5. Squall & Rinoa (Final Fantasy VIII)
I know a lot of people would expect Cloud and Aeris to appear on this list, but to me they just didn’t quite fit, considering her tragic death so early in the game. Beyond that, Squall and Rinoa from Final Fantasy VIII have always stood out to me more from the PS1 era of Final Fantasy games. Starting the game as far from compatible, Squall and Rinoa gradually grow closer, with such iconic scenes like the ballroom scene mixed in. Rinoa and Squall make each other better people as the game goes on, which is always important in a relationship. A very late scene in the game with “Eyes On Me” used as the music still stands out to me as one of my favorite scenes in a Final Fantasy game, and their relationship was central to that.
4. Link & Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker)
Most The Legend of Zelda games start with Link and Zelda not even knowing one another and coming in contact at some point when Link has to come to her rescue. As a result, most of them have been left out, but I chose two specific games where their relationship was something a bit more. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword held my favorite relationship between the two as best friends growing up who seem to want to pursue something more in the future, as long as Groose doesn’t get in the way of course. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker featured the first outgoing Zelda, which brought a very interesting dynamic between the two. Link and Zelda are pretty much destined to be together throughout time, so they had to be near the top of this list.
3. Pac-Man & Ms. Pac-Man (Pac-Man series)
The oldest couple on this list and definitely one of the very best. Pac-Man debuted as a solo character with no backstory whatsoever, but that all changed with the release of Ms. Pac-Man. This game would provide a little story between every few levels, which made you actually want to keep playing to learn more. This included segments called “They Meet,” “The Chase,” and “Junior.” It may be very basic, but it was one of the very first times we saw a relationship bloom in a video game.
2. Tidus & Yuna (Final Fantasy X)
This couple may be most well known for their incredibly cheesy laughing moment, but this is one of my favorite couples in gaming easily. Seeing Tidus meet Yuna for the first time and then being by her side most of the game from there on out, you really get to see their love grow for one another. This peaks in the absolutely beautiful and touching scene at the lake in Macalania Woods between the two. The ending is absolutely tragic and can bring a tear to your eye easily, but you’ll have to experience that one for yourself, perhaps with the upcoming HD remaster.
1. Mario & Peach (Mario series)
Well could there really be anyone else at the top spot? These two are the most iconic couple in gaming, even with those out there saying that Peach enjoying being kidnapped. Dating back to Super Mario Bros., that first “Sorry, but our princess is in another castle” made you want to find Peach even more. Seeing them reunite at the end was a trend that we’ve seen over the years, but we still always loved it. Peach isn’t just a damsel in distress either, as she’s held her own in the relationship in games like Super Mario Bros. 2 and most recently Super Mario 3D World. Mario and Peach are easily the most iconic gaming couple of all time and their relationship sees no signs of falling apart anytime soon.
No love for ICO this Valentine’s.
That was actually a couple I was very close to putting on the list, as well as Shadow of the Colossus.