I can understand you. Problem is, they don't show sadomasochism but dangerous Sexual sadism disorder, paired with a dangerous thinking that a victim would enjoy the abuse, while it is definitely not, so it's unbearable to watch the victim. That is: Tav definitely indicates that he detests Astarion, is scared, sad and disgusted (according to body language and facial expressions), and on the other hand, as soon as the lips are together, with his mouth that he give Astarion the kiss aka "Don't kill me, do whatever you want with me, I pretend to want it - out of fear.". But his body is rejecting itself against everything (also visible in the clenched fist in every kiss with free camera). Tav doesn't enjoy kissing. This is dangerous sadism being promoted and actually has no place here for players, who want to enjoy a game. The players who chose ascended Astarion are okay with the romance and want their character to enjoy life and not suddenly dealing with sadistic disorder here, and everything is fine there. If they want Astarion to have a Sadistic personality disorder, they need to change all the other scenes, too, and not only show this in the kisses. Also, Tav (how he is shown here - who doesn't enjoy a thing) would never ever ask for a kiss. He cannot be shown disgusted and on the next scene happy, as if there is nothing. That makes no sense at all. If they want to show Sadistic personality disorder in Astarion, then Astarion needs to start the kiss.
The kiss animations wouldn't be the problem if BOTH agreed and enjoy it. So they need to change Tav's behaviour and bodylaguage.
As it is now, dangerous sadism is explicit being shown here. Larian didn't do himself any favors with that.
Last edited by Zayir; 18/02/24 02:36 PM.
