Happy Valentine’s Day to all students at the University of Connecticut. With how cold and unpredictable the weather has been, it’s difficult to think of something to do with your loved one for the holiday. Luckily, there is a perfectly acceptable alternative for those who enjoy spending time indoors: playing video games. In this list we will go through a few recommendations for games that are perfect for the holiday; however, be warned that some of these can make or break your relationship.
“It Takes Two”
During November 2023, The Backlog went over “It Takes Two” for the category of cooperative games. This two-player experience can be played locally or online, so if you have a long-distance relationship and both have a copy of the game, you can enjoy the constant banter between the two characters, Cody and May. Cody and May are a married couple who have decided to have a divorce and get turned into their daughter’s dolls by a talking book. If you think it sounds silly, that’s because it is. Throughout the game you have to work together to complete puzzles and traverse the world. Along the way you come across minigames where you can compete with your loved one. Despite the tense relationship between Cody and May, players may find that witnessing the pair’s journey can strengthen their own, that is if you are patient with each other and don’t get frustrated if your partner struggles with a certain task.
“Heavenly Bodies”
If you like to stargaze with your partner and wonder about space, then “Heavenly Bodies” might be the best pick for you. Released in 2021 and available on Steam alongside various consoles, “Heavenly Bodies” is a shorter game that involves two astronauts who must complete tasks on a space station. These range from growing plants to aligning satellites. The twist is that there is no gravity and each player must rely on the lack of air resistance and their strong grip to traverse the stages. If the normal controls are too difficult to use, you can set them so that your character is able to kick and push themselves through space. While challenging, “Heavenly Bodies” captures how beautiful and frightening space can be. It’s very easy to float away into space and try desperately to generate enough force to propel yourself back to safety. Be wary of how easy it is to get in each other’s way, this might create tension and anger; but, if you are able to laugh off the funny physics, then “Heavenly Bodies” is a space-worthy experience.
“Snipperclips”
Developed by SFB Games, “Snipperclips” is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, which means this might not be a viable choice for those without the console. This game relies heavily on strong communication and a lot of coordination. Not to mention that it is not limited to two players, it can go up to four if you want others to join the fun. Each player is a specific shape and has the ability to cut pieces of each other, creating new shapes that allow you to complete the puzzles and tasks. These puzzles can vary, some are outlines of specific shapes that you have to work together to create, or some require you to fill a bowl with water by turning yourself into an effective shape to send the water there. The cute aesthetics of “Snipperclips” are also fitting for Valentine’s Day, with bright colors and adorable faces.
“Bread & Fred”
Released in December, 2023, “Bread & Fred” is a two-player platforming experience where you and your partner are penguins tied together and must climb a treacherous mountain to reach the snowy summit. Despite the adorable 8-bit graphics, “Bread & Fred” was designed by Sand Castles Studio as a rage game, meaning that it will challenge you and your partner to the fullest. You must cooperate and time every jump, grab and swing perfectly, or else you will fall all the way down to the bottom of the mountain. It is possible to change the difficulty by putting checkpoint flags down or toggling infinite jumps. Yet, the only way to truly feel satisfied is to play the game as intended — this means that you and your partner may have to play “Bread & Fred” in more than one session. That makes this game a perfect choice if you want to find an excuse to spend more time with your significant other. If the adorable costumes that you can wear with your partner don’t sway you, then nothing will.
“Human: Fall Flat”
If you are looking for a goofy Valentine’s Day, then “Human: Fall Flat” is perfect for you and your loved one. Developed by No Brakes Games and published by Curve Digital in 2016, “Human: Fall Flat” can be played on virtually any console and mobile devices. Similar to “Heavenly Bodies,” this game is based around the manipulation of physics but it possesses a goofier twist to it. Players can fall from great heights with no damage, and can handle blunt force trauma without breaking a sweat. Your characters resemble little clay dolls that can be customized extensively. The game is a simple 3D platformer where you have to solve puzzles to get through the levels. Even with the game’s simplicity, it’s very easy to find alternative ways to complete these puzzles or get to the next checkpoint. The levels — called dreams — take you through various lands and themes, including Aztec temples, construction sites, castles and even a golf course. While the levels can be completed solo, it’s better to do so with a friend or partner. It might not necessarily be easier since some players might like to drag you off the edge every chance they get (it’s a very tempting idea). But don’t worry, if you fall off the world or die you respawn by dropping from the sky, this means that you could possibly land on your friend as well.
“Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes”
If you want to see the strength of your bond and how well you can work together with your partner, then “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” will surely test you. Released in 2015 by Steel Crate Games, “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is a party game that requires focus and coordination. The two-player experience has one player tasked with disarming a bomb while the other has the Bomb Defusal Manual. Neither player can see what the other is looking at, which makes communication crucial. The bombs range in difficulty and modules (the puzzles required to defuse the bomb), for some you’ll have to cut wires, press hieroglyphic buttons in a specific order or even follow a sequence of colors through “Simon Says.” Solving all of these modules will defuse the bomb, but you are in a time crunch. This can create a stressful situation for both the diffuser and the manual-user. I’d recommend using the Bomb Defusal Manual in printed form instead of through a screen, it makes it easier to navigate and refer back to certain pages.
“Untitled Goose Game”
Nothing is more fun than pranking innocent civilians as a goose, and now you can do so with your partner in the two player mode in “Untitled Goose Game.” It can only be played locally without a split screen, so both players share the same screen.. There is a separate way to play over the internet through Steam’s Remote Play Together or PlayStation’s Share Play, but it requires some experimenting. While considered a puzzle stealth game, “Untitled Goose Game” is more about causing the most chaos and harassing humans throughout an English village. The chaos can range from honking at people to spook them, to stealing their clothes and generally being a menace. The multiplayer mode allows you to find new ways to complete these puzzles. Although the game is fairly short and doesn’t include any real story mode, fulfilling the to-do list with your partner is an enjoyable experience that will surely make your Valentine’s Day memorable.