Video games can create heartwarming and engaging stories and, unlike movies, a video game's story will usually take up to twenty hours to complete in full. The time allocated to telling a story in this medium can expand on the characters placed in the narrative, allowing the player more time to experience their lives.

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The theme of family is undoubtedly one of the best ideas touched upon in video games. Whether a family takes center stage or not is irrelevant because if the connection between parent and child is strong enough, the player will notice and place value on the relationship. The utilization of a familial connection can greatly enhance a story.

8 Tom, Timmy, And Tommy Nook (Animal Crossing)

Tom Nook celebrating with Timmy and Tommy at the town plaza of a new island in New Horizons

The tanuki family of Animal Crossing is perhaps the most iconic group of animals present in the entire series. Tom Nook's first appearance sees him as the manager of Nook's Cranny before he begins his climb of the financial ladder in subsequent installments. He later takes on Timmy and Tommy with running his business before they eventually take it over in his stead.

Though Timmy and Tommy are not related to Tom, they are still treated like family. If the player converses with certain villagers, they will be informed about how they met. Supposedly, Tom Nook found these children living on the street and decided to take them in and them about his trade. Though their relationship is not the core focus of the narrative, the bond shared between the Nooks is clear to see.

7 Darth Vader And Galen Marek (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed)

Starkiller battling Darth Vader in The Force Unleashed II

Upon murdering his father, Darth Vader takes it upon himself to raise Galen Marek in the hope of training him to become powerful enough to overthrow the Emperor. Though it is not the most wholesome familial relationship, it was the only one Galen had.

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As the narrative of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed continues, Galen decides to escape Vader's grasp and pursue a new life separate from his evil plans. The relationship between Galen and Marek is perpetually strained due to betrayal and deceit on both sides, but they are both symbols of relationships that were taken away from them due to the dark side.

6 Cid And Balthier (Final Fantasy 12)

Balthier in Final Fantasy 12

The relationship between Cid and Balthier should have been expanded on in the story of Final Fantasy 12. The majority of the game focuses on the stories of Ashe and Basch as they reclaim their former positions in the world, but Balthier's story is arguably the most compelling.

Once a powerful Judge for the Archadian Empire, Balthier could not stand to see his father being controlled and manipulated by Venat. He leaves his father's side only to be forced to confront him during the party's hunt for the Sun-Cryst. As Cid fades, Balthier rushes to his side once more, but this time as a loving son. Their love was strong, so it is a shame it was not emphasized more during the story.

5 Hershal Layton And Luke Triton (Professor Layton And The Curious Village)

Professor Layton art screenshot town marketplace

Hershal Layton is arguably the most intelligent and concise detective seen throughout video game history. He first appears in Professor Layton and the Curious Village alongside his young apprentice, Luke Triton, as the pair slowly uncover the mysteries of this seemingly normal town.

Hershal acts as a father figure to Luke during the events of each series installment. He brings him everywhere he goes, allows him to contribute to his detective work, and spends a great deal of time teaching him how to be a gentleman in society. Though Luke's father makes several appearances throughout the franchise, it is Professor Layton who raises him.

4 Rost And Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)

rost horizon zero dawn

The story of Horizon Zero Dawn takes place in a post-apocalyptic world wherein humanity was all but destroyed. Rost is a character entrusted to raise Aloy when no one else would due to his experiences as a father. Having lost his family, Rost ensures to raise Aloy as a loving father would.

Being an outcast limits Rost and Aloy's involvement with their former clan, but Rost wants Aloy to live the best life available to her. His input gives Aloy the chance to perform in the Proving, a trial that would allow her to rejoin society. He put Aloy's life before his own and, though they were not related by blood, Rost cared for Aloy as a father would.

3 Jecht And Tidus (Final Fantasy 10)

Final Fantasy 10 Best Jecht Spheres

The majority of Final Fantasy 10 sees Tidus telling stories about his drunken and abusive father, only to realize that his father cared deeply for him as information about his time in Spira is revealed. Jecht is constantly searching for a way to get home to his son because he loves him. Auron informs Tidus that Jecht always loved him, but did not know how to express it.

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Upon ending Jecht's torture, Tidus holds him in his arms with tears in his eyes. He says "I hate you, dad," but his actions suggest otherwise. Jecht and Tidus share one of the most complex relationships in gaming, but the love they have for each other is undeniable.

2 Joel And Ellie (The Last Of Us)

The Last of Us Joel and Ellie hugging

The story of The Last of Us follows the life of Joel coming to terms with the loss of his daughter. Upon being given the task to transport Ellie to the Fireflies, Joel is forced to become a father once again and, though he initially rejects the idea, comes to embrace it as the story progresses.

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The end of the game sees the Fireflies informing Joel that they intend to operate on Ellie to analyze her immunity. Upon learning that the operation will kill Ellie, Joel takes it upon himself to save her from this gruesome end and later reveals that he would do it "all over again" if required. His love for her outweighs his hope for humanity's future, dubbing him one of the most protective fathers in gaming.

1 Lee And Clementine (The Walking Dead)

Image of Lee and Clementine from The Walking Dead: Season One surrounded by zombies.

Unlike Joel and Ellie's relationship, Lee approaches his connection with Clementine willingly. The Walking Dead follows their story as they attempt to navigate their way through a world overrun by walkers. Clementine becomes the main protagonist of the series after Lee's death, but his influence and love for her are seen consistently throughout the story.

Lee cared greatly for Clementine, evident through his treatment of her. He always told her to "Keep that hair short" to ensure her safety and reminds her of this during Clementine's flashbacks. She regularly recounts their moments together and considers him the only reason she survived her youth. Lee lost everything to ensure Clementine's safety but regretted nothing because of his love for her.

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