While romance may not be the main focus of most video games, many games have plenty of iconic couples. Some of these pairings are so sweet that they have the power to melt the heart of even the toughest cynic.
With Valentine's Day coming up, now is the perfect time to acknowledge these unforgettable relationships. Although players may only care about the gameplay when they start these games, these characters and their bonds with each other are so prevalent and emotionally powerful that it's hard not to get seriously invested in their love.
Professor Layton and Claire - Professor Layton and the Unwound Future
As the last part of the original Professor Layton trilogy and the latest narrative arc according to the in-game timeline, it's no surprise that the 2008 Nintendo DS puzzle mystery game Professor Layton and the Unwound Future has the most significant romantic relationship in the entire series. Even with all the twists and turns involving time travel and a mafia-like mob group, the main focus of the story remains on the titular character, Professor Layton, and his lost lover, Claire.
Through various flashbacks, it's revealed that she was the one who influenced him to act like a gentleman and even gave him his iconic hat. His love for her is so powerful that she continues to influence him years after her death, which makes their final goodbye at the end of this game extremely heartbreaking.
Tatsuya and Jun - Persona 2: Innocent Sin
While not as well known as the later entries in the Persona series, the Persona 2 duology is an important part of this sub-series because it introduced many of the ideas that would form the basis of the later titles. Also, along with Persona 3 Portable, the first part of this duology, Persona 2: Innocent Sin, is still one of the only games in the franchise to have an LGBTQ+ romance option.
After beating Shadow Lisa and completing the Taurus Temple Dungeon, the main protagonist, Tatsuya Suou, can choose to romance either one of the two main girls, Maya Amano or Lisa Silverman, or Tatsuya's childhood best friend and character foil Jun Kurosu. While this choice doesn't affect the story and only changes a couple of pieces of dialogue, it was still revolutionary for the time, and some of the developers have stated that they consider Tatsuya and Jun's romance to be canon.
Shamir and Catherine - Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Although there're many possible relationships in the tactical JRPG Fire Emblem: Three Houses, one of the most popular relationships, besides the possible heartwarming pairings between Byleth and the house leaders, is between the no-nonsense atheist Shamir and the boisterous, religious Catherine. Despite the two characters being polar opposites both in personality and beliefs, they quickly become close partners on the battlefield because they respect each other's combat abilities.
If the player unlocks their conversations, they grow to respect and care for each other outside of battle. During their A+ , Catherine reveals that she now cares for Shamir as much as she cares for Rhea, who is the most important person in Catherine's life. In response, Shamir suggests that they marry each other, and Catherine blushes but doesn't object to the idea. While the relationship isn't exactly official, there's enough for it in-game.
Dorian and The Iron Bull - Dragon Age: Inquisition
If the Inquisitor doesn't romance either Dorian Pavus or The Iron Bull in Dragon Age: Inquisition, then the two characters will eventually fall in love with each other if the Inquisitor has them travel together in the party long enough. Since Dorian is a Tevinter mage and The Iron Bull is a Qunari, their relationship is initially a bit tumultuous because of the bloody history between the two groups.
But, after some stumbling, the two characters slowly overcome their differences and develop a strong romantic bond. Even when Dorian decides to return to Tevinter after the events of the Treser DLC, Dorian and The Iron Bull remain devoted to one another despite the long-distance relationship.
Rindo and Shoka - Neo: The World Ends With You
As one of the best RPGs released in 2021, Neo: The World Ends With You is filled with an incredible cast of unique and lovable characters. While some of the cast consists of returning from The World Ends With You, many new ones were added that made this sequel able to stand on its own. Two of these characters are the new protagonist, Rindo Kanade, and a new reaper in Shibuya, Shoka Sakurane, who both play a central role in the sequel's narrative.
Although the two don't seem to get along at first, they slowly learn to trust each other, and they inspire one another to grow into better people. Eventually, it's revealed that Shoka was actually Rindo's long-time online best friend, Swallow. After the events of the game, the both of them finally meet in the realground and become true friends, and there're hints that they might one day become something more.
Zidane and Garnet - Final Fantasy IX
Often considered one of the greatest games ever made, Final Fantasy IX is another excellent JRPG with an incredibly large cast full of complex characters. Each member of the main cast goes through a satisfying character arc, which of course includes the two deuteragonists Zidane Tribal and Garnet Til Alexandros XVII.
Since Zidane is part of a notorious group of thieves and Garnet is a member of the royal family, the two characters exist in very different worlds. But, Zidane's friendly nature and Garnet's strong will makes them connect easily. Over the course of their long adventure, they slowly become strong friends and then possibly something more.
Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher - Uncharted Series
With the 2022 film adaptation releasing during this month of love, it would truly be a missed opportunity to not talk about the Uncharted series and the two deuteragonists Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher. Since the first game, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, the two characters have constantly helped each other during many dangerous adventures.
While they have always been attracted to each other since their first meeting, their relationship has experienced both extreme ups and downs because of their strong personalities and desire for adventure. By the end of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, they have both finally learned how to incorporate the relationship into their dangerous lives.
Zagreus and Any of His Love Interests - Hades
There're many reasons why people love the award-winning action roguelike Hades, which includes its great replay value, intriguing storyline, fun gameplay mechanics, and awesome cast of characters. But, one of the best aspects is actually the romance routes. The main character, Zagreus, can try to romance his ex-lover Megaera, his childhood friend Thanatos, and the family maid Dusa.
Unlike most other games, the player can pursue all three characters at the same time. At the end of Dusa's romance, she discovers that she simply wants to remain friends, and Zagreus responds that eternal friendship is its own form of love. Meanwhile, if Zagreus is dating both Megaera and Thanatos, the three characters will enter a polyamorous relationship.
Mario and Peach - Mario Franchise
One of the oldest and most iconic video game couples is of course Mario and Princess Peach. Since the 1985 game Super Mario Bros., Mario has always been willing to put himself in danger to save Peach, and Peach always has absolute faith and trust in Mario.
Although Peach is normally the damsel-in-distress, many games like the Super Princess Peach series show that she is also capable of saving Mario when the situation is reversed. Both characters are similar because they are simultaneously kind and stubborn.
Zelda and Link - The Legend of Zelda Franchise
Another classic video game couple is Link and Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda series. Since both Link and Zelda reincarnate throughout the franchise, their relationship is extremely inconsistent. Depending on the game, these two can be lovers, simply friends, or even just distant acquaintances.
The one thing that does stay the same, however, is that the two are always destined to meet whenever they are both alive. If the Hero's Spirit is needed, then Link will return and meet Zelda.
