Forget worrying about a player two this Valentine’s Day! Hannah and Alex have joined forces to give a rose to each of their favourite indie games that will warm your heart – especially if Cupid happened to miss you this year. From dating sims to found family, there’s something on this list for everyone including a few Australian gems. Treat yourself to some saucy puzzles, romanceable weapons, or even some quieter experiences perfect for anyone looking to open their heart up.
It’s the season of love, and whether you’re coupled up or single, this list is bound to make your heart full. Who needs Tinder when you can find that spark of love in your game library, after all?
Venba
Released: 31 Jul, 2023
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Venba is a short narrative cooking game, where you play as an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s. Cook various dishes and restore lost recipes, hold branching conversations, and explore South Indian food in this story about family, love, and loss.
In this short and sweet cooking narrative game, players will follow Venba, an Indian mother, as she immigrates to Canada from India with her family in the 1980s.
Along the way, you will get to know Venba and her family through branching conversations and overcoming the challenges of everyday family life. Players assist Venba in restoring lost recipes and repair her recipe book, which was ruined on the journey to Canada, bringing a puzzle element to the game as well.
Accompanied by a beautiful art style and Tamil-inspired soundtrack, players can expect a wholesome experience that is guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings that they can complete in just a few short hours.
– Hannah
Haven
Released: 4 Dec, 2020
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Two lovers gave up everything and escaped to a lost planet to be together. Glide through a mysterious landscape, explore a fragmented world and fight against what’s trying to tear them apart in this RPG adventure about love, rebellion, and freedom.
As RPGs go, Haven takes you by the hand and shows you just how powerful love is. From racing through unexplored landscapes to those smaller moments between two lovers, there’s an unexpected ease to this game. It’s a wonderful choice for the hopeless romantic who wears their heart on their controller. In an update, they even added the option to choose your partner’s gender, allowing players to truly let this one hold them close.
My time with Haven left me yearning for more. Seeing how Yu and Kay interact and grow through the game was really tender and special. The way this game focuses in on those small moments and conversations with a tenderness really adds to the chemistry between the protagonists and the stakes for the player. While there is the option to play co-op, it plays perfectly as a single-player experience!
– Alex
Dungeon Heart
Platforms: 3 Aug, 2024
Released: PC
Matchmaker: Dungeon Heart is a narrative-driven dating & romance sim featuring match-3 gameplay. Train with the monstrous inhabitants of the dungeon. You may find yourself falling in love.
A classic match-3 game like no other, Matchmaker: Dungeon Heart from Aussie studio, Ghost Moth is a queer and body-positive dating sim where players can date monsters. A mismatch of genres, Ghost Moth describes it as a “fifty per cent visual novel, fifty per cent match-3 puzzle RPG, one hundred per cent monster dating sim.”
Set in the mystical ruins of Torkadall, a once mighty castle now nothing but rubble, under threat by the nasty Forces of Light, players will find that they have died, and it’s now up to you to not only train the citizens of Torkadall but befriend them and protect them from the big, bad Forces of Light.
But once you make your way further into the narrative, players will have the opportunity to get to know these characters on a much deeper level by learning their secrets, desires, and struggles. You may encounter a dragon, minotaur or a vampire just to name a few! Either way, you’re in for one heck of an adventure with this one.
– Hannah
Boyfriend Dungeon
Released: 12 Aug, 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Date your weapons! Romance swords, daggers, and polearms to level them up in this “shack-and-slash” dungeon-crawling adventure.
Romancing weapons might not sound the safest on paper, but Boyfriend Dungeon is all about protection. Swanning through dungeons with the sharpest date, fighting your anxieties between dates with one of the games transforming dateable weapons – each with their own magical-girl style transformation. This one is perfect if you’re after something with a solid hit of button-mashing combat along with those tender moments of honesty that will make you swoon.
In truth, visual novels aren’t usually my style, but the mix of agile dungeon gameplay and conversations with the characters makes this one my favourite. Boyfriend Dungeon is also stacked with a variety of love interests with their own combat styles so there’s no chance you’ll get bored in the combat phases. This game also does well to flesh out the dungeon enemies as more than just monsters, but actual anxieties such as alcohol, bugs and old phones. Did someone say hot single weapons in your area?
– Alex
Neva
Released: 16 Oct, 2024
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Experience the moving tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf as they embark on a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world.
