8 Games That Burdened You With Awful Companions

Can we usher in a world where A.I. partners don't get stuck on walls? That'd be just great.

by Joe Pring
CapcomCapcomIf you've played BioShock Infinite, you'll know that AI controlled companions in games can be extremely helpful - just look at Elizabeth in that game. Not only does the heroine constantly help Infinite's Booker DeWitt out by chucking him ammo, health and other bits of bric-à-brac during a firefight, she's also kind enough to stop herself from being a hindrance in constant need of protection. But Elizabeth is, sadly, an exception to the rule. Any gamer worth their salt will have come across - at least once in their lifetime - an example of pure, unadulterated idiocy where a game's AI is concerned. From classic examples like Natalya Simonova in Rare's GoldenEye to Sheva Alomar in Resident Evil 5: there's no shortage of examples. Game design isn't easy, but perhaps developers should think twice before implementing companions that are supposed to help but ultimately end up being crutches. So peruse this list at your leisure and see if the entries can help you recall any hair-pulling moments you had to endeavour through on your journey to ultimate victory - there's sure to be at least one offender here that you've had to deal with before.
Contributor
Contributor

Joe is a freelance games journalist who, while not spending every waking minute selling himself to websites around the world, spends his free time writing. Most of it makes no sense, but when it does, he treats each article as if it were his Magnum Opus - with varying results.