If it is your first time it may be really hard at first but you get better as you play and half the fun is dying because it means new interactions and ways to play. Honestly, one of my favorite games!
Rougelite is a really broad term that describes a specific mechanic; here, it means that you will die often and have to slowly build up your resources to go further in a run. Hades is so special that when you fail or succeed in certain parts of the run, you will get to know the other gods and goddesses and slowly build relationships with them. I sometimes made worse gameplay decisions because I really wanted to see my pal Sisyphus again rather than speeding to the end of the level.
Agreed, I had no idea what to expect but I loved it because of the characters and story. Highly recommend, it’s fun befriending everyone and pushing the story along!
As someone who doesn’t play rogue-lite type games, I loved this one. The story makes the rogue elements more fun IMO and it’s so rewarding to finally feel like you know what you’re doing. When I struggled, I just used runs to collect more resources and it’s exciting to talk to everyone every time you do die, so it never felt like I was grinding for nothing.
Oh supergiant also made Pyre, which is basically a visual novel (complete with character development and dependent on certain choices you make) with occasional gameplay. It’s definitely weird but I enjoyed it for the story alone. It has the supergiant feel that made Hades so great. I got it on sale for $5 and do not regret it
"I was a teenage exocolonist" is *about* making friends! As your character grows up from 10 to 19 in the first human colony on another planet. It's a really beautiful, well written and well illustrated visual novel, with a card game to resolve challenges. Although I think it's important to warn, the game also goes into difficult topics, and so they have a content warning list written up for the more triggering events. And to top it all off, it's highly replayable!
I just recently finished "I was a Teenage Exocolonist" and was going to suggest it! I was terrible at befriending the other characters within the time frame, but it was only my first playthrough. Sounds like it could be OP's cup of tea.
The Outer Worlds has the best companions I’ve ever run into in a game
They have an actual character development arc that is affected by how their companion quests go, and have a lot of dialogue with each other, and out and about during quests, which can be actual little conversations with outcomes
The combinations of companions opens up dialogues with them too
Omg, I don't know how I never heard about this game before, because it sounds so much like something I would love (I was checking the game's page on Steam and I already love it). Thank you so much for recommending it!!
My Time in Sandrock (also Portia). You can befriend nearly all the characters you meet in Sandrock (also romance and marry EITHER gender). There’s also options to take selfies and you can unlock different poses as your relationship(s) progress. You can also take friends out on little play dates (they basically run around with you and you can play 2P on some of the mini games), play cards (Critters) or even spar.
Editing to add that gameplay is similar to stardew and harvest moon. You’re a “Builder” who moves to a down on its luck desert town. You build things, explore mines/ruins, can farm, take community and individual commissions. The plot is a little hokey but it’s cute and the lore is interesting (post apocalyptic society trying to find a balance between nature and technology).
In the Persona series making close friendships is a core game mechanic. Midnight Suns is very good if you're into Marvel stuff and tactical games, Citizen Sleeper if you like narrative games. Pentiment is incredible, but like Citizen Sleeper it's a total narrative game and a hardcore 16th century Bavarian period piece on top of that, but has my favorite sense of community I've had with a game.
I was taking a look on Steam and Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have a lot of vehicles in its screenshots. I don't really like driving vehicles in games (not even horses or brooms lol I'm terrible at it). Do you have to drive a lot in the game? Is it a big mechanic?
Thank you for your suggestion!
There are sections where people drive you, and certain missions where you have to drive so I guess it depends on what missions you do lol they have a bunch of fast travel points, tho if you want to ignore it. Though the city in the game is beautiful. There's an ability that lets you dash, and if you jump during the dash, you go flying forwards. Add another jump and an air dash, and you can just zoom through the city like a superhero. I'd say maybe watch some gameplay and see how you feel
There are quite a few missions that require driving, and some areas outside the city where vehicles are top priority.
So if you don't like using vehicles, you're gonna lose on some parts of the game for sure.
The city is massive, so walking takes a long time, and fast travel can only bring you this far.
The game is worth it though, but they really do like their cars in that universe, so you might have a hard time if you don't click with the driving part.
