Why Do the Bachelors SUCK (Discussions)

[TastyAlpacas]

This is highly opinion base

So - as a girl and a very straight girl - why do the bachelors suck absolute poop in this game? Not trying to bash on the creator for the guys, but they're just so...non-charming. They're big, huge stereotypes and it just makes their personality seem so predictable, boring, and uninteresting. I'm only wooing Shane just so I can unlock the blue chickens, but to be honest he is probably the most relatable character(due to struggling with severe depression myself). Even then he's just a complete deadbeat, alcoholic, no-life loser . Not saying everyone who has depression is like that, but moreover you have a choice to seek help and do something about it. Depression isn't easily fixed especially if it's purely off of genetics. Anyways, here is my thoughts on the bachelors.

Sebastian - Aka The Stereotypical Emo Moocher
I can't even get over the fact that he just looks like a sad emo kid...Not only that he smokes and it's hugely unnatractive. However, he is a gamer which I do not mind since I'm a gamer myself. He doesn't even friggen' work.
On the bright side, his post-marriage dialogue is quite nice and cute. He's rather sensitive to emotions and seems to care about your emotions greatly...But he appears to be a huge moocher with one of his lines being Thanks to your farm I can do what I want with my life . Do your own damn work!

Harvey - The Stereotypical Nice, Awkward Nerd
Probably the least bachelor that sucks. His stache on the other hand though...and yes I know there is a mod for that. I looked at his earlier designs without a stache, oh my lord, he looks hot! He appears to be really cheerful, loving, and not only that but he has a damn job. The after marriage dialogue is to die for...he worries about you coming to the ER all the time, and always declares his undying love for you. Despite his appearance, he'd be my first choice.
Massages ;)

Sam - Stereotypical Rocker With Dad Issues. Plus A Slight Moocher
I mean, at least he worked part-time at Joja mart unlike his other emo friend. Ugh! I hate it when a man doesn't know how to cook...he always, as I've read, talks about his mother's cooking. Like, damn...you're an adult. Shouldn't you know how to cook by now at least? Plus he lives with his mom! It'd be understandable if he's still schooling, but he's not. I don't know. Just something about a man who isn't in school, has had plenty of time to save up money for even an apartment, sounds hugely unnattractive to me. Buuuut, at least he's nice, right?
He's also a damn slob apparently

Elliot - Stereotypical Pretty Boy
He's really fabulous. Really nice guy unlike the other pricks...Good thing that he's a romantic as well! Also, novelists can be quite hot...very cute that I'd be the "inspiration" he's looking for. Not a big fan of his Fabio look whatsoever...It's funny that the least attractive guys are the most marryable. Harvey and Elliot cough cough. Definitely my second choice among the bachelors

Alex - Stereotypical Dumb Jock. Parent Issues
Ugh, I hate this stereotype so much..plus he undermines the fact that I'm a girl when he asks me that I probably couldn't play football(?) with him. Ah, so he's the guy that stereotypes women, hmm? No wonder why he's such good friends with Miss Lil B**ch, Haley . Yes, I hate Haley a lot. Don't care if she opens up after getting to know her. She's a huge stereotype and I hate it...I wouldn't want to get to know a person if they are straight up rude to me to begin with. Anyways, Alex would be my third choice just because his cocky side reminds me of my boyfriend, and his appearance is SIMILAR to his. Despite all of that his post marriage dialogue is quite sweet. Very caring, athletic husband.
“Make sure you stay warm this winter. I worry about your delicate skin.” SUUUPER CUTE

Shane - Stereotypical "Emotional Baggage" That Is a Huge Junkie Alcoholic
I've already stated my thoughts way above. I really, really wish that there is events after marrying him to try and help him turn over a new leaf. Maybe receiving counseling at the clinic could be an option? Of course getting help and actually seeing the benefits takes a very long time, but I think it would be worthwhile. Really, if there was events where Shane starts actually developing in character and getting better, or at least trying really hard(since I know what it is like with depression), then he'd be my number one choice! But, since he is an alcoholic(which I'm not a fan of beings my father is one), a slob, and someone who has major depression but doesn't do much about it is bottom tier. You'd think that marrying someone who genuinely cares for you and loves you would make you motivated enough to feel motivation to change yourself...but with Shane that's not the case!
At least he works at Joja Mart, right?

