Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
UK EditionUK US EditionUS CA EditionCanada AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Don't miss these
Arc Raiders raider in a pilot helmet looks at the camera in a sunlit forest
Third Person Shooters Police confirm Arc Raiders fan got a visit from officers in real life after a concerned motel guest heard him plead for a revive: "I got shot, please get me up!"
Arc Raiders trailer screenshot of a man's face in red lighting
Third Person Shooters Embark's "very hot fix" for Arc Raiders' door exploit problem lives up to its name as players who dare try it combust into literal flames: "THIS is the way you deal with issues you can't fast-fix"
Hades 2 Melinoe accepting boon
Hades 12 Hades 2 tips and tricks to get you started in the Underworld
Arc Raiders best weapons
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders door exploit makes keycards useless, and players demand the banhammer for those using it: "The sooner Embark bans people doing this, the sooner it will stop"
Arc Raiders automaton medical vendor Lance
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders has a weird problem for a shooter: the worst guns in the game are really good
Captain Wayne screenshot showing the titular character
FPS Games This nautical take on the boomer shooter is filled with 90s cartoon absurdity, and it's already one of my favourite games of the year after only playing an hour
Dispatch
Adventure Games Dispatch's success shows a way forward for a struggling AA narrative genre
A player in the hub of Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders players were already grumbling, and after another patch of nerfs a fierce debate brews: crafting UI is definitely a mess, but should the stash actually get buffed?
A press image shows the Song of Saya protagonist smiling against a red wall of gore
Games Brave dev vows to keep making games for freaks like me even as daddy Steam decides to crack down on NSFW content: "I'll just create the things I find interesting"
Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters Arc Raiders is a hit, but the extraction shooter's pitch didn't impress one of the Embark devs' kids years ago: "Sci-fi game? Very original"
Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters "I have to kill them before they kill me": In just one week, Arc Raiders has ruined my ability to trust, and the killer robots aren't even the problem
Helldivers 2
Third Person Shooters Helldivers 2 players melt down, accuse Arrowhead of becoming a real-life Ministry of Truth over YouTube drama, and get a response from the CEO: "We work with a partner for the propaganda commanders"
Arc Raiders
Third Person Shooters "Embark, please fix": Arc Raiders player discovers glaring flaw after collecting over 600 rubber ducks in the extraction shooter, only to find they can only show off 9
STALKER 2 tips
FPS Games 10 STALKER 2 tips to help you survive in the Zone
A chef dropping rats into a cauldron in Tavern Keeper
Simulation Games After 11 grueling years and 6 different versions of the game, management sim devs decide they've finally made something that doesn't suck: Tavern Keeper "wasn't fun for ages"
Trending
  • Fallout Season 2
  • New Games for 2025
  • Gift Guides
  1. Games
  2. RPG
  3. Mass Effect
  4. Mass Effect 3

LoveRadar: Video gaming's awful advice column

Features
By Samuel James Riley published 3 June 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Tell us where it hurts

Tell us where it hurts

Sometimes we all need a shoulder to cry on--a big meaty torso joint to collect our facial rain--but what about those who don't have anyone? No best buds, no human tissues, no uncomfortable acquaintances we've just now met? For these people, there are the advice column agony aunts, society's self-proclaimed 'masters of love' and gossip page sages. Never mind the fact that you've just trusted your love life to a perfect stranger, these guys are gurus, and no one's going to pay a moron to write gibberish all over the Internet, right? Right??!?

Of course, you don't need to be real to feel. Video games are practically overflowing with cases of unrequited love, broken tickers, and borderline personality disorders. Fictional creatures need love too, and some just want to spill their guts without the aid of a chainsaw. Enter, LoveRadar, the one stop shop for virtual hang--ups, insecurities and awful, impractical advice. It Begins!

