Love is a plot device that has made some of the greatest stories in history from Romeo and Juliet to the iconic romance movies; the romance genre is huge. It’s only natural that the story genre finds it’s way into games. In fact, some of our favorite game series have used relationships as a starting point for their plots. Many games have introduced romance systems where your goal is to impress a potential spouse in order to achieve the ultimate goal of marriage. If you’re looking to play some great games that have a romantic underlying, then this list is for you. Below we have the ten best games that are fueled by romance.
10 Final Fantasy X
Final Fantasy X has long been referenced as a romance game in forums and jokes about the long-running series. The game follows the protagonist Tidus who has arrived in a strange land. In order to get home, he agrees to escort Yuna on her mission, but they slowly start to fall in love with each other as the mission progresses. Soon enough, the two are sharing a passionate kiss under the glistening full moon.
Final Fantasy X is the perfect story for the romantic who wants to watch a couple grow from the very beginning.
9 Devil May Cry 4
The begging of Devil May Cry 4 starts out by introducing Nero and Kyrie, a young couple just going about their lives in the city of Fortuna. Things turn grim rather fast as Kyrie is kidnapped, and Nero must go on an adventure to save her. Luckily, the young boy wields a demonic arm that lets him make short work of his enemies. By the end of the game, he ultimately ends up saving the love of his life with some needed help from Dante.
If you are looking for an action game fueled by the want to save your love interest and revenge, then DMC4 is a great action title.
8 Shadow of The Colossus
Shadow of The Colossus is a game that has you play as the protagonist, Wander. Wander is on a quest to slay the Colossus in order to revive a girl named Mono. The game is a bit tragic but shows how far a man is willing to go to bring back the woman he loves. Not only does Wander commit theft, but he also takes on powerful monsters that could easily kill him if he makes one wrong move.
The game is perfect for anyone who loves larger than life battles and a more subtle story about loss and revival.
7 Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life
If you want a game with a heavy focus on relationships, but need more control over the romance, the A Wonderful Life is a perfect choice. Unlike most other Harvest Moon game’s there is an extremely heavy focus on getting married in the very first year of the game. If you don’t, then the game will end, and you will have to start over from your last save.
Once you get married, the game will take you through several chapters where you have a child grow into an adult, while you and your partner become old.
6 The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a unique entry in the series and the start of Master Sword and Ganon. The game really begins when Zelda, Link’s very obvious love interest gets kidnapped. He then embarks on a quest to the surface world in order to save her.
If you’re looking for more information about the lore behind the famous Legend of Zelda series, then Skyward Sword is the place to start. The game also offers a better look at the more romantic side of Link and Zelda’s relationship.
5 Donkey Kong
One of the most popular arcade games to ever be released and the start of the Mario universe was Donkey Kong. The simple game stars Jumpman, who must dodge barrels in order to climb to the top of each level and save his girlfriend, Pauline. The game starts after the ape climbs away with Jumpman’s girlfriends, and he is forced to chase after Donkey Kong in order to save her.
Later on, Pauline was replaced by Princess Peach and wasn’t seen again until the recent release of Super Mario Odessey.
4 Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot is the story of a normal bandicoot who is zapped with a laser to become more humanoid. While he escapes on his own, he soon realizes that the female he was imprisoned with is still trapped in the lab. Encouraged by his love for Tawna, he decides to go on an adventure to rescue the bandicoot from the clutches of Dr. Cortex, who is being protected by a plethora of strong animal soldiers.
The game has been remastered for current-generation systems and features fun, but difficult platforming that tons of gamers love.
3 Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Love has made people do crazy things, but in Resident Evil 7, you really have to wonder what the main protagnist is thinking. You play as Ethan Winters, a very brave man who receives a video of his dead wife who went missing three years earlier. Once there, you find Mia only to have your hand brutally sawed off and wake up at a dinner table with the horrifying Baker family.
We have to give Ethan credit though, even after the horrors he endures, he still has the option to save his wife, who has clearly turned into one of the molded.
2 Double Dragon
Double Dragon is a popular arcade title that is often referenced and has even been spoofed by other video game series. The game is classic beat-em-up where you play as Billy Lee, who is on a quest to save his kidnapped girlfriend. Throughout the game, you use your martial art skills to fight your way through thugs in an attempt to reach Marian. Best of all, the game is co-op so that you can play it with your partner.
Double Dragon is a classic that should be enjoyed by any gamer than can get ahold of the game; it’s fun gameplay and funny concepts still even hold up today.
1 The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 starts after the Witcher 2, where Geralt regains the memory of Yen and learns that she is still alive. He goes with Vesmir on a quest to hunt down his lost lover and hopefully rekindle their relationship. When the two are finally reunited, they then go on a quest to try and find their lost daughter Ciri. If the player chooses, they can help to completely rekindle the relationship of the couple or break it off for good.
For fans of the original Witcher books, the Witcher 3’s introduction of Yennefer is a true treat and a romance route that fans won’t want to miss.
NEXT: The Witcher: 5 Romances That Were Perfect For Geralt (& 5 That Would’ve Never Worked)