Final Thoughts
Harvey, Elliot, and Alex are in my opinion the "best choices" with Harvey being the absolute best despite his appearance. Shane is bottom tier and I would regret marrying him. Every other guy is middle tier.
Despite being straight and not being into marrying a female in-game(since I associate these games with my real self), if anything I would either marry Leah or Abigail. Abby seems really cool and "different". She loves catching frogs in the rain and going to the graveyard haha! Leah is also another huuuge choice since she's an artist!! I'm an artist as well.

Maybe someday we will receive updates with these poorly developed bachelors, or have better options in the future.

Remember This is Opinion Based!

[way2co0l_2003]

I personally think it's a combination of things. On the one hand, stereotypes are easy, typically strike a cord with a majority of people in some way, even if it's simple humor, and it's difficult to miss with them because they're so widely relatable. But on the other hand, independence is harder to code for. It would be nice to have some more assertive characters with their stuff together as options, but that takes away from the premise that the PC is supposed to be wooing them, and will ultimately have them move onto the farm with them which requires that they be flexible enough to accept being a dependant of the PC. I saw a comment earlier about how the NPCs use their interactions as a therapeutic outlet but there aren't any real options where they give that to the PC, but again it's because it's harder to code for that and easier to give linear options to the NPC. Having them have more dependant qualities where you need to "fix" them is just easier than having to code for confident and assertive options which might not be ok with giving up their own pursuits to move onto their partners farm to play second fiddle for the rest of their lives. Just my thoughts.

[kaitou1011]

Originally posted by nuna:

Originally posted by TastyAlpacasRUs:

I find it completely weird however that almost all the marriage candidates are living with family...I mean aren't you all suppose to be older, sheesh. I mean, a few of the marriage candidates could be younger but I really feel like some of them should be living on their own at this point or renting rooms at the most, not living with their parents or family still.

Spoken like someone that knows nothing about the cost of living.

Not to mention the fact that there are no apartments in Stardew Valley... it's live with you parents or buy some land and build a house on it, it seems. Or leave the Valley.

[playwithguns]

^ +1 for this wise man

[Evil Overlord]

Originally posted by kaitou1011:

Originally posted by nuna:

Spoken like someone that knows nothing about the cost of living.

Not to mention the fact that there are no apartments in Stardew Valley... it's live with you parents or buy some land and build a house on it, it seems. Or leave the Valley.

Or wait for a farmer or 4 to move in.

[Martin Harris]

I agree, the females are bit more complex

[Klrmebad]

I perfer going to the Caven Mine. with lots of bombs, and dropping down those holes. and kill and etc....... n making $ the rest get over it. if it make you more depressed, don't play it. cuz it very depressin, married will torrment you behind

[TastyAlpacas]

Originally posted by kaitou1011:

Originally posted by nuna:

Spoken like someone that knows nothing about the cost of living.

Not to mention the fact that there are no apartments in Stardew Valley... it's live with you parents or buy some land and build a house on it, it seems. Or leave the Valley.

I actually do know the cost of living, thank you very much. It's widely dependent on the area you live in. For example, living in California is very very expensive compared to a place in Oregon. I also know that moving out right away isn't always an option, but for me I would move out as soon as possible beings my mother drives me absolutely insane due to her toxicity lol.

I don't know, I guess it depends on the person. If you're someone who highly dislikes their family, such as my boyfriend, you'd probably be saving up a ton of money as soon as you start working from an early age just to move out. However, it sounds that most of the candidates have an okay life at home. Seb has a bit of neglect, but I think his mother means well.

[𖤐Mori𖤐]

We both know why those bachelor's suck . Jokes aside I've only married one of the girls before and it was Abigail if I remember. My friends married Sebastian but I don't exactly know why. I could ask and find out though.

