This story was originally published in Vol. 34, Issue 5 (February 2024)
Stumped for how to spend Valentine’s Day, whether with a partner or by yourself? Look no further! The VanCougar has curated a list of ten video games, each uniquely suited for a lovely gaming experience for hardcore gamers and non-gamers alike. From cooperative adventures to competitive challenges, these video games are ranked based on their ability to bring couples closer and create memorable moments. Whether you prefer the cozy atmosphere of local couch co-op or the excitement of online play, this list caters to various preferences and includes titles available on various consoles. Join forces, embark on epic journeys, or engage in friendly competition – these games promise to add an extra layer of joy to your Valentine’s Day celebration.
So, grab your controllers, prepare for some virtual adventures and let the gaming romance begin!
It Takes Two
“It Takes Two” is a cooperative action-adventure game that combines 3D platformer elements with a rich narrative to create an emotional and rewarding gameplay experience. Players take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple that is going through a rough patch in their relationship. Together they encounter various obstacles in the forms of puzzles, minigames, and boss fights, that require them to get past their differences and work as a unit. This game is known for its playful approach to the subject matter within its story, the interesting artistic style, and ability to provide hours of entertainment while also containing an important message for players.
- Player Mode: Online Split Screen Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $39.99
- Console/System: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Action, Adventure, 3D Platformer
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, and various in-person retail stores
Boyfriend Dungeon
“Boyfriend Dungeon” is a dating-simulator-meets- dungeon-crawler game with a unique approach to combat. As a player progresses through the story, they explore and fight in the dungeons, level up their weapons, and befriend or romance their choice of NPCs. This game is best known for its weapons that are simultaneously romanceable NPCs, allowing the player to choose which ones that they use, level up, or date. Don’t let the game’s name fool you! Players can choose their pronouns at the start of the game and there are more than just men to choose from.
- Player Mode: Single
- Controller Support
- Price: $19.99
- Console/System: PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Indie, RPG, Dungeon Crawler, Dating Simulator
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop
As Dusk Falls
“As Dusk Falls” is an interactive fiction narrative game that changes as you make choices and progress through the story. Up to 8 players can react to the events on-screen as the game follows multiple connected storylines and offers a variety of choices that impact characters. This game is best known for its storytelling, art style, and the players’ options for multiple paths and endings. This game is great for both solo and co-op experiences and has great replayability.
- Player Mode: Online and Split Screen Co-op
- Controller Support, iOS and Android Device Compatibility with Companion App
- Price: $29.99
- Console/System: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Adventure, Interactive Fiction
- Available on: Steam, Microsoft Store
Sun Haven
“Sun Haven” is a top-down life and dating simulator game with fantasy elements. Create your character and embark on a journey across multiple in-game cities, while running your own farm and fighting enemies. Choose to play as one of seven different races that give you special perks and abilities. With 18 single NPCs, romance options are abundant! This game is best known for its battle and romance elements, as well as its magical theme. If you’re a fan of similar games like Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon, this one is worth a try!
- Player Mode: Online Split Screen Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $39.99
- Console/System: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Action, Adventure, 3D Platformer
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, and various in-person retail stores.
Fall Guys
“Fall Guys” is a massive-multiplayer-online game that features a variety of obstacle courses and mini games in brightly-colored environments. Players customize their bean-shaped characters and fight against others to be the last one standing. This game is best known for its easy gameplay and ability to reach and entertain a diverse audience. It’s also quite easy to access, as it is free-to-play and available on many different platforms!
- Player Mode: Online Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: Free to Play
- Console/System: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Online PvP, Action, Casual, MMO
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop
Grounded
“Grounded” is an action-adventure game where your characters are reduced down to the size of an ant and have the objective to survive the outdoors. Players fight insects, collect resources, build, craft, solve puzzles, and follow a questline that unlocks upgrades and uncovers the secrets of your new bodily condition. This game is best known for its somewhat realistic elements and unique perspective for a survival game.
- Player Mode: Online Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $39.99
- Console/System: Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Genre: Survival, Action, Adventure
- Available on: Steam, Microsoft Store
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
“Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury” is a two-in- one adventure 3D platformer with some of Nintendo’s beloved Super Mario characters. Play as Luigi, Mario, Peach, or Toad in Super Mario 3D World and discover the secrets within each level solo or with others. Transform with different suits and power-ups to enhance your gameplay experience and complete levels faster. In Bowser’s Fury, players can take on the roles of Mario or Bowser Jr. and eliminate the black sludge that has taken over the area. These games are best known for their iconic level designs and soundtracks. This bundle includes two games for the price of one, so if you are a fan of the franchise it is worth checking out.
- Player Mode: Online Co-op, Local Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $59.99
- Console/System: Nintendo Switch
- Genre: 3D Platformer, Adventure
- Available on: Nintendo eShop and various in- person retail stores
A Hat in Time
“A Hat in Time” is an easy-to-pick-up adventure video game enjoyable to gamers playing solo or as a split screen cooperative game with a gaming partner. Players control a character named Hat Kid, who travels through different whimsical worlds, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and collecting magical hats to gain new abilities. The game features a charming art style, diverse environments and a lighthearted narrative gamers can enjoy regardless of experience.
- Player Mode: Split Screen Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $29.99
- Console/System: PS4, macOS, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Adventure, Indie, 3D platformer
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Steam, Humble Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop
Untitled Goose Game
“Untitled Goose Game” is a humorous and quirky stealth action game where players control a mischievous goose with the goal of causing chaos and annoyance in a peaceful village. The game involves completing various tasks, solving puzzles, and engaging in comedic interactions with the environment and non-playable characters. It is known for its unique premise, charming art style, and the delightfully disruptive nature of playing as the troublesome goose. Gamers can enjoy creating rampant chaos as a Goose alone or with fellow flock members.
- Player Mode: Split Screen Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: $19.99
- Console/System: PS4, macOS, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Action, Indie, Puzzle, Stealth
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Itch.io, Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, and various in-person retail stores
Lego Fortnite
“Lego Fortnite” is a free-to-play sandbox-survival game recently released by Epic Games. Play as a Lego person, inside of a Lego world, and collect resources, craft, build, farm, raise animals, and explore to your heart’s content! This game is best known for its similarity to Minecraft, but with the Lego mechanics and art style. The choices you can make are endless, so hop in solo, with friends or even that special someone for hours of fun!
- Player Mode: Online Co-op
- Controller Support
- Price: Free
- Console/System: PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android
- Genre: Survival, Sandbox, Role-Playing
- Available on: PlayStation Store, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, Epic Games App