I came across Love and Deepspace in an oddly specific way. For a moment, it really looked like I wouldn’t have TikTok to distract me from the monotonous studying and drag of life. Settling for scrolling bluesky mindlessly, I discovered beautiful artwork of characters Sylus and Zayne caught my eyes. I am not typically one to have mobile games on my phone, my curiosity was piqued a bit and I am now in it deep with helping my Tamagotchi boyfriends fight.

For those who don’t know, Love and Deepspace is one part action combat and one part otome dating simulator. Currently, there are five supernatural love interests to increase affinity with.The game rotates you through their stories and builds your relationships with them as a means to power up. This is done using memories and voiced interactions creating a sense of connection.The hook is that these connections can be, well, problematic. I don’t just mean because of the game’s gatcha mechanics, either.

Instead of a Valentine’s date with the disappointment of going out for an up-charged meal and lacking interest across the table. Cuddle up at home instead with a 3D fantasy man’s buttery smooth voice that makes your toes curl with delight. To help you pick the best match, I’ve ranked the eligible partners, just like I’ve done before. This time, however, these fantasy men will be ranked by how problematic my attachment to them is.

Xavier

Xavier takes me back to 12 year old me, with my edgy boy band aesthetic. He’s too much of a sweet golden retriever type to risk dissolving the progress I’ve made in therapy. His interactions are like the first relationships of youth: everything is new, exciting and sometimes brightly blinding. There are gleams of a slightly darker side of the neighboring co-worker upstairs; his aloof behavior hides secrets, reminding me of my questionable exes from that time of my life.
Enjoyable to be around and certainly someone’s shining star – just not mine.
Barely Problematic

Rafayel

The vibe Rafayel gives is very two-faced. One moment he likes you, the next he’s quickly dismissive. It is a tiring yo-yo feeling that tries very hard to come off playful, such as his cheeky ‘Miss Bodyguard’ nickname for the player..Something sure is fishy with the way his ebb and flow. This is one of those characters that I had to begrudgingly get “reeled” into liking. The dramatic artist certainly keeps his palette scattered in the waves of emotion. Though it is tempting to take a dip with such a merman, this is someone else’s fish in the sea to enjoy. I will leave being hot and cold to my angsty past.
Slightly Problematic

Caleb

“Mr. Colonel” is obsessed with protecting you from childhood all the way to adulthood, and beyond. Caleb hits a little closer to home. I have an early childhood friendship that has lasted decades. The memories of missed birthdays, milestones, and other major life moments flood my mind when Caleb is around. It’s hard not to think about the joy I still have when I get to see my friend, and the sadness of when we have to leave. This lines up with Caleb’s lore in Love and Deepspace closely – I dropped the phone on my face when it clicked. It is impactful, and I can see why he might be an apple in someone’s eye. As for me, I will be flying away from the over protector. I hope he stays in Skyhaven till he learns how to let this “pipsqueak” fly alongside him.
Mildly Problematic

Zayne

A man that my dad would have certainly approved of and as such would give my therapist a panic attack. A workaholic, Zayne reawakens all the suppressed daddy issues immediately. Even with the insane hours of working at a hospital, he will make time for you and deem it worthwhile. It’s the dream of relationships where work and/or academics get in the way of being together. Zayne has a clever side behind the stoic exterior, you could say he loves like winter. He’s hitting all the checkboxes of a dream boat for sure. Not a worry Dr. Zayne, I am not one to hold my liquor either and I’m happy to get lost in your winter wonderland.
Quite Problematic

Sylus

A large, tall, arrogant man that strides as a radioactive crimson flag but would absolutely let the world collapse if it means you’ll be safe. An immediate slam dunk for me. There is no amount of therapy tools to save me from this trope of the charismatic and occasionally violent anti-hero. Sylus is driven, confident, and…look I am doomed when put in front of these kinds of characters. He could leave me in a damp basement within the N109 Zone with bread crumbs and I would thank him for it. My therapist would be appalled how quickly this fictional man could ruin the years of work. The current “Tomorrow’s Catch-22” banner is only making things worse. Sylus’ new look sends chills down my spine. I’m not beating any of the allegations at this point, of course the dangerous man with white hair and red eyes wins me over.
Completely Problematic