Valentine’s Day is a day that many couples often dread. The pressure of putting on a romantic spectacle for your significant other is almost too much to bear for some. Chocolates, roses, a quiet romantic dinner, maybe even snuggling up for a nice romantic comedy, these are some of the many Valentine’s day activities couples often engage in. If none of these ideas sounds appealing, you could always sit back and bond while playing a video game. It may seem like a strange suggestion but the recent industry trend of co-operative gaming, games you play with someone else while working together to accomplish goals, can be a very fun and different experience for any couple looking to try something new. Here are a few very user friendly games that even people who don’t play a lot of video games can enjoy together.

New Super Mario Bros. - Wii

Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros revival has it all, classic Mario gameplay and classic Mario graphics; it’s full of Mario nostalgia. It’s a modern take on a classic gaming formula with a twist; you can play with up to four people at the same time. The levels are designed in a way that forces you and whoever you’re playing with to work together.

In one level, one player has to tilt platforms with the Wiimote so the other player can jump from floating platform to platform. The game is filled with interesting team work oriented levels like this. You also have the ability to pick your gaming partner up and carry them through the level unharmed; a definite way to impress your significant other in a video game.

Donkey Kong Country Returns - Wii

Donkey Kong Country Returns has some of the most original level designs ever seen in a video game. In one level, you’re running, hiding under platforms and dodging enemies while trying not to get washed away by a giant menacing tidal wave. It manages to maintain what made the original Donkey Kong franchise on the Super Nintendo such a great series but like other games in this list, puts a modern spin on it.

It’s still the classic platforming action you’d expect but with a new emphasis on teamwork. The entire game was actually built from the ground up with co-operative gameplay in mind. One player controls Donkey Kong, the other controls Diddy Kong, and each character has their own special abilities you need to use to finish each level. One negative thing about this game is the fact that it is extremely difficult, so people new to gaming may find it too hard.

Little Big Planet 2 – PS3

Personality is what makes Little Big Planet 2 so special; it’s filled with Tim Burton-like characters and levels. It also allows you to fully customise your Sackboy, a cute potato sack-like character you play as over the course of the game. Like the other platforming games described above, Little Big Planet 2 follows the classic jump up and down side scrolling style of game. It does however add a third element, you’re able to walk into the back ground of the game as well as move forwards and backwards.

You can also play through the entire single player mode with your partner and, just like in Super Mario Bros., it heavily emphasizes teamwork. It also acts as a rather expansive amateur game development tool. Gamers can create their own levels and upload them for the world to play. This means it has unlimited replay value so you and your significant other can play for together for countless hours.

Rock Band 3 - Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

In Rock Band 3 you can create a band and build it from the ground up into an international success with a special someone. The keyboard adds another instrument to the franchise and the game also gives you the ability to learn how to play real songs on actual instruments. The buttons on the Rockband 3 Pro Guitar act as strings that are pushed down to the frets on a normal guitar.

There is also the world tour mode, you and your significant other create a band and travel around the virtual world playing songs. The game also allows you to download extra songs online, so hopefully you can find music both of you enjoy playing together.

Call of Duty Black Ops (Zombie Mode) – Xbox 360, PS3

Call of Duty Black Ops isn’t a game you’d usually want to play with someone who isn’t familiar with gaming. Dual analog first person shooters often have overwhelming controls that are difficult for non gamers to get used to. It's also a very violent game. If you can get past the gore and controls, Call of Duty Black Op’s Zombie mode can be a blast to play with your significant other. You and your partner fight off wave after wave of increasingly vicious zombies. There’s nothing like saving your loved one from the hungry undead with a perfectly placed headshot exactly like you see in movies. How romantic is that?