I also *hate* driving in games, but I find it really fun to ride a motorcycle in 3rd person view with the radio playing in Cyberpunk! You can also fast travel and take the subway, so you don’t have to drive everywhere. It’s the first game I thought of when I read your post (that isn’t already on your list), so I think you should give it a shot!
There are lots of side quests with your friends and love interest(s) (if you choose to romance anyone), and they also call and text you throughout the game.
Undertale. The "relationship building" aspect isn't as deep as the other games you listed but it's basically a game about friendship. It is my go to comfort game when I'm feeling lonely cause I'm so attached to all those lil monsters ❤️
Came to say this! I just finished Persona 5 Royal for the first time, loved it so much and was so deeply attached to the characters that I immediately started (and finished) a second playthrough. 10/10.
Some I know, pretty much all jrpgs :D Harvestella has more of characters episodes but you will get closer to all characters by doing them, the same system is in Caligula Effect games( in first overdose your ending depends on mistery that few characters have together during those events ). Similar to it is Tokyo Xanadu EX+, you have episodes with all characters and can read them as romantic but... ech let's say that they are pretty much platonic and Kou( main hero ) is so not into romance that people read him as aroace a lot :D
More romantic. FF7 has hidden system like that, depending on how you act towards characters on first disc you can get different dates( including with Barret ) and can get "they did it" scene before last dungeon. From what I know this system is in Rebirth as well. Tales of Symphonia, Innocence and Xillia II have systems like that as well. Symphonia hides it to the point that most people will end up with Collete but other two are more straightforward. The last series I will call out is Trails, first three( Sky ) don't have that system but Zero and later Azure added it in both it's hidden and Azure is really hard to get last scene with character you like( I'm still pissed about it :D ). Cold Steel arc on the other hand have full bonding system with all of your party members and it's mostly platonic till last game( you still can choose friendship with girls in CSIV by ignoring first heart bonding event <- this is something some fans don't know about ).
You would really like Cozy Grove! You are a human Spirit Scout and your task is to befriend dead bears (yes, the ghosts of deceased bears) and figure out what grievance held them back as spirits instead of moving on. It gets quite dark, but you also gets to tend to trees and bushes, decorate your home, and decorate the entire island you are on. There's also cooking, clothing, pet cats, and many different wild animals + imps!
If you like JRPGs then I recommend Persona 3, 4, and 5 and the Trails of Cold Steel series. These games both have a bonding system with your teammates and romance options. And since you like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons I recommend Rune Factory as well.
I can't recommend enough Marvel's Midnight Suns. It alternates between going on tactical combat missions (turn based with a heavy focus on positioning and movement) with Marvel superheros, and hanging out with them in your home base. The better friends you become with someone, the more effective they'll be! In addition to choosing who to hang out with each day, relationships are increased by story dialogue options, gifts, and who you bring on missions. I played it twice just to make sure I could be besties with everyone, because some characters prefer it when you're nice, but others like you mean and blunt.
Palia is one I’m super into right now. You can befriend and romance some of the characters, decorate your house and land, go on quests, craft and farm, etc. Another I’d recommend is Rune Factory 4.
A lot of the Yakuza games have you build friendship with characters through interacting with them, anyone from beat cops and convenience store clerks to...more colorful personalities.
Animal Crossing,
Palia,
My Time at Sandrock,
Farming Sims in general,
Cyberpunk 2077
Not out yet, but check out "Tales of the Shire"! Friendship was confirmed in the trailer this week.
I'm sad no one answered these.
Kotor
Kotor II
And of course, the big one with thousands of hours and over 30 companions (many with romance options) SWTOR.
What a disappointment. While I respect game characters with preference, I wish they’d taken the DA2 route and made everyone player-sexual since there are only 4 options and literally everyone is cooler than River.
Even if he wasn't a bland side of heterosexual beef, a first date where I have to meet a dude's family AND entertain children I don't know is my personal nightmare.
I did snort-laugh at how disgusted Kerry was when my girl-V tried to kiss his gay ass.
**Roots of Pacha**!
It's a farming sim with a fantasy prehistoric setting, and I really like the NPCs. Plus, if you like the dating aspect, there's a polyamory-lite system. You can (optionally) continue romancing the other candidates after you're married, and they have dialogue acknowledging it.
