Date nights are often spent watching romance movies and Netflix, and video games are less-trodden territory among couples. The interactivity of video games offers an experience unique from movies and television, so playing a fun, cooperative game is an awesome way of growing close to your partner. However, know that gaming with a significant other has risks – a few of these games can incite anger to a disturbing extent and expose you to a side of your partner that you’ll wish had never been revealed.
Mario Kart 8 (Wii U, Switch):
Mario Kart is a party classic. Its rewarding yet simple gameplay makes it a perfect entry point for those not invested in the racing genre. Kart‘s cute aesthetic and powerful colors are welcoming, and the game controls like it should. The traditional control options are great, and tilt controls are available for those who feel inclined. On the other hand, Mario Kart has a reputation as a relationship destroyer. Anyone who has played Mario Kart can tell the horrible tale of the Blue Shell, a weapon so hauntingly powerful that it threatens the framework of humanity itself. Unless you’re playing Mario Kart 64, in which case it clunks off the nearest wall or comes back and hits you.
Until Dawn (PS4):
Until Dawn is a movie-like horror game that puts a changeable narrative in the hands of the player and prevents the player from losing the game. Instead of showing the player a Game Over screen upon a missed button sequence or a bad decision, Until Dawn uses these instances to compose its story.
Like many others in this list, Until Dawn is a great option for those not already into video games. Make sure your partner likes the horror genre. That’s kind of important as Until Dawn is legitimately frightening. Note that it’s only single-player, but the focus on narrative makes it great for controller sharing.
Snipperclips (Switch):
The Switch hasn’t yet burst multiplayer content from its seams, which makes Snipperclips, an often-overlooked cooperative romp, one of the best options available to early adopters.
A puzzle game, Snipperclips requires players to problem solve and think creatively. A few sequences in Snipperclips also rely on coordination and precise platforming, which makes communication between players essential for success.
Snipperclips has a demo on the Nintendo eShop you may check out if you are unsure.
Minecraft (PC, Switch, XONE, PS4, and other platforms):
Minecraft is like the virtual version of LEGOs, which is exactly why it’s a great date-night game. By harvesting resources, building homes, and surviving the horrors of nighttime, you and your partner will create an impenetrable bond that will last – until one of you screws up the other’s decor.
Minecraft is a good entry point for those without much gaming experience, which makes the game even better if your partner is too casual for your niche Japanese games. Minecraft also lends itself to a variety of playstyles. The game features a creative mode that is solely dedicated to building and allows players to skip the harvesting and surviving from the normal game.
Borderlands series (PC, XONE, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3):
Borderlands isn’t an easy game. Because of this, it should wait until your partner is invested in gaming. Its addicting, progression-based gameplay will suck up your time, which is the exact type of immersive experience a couple should look for.
Currently there are two mainline games in the Borderlands franchise, both excellent. The second is the better game, but starting with the original is a good idea if you and your partner want to experience everything the series has to offer.
This list is a good starting point for finding games to play with your significant other. If you are a hardcore gamer, and your partner isn’t, then the most important consideration to make is your partner’s interests.
Gaming can be intimidating for the uninitiated, so be sure that your first gaming date night accounts for the type of experience your partner is wanting.