[Mondai]

Originally posted by TastyAlpacasRUs:

However, it sounds that most of the candidates have an okay life at home. Seb has a bit of neglect, but I think his mother means well.

... huh... okay... so, Sam living with his dad who's got PTSD and his mom who is such an OCD clean-freak that he freaks out when he spills a tiny bit of food because he's worried about his mom's reactions... that's a good home life.

I haven't romanced any of the girls yet, or any of the other guys except Shane, so I can't really say much about the other characters' stories. But I always got the impression that Penny is kind of waiting for a prince charming to rescue her from her trailer... I'm pretty sure she's not super happy with her home life, either.

[TastyAlpacas]

Originally posted by Mondai:

Originally posted by TastyAlpacasRUs:

However, it sounds that most of the candidates have an okay life at home. Seb has a bit of neglect, but I think his mother means well.

... huh... okay... so, Sam living with his dad who's got PTSD and his mom who is such an OCD clean-freak that he freaks out when he spills a tiny bit of food because he's worried about his mom's reactions... that's a good home life.

I haven't romanced any of the girls yet, or any of the other guys except Shane, so I can't really say much about the other characters' stories. But I always got the impression that Penny is kind of waiting for a prince charming to rescue her from her trailer... I'm pretty sure she's not super happy with her home life, either.

I mean it's only natural his dad would have PTSD. He's was a part of the army, like damn lol. tThe OCD thing I totally understand since my mum is a huge OCD freak. However, I don't see any signs of neglect...If anything his home life may not be the absolute best, but it could be a lot worse. For example, Seb is being neglected in his step-sister's and step-father's shadow with his mom paying more attention to them.

Penny I don't know a whole lot about, but I can see why she wouldn't be the happiest. She lives in a trailer. However, most candidates I believe have a better home life than they actually think...kind of taking it for granted in a way.

[SweetestDevotion]

THANK YOU! I've been saying the same thing for so long. The girl characters although also stereotypical they have more "charm" so to speak. The guys are all kind of dull. Though I love the game I wish they would add a little more to the guys. I'm fine with the whole stereotype thing but at least make them likeable.

[Epona222]

My main issue is that most of the romanceable options (male and female) are so very young - as an older gamer I'd appreciate some of the older singles to be open to a relationship, although it's just a game it does make me a little uncomfortable dating (as an example) Abigail, who says she hasn't done her homework yet... o_o

I'd quite like to be able to help Clint get over his obssession with Emily, or give Gus something to think about after he closes up the bar for the night. Willy spends a lot of time out fishing, but for an independent older gamer having that time to themselves while he is out wrangling squid might not be a bad thing. In terms of female options, I don't think there is anything per se (in terms of a current partner) preventing Pam from being a romance option.

Marnie and Lewis seem fairly content even if the thing they have going on is a bit covert, so maybe best to leave them to it, but Marnie would be a good female option if the game allowed it - she's capable, independent, and likes animals - what is not to love?

[bubbagamer]

I haven't really gone through gaining super-close friendships with a bunch of the villagers, but based the first few impressions with them, it just seems to me like more of the girls are easier to like than the guys. (Note: I am a straight male.) This is pretty much how I see it:

Bachelors:

• Alex -- Comes off as a stereotypical jock right from the start. Makes comments that make him seem like he's full of himself (stuff like "You could be as muscular as me if you tried" (paraphrasing)).
  
• Shane -- Really rude when you start out, commonly hangs out at bar and drinks. I hear he gets nicer and has a soft spot for chickens later on, but that only shows itself after working at befriending him for a while.
  
• Elliot -- Ugh, idk what it is with this guy but he just really bugs me every time I talk to him. Like I get "saying poetic things about nature's beauty" but it just always seems wierd to me when he says stuff.
  
• Sebastion -- The first thing you notice about him is that he's on his computer in his room a TON of the time. (Like, I'm the kinda guy who spends a bunch of his time on the computer without going oustide too much, but it still makes him seem like a sad loner.) It's hard to find him outside most days if you want to talk to him or give him gifts.
  