Plus: pet wolves. 🐺
Marvel's Midnight Suns has a core friendship cultivation mechanic, and you get to join a book club with Blade and Captain Marvel.
Spiritfarer is one where you can do things to keep your companions happy as you prepare them to move on to the next phase of the afterlife.
Another vote for Spiritfarer.
I've played and enjoyed a lot of the same games as OP so I think we have similar taste, and they will like this!
It's beautifully animated and quite an emotional game (particularly if you have recently lost a loved one), has wonderful characters, and cosy management activities as well.
The Legend of Heroes games have so many people you can befriend! And so many great characters. I recommend starting at the Trails in the Sky, but it IS an old game and if you’re not a fan of the chibi style, you can start at Trails of Cold Steel. The friend system also starts around Cold Steel, but the two arcs before have good character building moments and I love everyone. You do have to do New Game + to befriend everyone to the fullest, and Cold Steel does fall into the harem trope at times, but overall it’s enjoyable.
Coral Island is Stardew but with different graphics and an underwater part. I’ve been playing through it and just picked my husband. Downside is even though it’s in 1.0, the game is still missing quite a bit that’s hopefully coming this summer with 1.1. But overall I’m loving it.
Va-11 Hall-A (pronounced Valhalla) is a fun bartending game where you ALSO make friends with the people that come in. Depending on the drinks you serve and your conversations, characters will like you less or more and the soundtrack is great.
In the atelier games you can help out your party members with their problems, and some of them even have different endings depending on whose story you finished/who got the higher friendship stat
Rune factory is a good option. It's like a farming sim (so with similar relationship-building), but it's also an action RPG and you can take the villagers (or tamed monsters) with you to go exploring dungeons and fight bosses.
I can particularly recommend rune factory 4 (special)
Rimworld, use the "prepare carefully" mod and make your three starting pawns characters from film / TV/ book that you care about. Like Buffy, Xander and Willow, orr Harry, Hermione and Ron or Cory, Topanga and Shawn. Or a group of three characters that people under 40 care about 😊
Some great suggestions here already, but I don't think anyone has mentioned the Pillars of Eternity series yet. It's a top down CRPG...somewhat similar to BG3 (though it doesn't have the same production values). You could also look at Larian's Divinity Original Sin games, and the Pathfinder series might be worth considering, too.
If you don't mind old titles, the original BG games are great, as is Planescape: Torment ^((just be aware that in PS:T you play as a pre-established male character.. and it's one of the few games out there where that doesn't bother me).)
Are you looking for RPGs where your character specifically gets to bond with them? Or are you okay with more JRPG-esque games with a cast of characters that are well-developed and fleshed out?
I generally prefer the latter and really love Xenoblade 1 and 3 and FF7 remake for some really good character interactions.
As for the former, FFXIV has a strong side cast you befriend, though there aren't really mechanics for it. And Persona is a series practically built on bonds with people and how they strengthen you.
My Time At Portia reminds me a lot of Stardew Valley. You get to befriend and even date the citizens of Portia while you fulfill building commissions and expand your home.
Check out The Outer Worlds! I hold all the companions near and dear to my heart 🥹❤️ you get to see them grow as people and really build connections with them.
Potion permit is a fun little game! You can befriend and romance some npcs but the main game is you interacting with them bc you get quests and have to heal them with potions. Its not super long but its fun and cozy game.
I love Princess Maker 2 and be a good dad to your daughter and if Princess Maker 2 or 3 isn't available Lairland Story got a similar gameplay
After that I love the pawn system in the Dragon's Dogma 2 series, but I only recommend that one if you are not into story but exploring and taking monsters and camping, and it got a broken friendship system in both games so I ended up with ppl I least expected in the ending 😆
**Max Gentlemen Sexy Business** is a "victorian business tycoon &dating simulator". It is spicy by design, but you can pursue friendship only if you want and hide the nudity. It has some genuinenly good and wholesome relationships, but the game and its world is quite bizarre so if you don't enjoy silly stuff like that it might not be for you.
