Before the pandemic, most people would probably spend Valentine's Day outside with a special someone, whether in the movies, a fancy restaurant, or somewhere special. However, with the pandemic forcing people to stay indoors, it could be difficult to think of ways to spend the day with one's significant other.
Luckily, video games are a good way to spend time indoors with a loved one, and for those undecided on which games to play on this special day, here is a list of the best titles that will be enjoyed by both gamer couples and those whose significant other may not be that enthusiastic on spending Valentine's Day behind a controller.
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Although Animal Crossing: New Horizons is mostly a single-player game, it features some multiplayer functionality by allowing players to interact by visiting each other's island. This multiplayer aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is perfect for couples who cannot spend Valentine's Day together, given that they can meet virtually in the game, visit the Museum, and help beautify each other's villages. Interestingly enough, Animal Crossing: New Horizons also became a platform for people to meet each other during the onslaught of strict lockdown measures brought by the pandemic. Given this, Animal Crossing: New Horizons could be a creative and adorable way for players to spend time with each other even without physically seeing each other.
Players looking for a long-term game to play with their significant other should definitely consider Stardew Valley. Thanks to the game's multiplayer update, players can now gather their friends and loved ones to start a farm and live their best lives in Pelican Town. The game is also perfect for couples given the many tasks and activities they can participate in, such as growing a farm, tending livestock, mining for resources, building a house, and participating in various festivals. Not only can couples divide farm work with each other, but they can also marry in the game and have children.
For couples looking for a little bit of challenge, Overcooked: All You Can Eat may be the perfect game to play on Valentine's Day. In the game, players assume a chef's role in a busy kitchen, and as orders come in, players must prepare dishes and get them served to customers on time. However, the game's biggest challenge is that one player can't do it all alone, which is why players must cooperate with their partner to efficiently run the kitchen while not getting in each other's way. Overall, Overcooked: All You Can Eat is wildly fun as long as players keep their communication skills in tip-top shape.
Ever since its introduction in 1992, the Mario Kart franchise has been one of the most popular go-kart-style racing video game of all time. For couples looking for a more competitive way to spend Valentine's Day, Mario Kart will surely deliver adrenaline-filled gameplay, and the game's latest iteration called Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Switch makes it easier for couples to play on a single console via separate Joy-Cons. Additionally, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allows players to play as one of the many characters from the Mario franchise, whether Mario himself, Bowser, Donkey Kong, or even Princess Peach.
Another single-player game on this list is Until Dawn. Although the game only requires one player, its moral choices would make it a perfect game for a backseat driver to give their input. One of the most interesting elements of Until Dawn is that there are no continues, and if players make mistakes, the story would just keep going, which is why couples need to make the right decisions together. It's definitely something a game that is more fun to play with another person, especially since its many jump scares could be a good excuse for players to get closer with their partner.
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