Going through a lovers' spat? Put down that dish. The Nintendo DS is your go-to neutral ground when you need to cool off and bond with your partner through non-violent competition. You can also build your relationship with shared responsibilities: Build a city together, or take turns walking a dog that won't chew the couch.
Here are 11 games that are best experienced with love (whether serene or volatile).
Need to know more about game content ratings? Read What are ESRB Ratings?
Here are 11 games that are best experienced with love (whether serene or volatile).
Need to know more about game content ratings? Read What are ESRB Ratings?
Brain Age / Brain Age 2
Image © Nintendo
(Edutainment, Rated E) - Happy is the couple that studies together. The Brain Age games are famous for their challenging puzzles in language and math, not to mention fun extras like Sudoku challenges. Challenge each other's high scores, or offer comfort when your partner's “brain age” is pegged at 83.
Feel the Magic: XY/XX / The Rub Rabbits!
Image © Sega
(Minigame collections, Rated T) - Would you paddle up a crocodile-infested river to rescue your mate? Of course. Would you dodge a never-ending stream of sumo wrestlers? Maybe. Would you gorge yourself on cake and pizza? Uh, sure.
Feel the Magic: XY/XX by Sonic Team and its prequel, The Rub Rabbits! are both about love's sweet conquest as performed through bizarre minigames. The games' silhouette-style graphics are initially odd , but burn the touching (and curious) characters into your mind and heart forever.
Feel the Magic: XY/XX by Sonic Team and its prequel, The Rub Rabbits! are both about love's sweet conquest as performed through bizarre minigames. The games' silhouette-style graphics are initially odd , but burn the touching (and curious) characters into your mind and heart forever.
Nintendogs
Image © Nintendo
(Simulation, Rated E) - Nothing brings a couple together like the love of a fluffy puppy. And nothing rents that love in twain like an argument over who'll take the pup out to do his business in the freezing cold of midnight. With Nintendogs, you can both experience the fun and joy of a puppy dog without the inconveniences (or too many of them, anyway). All that's left is to argue which breed you'll indulge in first. A loyal German shepherd? A quiet Caviler King Charles Spaniel? A clever Shiba Inu?
Bangai-O Spirits
Image © D3 Publisher
(Shooter, Rated E10+) - If you and your partner want something a little more hardcore than petting puppies, give the multiplayer options in Bangai-O Spirits the good ol' heroes' try. Bangai-O Spirits is a Nintendo DS follow-up to a side-scrolling shooter/action game that was popular on the Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast. You pilot a giant robot and attempt to conquer 160 intense levels. Definitely a game worth conquering with a faithful wingman/woman.
Mario Kart DS
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(Racing, Rated E) - Nothing fires up a friendly competitive spirit like a round of Mario Kart. And Mario Kart DS is a widely-loved installment of the famous franchise, thanks to a huge cast of racers, innovative tracks like the Airship from Super Mario Bros. 3, and a learning curve that entices beginners and challenges veterans. Plus, two people can race on one game card. Vrrrrrm!
Picross DS
Image © Nintendo
(Puzzle, Rated E) - If you've never experienced a Picross game before, now's the time to grab a friend and try out one of the best: Picross DS. By solving number-based logic puzzles across a grid, you're instructed to fill certain grid squares and leave others blank. A picture is your reward at the end of the undertaking, not to mention a lifelong love for one of the most addicting puzzle games of all time. Challenge your partner to see who can complete puzzles the fastest.
Mario Party DS
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(Minigame collection, Rated E) - There have been numerous installments of the Mario Party series, and some critics feel the franchise has worn out its welcome. However, Mario Party DS was well-received for its fresh collection of minigames and extensive multiplayer features that make the game a perfect outing for two or more friends. Of course, Mario and his friends were gullible enough to accept a party invitation from Bowser, so it's completely up to you whether or not you want to be bothered helping them out of trouble.
Advance Wars: Dual Strike
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(Turn-based Strategy, Rated E) - War is Hell, and so is love. The Advance Wars series has endured for years and has tested the skills of armchair Generals across several gaming platforms, but Advance Wars: Dual Strike is especially notable for its extensive multiplayer features. "Versus mode" is formulated to let two people play with just one Nintendo DS and copy of the game. That way, the only people who get hurt are the adorable soldiers who get blown off the battlefield by your bullets and bombs.
Animal Crossing: Wild World
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(Simulation, Rated E) - Cities can be built on rock n' roll, and Animal Crossing: Wild World proves they can be built on love, too. As a youngster setting out on his or her own for the first time, you settle in the town of Animal Crossing, acquire a house, and mold the environment to your liking. Up to four different characters can be created, but they all must occupy one house in one town. Will you cooperate and pay off the mortgage together? Or will you throw a lover's fit and chop down every tree in your hapless town?
