It’s approaching that time of year again. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be trying to book an overpriced restaurant, snag a pair of tickets to a coveted show or re-watching The Notebook for the seventh time. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day, a pseudo-holiday not really associated with gaming – but here’s a quick list of some of the best co-op games for an alternative date with your SO (significant other). These games have been chosen based on their accessibility, and how enjoyable they are to play with anyone, with any level of interest in gaming. For this reason, there are some obvious omissions; Smash Bros., Rocket League and others are not here, as while they are fantastic co-op games they can end in bitter victories and thrown controllers. Not really what you’re looking for when you’re trying to impress bae.

 

Portal 2: (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

First off, is possibly the most universally acclaimed co-op title of all time, Portal 2. In this title players are tasked with navigating physics based levels with, you guessed it, portals over a roughly 5-hour co-op campaign. The beauty of this as a co-op title to play with a loved one comes from the humor and common goals. Players are directed throughout their quest by GLaDOS, a cynical and hilarious AI in charge of Aperture Science. Nearly every line delivered by the AI is chuckle worthy and keeps the mood light hearted. On top of this each puzzle requires teamwork and thinking together to get through. When you finally do make it to the end of one of Portal’s exceptional brain teasers you always feel it was a product of cooperation, rather than one player dragging the other one through.

 

Overcooked: (Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch)

Next on the list is Ghost Town Simulations indie co-op hit, Overcooked. In this game, you and your player 2 will have to work together to run a restaurant and deliver orders before guests become inpatient and leave. Overcooked may seem like a simple cooking simulation, but between levels on pirate ships, wolf chefs and a giant spaghetti monster trying to take over the world, it really is anything but. This game is perfect to play with anyone of any skill level as the controls are simple and the gameplay is incredibly intuitive. Your success is much more dependent on working well as a unit rather than having great reflexes or dexterity. Be warned however, you may end up unleashing your inner Gordon Ramsay when you fail to plate up a cheese burger in time.

 

Pokémon GO: (iOS, Android)

So, this next title may seem like a bit of an odd suggestion for a co-op game, but Pokémon GO is possibly one of the most fun gaming experiences you can have with your SO. For starters, it’s available on any smart phone for free so anyone can jump in immediately. Following from that the game is straightforward and really encourages you to go out and enjoy your surroundings. With the gym system and newly implemented raid battles the game is infinitely more fun with someone along for the journey (providing they’re on your team). It’s also a fantastic way to explore your surroundings with your SO. Many of Dublin’s, and indeed Ireland’s, most scenic areas are great spots for playing. The Botanic Gardens, Dublin Zoo and Bull Island are all diverse Pokémon spawns and romantic day trips to boot.

 

Any Lego Title: (Any Console)

In 2005 Travelers Tale released Lego Star Wars: The Video Game and since then nearly every major Lego movie tie in has gotten a video game adaptation. These games have been some of the most consistently enjoyable co-op experiences over the last decade and show no signs of letting up. The gameplay is straightforward and accessible. The drop in, drop out co-op, lends itself nicely to being picked up by anyone. These games all really reward goofing around and exploring, which is always fun to do in brilliantly recreated Lego versions of your favourite movie franchises. On top of this the presentation is always top notch, with pleasing visuals and humorous cut scenes. In terms of which game, you should pick up the choice is up to you. Your best bet is probably to pick up the franchise you and your SO enjoy the most. With options spanning Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel and Indiana Jones, there’s no doubt you’ll find something that appeals to you both. (Yes, I realise that putting a series of games containing over 69 titles in one spot is kind of cheating).

 

Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

Last, but most certainly not least, is my personal favourite co-op game to play with my SO:  Left 4 Dead 2. Another game by the Valve’s development team, this title sees you taking on the role of a survivor during a zombie apocalypse. You play as Nick, Ellis, Coach or Rochelle, all of whom are fleshed out characters with interesting backstories and a plethora of witty one liners for when you are mowing down the undead hoard. This game is a fantastic co-op experience as, it’s intense fast paced action requires good teamwork to survive without ever putting too much pressure on either player. This is due to a unique mechanic in the game whereby the difficulty scales depending on your performance, meaning that even if one of you doesn’t have much FPS experience, the game never gets frustrating or unfair. On top of this, there’s just something satisfying about blowing up zombies in Left 4 Dead 2, even 8 years after its initial release.

 

So, there you have it, some of the best co-op gaming experiences to enjoy with your SO (or anyone, really) this Valentine’s Day. A couple of titles worth noting that were excluded include Diablo 3, Pokémon Let’s Go, Fortnite and Super Mario 3D World. Hopefully this list will save you from some of your more cliché date ideas and may even be the perfect segue into getting your SO to fill the empty support role in your Overwatch competitive team.