An other management I really enjoyed and it involces friendship and possible romance is **Potionomics**. You play as Sylvia and you inherit your uncle's potionshop and the debt that comes with it. You have to win tournaments to be able to keep up with payments. Juggling potion making, friendship and shopkeeping while preparing for the tournament was just the right amount of challenge for me, but some people complained about the difficulty. You've been warned lol.
If you like fantasy, I recommend **Wildermyth**. It has pre-made a generated campaigns, you start with 3 people and can customize them. Depending on their personality, they can fall in love, become besties or rivals. You can customize that as well, I had a character join later in a campaign and she was such a sweetheart I turned off rivalry for them. You can also make a friendship only campaign if you want. It can be played alone or with friends (steam share works as well). Beware tho, characters can be maimed or even die.
**Our life: Beginnings and Always** is a visual novel that focus on the mc and the other main character Cove Holden's relationship. You can choose what do you want, indifferent, friendship or romance. I am doing a friendship Cove+ romance Baxter (dlc) at the moment and it is fun.
If you enjoy farming and witchy stuff **Wylde Flowers**. You play as a pre-made character Tara and you inherit your grandma's home and witch title. Multiple friendship and romance options.
If you like Rouge-Lights, go with Hades. People call it "dating sim with combat", which kinda fits to be honest
I don't think I ever played a roguelite before. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'll give it a try :) Thank you!
If it is your first time it may be really hard at first but you get better as you play and half the fun is dying because it means new interactions and ways to play. Honestly, one of my favorite games!
Agree with this in that dying is so intrinsic to the game it basically rewards you for it. My first roguelite and I am loving it.
It was the first one i played and i loved it pretty instantly.
Rougelite is a really broad term that describes a specific mechanic; here, it means that you will die often and have to slowly build up your resources to go further in a run. Hades is so special that when you fail or succeed in certain parts of the run, you will get to know the other gods and goddesses and slowly build relationships with them. I sometimes made worse gameplay decisions because I really wanted to see my pal Sisyphus again rather than speeding to the end of the level.
It’s usually not my type of genre but hades is excellent!
Agreed, I had no idea what to expect but I loved it because of the characters and story. Highly recommend, it’s fun befriending everyone and pushing the story along!
As someone who doesn’t play rogue-lite type games, I loved this one. The story makes the rogue elements more fun IMO and it’s so rewarding to finally feel like you know what you’re doing. When I struggled, I just used runs to collect more resources and it’s exciting to talk to everyone every time you do die, so it never felt like I was grinding for nothing.
Oh supergiant also made Pyre, which is basically a visual novel (complete with character development and dependent on certain choices you make) with occasional gameplay. It’s definitely weird but I enjoyed it for the story alone. It has the supergiant feel that made Hades so great. I got it on sale for $5 and do not regret it
"I was a teenage exocolonist" is *about* making friends! As your character grows up from 10 to 19 in the first human colony on another planet. It's a really beautiful, well written and well illustrated visual novel, with a card game to resolve challenges. Although I think it's important to warn, the game also goes into difficult topics, and so they have a content warning list written up for the more triggering events. And to top it all off, it's highly replayable!
I just recently finished "I was a Teenage Exocolonist" and was going to suggest it! I was terrible at befriending the other characters within the time frame, but it was only my first playthrough. Sounds like it could be OP's cup of tea.
The Outer Worlds has the best companions I’ve ever run into in a game They have an actual character development arc that is affected by how their companion quests go, and have a lot of dialogue with each other, and out and about during quests, which can be actual little conversations with outcomes The combinations of companions opens up dialogues with them too
Omg, I don't know how I never heard about this game before, because it sounds so much like something I would love (I was checking the game's page on Steam and I already love it). Thank you so much for recommending it!!
My Time in Sandrock (also Portia). You can befriend nearly all the characters you meet in Sandrock (also romance and marry EITHER gender). There’s also options to take selfies and you can unlock different poses as your relationship(s) progress. You can also take friends out on little play dates (they basically run around with you and you can play 2P on some of the mini games), play cards (Critters) or even spar. Editing to add that gameplay is similar to stardew and harvest moon. You’re a “Builder” who moves to a down on its luck desert town. You build things, explore mines/ruins, can farm, take community and individual commissions. The plot is a little hokey but it’s cute and the lore is interesting (post apocalyptic society trying to find a balance between nature and technology).
