When talking about romance in video games, the conversation often strays into the territory of the tragic, the scandalous, or the cringe. While there is plenty to discuss in all three of these sub-genres, the most crucial aspect of love often gets overlooked: that which warms the heart.
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When video games take the time to create a heartwarming romance scene, they can often be the most memorable moments in their respective game. There’s something so joyous about seeing these beloved characters find love themselves that you can’t help but let out an audible “aww.”
This list will discuss character and plot related spoilers for each of the games mentioned.
7
Jak And Ashelin Kiss – Jak 3
Maybe Not What You Expected
While Jak’s one true love is very much Keira, Naughty Dog decided to switch to Ashelin as the main love interest for Jak 3. And while this particular pairing only lasted the one game, it did result in one of the most touching moments in the entire series.
Not long after Jak and Daxter had saved the entire planet, Ashelin arrives to welcome the victorious heroes and share an off-screen kiss with Jak. The kiss is significant as Jak and Keira infamously kept getting interrupted before locking lips – even though they are eventually successful in subsequent games – so it was nice to finally see Jak get his, uh, reward.
6
Holding Yorda’s Hand – Ico
A Touching Display Of Love
As one of the first games that critics truly considered to prove gaming’s credibility as a serious art form, Ico expresses its emotions through its subtlety. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way Ico guides Yorda through the castle by holding her hand.
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The handholding is special from both a gameplay and thematic point of view. There’s something so immersive about constantly having to hold down a button to ensure you (Ico) and Yorda stay attached throughout the journey, but this also creates such a tender and loving connection between the two characters. There’s no other way to describe it than pure art.
5
Beach Date – Goodbye Volcano High
Finding Love At The End Of The World
Goodbye Volcano High is a melancholic story about high school students (who also happen to be dinosaurs) trying to come to terms with the impending apocalypse (a meteor strike, obviously). Towards the end of the game, the main character Fang can choose to go on a beach date with Naomi, resulting in one of the game’s most heartwarming scenes.
In many ways, Fang and Naomi have remained opposites throughout the story, but having found each other at this eleventh hour, can finally enjoy the wonders of being together. Best of all, Naomi makes Fang an outfit that she can choose to wear during the game’s final performance.
4
Ellie And Riley Kiss – The Last Of Us: Left Behind
The Power Of Connection
The Last Of Us: Left Behind is often considered one of the best DLC of all time, not so much for its gameplay, but for the crucial gaps it fills in Ellie’s story. In it, we see a younger Ellie building a relationship with Riley, an old companion who, sadly, ends up getting left behind.
But before all the tear-jerking moments, we get to see Ellie and Riley reveling in the joys of youth, even amidst the pain of the world around them. This culminates in the scene where Ellie kisses Riley, briefly apologizing, before being reassured that she had done absolutely nothing wrong.
3
Tidus And Yuna In The Lake – Final Fantasy 10
No Laughing Matter
While there are so many iconic Final Fantasy couples to choose from, none of them elicited as many emotions from players as Tidus and Yuna from the tenth game. Their romance is expertly well-paced throughout the game, perhaps peaking in the now iconic scene at Lake Macalania.
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The composition of the scene is perhaps one of the series’ best, with writing, music, and visuals that all crescendo into the underwater kiss. It’s a magical romantic moment that has stayed in the hearts of gamers for a reason.
2
Nathan And Elena On The Couch – Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
A Taste Of The Normal Life
While romance scenes in gaming often reach for the fantastical and dramatic, there’s something to be said about a moment filled with love because of how grounded it feels. Early on in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, we get a glimpse into the regular life of Nate and Elena as they enjoy a quiet evening in their home.
Everything about this scene – from the playful banter during Crash Bandicoot to the kiss at the end – warms the heart because of how natural it feels. It’s the kind of simple, normal, but indescribably perfect moment that so many share with their loved ones, and seeing it represented in a triple-A game feels kind of incredible.
1
Estelle And Joshua Reunite – The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky SC
Brought Together At Last
With Estelle and Joshua’s romantic relationship developing across much of the first Trails in the Sky, the Second Chapter sees Estelle go on a deeply personal quest to reunite with Joshua after he commits to his old way of life. After dozens of hours of the two lovers being kept apart, they finally meet again on a sunset-bathed beach.
The scene actually looks like it’s going to have Joshua turn away from Estelle again, but she convinces him to stay through her stubbornness, humor, and above all, love. The power behind their reunion is the centerpiece of its game and fills the hearts of any who plays it.
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