• Sam -- He honestly seems like a nice guy without any glaring bad triats that jump out at you. He uses his skateboard sometimes, but he doesn't come off anything like a "Bad Sk8r Boy".
  
• Harvey -- Gives impressions that make it seem like he's the nicest and least self-centered guy of the bunch, and he's smart, though a bit boring. Not the best appearence, but not bad-looking, either.

Bachelorettes:

• Penny -- Quiet and reserved at first. Although her early dialogue with you makes it seem like she's not interesting, you get the vibe that she's trying to make conversation and be friendly with you, but she just feels awkward because she doesn't know you that well. She also tutors the young kids in the library.
  
• Leah -- Seems pretty normal all-around. Lives independently by herslf, knows things about nature, has a hobby of making sculptures.
  
• Maru -- Obviously the "nerd girl" cliche, but not really with all the socially awkward/inroverted personality, as she seems relatively lively and excited about her science-y stuff.
  
• Abigail -- Has a good, small dose of Rebellious Teenager™ in her to make her interesting with her own goals/motives, while also talking about nice things that she likes. Plays video games, but gives off a completely different vibe than Sebastion does, with her seeming like she actually does interesting stuff.
  
• Emily -- Very kind and happy/upbeat. She has a hobby of making own clothes from scratch,
  and she's also into some weird meditation/spiritual thing which only gives off the slightest bit of a wierd vibe.
  
• Haley -- Honestly the only bachelorette that comes off as not very likable, with her seeming to focus a lot on superficial things and physical appearance. (She has quotes like "I need to throw out my whole closet to make room for this year's/season's new styles in fashion" (paraphrasing).)

Again, these are mostly just impressions from interacting to each of them a handful of times, but for the most part the guys just seem dull and not very likable compared to the girls.

[Jigain]

I, as a straight male, agree with just about everything bubbagamer said above.

To me, Leah is the most believable of the bachelorette characters, in a sense of "this is a character I could see myself meeting in real life and potentially form a romantic connection with", heart events and all. I guess Maru too, but her two-heart event really rubs me the wrong way - I honestly think I'd want nothing to do with the family as a whole after that, without spoiling anything. It just comes off as really hostile considering this is a person you've only just started to get to know. Whatever their problem is with people, I don't want to get involved. I've got my own stuff to deal with, thank you very much.

Haley I'd never even get started with talking to after her first comments. She's just too self-centered, materialistic, and shallow. I know she gets better later on, but I'm not in the habit of getting involved with people because "they might become better later". If that's the way you greet me, I'll just stay with the people I get along with.

Emily? Again it's the first two-heart event that kind of puts me off. Not to the same degree as Maru, but still. I've still to figure out exactly what's going on (meditation, after all, does not involve clouds and faced palm trees and neon pink altars), so I have to assume hallucinogenic drugs? I am strongly against drug use for anything save medical purposes myself, particularly so halluconigenics, so I honestly don't feel comfortable getting too involved with her. As a friend, maybe, so long as she leaves the drugs out of my sight and mind.

Abigail is... a gamer, which I believe would be a big attraction for most people playing a game. Actually, come to think of it, I can't think of many bad things to say about her. I don't remember the line about homework that Epona222 mentioned, but I will admit she comes off as being... very young, which would be the one thing I could point at being to her disadvantage. Apart from that she likes games, she likes to play music, she's adventurous, she has a Chrono Trigger poster, and she eats gems for breakfast. What's not to like? Still, that age gap...

And... Penny. Penny is sweet. But she's also not really opening up to you for a long time. Conversations with her will be awkward and short, and you'll leave wondering if she's just that awkward or if she really didn't want to talk to you. Had I met her in real life and tried to befriend her, I'd probably have given up trying to get to know her after our third or fourth encounter of "Hi. Ummm... The weather's interesting today, don't you think? Sorry..."

But yeah... that's pretty much my take on the girls, as a Swedish 30 year old straight male gamer. Fortunately I don't need to worry much about these things anymore, because now I can just marry my girlfriend in the game instead.

[Xuhybrid]

The girls aren't stereotypes?