Yes, we know V-Day is behind us. But the couple that plays together, stays together, so in true Valentine’s Day fashion, we’ve decided to share some enjoyable two-player experiences. The games in this list are uniquely lovely to look at, compact for easy travel, and almost (ALMOST) guaranteed not to end in breakup or divorce. These games are also specifically designed to work well (or exclusively) with two players. No half-assed rigging to make it work with two when three is better. No shortcuts. Only fun.
The Lady and The Tiger
Lovely. Inventive. Whimsical.
Who knew that one small box held five unique games, most of which can be played with 2 players? The Lady and The Tiger uses some combination of cards and tokens to bring you everything from social deduction and mazes to bluffing and betting. There’s even a solo mode if, you know, that big date doesn’t work out.
If the artwork weren’t romantic enough, this game takes its inspiration from “The Lady OR The Tiger”, a 19th century short story by Frank R. Stockton. The story describes a justice system where accused men must choose between two doors, one of which hides a woman and the other a tiger. If they choose the woman’s door, they get married. If they choose the tiger’s, they…don’t get married. What does that have to do with romance, you ask? Because literature. Also, nothing impresses a date more than showing them you know how to read.
Game Designers: Peter C. Hayward, Allysha Tulk, Kevin Carmichael, Ken Maher, Philip Tootill, and JR Honeycutt
Artist: Tania Walker
Publisher: Jellybean Games
Codis Naturalis
Satisfying. Dynamic. Re-playable.
This stunning (and occasionally shiny) tableau builder demands that players put themselves in the shoes of a humble monk, trying to finish a record of local flora and fauna in the wake of a deceased colleague. But before you say “hold on – that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard,” keep in mind that this game goes from 2 to 4 players, so it’s perfect for your next double-date too!
If we have one critique of Codis Naturalis it’s that the card design was mildly confusing at first when distinguishing between certain card types, but it didn’t take us long to resolve the confusion (we are professionals after all). Ultimately, it is as simple to learn as the potential strategy is complex and varied. It also gives you enough time to feel satisfied with your “creation” without dragging on. In other words, it’s very balanced. Thanos would be proud.
Designer: Thomas Dupont
Artist: Maxime Morin
Publisher: Pandasaurus Games
The Fox in The Forest
Compact. Strategic. Quick.
This trick taking game is good for…nay, designed for two players. It invites you into a magical forest filled with fantastical characters, each of which brings a special ability to the table. The goal is like that of any trick taking game really. You want to manipulate the stack such that you win (or intentionally lose) the trick as needed. The games are as quick as their footprint is small, so you can bust it out at any of your favorite date spots: at dinner, on the train, or in line at the DMV.
This game is competitive and can involve a good deal of mutual targeting, so if your relationship is one attack card away from ending, consider Fox in the Forest Duet, which offers the same lovely aesthetic but where you both work together to get through the forest. You can tell it’s collaborative because the two foxes are snuggling on the front of the box, as opposed to the original Fox in the Forest art, where one is devouring the other on an altar of animal carcasses.
Designer: Joshua Buergel
Artist: Jennifer L. Meyer
Publisher: Renegade Game Studios
Ankh’or
Dynamic. Strategic. Re-playable.
Ankh’or sets you in an Egyptian marketplace where you gather resources in order to purchase tiles. The placement of your tiles yields you points at the end of the game. It combines tableau building and resource management in a game that is fun for both competitive and casual gamers. It’s also good for two or four players (if you’re into that sort of thing).
Particularly notable is the clever way Ankh’or randomizes the marketplace, helping to differentiate gameplay and strategy from one session to another without requiring a ton of additional pieces. The re-playability for this game is such that you and your date will throw yourselves into another round in much the same way you’ll forget to throw yourselves at each other. But it’s ok. You’re playing Ankh’or.
Designers: Frank Crittin, Grégoire Largey, and Sébastien Pauchon
Artist: Frank Crittin, Gaël Lannurien, and Sébastien Pauchon
Publisher: Space Cowboys
Honorable Mention: The Mire
Breathtaking.
Unspeakably Creative.
Not since Monopoly has a game moved us to such tears.
We know we said we were only going to list four games, but did you really think we wouldn’t talk about our flagship game publication? To be fair, we can’t even make this a shameless plug to ask you to buy The Mire, because it’s not even for sale yet!
When it IS for sale, you’ll experience life in a bog, jumping on frog heads, toadstools, and moths (as bog people do) in an effort to not sink beneath the surface. As you move, the board begins to disappear, leaving you and your opponent with fewer and fewer options. Unfortunately, much like the Highlander, there can be only one.
This game is simple but will still make you think. It’s fast to set up and easy to learn, while taking some time to master. But who are we kidding? You know we’re biased. You’ll just have to follow us and find out for yourself when it goes on sale.
In the meantime, we hope you had a happy heart day and keep playing games!