With Valentine’s Day fever in the air, maybe you and your significant other want something you can do together. Video games are perfect for building teamwork, problem-solving and communication skills. It’s also a good way to relieve school-related stress.
It doesn’t matter if you’re both hardcore gamers, one is a bit more experienced than the other or if you both have never held a controller before. These six games of various skill levels and types will be perfect to play with your partner. Be warned, these games may make you miss your dinner reservations, or class.
All illustrations are by: Kristine Delicana.
Cicely’s Picks:
Looting for love: “Borderlands” is a role-playing game perfect for couples with a lot of time on their hands. It’s open world, which means there are tons of things to do and see. At the same time, it’s also easy to pick up and put down in case your life gets busy. The point of the game? Getting loot. So grab your biggest gun and partner, and kill whoever gets in your way. Happy vault hunting!
Available (Borderlands 1 and 2) for: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
LittleBigFun: The PlayStation exclusive “LittleBigPlanet 2” is perfect if you’re just getting into video games. It’s light, fun and cute (unless your partner learns how to make their character slap yours, then it’s war.). You can customize your adorable Sackboy as much as you want, and play through six worlds with up to four players (in case you want to double date). There are also mini-games where you get a little more competitive. This game loves using teamwork and problem solving skills, which are good relationship qualities too.
Available for: Playstation 3 and 4
A Kart built for two: In case you don’t have a PlayStation, “Mario Kart” (or actually any Mario Bros. game) is a good alternative to “LittleBigPlanet.” I’m picking the racing game because it’s perfect and easy to pick up whenever you two are bored and want a little competition. I will advise everyone involved to keep a level head while playing! It’s just a game after all. No need to ruin relationships because of a red turtle shell.
Available for: Every Nintendo console since Super Nintendo
Trevor’s Picks:
Crafting Hearts – “Minecraft” is a no-brainer to recommend, yet, it’s still worth mentioning, especially when looking for a game to share with your partner. At it’s core, “Minecraft” is a peaceful game, giving players a chance to get lost in their own creativity. The loose gameplay is a perfect remedy for those couples looking to express their creative side this Valentine’s Day. Couples can create their dream home, a castle, their hometown, or brave the impossible, and recreate CSUN (be warned, the last one will remind you of classes). Put your heads together and craft the perfect Valentine’s date.
Available for: Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 4 and Playstation 3
Investigating Love– Out of all the games on this list, “L.A. Noire,” is a single-player only game, but don’t let that scare you from sharing this brilliant noir tale with your partner. Players assume the control of a police detective as he navigates the crime underworld of 1946 Los Angeles. The game beautifully details the cityscape and atmosphere of the time, but that’s not its only hook. Players must investigate crime scenes for clues to help them question witnesses and suspects to solve various cases. Players can also choose the questions to ask, making this game a suitable title for couples looking to stay in for the night. While only one player can drive the game, both can investigate and question suspects in an interactive noir tale of crime and deceit. If you and your partner love and treat crime stories as a puzzle, don’t look past “L.A. Noire.”
Available for: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Demon-Slaying With Your Love – “Diablo 3” is not the cuddliest game around, but it’s perfect for bleeding hours away as you and your partner slay away demons. The game is perfect for bonding with your partner on the couch. “Diablo 3” features tons of loot to keep players scavenging for more. Its hard-hitting gameplay is also tough to let go. Pick up “Diablo 3” if you and your partner want to take a break from the hordes of restaurant and night goers, in favor of the hordes of hell dwellers.
Available for: Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 4, Playstation 3
Video games are always good in case the two of you want to stay in for the night and relax. Just break out your gaming system and press start.