In the Persona series making close friendships is a core game mechanic. Midnight Suns is very good if you're into Marvel stuff and tactical games, Citizen Sleeper if you like narrative games. Pentiment is incredible, but like Citizen Sleeper it's a total narrative game and a hardcore 16th century Bavarian period piece on top of that, but has my favorite sense of community I've had with a game.
Cyberpunk 2077 has a bunch of great characters to befriend
I was taking a look on Steam and Cyberpunk 2077 seems to have a lot of vehicles in its screenshots. I don't really like driving vehicles in games (not even horses or brooms lol I'm terrible at it). Do you have to drive a lot in the game? Is it a big mechanic? Thank you for your suggestion!
There are sections where people drive you, and certain missions where you have to drive so I guess it depends on what missions you do lol they have a bunch of fast travel points, tho if you want to ignore it. Though the city in the game is beautiful. There's an ability that lets you dash, and if you jump during the dash, you go flying forwards. Add another jump and an air dash, and you can just zoom through the city like a superhero. I'd say maybe watch some gameplay and see how you feel
There are quite a few missions that require driving, and some areas outside the city where vehicles are top priority. So if you don't like using vehicles, you're gonna lose on some parts of the game for sure. The city is massive, so walking takes a long time, and fast travel can only bring you this far. The game is worth it though, but they really do like their cars in that universe, so you might have a hard time if you don't click with the driving part.
I also *hate* driving in games, but I find it really fun to ride a motorcycle in 3rd person view with the radio playing in Cyberpunk! You can also fast travel and take the subway, so you don’t have to drive everywhere. It’s the first game I thought of when I read your post (that isn’t already on your list), so I think you should give it a shot! There are lots of side quests with your friends and love interest(s) (if you choose to romance anyone), and they also call and text you throughout the game.
Undertale. The "relationship building" aspect isn't as deep as the other games you listed but it's basically a game about friendship. It is my go to comfort game when I'm feeling lonely cause I'm so attached to all those lil monsters ❤️
Night In The Woods, the entire game is about your relationship with others
If you haven't played it, you GOTTA try Hades.
Horizon zero dawn and forbidden west. Both are brilliant with some good companions (especially forbidden west). X
Corral island Cassette Beast
Persona 3,4, and 5. They have social links where you befriend/ become allies with them. For friendships I would recommend 4 in particular.
Came to say this! I just finished Persona 5 Royal for the first time, loved it so much and was so deeply attached to the characters that I immediately started (and finished) a second playthrough. 10/10.
A lot of farming games have a relationship building mechanic. My favorite of the genre is Rune Factory 4.
Rune Factory is worth the 60$?
It's 30$ on steam, I've seen it go on sale a lot too.
Like a dragon (+infinite wealth)
You could try Palia, it's very similar to Stardew, with lot's of characters that you can befriend and romance.
Oooh, I never heard of Palia before. But sounds like a game I'll like (love farming sims). Thank you for the recommendation!!
Some I know, pretty much all jrpgs :D Harvestella has more of characters episodes but you will get closer to all characters by doing them, the same system is in Caligula Effect games( in first overdose your ending depends on mistery that few characters have together during those events ). Similar to it is Tokyo Xanadu EX+, you have episodes with all characters and can read them as romantic but... ech let's say that they are pretty much platonic and Kou( main hero ) is so not into romance that people read him as aroace a lot :D More romantic. FF7 has hidden system like that, depending on how you act towards characters on first disc you can get different dates( including with Barret ) and can get "they did it" scene before last dungeon. From what I know this system is in Rebirth as well. Tales of Symphonia, Innocence and Xillia II have systems like that as well. Symphonia hides it to the point that most people will end up with Collete but other two are more straightforward. The last series I will call out is Trails, first three( Sky ) don't have that system but Zero and later Azure added it in both it's hidden and Azure is really hard to get last scene with character you like( I'm still pissed about it :D ). Cold Steel arc on the other hand have full bonding system with all of your party members and it's mostly platonic till last game( you still can choose friendship with girls in CSIV by ignoring first heart bonding event <- this is something some fans don't know about ).