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
'Grrr-us' (Mass Effect)

'Grrr-us' (Mass Effect)

Dear LoveRadar,
I've recently begun a romantic relationship with a rugged, brooding alien from the Trebia system. He isn't much for small-talk, but we're still hugely compatible as people. The bad news is that whenever we try to get it on together, neither one of us has any clue what to do. I suppose it doesn't help matters that our 'parts' are hilariously mismatched--what with my you-know-what and his what-on-earth-is-that. Just last week I spent over 2 hours giving him a thoughtful back massage. When I'd finished he told me that I'd crippled his neurological system for life. Please LoveRadar, re-calibrate our love life!
FemShep09

Dear FemShep09,
I'm guessing your beau isn't an Asari, or even a Hanar (those guys are like a floating Adults-only emporium), so here's how you deal with the rest. Turians: ruffle his feathers, swallow an earthworm or two, yanno--bird stuff. Elcor: trade some Shakespeare. Salarians: leave that body armour on and hope for the best. Quarians: check in to the local STD clinic ASAP. Krogans: Go wild, these guys are the galaxies' resident swingers, with absolutely zero chance of any unwanted pregnancy!

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
'Mi Amore' (Super Mario Bros.)

'Mi Amore' (Super Mario Bros.)

Ciao LoveRadar,
My girl, she's-a always-a playin-a hard-a to get -- says am a not a boyfriend-a material. Every other week she's-a back-a together with this overgrown-a meathead and every week amma there to pick uppa da pieces. And-a why? A bright-a red mohawk? He's-a naked from the neck down for crying out-a loud! Then there's-a me Mario: sporting success, luxurious moustache, and a low paying job in the sanitation department, what's-a not to love? Help me LoveRadar, amma trapped in the friendzone 1-1!
Wahoo!69

Dear Wahoo!69,
Sounds like this girl really gets your flagpole flying. Have you tried telling her how you feel, or better yet, melting her on-again / off-again boyfriend in a vat of molten steel?

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
'In the Navi' (Legend of Zelda)

'In the Navi' (Legend of Zelda)

Dear LoveRadar,
I'm in a bit of a bind right now and I was hoping you could help. It's actually kind of ironic. I'm regarded as this big local hero when it comes to time manipulation, but I just can't seem to find the time to meet women. In desperation I've hooked up with my hugely irritating travel companion, and immediately regret the decision. She's just so clingy, and obsessive, and chirpy--it's driving me nuts. When I try to block her out, it's even worse, she keeps blathering away, screaming "LISTEN!" in my ear and pulling my face towards hers. Last week my pet bunny went missing from the garden, and later that night we had boiled rabbit for dinner, coincidence? Please LR, offer me an out--the edge of my master sword is beginning to look mighty tempting.
KinkintheLink

Dear KinkintheLink,
Maybe you should just Minish things with this girl and enjoy your Twilight years alone I'll see myself out

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
'Maybe Baby' (Dragon Age: Origins)

'Maybe Baby' (Dragon Age: Origins)

Dear LoveRadar,
So I meet this crazy emo chick on my travels, and she's totally not into me. She's real hot, kinda distant, but whatever, I'm way into her, so I go for it--I'm pulling out all the stops: casting sexy spells, whipping up love potions, pimping my tightest armour, and still--nothing. It's like I'm invisible to this girl. So anyways, I'm about to throw down with this gigantic f****** dragon when this chick just up and decides to jump me. She says she'll go all the way TONIGHT so long as I don't mind creating some weird demonic baby thing. Normally, I'd figure, what the hell, but my buddy Varric says that antichrist babies cost DOUBLE the child support! So, yeah, like what am I supposed I do? Also, I already did it. Advice?
TheLayWarden

Dear TheLayWarden,
First things first, are you and your partner over the (Dragon) Age of consent? *awkward wink towards camera* Also, you should know that caring for any child is a big deal--especially one that turns out to be the embodiment of all worldly evil. On the plus side, your little tyke will enjoy excellent job prospects in the emerging 'nightmare fuel' sector.

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Hardly a free man (Half-Life)

Hardly a free man (Half-Life)

Dear LoveRadar,
I'm absolutely desperate to come out, but I'm afraid of what people might think of me when I do. I've been telling folks that I'd reveal myself for the last 7 years now, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Some close friends have even begun to doubt my authenticity, while my own father--who knows the truth--refuses to acknowledge my existence. At times, it can feel like I'm only living half a life. I have enough trouble talking to people as it is--how can I possibly temper their expectations?
AFreeMan.3

Dear AFreeMan.3,
Please, for the love of god, just come out already. Please!

