TOP 10 VIDEOS TO PLAY (with your non-gamer significant other)

Words by Chris Noel Hidalgo

I grew up as a gamer. My ex-girlfriend-slash-wife? Not even in the slightest. While I appreciate her efforts to be a backseat gamer most of the time, a player two some of the time, and the main player once in a blue moon, our affinity towards video games is clearly not the same. Seeing as most games require the hand-eye coordination and split-second decision-making you can only really get from spending thousands upon thousands of hours in front of a screen with a controller in hand, it doesn’t take long for her to give up and switch the TV to Netflix instead.

Fortunately, there are several games out there that don’t require any special skills or abilities from your loved one (or yourself) to enjoy!

Overcooked and Moving Out

Overcooked and Moving Out are two againstthe-clock games that will either make your relationship stronger or instigate fights. The former is a cooking game where you and your partner have to coordinate chopping, cooking, and serving food across challenging environments. The latter is a physics-based game where players must coordinate to lift, move, and place furniture in a moving truck. The mechanics and controls for these games are simple, yes. However, accomplishing objectives and moving on to the next level is anything but. It is super satisfying when you and your partner get in a groove, churning out perfect meals and stacking furniture in record time.

The Lego Video Games

The Lego video games are a great way to bond with your non-gamer significant other. There’s little to no risk of losing, so you can play these games without worrying about having to carry your partner throughout levels. It’s also hilarious to watch them do the platforming sections, as they tend to fall off the map over and over again. The best part, however, is defeating bosses and sharing the triumph with your partner while knowing that you did all the work while they spent the better part of the level in respawn mode.

Mario Kart

Who doesn’t know the beloved Italian plumber? Mario Kart first came out in 1992, and though various features have been added and gameplay tweaked throughout the years, it’s still easy to pick up and play for anyone who enjoys racing. Its roster of characters ensures that there’s an avatar for everyone, whether they care about kart characteristics or just want to have a cute racer. Its track options range from straightforward ones to ones with annoyingly funny gimmicks. The quintessential item boxes contain speed boosts, track hurdles, and game-(or relationship-breaking) missiles. After all, nothing says “I love you” like sending a blue shell flying to your partner in first place and depriving them of a win.

Nintendo Switch Sports

Into something more active—such as tennis, bowling, or soccer—but don’t want to go out and rent a venue every time you and your partner want to play? Good thing there’s Sports on the Nintendo Switch. This motion-based sports title is intuitive to play and perfect for competitive couples. Each game takes only a few minutes, making rematches a no-brainer until someone says uncle. Be careful and make sure the controllers are firmly attached to your person, though — you don’t want to throw your Joy-Con at your TV and ruin your date.

Tekken

Wait, Tekken? A fighting game being recommended for non-gamers? Why not? While Tekken is usually associated with pixel-perfect, airjuggling combos, button mashers can fare quite well against even seasoned players. Trust me, I know. Certain characters, such as Eddie and Lily, lend themselves quite well to button mashing. So much so that once my wife discovered that all she had to do was mash the kick buttons like there’s no tomorrow, she went on a gloating-filled win streak. That game session then gradually saw me going from “playing to have fun” to being a rage-filled try-hard desperately trying to gain my gamer honor back.

Guitar Hero and Rock Band

Musically-inclined couples have Guitar Hero and Rock Band to bond over. These rhythm games feature classic anthems and more modern tracks across various genres, ensuring your song tastes and familiarity are covered. Better yet, players can play on different difficulties together. Your significant other can jam out at a leisurely pace while you shred on Free Bird. Don’t like being on the guitar? You can also play the drums or belt out on the mic.

Just Dance

Lastly, and a favorite of my wife and I, is Just Dance. This rhythmexercise title allows you and your partner to show off your best (or worst) moves while dancing to chart-toppers through the years. While some dances are headto-head with couples trying to outscore each other, some songs are couple’s dances to make your hangout sweeter. Dancing around and looking like a fool with your loved one is an intimate experience that you’ll look back on fondly when you’re gray and old.