10 Reasons All Video Games Are Starting To Suck

How many games were improved upon by inserting a whiny sidekick? None. And yet, AI companions seem to be getting more popular, despite nobody wanting them,

Having said that, the concept of having a computer-controlled buddy is fine. Not only does it add a bit of strategy, it forces you to be a team player. You also don't feel as overwhelmed while entering an enemy-filled environment, knowing there's someone watching your back. On top of that, it helps the player understand the protagonist more, since they have someone to banter with.

So, why do the developers feel obligated to make these side characters annoying? In Resident Evil 4, Leon is stuck with a screeching teenager called Ashley. It's not the AI companion concept that's the problem - it's the character. As awesome as RE4 is, it would've been better if Ashley wasn't so irritating.

The same goes with God of War. It was a stroke of genius to reconfigure the vengeful god-killing Kratos into a protective father, who'll do anything to safeguard his son, Atreus. But let's not pretend Atreus doesn't get on your nerves half the time.

But what's worse than an annoying companion is an incompetent one. Your squad in Halo 5, Gears of War, and Left 4 Dead are so useless, you would be better off without them. Seriously, Tails from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was a better programmed AI companion, and that game came out 30 years ago!

Because AI companions seem to be getting worse with age, you have to wonder why they're becoming increasingly popular.