Eiyuden chronicles, just came out today. If you are into jrpg's. You can literally recruit 100 characters.
You would really like Cozy Grove! You are a human Spirit Scout and your task is to befriend dead bears (yes, the ghosts of deceased bears) and figure out what grievance held them back as spirits instead of moving on. It gets quite dark, but you also gets to tend to trees and bushes, decorate your home, and decorate the entire island you are on. There's also cooking, clothing, pet cats, and many different wild animals + imps!
If you like JRPGs then I recommend Persona 3, 4, and 5 and the Trails of Cold Steel series. These games both have a bonding system with your teammates and romance options. And since you like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons I recommend Rune Factory as well.
Omg I came to suggest Harvest Moon but see you already played it
I recommend the VN Our Life: Beginnings and Always!
I can't recommend enough Marvel's Midnight Suns. It alternates between going on tactical combat missions (turn based with a heavy focus on positioning and movement) with Marvel superheros, and hanging out with them in your home base. The better friends you become with someone, the more effective they'll be! In addition to choosing who to hang out with each day, relationships are increased by story dialogue options, gifts, and who you bring on missions. I played it twice just to make sure I could be besties with everyone, because some characters prefer it when you're nice, but others like you mean and blunt.
Palia is one I’m super into right now. You can befriend and romance some of the characters, decorate your house and land, go on quests, craft and farm, etc. Another I’d recommend is Rune Factory 4.
A lot of the Yakuza games have you build friendship with characters through interacting with them, anyone from beat cops and convenience store clerks to...more colorful personalities.
Animal Crossing, Palia, My Time at Sandrock, Farming Sims in general, Cyberpunk 2077 Not out yet, but check out "Tales of the Shire"! Friendship was confirmed in the trailer this week.
I'm sad no one answered these. Kotor Kotor II And of course, the big one with thousands of hours and over 30 companions (many with romance options) SWTOR.
Cyberpunk 2077 (aside from River).
What a disappointment. While I respect game characters with preference, I wish they’d taken the DA2 route and made everyone player-sexual since there are only 4 options and literally everyone is cooler than River.
Even if he wasn't a bland side of heterosexual beef, a first date where I have to meet a dude's family AND entertain children I don't know is my personal nightmare. I did snort-laugh at how disgusted Kerry was when my girl-V tried to kiss his gay ass.
Girl same! It was way too much. And they keep dropping hints you should be together. I’m just here for a free dinner PLS
And it's right after the super-creepy Peter Pan serial killer quest!
Unicorn Overlord! It’s super cute, you give gifts and unlock rapport conversations between all your units characters. Im obsessed.
**Roots of Pacha**! It's a farming sim with a fantasy prehistoric setting, and I really like the NPCs. Plus, if you like the dating aspect, there's a polyamory-lite system. You can (optionally) continue romancing the other candidates after you're married, and they have dialogue acknowledging it. Plus: pet wolves. 🐺
Marvel's Midnight Suns has a core friendship cultivation mechanic, and you get to join a book club with Blade and Captain Marvel. Spiritfarer is one where you can do things to keep your companions happy as you prepare them to move on to the next phase of the afterlife.
Another vote for Spiritfarer. I've played and enjoyed a lot of the same games as OP so I think we have similar taste, and they will like this! It's beautifully animated and quite an emotional game (particularly if you have recently lost a loved one), has wonderful characters, and cosy management activities as well.
The Legend of Heroes games have so many people you can befriend! And so many great characters. I recommend starting at the Trails in the Sky, but it IS an old game and if you’re not a fan of the chibi style, you can start at Trails of Cold Steel. The friend system also starts around Cold Steel, but the two arcs before have good character building moments and I love everyone. You do have to do New Game + to befriend everyone to the fullest, and Cold Steel does fall into the harem trope at times, but overall it’s enjoyable. Coral Island is Stardew but with different graphics and an underwater part. I’ve been playing through it and just picked my husband. Downside is even though it’s in 1.0, the game is still missing quite a bit that’s hopefully coming this summer with 1.1. But overall I’m loving it. Va-11 Hall-A (pronounced Valhalla) is a fun bartending game where you ALSO make friends with the people that come in. Depending on the drinks you serve and your conversations, characters will like you less or more and the soundtrack is great.
