Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of things to people but to most, it’s about spending time with your loved one(s). In the world of video games, there’s no shortage of romance to experience across a variety of different types of games and genres. This Valentine’s Day, we’re taking a look at a handful of the best romance stories in games that you can play right now, from Catherine: Full Body to Clannad and much more.
Before we start, this list isn’t in any particular order. It’s also based on our personal opinions and what we consider some of the best video games that feature romance in them. Many may not agree with some or feel like we’ve excluded many due to oversights but we’ve narrowed it down to these titles that invest you in the romantic stories better than many others.
Catherine: Full Body
This may seem like a bizarre one since the story of Catherine is less about the traditional “romance” and more about guilt and commitment issues. In the case of Catherine: Full Body, though, love is the name of the game and there’s actually a brilliant story to be told here as you deal with unending nightmares and a desire to break out of your old habits as the protagonist, Vincent. It has heart, great character development and multi-layered romances that are just as charming as they bonkers at times.
It Takes Two
This Game of the Year winner is probably one of the most mature games with romance at its core, despite the premise of a married couple trying to amend their relationship through its various ups and downs. Developer Hazelight Studios masterfully tells their story through a co-op adventure game that can resonate strongly with just about anyone. It Takes Two is a fantastic, surprisingly moving tale that ends on a beautiful note.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Hear us out, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has some of the best romantic development in any RPG we’ve played. Whether you choose Yennefer, Triss or prefer to play Casanova with everyone, CD Projekt Red clearly put a lot of thought into how your relationships naturally develop across the game. Sure, the two main romances are front and centre if you want the most satisfying, game-spanning love stories but thanks to your decision-making, Geralt has a lot of options – and some brothels if you’re just looking for that kind of action.
Final Fantasy X
The Final Fantasy series as a whole is no stranger to well-developed romance stories. However, Final Fantasy X might just be the best out of the bunch. Tidus and Yuna are, of course, our main subjects here but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows if you know the tragic twists of the story. That said, it’s a subtle yet beautiful romance that’s almost unspoken in how delicately Square Enix handles it. For that reason, it’s also an incredibly memorable one in the series.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
What would a romance in video games list be without mentioning the Mass Effect trilogy? BioWare has a great track record of developing good romances in its titles but none are quite as impactful as Mass Effect. Whether you’re a Liara follower, believe in Tali supremacy or want to tango with Garrus, every single companion romance is well-told (well, almost every one). Things may eventually end on a sombre note but you definitely won’t forget your romantic journey.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The most recent release on this list, Baldur’s Gate 3 takes romance in video games to a new level. Most companions in the game are romanceable and boy, are they unforgettable. Thanks to how well-written the characters are in general, your romance is being fleshed out in more directions than just a one-note love affair. It all weaves into the main story brilliantly and you’ll soon find yourself completely attached to their plights. Larian Studios did an outstanding job with the romance in Baldur’s Gate 3 and it ranks among the best in gaming.
Persona 5 Royal
You never saw it coming but we’ve got Persona 5 Royal on this list for many reasons. Sure, the game is mostly about breaking into the minds of the corrupt to steal their hearts in non-romantic ways but during your life simulator day-time activities, romance can develop with just about anyone in the Phantom Thieves. The Persona series as a whole keeps its romance stories low-key but they’re all part of the role-playing aspect that fans adore about the games.
Clannad
We saved the biggest emotional gut punch for last. Clannad is a visual novel – but not just any visual novel. If you’re even remotely familiar with the story, you know that you’re in for one of the most emotionally devastating but rewarding love stories ever told – and I sincerely mean that. The visual novel is just as impactful as the now-classic anime adaptation and equally as well-written. Truth be told, we could’ve filled this list with visual novels and just called it a day but Clannad is truly in a league of its own.