Valentine’s Day is here, so if you’ve got someone special to celebrate the holiday with, it’s a perfect day to bond over shared experiences and create new memories along the way. Sure, you could default to the old “dinner and a movie” date, but why not spice things up with a bit of multiplayer gaming? Regardless of whether or not your partner is a seasoned gamer, playing a casual cooperative game is one of the very best activities for couples, and there’s no better day to play than Valentine’s. There are countless retro co-op games to choose from, but we’ve got a selection of classics that are sure to hit the spot. For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, pick any of these reliably awesome retro co-op games and have a blast.
1. Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble is the oldest game on our list, but this arcade classic is just as fun now as it was in 1986. Following the heroic pair of dragons, Bub and Bob, this simple platformer action game has both players shooting bubbles to eliminate enemies in hope of rescuing their kidnapped girlfriends. The gameplay is incredibly easy to understand, and with 100 levels in total, there’s more than enough Bubble Bobble for a dedicated couple to clear. Cute, comfy, and an excellent entry point for new players, this is a must-play co-op classic. If you don’t want to lug out the NES for this special occasion, Bubble Bobble is available on modern platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
2. TMNT IV: Turtles in Time
The beat ’em up genre was tailor-made for co-op fun, and while there are plenty of great modern games (like Streets of Rage 4 or Castle Crashers Remastered), TMNT IV: Turtles in Time is an undisputed masterpiece among its peers. Timeless in its entertainment and infinitely replayable, there’s something special about smashing through waves of baddies, especially in multiplayer. With its colorful graphics, upbeat attitude, and button-mashing antics, this Super Nintendo game is a breezy adventure that will only take you an hour or so to complete. Pair your playthrough with a big pepperoni pie from your favorite local pizza joint, and you’ve got the makings of a nostalgia bomb that any child of the ’90s will adore.
3. Sunset Riders
For another quick but equally excitable retro adventure, you can’t go wrong with Sunset Riders, the 16-bit cult classic that puts you in the shoes of some rootin’, tootin’ bounty hunters. Playing as either Steve, Cormano, Billy, or Bob, you and your partner must hunt down outlaws in a run ‘n gun adventure set in the Wild West. Explosively fun without requiring a lot of thinking, Sunset Riders is a fast-paced retro game that encourages cooperation, but is tons of fun regardless of skill and strategy. Like many other games on this list, you can fire up Sunset Riders on retro systems like the SNES and Sega Genesis, or pick up modern ports on consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
4. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
Even though it’s been around for 25 years now, calling the PlayStation 2 “retro” feels weird, but the 3D LEGO games are a high point in cooperative play, making this PS2 entry very worthy of inclusion on this list. Though primarily designed for kids, the LEGO video games are hugely entertaining regardless of your age, doubly so if you’re playing co-op. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is one of the best of the bunch, and takes you through the events of the classic Star Wars movies, but in bumbling, blocky form. The blend of arcade-style action and iconic science fiction makes this platformer/puzzle game devilishly fun, while the straightforward concept and controls keep it accessible for everyone. If you’re looking for a casual co-op experience, you can’t go wrong with any of the LEGO games, but LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy is quality from start to finish.
5. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
For those who like to make every holiday possible a “spooky” holiday, you can keep up with the co-op retro game spirit by firing up this classic Konami action game. In Zombies Ate My Neighbors, an assortment of monsters have overtaken your hometown, and playing as protagonists Zeke and Julie, it’s up to you to save the day. In each level, you blast through creatures as you bound around the block rescuing every neighbor possible, all while collecting various power-ups and collectibles in the process. The eccentric mixture of light horror, cartoon visuals, and casual chaos makes for a unique combination that’s hard to find in other retro co-op games. For the full retro experience, you can always enjoy Zombie Ate My Neighbors on Super Nintendo and Genesis, or pick up one of the many modern ports available on major platforms.
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