AS the day of love arrives this year, some couples will go out for dinner and some will take a romantic trip away – whereas gamers may look to spend the night playing their favourite games with their loved ones.
While games might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of romance, there are games out there that manage to pull at our heartstrings or look to make couples stronger.
This Valentine’s Day, perhaps consider playing some of these games with your significant other.
This game puts the strongest of relationships to the test.
In this game, you will play as Vincent. A 32-year-old who has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend Katherine and doesn’t really know where he is going with his life.
He then meets Catherine and Rin, exciting new ladies in his life who put his relationship to the ultimate test. Then during the nights, he is haunted by nightmares of having to climb a tower night after night, only to be asked hard-hitting questions about love and relationships when he reaches the top.
I actually played this game with my wife when it originally came out with her being a big help in conquering the tower-like Tetris puzzles that were much of the gameplay during the game seeing as she is MUCH better at games like Tetris than I ever will be. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun with this adult-based story on love and I really had to be careful of how I answered each of the questions and responded in the game, often really having to think twice about how I answered.
Co-Op games don’t get played enough in my house as I really do love a good single-player story. But as soon as my wife saw the trailer for It Takes Two while I was checking it out on YouTube, she actually told me – ‘You are getting that game’
Now while this game has some serious undertones, story-wise. The gameplay is nothing but an absolute blast. If your significant other is a serious gamer, you might be able to knock this out in a night. But if they are not…
Get ready for non-stop laughs as a game intended to be played as a team can at any point, turn into an all-out test of trust. Relying on each other to work together to finish the stage can play in couples therapy as at any point either of you can turn on the other and end up laughing loud out at each other.
Haven is one of those hidden gems that I stumbled across on Xbox Game Pass and decided to give a go. The graphic style and story of lovers lost in space was a game I didn’t know I wanted until I booted it up.
It tells the tale of lovers Yu and Kay that have escaped an oppressive society with nothing but their love for each other to settle and survive on a mysterious planet.
This can be played as a single-player or co-op experience as they search the planet for resources to live and thrive in. There is also combat to be had as they remain on the run from the ‘Source’
In between the resource hunting, there are many interactions be had between the two as they unwind and you learn more about the overall story and beautiful tale of these two lovers.
The game’s art style is stunning as it highlights the struggles and tender moments between the two.
A definite must-play with simple game mechanics to share with your plus one.
Probably an unconventional selection for a game to be played as a couple. But Mass Effect is a title that is universally loved by such a wide, diverse amount of gamers in the world, it can be a long-term investment to share this experience with your loved one.
In a series of games set across a vast universe and such a wide selection of ways to play and companions to bond with, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce your loved on to your gaming passion.
As a man, this could be a perfect opportunity to do a playthrough as a ‘femshep’ character and have my wife dictate how the relationships with the crew members evolve – and have me quietly judge her selections and why she doesn’t decide to pair up with anyone but Garrus.
If you’re looking at a nice chill night in, look no further than Stardew Valley.
The game’s simplistic gameplay doesn’t make you feel at any time that you are in a rush to get much done. The premise is simple; you come to your grandpa’s old farm plot in an attempt to revitalise the farm to its former glory.
The game also soundtrack playing in the background that my wife approved of, and I quote ‘This is nice to listen to, you can play this game anytime’
It is good to sit back and plan out the farm and how it should look. Not only that but there are a bunch of people in town who are pleasant to get to know and you will both learn to love your favourites as you play through this game together.
This game would be the definition of the saying ‘Game Pass and Chill’
Have I missed any games that are great to play together as a couple? I’m sure there are many more out there that you could suggest on our socials, so don’t be afraid to speak up and let us know what you enjoy playing with your loved one.
