Best Couples Games To Play This Valentine’s Day
Published: Thu Feb 08 2024
Table Of Contents
What are the best couch co-op games to play this Valentine’s Day?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what better way to spend the evening than cuddling up on the sofa with one (or more!) of these couch co-op video games. Whether you’re looking for a cosy night in, or something a little more intense, you’re sure to find something you like as we explore some of our top picks from different categories! As always, the games will be ranked on a set of metrics tailored to the couch co-op genre. These are:
| ✓ Co-op Gameplay Mechanics | ✓ Learning Curve | ✓ Story |
| ✓ Difficulty |
For fans of platform games: It Takes Two 4.75
Ratings (Out of 5)
Story
Released in 2021 and winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards, It Takes Two revolves around a miniature couple, Cody and May, who are brought to life by the magic of their daughter’s tears. With the option of both local and online co-op, each player is responsible for controlling one of the two characters as you progress through imaginative and visually stunning environments, ranging from a whimsical garden to a clockwork world.
Gameplay
With a focus on collaboration and communication, it is almost impossible to play this game without genuinely working together to progress through the story, puzzles and bosses. In addition to the bright, colourful visuals, the split-screen perspective dynamically changes to highlight specific moments, ensuring both players stay engaged throughout the story. Not a fan of a certain type of gameplay? You won’t be subject to it for long as one of the more notable strengths of the game is the diversity of gameplay, changing seamlessly between a platformer to a puzzle-solving game to a shooter. Truly, it is not hard to find some aspect of enjoyment in this game, whether playing with your significant other or a friend!
At times moving, at times humorous, the story is truly a wonder to experience with ingenious level design and endlessly creative ways of working together. It is very rarely boring, consistently whimsical, and boundlessly charming.
For fans of puzzles: Portal 2 4.25
Ratings (Out of 5)
Story
Brimming with the series’ distinct humour, Portal 2 is a captivating puzzle sequel to the original title with the welcome addition of online and local multiplayer. The multiplayer story follows ATLAS and P-body, two robot test subjects, as they progress through a series of test chambers. Whilst a fairly basic story, the option of this multiplayer campaign is truly a treat for veterans of the series and newcomers alike!
Gameplay
Portal 2 revolves around the use of a handheld portal device that allows you to create inter-spatial portals, then use these to navigate through intricate puzzle chambers, manipulating physics and momentum as you go. Each challenge (and we mean challenge!) requires teamwork and coordination to solve, including puzzles that require precise timing and communication. Every one of the increasingly difficult puzzles is meticulously crafted and well-paced, packed with charm and wit that makes for a wholly enjoyable playthrough at every turn!
Learning Curve
Whilst the learning curve in Portal 2 is designed to be gradual, allowing you to build upon skills gained in earlier levels, a significant aspect of the game is simply trial and error. You are encouraged to test different portal placements, observe the outcomes, and learn from your mistakes. It is a genuinely joyful experience to do this with a friend or significant other, with each puzzle chamber presenting a unique challenge, forcing you both to get creative, at times unconventional, but always working as a team.
For relaxing gameplay: Spiritfarer 4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Story
If you’re a fan of cozy, management games then look no further than the delightfully charming Spiritfarer! Playing as Stella, a ferry master to the deceased, or her pet cat Daffodil your aim is to collaborate on various tasks such as collecting resources, fishing, farming, cooking, building upgrades for the ferry, and working together to solve puzzles and complete objectives, all while learning the spirits’ interesting pasts and helping them to accept their passing.
Gameplay
Whilst the co-op mode is not as tailored for teamwork as some of the other games on this list (playing as Daffodil means you can’t actually talk to anyone), the heartfelt and emotional story is only increased by sharing it with your significant other. The gameplay is varied, engaging and touching and an absolute treat to the senses. So if you’re in the mood for a mesmerising tale of love, loss, and letting go, be sure to check out Spiritfarer. You might just end up crying in each other’s arms.
Check out our other review of Spiritfarer here!
For fans of stealth games: Monaco: What’s Yours Is Mine 3.75
Ratings (Out of 5)
Story
Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine is a stealth, heist game for up to 4 players online or couch co-op. Reminiscent of classic caper films, your aim is to pull of heists in various locations including banks, mansions, casinos and art galleries through a blend of stealth, strategy and teamwork. Each level presents a different scenario with its own layout, security systems and objectives and with a choice of eight character classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles ranging from the Locksmith, who can open locked doors quickly, to the Cleaner, who can incapacitate enemies silently.
Gameplay
The level design is varied and engaging, coupled with fun graphics and a great soundtrack. Yes you and your team can attempt to plan and execute a masterplan, but the dynamic gameplay encourages improvisation and adaptability that is often chaotic and highly entertaining. The game is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels while still offering depth and challenge, all while allowing you to experiment with both levels and character classes. Even if your significant other isn’t a gaming fan, you are sure to have a thrilling time together playing this light hearted and humorous game.
Whether playing to beat the game, or just trying to beat the missions in as little time as possible, Monaco is fast paced, at times fairly challenging, but a genuinely enjoyable experience to play with others.
For narrative driven gameplay: A Way Out 3.5
Ratings (Out of 5)
Story
A Way Out is a cinematic, narrative game following two prisoners, Leo and Vincent, as they plan and attempt to execute a prison break. Each player controls one of the main characters, and the gameplay often splits between them, offering unique perspectives on the story. Both Leo and Vincent have distinct personalities, motivations, and skill sets, adding depth to the cooperative experience.
Gameplay
With the incorporation of a variety of gameplay elements, including action, stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving, the game constantly introduces new challenges to keep you engaged and invested in the story. Some of the mechanics can be a little redundant, as the narrative clearly follows a script to keep the story moving along. Despite this, the choices made do often impact the overall narrative, leading to multiple possible endings. The narrative itself can be a little tedious at the start, but rapidly becomes emotional and tense and you find yourself genuinely caring for the characters and striving to develop their relationship.
For a truly unique, cinematic game that feels like an action movie, you can’t go far wrong than sinking some time into this game with your significant other.