint of possible romance between the NPCs, but they were left platonic in canon, probably because the WoL/character shippers would throw a ruckus if they did anything with it.

My character to Aymeric: So, when are you gonna marry Lucia?
Aymeric: (spits out tea)

My character to Hilda: I hear Stephinian is getting pressured into finding a wife soon.
Hilda: Oh no no no don't you put that hex on me

My character to Nashu: So does your sister know you're the partner of the Manderville heir?
Nashu: Cor! No way, my family doesn't approve of Highlanders.

[Katie_Kitty]

My WoL is already married, so no need for NPC romance here. I don't see the harm, though! If it's just a thing that only impacts each person's experience with the game, then I think it's fine and can even be a fun addition.

[Tennyoelf]

My WoL is already married, so no need for NPC romance here. I don't see the harm, though! If it's just a thing that only impacts each person's experience with the game, then I think it's fine and can even be a fun addition.

Oh, my main WoL is bonded to my husband's character! I do have an alt I would love to be able to romance an NPC but as buddy quests, even my married WoL can spend more time with my favs, so it opens it up for everyone!

[Senn]

There could be friendship levels. Do friendship quests and give gifts to increase your level. As you raise your level, unlock new dialogue options and cutscenes.

[Tennyoelf]

There could be friendship levels. Do friendship quests and give gifts to increase your level. As you raise your level, unlock new dialogue options and cutscenes.

That would be awesome! Maybe after a certain friendship level, you can take them out on trust runs? Or if that includes the scions, they'd grow a bit stronger? Which would nudge you towards BFF'ing more of the scions...hmmm

[Brynne]

I really like this! I could see it like side quests for each NPC that are optional but give you a greater sense of friendship and connection with the NPC. Maybe at the end you get a special screenshot with your NPC buddy posing with you in front of some scenery.

[Tennyoelf]

I really like this! I could see it like side quests for each NPC that are optional but give you a greater sense of friendship and connection with the NPC. Maybe at the end you get a special screenshot with your NPC buddy posing with you in front of some scenery.

Yes, exactly! And that idea with the screenshot is cool since we'd have the memento of the connection we made. I'd probably use it as a new desktop wallpaper lol