Gaming's Best Couples

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my fellow gamers out there. May you enjoy today with whomever you share that lover's embrace with, or just want to enjoy the day happily single as well. Today is the perfect day to spread love, but most importantly happiness and good feelings all around.

The video game universe is no stranger to having amazing characters and complex relationships within its vast array of games and their stories. Some are so popular their relationships have affected multiple games and canons throughout, not to mention the huge library of fan fiction available on multiple sites for those official or non-official couples. That's a whole different world I will not explore here. Below are three couples in gaming that have been a part of my gaming history.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog and Amy Rose

Ok, lets get something clear here. There is no official canon for these two as a couple that I can find outside of teases from the comic book and some self-referential humor from the excellent and underrated Sonic Boom cartoon series (seriously, go watch just for the humor). One of the most self-confident characters in gaming and one of the biggest fangirls in platformers (this has changed and her self-confidence is even stronger in later media) is a very interesting form of the phrase "Opposites Attract" although its more a one-sided attraction. This is a case where the community headcanon is much stronger than anything else. Whenever you see SonAmy, you know what is about to go down. Still, Sonic and Amy's dynamic in the game, as well as in the companion media, is one of the more intriguing relationships in gaming. How they got away with referencing SonAmy in the cartoon is beyond amazing.

2. Nathan Drake and Elena Fisher

Nate is me when the game screws me over!

Nathan Drake from the Uncharted universe may not seem like the type you would put within the category of "relationship" but his off and on, but then permanently on relationship with Elena is such a cool dynamic. What began as a quip-laden explorer and a reporter who loathed each other's personalities because of how much they completely contradict each other blooms, over 4 different games and different scenarios, into one of the most consistent and dynamic relationships among the PlayStation franchises. Their dynamic from reluctant partners on the biggest treasure hunts of all time to a grounded dynamic of a married couple looking to live that normal live that it feels like no protagonist in a long running series ever lives is very refreshing. It should also be said that them being canonically gamers, with Nate being the gaming boomer of the bunch, is a sweet touch.

3. Mario and Peach/Link and Zelda

Ok let's get slightly real about this. Do these two relationships count and should they? Yes this is the typical "damsel in distress" pair that is a constant presence in gaming over the last 35 years, which was celebrated at the beginning of 2021. However, at no point has a real relationship been officially canonized between the two couples. Link and Zelda have been close as friends and as protectors of the Triforce throughout history and multiple timelines (too many to think about), but no relationship has been official. Mario and Peach is close, with some kisses on the nose I guess, but its basically a princess looking to be saved by her knight in denim armor. Let's not complicate the dynamic any further in a kid's game.

.

I guess that about wraps up the most known couples dynamic in my history of gaming. Comment below which couples dynamic stands out to you throughout history. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day one way or the other, whether in a loving relationship or just by yourself with chocolates and food. If you are looking for that perfect partner yourself, just know that everyone is worthy of love and you can have that special someone. If Mileena from Mortal Kombat 11 can do it, you can too. (Time manipulation counts.)

Their baby will be the most savage fighter in MK22!