What I don't get, is why Shadowheart gets so much bad rep, but Viconia is universally liked, despite being a Sharran.
I mean everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but I don't remember seeing those comments about Viconia.
I was 16 when I encountered Viconia, I don't remember the details, but getting close to 40 I would say there is some additional maturity and experience that probably would change my perception of her. But also to be fair - the game industry has gained 20+ years of experience, there are now proper writing teams and a lot more resources available... so comparing the games from the beginning of the genre in this medium with current ones isn't that fair and expectations have definitely grown.
In the end my problem with Larian is far more subtle than just being able to point at 'that one thing'. Its things that you usually only notice while playing. Shadowheart's trope is a known one and one that can work well, yet the execution of it is in my opinion bad. I'm someone who romanced Yen (W3) and Morrighan (DOA) and I have absolutely no issue with woman that can be headstrong and not open, but Shadowheart's writing is to me utterly annoying. The details like 'you have to tell me everything about you because we are in the same boat' followed by 'how dare you ask me anything?' is just an example of poor execution. Yen and Morrighan both had either knowledge you lacked and needed or charisma or manipulation to go hand in hand with them being dismissive. Shadowheart knows nothing, is not more able than you, adds nothing to the plot (besides the artifact she knows nothing about placed conveniently in her hand), doesn't take up responsibility and is demanding while being dismissive of you.
Like with cinematics, narrative in general and gameplay - to me Larian simply often misses the mark in important basics focusing on things they like to tell/show without taking into account what else goes along, relying on the player being interested in the same as them ignoring everything else that happens. So if you don't like Shadowheart or the other characters based on first impression, they do nothing to incite you to spend more time getting to know them and care for their issues. We all know that their very, very special backgrounds don't affect us or the main story and they are abrasive towards the player - so why should anyone who isn't interested in that specific plot actually care? And if there is a redemption arc, why does it concern the player? Following Shadowheart's own wishes I don't ask anything of her because she doesn't want to talk about it.
