5 Terrible Video Game Mentors Who Just Made Things Worse

Key Takeaways:

• Mentors typically support players by explaining mechanics and furthering the storyline
• Some mentors do more harm than good and undermine the player’s progress
• The article covers a range of genres, illustrating a widespread issue
• Certain mentors only heighten a game’s tension or comedic interest rather than helping
• Understanding flawed mentors helps us appreciate the role of character development in gaming

The Value of Mentorship

Video game mentors are more than secondary characters: they set the tone for the player’s entire journey. As one description puts it, “Mentors are characters who help guide you in games, either as vital characters to convey a story or teachers who lend vital knowledge about a title’s complex mechanics.” Their role as a “walking tutorial” can be indispensable for navigating a game’s complexities, and in many cases, they become beloved pillars of support.

When Guidance Goes Wrong

Despite their intended purpose, some mentors fail spectacularly at helping the hero. “That being said, there are times that the figure can do more harm than good,” notes the original piece. Whether through misguided counsel or outright sabotage, these characters stand out for the wrong reasons. They prove that advice given by a mentor isn’t always helpful—in fact, it can make a player’s progress more difficult.

A Look at Specific Mentors

Notable mentions of mentors who have fallen short come from a variety of popular franchises, including Persona 4, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Jade Empire, The Last of Us, and Bully. Each of these games has a unique take on a mentorship dynamic, and in certain storylines, that guidance backfires dramatically. The disappointment or frustration these mentors create can shape the narrative, add tension to the storyline, or simply provide a comedic contrast to the typical guiding role.

Lasting Influence

A bad mentor remains memorable because players expect direction and wisdom from these figures. When guides fail, it brings forth a deeper question about trust and reliability in the game’s universe. It also reminds us that good storytelling—and good game design—often hinges on characters who push us in unexpected ways, even if that means sending us astray.