[TC] Fighting for Ryan, an Unpopular Opinion.
Fighting for Ryan (Unpopular Opinion Style)
Ryan is such an underrated love interest in Life is Strange: True Colors, and it often feels like the game was subtly steering players toward Steph. But when you break it down, Ryan and Alex actually have the stronger foundation for a long-term, emotionally fulfilling relationship. Here’s why:
- Deeper Emotional Bond & Shared Trauma
From the very start, Alex and Ryan share an intense connection through Gabe. Gabe was Alex’s brother and Ryan’s best friend, both of them lost someone who was essentially family. While Steph is supportive, she simply doesn’t understand the depth of that pain in the same way Ryan does. Ryan and Alex grieve together, helping each other through one of the hardest times in their lives. That kind of shared loss builds an emotional intimacy that’s hard to replicate.
- The Record Store Scene: Instant, Natural Chemistry
Alex and Ryan’s first interaction in the record store is full of effortless charm. Their banter, the way Ryan immediately gets flustered and dorky, and his clear admiration for Alex make for such a wholesome and genuine moment. Unlike with Steph, where the flirtation can feel like it’s checking a box for the “cool indie love interest,” Ryan’s interest in Alex comes across as organic and heartfelt from the very start.
- Ryan’s Loyalty & Complexity as a Character
Ryan isn’t just the “nice guy” option, he’s actually one of the most nuanced characters in True Colors. His internal conflict after learning about Typhon’s cover-up shows his depth. He’s torn between his love for Gabe, Alex, and his father, making his choice (especially if he sides with Typhon at first) all the more painful and real. Unlike Steph, whose storyline largely revolves around her career ambitions and connection to the town, Ryan is forced to confront deep moral dilemmas that directly tie into Alex’s journey.
- Romantic Depth & Stability
Ryan offers Alex something that Steph doesn’t: stability. While Steph is more of a restless soul, always looking for the next adventure (which is reinforced in Wavelengths), Ryan is rooted in Haven Springs. He’s dependable, emotionally open, and genuinely ready to build a life with Alex. Their relationship feels less like a whirlwind romance and more like a deep, steady love that could actually last beyond the events of the game.
- The Little Moments Matter
Whether it’s their shared love of nature, the way Ryan gets adorably flustered around Alex, or even their hilarious “dorky birdwatching” scene, their relationship is full of small but meaningful moments that make their romance feel real. Unlike Steph, whose interactions with Alex can sometimes feel performative or forced (especially if you choose her and still see Ryan struggling with his emotions), Ryan’s interactions with Alex never feel like they’re trying too hard. They just work.
- The Weakness of Steph’s Romance Path
A big issue with Steph as a love interest is that, outside of a few flirtatious scenes, her connection with Alex feels rushed. She doesn’t have the same natural progression that Ryan and Alex have. Steph is a fantastic character, especially after Wavelengths adds depth to her story, but her romance with Alex feels like it’s catering to fans who already loved her from Before the Storm. Ryan, on the other hand, has to win players over from scratch, and he does that beautifully.
- The Bigger Picture: A Love That Feels Earned
Ultimately, Ryan and Alex’s love story feels more earned. It’s built on grief, healing, and a genuine friendship that blossoms into something deeper. While Steph is fun and flirtatious, her relationship with Alex can feel like it’s meant to be the “cool” choice, rather than the best one. Ryan, despite being overlooked by many players, offers a romance that is heartfelt, complex, and deeply rewarding.
Honestly, I love both characters, but Ryan deserves way more appreciation. If nothing else, the fact that he was so disappointed about not being a bard in the LARP is reason enough to love him.