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
'Locust Lover' (Gears of War)

'Locust Lover' (Gears of War)

Dear LoveRadar,
I sometimes feel like my spouse and I are becoming distant. Ever since she was first abducted by rampaging alien hordes it's like there's been this huge subterranean rift between us. I mean, it's not like I'm not attentive to her needs--I dream about her all the time, and I'm always discussing our relationship with my buds. I guess you could say I've become less attracted to her since she decided to become wildly emaciated and lose most of her hair, but come on dude, I'm super ripped, and she can't even moisturise properly? Sounds pretty selfish to me.
DumbbellDom

Dear DumbbellDom,
Locust infestations can put a lot of stress on a marriage. It might be best to put an end to your mutual suffering.

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
'Pretty pathetic prey' (Metal Gear Solid)

'Pretty pathetic prey' (Metal Gear Solid)

Dear LoveRadar,
My company is currently staging an 'aggressive sit-in' protest in the Alaskan northwest, and I could really do with some advice. The job site is a remote military installation that's practically overflowing with scrawny, love struck scientists. I managed to silence the first few suitors who came my way, but I'm close to running on empty. Now, one of the sappiest, pants-wettingly-pathetic specimens won't leave me alone. I've tried to let him down gently, but he just won't let up. Last week I made the mistake of lending him a handkerchief and not 5 minutes later found him sniffing at the thing so hard I thought he was going to inhale it. He also insists I call him 'octagon', but he doesn't look like the MMA type to me? Help me LoveRadar! How can I shake this flake?
xxSniperWolfxoxo

Dear xxSniperWolfxoxo,
Some men just have a wolfish appetite when it comes to powerful women. If you really want to give this guy the old heave-ho then you're better off staying out of his way altogether--try finding the most isolated part of that base and sticking to it. Maybe lay a few friendly landmines while you're at it.

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
'You cheated on me?!' (Contra)

'You cheated on me?!' (Contra)

Dear LoveRadar,
I'm beginning to suspect that my super soldier hubby--and all-round American beefcake--is cheating on me. The signs of his unfaithful play are everywhere--one moment he's Up, Up, the next: Doubly Down, an avowed Lefty this minute, a devout Righty the next--and then all over again! Just B A man for crying out loud! During a recent trip to the Galuga islands, he even suggested that I go back to the hotel alone one night 'considering as how I was completely spent'. Since when did he tap into these extra reserves of energy? Is he Contradicting himself or am I just playing Contrarian?
MadDog87

Dear MadDog87,
It seems like you and your hubby are slowly growing apart. Have you ever considered eviscerating wave after wave of mercenary scum together?

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Show and tell

Show and tell

Has your heart been crushed by an end-level boss? Do paragons always finish last? And is the union between Bowser and Peach actually... anatomically possible? Answer these questions and more by scrolling on to the comments section below and leaving your thought-smatterings.

While you're just hanging around with nothing to do, why not check out more features? Here's one on Why The Real Villain In Watch Dogs Is... You, and another on 11 Stupidly Tough Game Dungeons... That Almost Made Us Rage Quit.

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
CATEGORIES
Android iPad iPhone PC Gaming Wii-u Nintendo PlayStation PS4 Xbox Xbox One Platforms Mobile Gaming
Samuel James Riley
Samuel James Riley
Social Links Navigation
When he's not busy saving small animals from dangerous brush fires, Sam enjoys writing about the weird world of video games. All-time favourites include Half-Life 2, Knights of the Old Republic, GTA: Vice City and Final Fantasy 10. Last year, Sam finally succeeded in besting Rayman 1 for PlayStation, leaving his life utterly without meaning.
Read more
Arc Raiders
"I have to kill them before they kill me": In just one week, Arc Raiders has ruined my ability to trust, and the killer robots aren't even the problem
 
 
CloverPit
Dev behind smash-hit "demonic lovechild of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette" tunes into fan's stream just to lovingly roast them: "You are completely clueless and probably OUR worst player so far"
 
 
A screenshot shows Zayne from Love and Deepspace surrounded by golden light
World's most popular horny RPG with over 50 million downloads gives up on decorum in "divine" update that's probably illegal somewhere: "WAITT WHATT??? FROM BEHINDD?"
 
 
monkey in megabonk
Megabonk creator faces a moral dilemma as the roguelike heads to the moon: Robinette is a broken character, but "I don't really wanna nerf her because it's fun af"
 
 
The Outer Worlds
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain explains the biggest RPG sins, including annoying NPCs, bad exposition, and those terrible escort missions: "'This escort quest will be fun.' They'd be wrong."
 
