Love is in the air—and on our video game screens! I have always loved video games that feature romance; not only are romantic arcs fun and engaging, but they also deepen the story and showcase just how compelling and immersive character development can be. These characters not only win our hearts but also provide a unique, nuanced lens on the realms we explore and the stories we unfold.
To celebrate the beloved characters that have joined our journeys through incredible worlds, the team at PixlParade has created a poll to determine the most popular video game romance options of all time. Who will you choose as your Valentine?
Geralt of Rivia (left) and Yennefer of Vengerberg (right) from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt; Image credit: CD Projekt Red
Vote for Your Favorite Video Game Romance Option
Which romance option is your favorite? Who do you think is the best of the best? Cast your vote in our poll and let us know which video game character you think deserves to be crowned the ultimate romance choice!
What Was the First Video Game With Romance Options?
First, let’s have a quick fling with the origins of video game romance. Some may argue that it all began with a simple kiss on the cheek from a princess in need of saving. However, in the original 1985 Super Mario Bros., Princess Toadstool did not grant Mario a kiss; she simply stood beside him at the end. The cheek-kiss tradition didn’t begin until Super Mario World was released in 1990. Of course, the fun of Mario games is the journey, not the repeated realization that Princess Peach is in another castle.
In contrast, Japanese dating sims such as Nakayama Miho no Tokimeki High School, released in 1987 for the Famicom Disk System, were among the first to focus exclusively on dating. This textual adventure centers on a boy trying to win the affections of a girl at his high school who resembles pop idol Miho Nakayama.
Nakayama Miho no Tokimeki High School; Image credit: Nintendo
RPGs With Romance Options
While dating sims offer their own flavor of fun, many of us first encountered video game romance in role-playing games (RPGs). The first RPG to include romance options that players could actively choose and engage with was Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom in 1990. In this Sega Genesis title, the wife you select determines the offspring who will become the protagonist in the next chapter. This choice is not merely cosmetic, as the child inherits unique abilities from their predecessors. This lineage continues for three generations, hence the game’s title.
Other early RPGs, such as those in the Final Fantasy franchise, also feature romantic storylines. While these are beautiful and stirring, they are more like watching a love story unfold than allowing players to actively shape the relationship.
Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom; Image credit: Sega
The First Generation of Video Game Romance Arcs
One of my absolute favorite games of all time, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn, is often credited as the first video game to feature elaborate, player-driven romance. Not only can you create your own character and role-play them as you see fit, but you can also choose from a plethora of diverse, masterfully written characters to develop a relationship with. These relationships evolve throughout the story and depend on your actions, creating an immersive and evocative experience that had not yet been seen in video games at the time.
However, BG2’s romance options heavily favored heterosexual male players, featuring three straight female romance options and one straight male romance option. Enhanced Editions for both Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II were later released, expanding the inclusiveness of romance options.
BioWare continued this legacy of rich, riveting romance with deeply developed characters in the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises, setting the gold standard for romanceable NPCs. Baldur’s Gate III arrived in 2023, now championed by Larian Studios and nearly 25 years after the first game. True to its predecessor, BG3 has been celebrated as one of the video games with the best romance options of all time.
If you’re a fan, please check out my choices for the zodiac signs of Baldur’s Gate III characters! What’s more romantic than comparing zodiac compatibility?
Astarion, a companion from Baldur’s Gate III; Image credit: Hasbro and Larian Studios
What Was the First Video Game With LGBTQ+ Romance?
A 1989 indie game known as Caper in the Castro is widely recognized as the first video game to feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes. This point-and-click murder mystery features a lesbian detective searching for her kidnapped friend. Thanks to the Internet Archive, you can actually play the game right on your screen!
Nearly a decade later, Fallout 2 became one of the earliest video games to allow same-sex marriage. In fact, the New California Republic, the primary governing entity in the Fallout universe, prohibits discrimination and prosecution based on sexuality.
Since then, many video games have explored gender and identity, showcasing the depth of storytelling and self-expression the medium can achieve. By the 2010s, the “player-sexual” shift in video game romance began with Dragon Age II, allowing romanceable companions to be chosen regardless of the player’s identity. Sweet freedom!
Isabela (right) and the female protagonist, Hawke (left) from Dragon Age II; Image credit: Electronic Arts
What Game Has the Most Romance Options?
The best video games for romance offer a marvelous myriad of romanceable candidates to choose from. Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord wins in terms of sheer volume, with approximately 78 potential beaus. Although this game focuses more on strategy, its romance mechanics are somewhat limited, but it’s still a nice little treat.
For a cozier, slow-blooming romance with plenty of heartwarming dialogue, Stardew Valley offers twelve eligible marriage candidates. Players can even date them all before committing, if that appeals to them.
Skyrim’s 62 potential spouses parallel its expansive world, but true video game romance connoisseurs may find its subplots limited.
For depth over raw volume, Baldur’s Gate III is renowned for its rich and profound romantic storylines; each is special and complex in its own way.
Haley from Stardew Valley; Image credit: ConcernedApe
If you haven’t yet, please vote in our poll! And if we missed your favorite video game romance option, please let us know in the comments!
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