From classics like Mario and Pac-Man, to the latest BioWare epic, love is an essential element of some of the most successful titles in the history of video games.
To celebrate the most romantic day of the year (and our hands-on gaming event Power UP) we look at five of the most iconic couples from the world of video games.
Tidus and Yuna from Final Fantasy X
From Squall and Rinoa to Cloud and Aerith, Square Enix have often included a romantic story-line for the main protagonists of their ever-popular RPG series. Tidus and Yuna are perhaps the most memorable couple – their tender love story develops as they discover the terrifying truth behind the destiny of their world, Spira.
Master Chief and Cortana from Halo 4
Amidst the interstellar conflicts one has come to expect from this series, the fourth installment of Halo presents us with the story of Cortana, his artificial intelligence companion.
She has just turned 8, and has reached the end of her life span. In a highly emotional sequence, Halo’s main character Master Chief promises to get her fixed, setting up one of the main narratives of the game and an understated love story that brings the player to ask themselves – what does it mean to be human?
Dorian and the Inquisitor from Dragon Age: Inquisition
Admittedly, Dragon Age is a game where choices abound and all shades of sexuality and gender are explored, but we’re particularly fond of Dorian Pavus, one of the potential romances for a male inquisitor main character. The Canadian developers of the game, BioWare, are well known for their attempts to bring inclusive and diverse games to the table for the past seventeen years.
Link and Zelda (all Zelda games)
The story of Link and Zelda is retold in creative ways in every game of the franchise, with different characters in different worlds. But in every single game, the inciting incident remains the same: Zelda gets kidnapped and Link sets off on an adventure to save her. Ah, the things you do for love.
Mario and Peach (all Mario games)
Is there a more classic gaming couple? Probably not.
Through thick and thin, from castle to dungeon to kart racing track, these two stick together and have become a symbol of eternal love for gamers of all ages.
Pac-man and Ms Pac-man
Thanks to the incredible number of Pac-Man games, cartoons and appearances throughout popular culture, we now know that he is happily married to Ms. Pac-Man and is the father of at least one child, revealing that behind the adventure-loving, perennially-chomping character there’s a simple, family-loving yellow round guy.
We hope you enjoyed this fun look-back at video game couples. Did your favourite one make it onto our list? Tell us in the comments or tweet @sciencemuseum.
Experience the evolution of gaming for yourself at Power UP returning to the Science Museum this Easter. Book now.