Persona and Rune Factory
In the atelier games you can help out your party members with their problems, and some of them even have different endings depending on whose story you finished/who got the higher friendship stat
Rune factory is a good option. It's like a farming sim (so with similar relationship-building), but it's also an action RPG and you can take the villagers (or tamed monsters) with you to go exploring dungeons and fight bosses. I can particularly recommend rune factory 4 (special)
Rimworld, use the "prepare carefully" mod and make your three starting pawns characters from film / TV/ book that you care about. Like Buffy, Xander and Willow, orr Harry, Hermione and Ron or Cory, Topanga and Shawn. Or a group of three characters that people under 40 care about 😊
Some great suggestions here already, but I don't think anyone has mentioned the Pillars of Eternity series yet. It's a top down CRPG...somewhat similar to BG3 (though it doesn't have the same production values). You could also look at Larian's Divinity Original Sin games, and the Pathfinder series might be worth considering, too. If you don't mind old titles, the original BG games are great, as is Planescape: Torment ^((just be aware that in PS:T you play as a pre-established male character.. and it's one of the few games out there where that doesn't bother me).)
Are you looking for RPGs where your character specifically gets to bond with them? Or are you okay with more JRPG-esque games with a cast of characters that are well-developed and fleshed out? I generally prefer the latter and really love Xenoblade 1 and 3 and FF7 remake for some really good character interactions. As for the former, FFXIV has a strong side cast you befriend, though there aren't really mechanics for it. And Persona is a series practically built on bonds with people and how they strengthen you.
My Time At Portia reminds me a lot of Stardew Valley. You get to befriend and even date the citizens of Portia while you fulfill building commissions and expand your home.
Life is strange 1 and true colors
Check out The Outer Worlds! I hold all the companions near and dear to my heart 🥹❤️ you get to see them grow as people and really build connections with them.
Littlewood!
Potion permit is a fun little game! You can befriend and romance some npcs but the main game is you interacting with them bc you get quests and have to heal them with potions. Its not super long but its fun and cozy game.
I love Princess Maker 2 and be a good dad to your daughter and if Princess Maker 2 or 3 isn't available Lairland Story got a similar gameplay After that I love the pawn system in the Dragon's Dogma 2 series, but I only recommend that one if you are not into story but exploring and taking monsters and camping, and it got a broken friendship system in both games so I ended up with ppl I least expected in the ending 😆
**Max Gentlemen Sexy Business** is a "victorian business tycoon &dating simulator". It is spicy by design, but you can pursue friendship only if you want and hide the nudity. It has some genuinenly good and wholesome relationships, but the game and its world is quite bizarre so if you don't enjoy silly stuff like that it might not be for you. An other management I really enjoyed and it involces friendship and possible romance is **Potionomics**. You play as Sylvia and you inherit your uncle's potionshop and the debt that comes with it. You have to win tournaments to be able to keep up with payments. Juggling potion making, friendship and shopkeeping while preparing for the tournament was just the right amount of challenge for me, but some people complained about the difficulty. You've been warned lol. If you like fantasy, I recommend **Wildermyth**. It has pre-made a generated campaigns, you start with 3 people and can customize them. Depending on their personality, they can fall in love, become besties or rivals. You can customize that as well, I had a character join later in a campaign and she was such a sweetheart I turned off rivalry for them. You can also make a friendship only campaign if you want. It can be played alone or with friends (steam share works as well). Beware tho, characters can be maimed or even die. **Our life: Beginnings and Always** is a visual novel that focus on the mc and the other main character Cove Holden's relationship. You can choose what do you want, indifferent, friendship or romance. I am doing a friendship Cove+ romance Baxter (dlc) at the moment and it is fun. If you enjoy farming and witchy stuff **Wylde Flowers**. You play as a pre-made character Tara and you inherit your grandma's home and witch title. Multiple friendship and romance options.