 
CloverPit
"Many AAA titles have been exploiting players in ways that resemble the mechanics of casinos": Dev of hit roguelike slot machine says "it’s debatable" games offer a safe space for those with gambling issues
 
 
Latest in Mass Effect
N7 Day 2025 could be hinting that Mass Effect 5 will make a specific Mass Effect 3 ending canon, but I can't tell which one
 
 
Mass Effect 5
Fans find Mass Effect 5 art of a Krogan civil war hidden in BioWare's N7 Day post, studio lead says "I want you to see stuff. But it's not the time…yet"
 
 
Mass Effect Trilogy
Mass Effect 5 remains in development amid $55 billion EA buyout, and BioWare is now "heads-down and focused exclusively on" the RPG, with "lots of romances to figure out"
 
 
Mass Effect
"I can't describe how happy this makes us": No Man's Sky celebrates Mass Effect Day with the return of Commander Shepard's ship
 
 
Mass Effect tease
Commander Shephard actor would love to return in Mass Effect 5 to play "anyone," not just FemShep – but BioWare hasn't picked up the phone
 
 
Commander Shepard in Mass Effect
EA goes $20 billion in debt as part of its $55 billion buyout, and the BioWare fans who've already waited 8 years for Mass Effect 5 are terrified of how the company might cut costs
 
 
Latest in Features
The Big Preview art of Fallout season 2 showing Kyle Maclachlan's Hank in a suit of power armor - showing the Cover Story tag
Fallout season 2 is "taking some swings", but isn't committing to any canonical ending from New Vegas: "It's what we would want to see as fans"
 
 
Warhammer Emperor's Children models, vehicles, boxes, and books on a circular wooden table
Warhammer, I am begging you for an apothecary in my Emperor's Children army
 
 
Walmart Plus delivery by a front door with Princess Peach in the foreground
These Walmart Cyber Monday deals are an absolute slay with record-low prices on consoles, games, accessories and more
 
 
PS5 and Nintendo Switch games on a green background with Cyber Monday deals badge
I've found some fantastic Cyber Monday video game deals so you don't have to
 
 
100 Nights of Hero
I'm not a fan of rom-coms or romantic fantasy – but the delightfully queer 100 Nights of Hero made me a believer
 
 
Picard and Ryker in Star Trek Next Generation looking at the GamesRadar+ Quiz icon
How well do you know Star Trek?
 
 
  1. Art from Octopath Traveler 0 showing the hero being haunted by the images of those who burned his hometown, with ghostly images of the three surrounding an image of a town on fire behind him as he walks forward
    1
    Octopath Traveler 0 review: "The strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet, I love the greater focus on tactical battles"
  2. 2
    Sleep Awake review: "An all-timer horror premise is let down by tired stealth that I feel like I'm sleepwalking through"
  3. 3
    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond review: "The series' atmosphere has never been better, while being dragged down by a boring overworld and clunky psychic powers"
  4. 4
    Routine review: "This imperfect but wonderfully atmospheric moon-based horror leaves a strong impression"
  5. 5
    Marvel Cosmic Invasion review: "Excellent '90s-tinged superhero brawling across a punchy campaign falls just short of arcade bliss"
  1. Freddy Fazbear in Five Nights at Freddy's 2
    1
    Five Nights at Freddy's 2 review: "We have waited two years for a Five Nights at Freddy's 1.5"
  2. 2
    Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"
  3. 3
    Wicked: For Good review: "Builds to an incredibly cathartic conclusion, but isn't quite as captivating as Part 1"
  4. 4
    The Running Man review: "Some fun action and Glen Powell's star power aren't enough to energize this disappointing Stephen King adaptation"
  5. 5
    Predator: Badlands review: "Die-hard fans may be disappointed, but as a blockbuster action-adventure, Badlands kills it"
  1. Noah Schnapp as Will Byers and Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna in Stranger Things season 5
    1
    Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 review: “Can the Duffer brothers stick the landing? It’s sure looking like they will”
  2. 2
    Pluribus season 1 review: "Easily one of the year's best dramas"
  3. 3
    The Witcher season 4 review: "The Henry Cavill-less fourth season is the best yet"
  4. 4
    IT: Welcome to Derry review: "A supremely confident step back into the history of Stephen King's cursed town and killer clown"
  5. 5
    Splinter Cell: Deathwatch review: "A pale imitation of the long-dormant stealth franchise"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...