With Valentine’s Day this week, some player-ones will be carving out some dedicated time to spend with their player-twos. In the event that you both have the shared interest of wanting to stay in and have some romantic two-player adventures, we’ve compiled a list of games sure to help fuel the fires of passion during Cupid’s holiday.
So let’s kick things off:
Super Mario World (Super Nintendo, Virtual Console)
Most would say that this is the best Mario game out there, and though I may disagree with it taking the number one spot, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece in its own right. Super Mario World is one of those perfect platforming gems that allows gamers of every skill level to have an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Also try: Super Mario 3D World (Wii U), Little Big Planet 3 (PlayStation 4), Donkey Kong Country series (Super Nintendo, Virtual Console)
Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Steam)
Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime is a road only traveled if you have confidence that your communication and willingness to win won’t put a strain on your relationship. A game built for couch co-op, Lovers will definitely bring your closer to your significant other as well as make you want to whip your controller off of their forehead. It’s dangerous to go alone, but be careful who you go with!
Also try: Towerfall Ascension (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam)
Rock Band 4/Rock Band Rivals (Xbox One, PlayStation 4)
For the couples that also share a passion for music, Rock Band 4 and the more recently released expansion, Rock Band Rivals, both bring that passion for rhythm-gaming back to the mainstream. With over 1800 songs available to add to your Rock Band library, there are plenty of jams to rock out to with your bandmate. Also, the ability to choose difficulties on the fly and in-between songs make it perfect for every type of gaming couple.
Also try: Amplitude (PlayStation4)
Mario Kart series (Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U)
Honestly, when I was trying to pinpoint which game in the Mario Kart series to showcase here I came to the conclusion that you can’t make a wrong decision. Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64) and Mario Kart 8 (Wii U) are two of the best options and probably easier to get your hands on, but all of the entries in the series will offer you hours of enjoyment. Plus, even though it is possible to be skilled at Mario Kart, the random factor of items can sometimes sway races to take unexpected turns.
Also try: Rocket League (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam), Sonic All-Stars Racing: Transformed (Wii U, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam)
The Witness (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Steam)
Now, hear me out with this one. The Witness is one of the best puzzle games that I have played in a long, long time. Throughout my initial play-through I was constantly wishing either my significant other or one of my friends was playing with me, because the feeling of accomplishment you are awarded for figuring out the language of the game’s puzzles is something I desperately want others to experience. That being said, if you and your player-two are a couple that enjoy solving puzzles, the shared experience of working through The Witness might just be something you cherish for the rest of your gaming life.
Also try: Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Wii U)
Tetris (it’s literally on everything)
This one doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s available on everything in some form. It’s a timeless puzzle game that whether you’re competing in a head-to-head mode or just playing to see who can get a higher score, Tetris is loved by everyone.
Also try: Peggle/Peggle 2 (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Steam), Dr. Mario (Nintendo Entertainment System, Virtual Console)
Animal Crossing: New Leaf (Nintendo 3DS)
This series has such a vast, loyal, and diverse fanbase. Everyone from casual to hardcore gamers have some sort of lingering debt with Tom Nook. Though playing this together would offer a little bit of a separation due to both of you being fixated on your own screen; the joys of running around town together fishing, catching insects, and interacting with your significant other’s villagers is an experience worth every bell I have.
There are tons of other games worth playing with a significant other, but these were just some of the best that came to mind. Hopefully there is enough variation in genre here to lend a hand when planning your Valentine’s Day date, or really just any gaming date.
Pass The Controller 