Let’s throw it to Jamie for this one because he said it best:
“Neva follows the story of a young female warrior named Alba, and her young white wolf companion Neva, as they traverse a dying world that is literally falling apart around them. Neva doesn’t pull any emotional punches, delivering a heartbreaking opening scene that is reminiscent of the introductory moments from Ori and the Blind Forest. The 5-hour adventure takes place over an extended time period, as Neva and Alba explore the world across multiple seasons. As a young pup Neva is unable to protect themselves, but as the story progresses, Neva becomes an integral part of gameplay, as Alba and Neva come to rely on one another to survive this cruel world. The bond between woman and wolf is integral to the story, representing the loving relationship between a parent and their child. This ongoing connection is the heart of the narrative, and it will drive you to sorrow, blinding rage, and fleeting moments of joy, as parent and child do whatever they can to keep the other safe.”
You can read Jamie’s full review here.
– Hannah
Orgynizer
Released: 13 Oct, 2022
Platforms: PC
Organize amazing swinger parties and match people, activities, rooms, and toys for an explosive evening. A light-hearted sex-positive puzzle romp that also supports a good cause.
If you’re looking for something saucy, look no further. Orgynizer is a sex-positive puzzler that puts you in charge of managing orgies – yup. The game is all about consent, with players working with guests’ expectations and boundaries to find the ideal partner/s, room and kinky activity to ensure they have a good time! Each also level introduces something new from bigger venues to characters and even more kinks. Orgynizer is at its heart a cheeky romp of a puzzle game that’s a great time at nobody’s expense.
While on the surface, this one is quite risque – it’s actually a forward puzzle game that refuses to make fun of it’s content. Solving tricky dilemmas in each level feels rewarding given how picky some guests might be. From requesting a particular room to having a safe word that starts with a certain letter. Solving each level is really satisfying, thanks to the games procedural elements that shuffle each challenge. It’s such a fun time with an awesome cast of attendees you’ll surely be inviting back for more!
– Alex
Unpacking
Released: 2 Nov, 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Unpacking is a zen puzzle game about the familiar experience of pulling possessions out of boxes and fitting them into a new home. Part block-fitting puzzle, part home decoration, you are invited to create a satisfying living space while learning clues about the life you’re unpacking.
On the surface, Unpacking just looks to be a simple, zen, puzzle game where you literally just unpack boxes and decorate rooms and hope that everything is where it’s meant to be and well, while that is correct, there’s a whole underlying story to unpack here as well.
You see, players are following the story of a girl right through her life as she grows up, and moves around and if you pay careful attention, players will start to get an insight into her life through the items she takes with her (and those which get left behind) promising an emotional experience.
The ultimate cosy puzzle game, this award-winning phenomenon from Brisbane-based developer, Witch Beam, has no timers, meters or scores, a delightful soundtrack from BAFTA award-winning composer and audio director Jeff van Dyck and art style to match. It’s the perfect title to just curl up on the couch with while stuffing your face with the discounted chocolates you bought for yourself!
– Hannah
Fields Of Mistria
Released: 6 Aug, 2024
Platforms: PC
Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming/life sim RPG!
Okay fine, here’s a farming sim – Fields Of Mistria is a divine take on the Stardew shlick with just as much romance and maybe even a little bit of magic. In this one you’ll make a character and then get stuck into farming, fishing, mining and crafting. While this one is in early access currently, it’s full of fresh content including spell casting and ancient ruins to explore. And if that’s not enough – there are 12 marriage candidates to swoon over.
I absolutely adore the art style of this one and found the magic to be one its best improvements on the tried and true farm sim formula. All of the character art oozes personality too. Hayden has stolen my heart as a fellow animal lover, but each of the game’s romanceable characters just oozes charisma making this a worthy addition to your farm sim collection.
– Alex
Love Ghostie
Released: 15 Aug, 2024
Platforms: PC
Become a wholesome ghost matchmaker and grow relationships between the manor’s residents! Gift items to lift their spirits, set them up on dates, and watch love bloom! Discover cute romances with a unique story between every pair of residents! How will love blossom in your manor? The sweetest matchmaking game that ever was, Love, Ghostie will have players take on the role as matchmaker and help the residents of the manor find their “BOO”.
Players will have the freedom to nurture any relationships they please as all manor residents can be shipped with each other, if you’re feeling a little nosey, you can read through their diaries to find out what they like the most in order to give them gifts and as the bonds between the residents grow, you will unlock the sweetest relationship scenes as well as mini-games which will not only strengthen the relationships but improve resident happiness levels! Players can also upgrade the manor and collect hats for Ghostie! \
– Hannah
Copycat
Released: 20 Sep, 2024
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
A poignant narrative-driven game about found family, belonging and the meaning of home. It follows the story of a newly adopted shelter cat whose space in the home is taken by a copycat. Bring the tissues, especially if you lost it during Homeward Bound. This one is such a ride of emotions – excellent if you’re after a game to let you feel your feelings and rebuild you afterwards. Equal parts heart-wrenching and heart-warming, Copycat will curl up in your soul and keep you warm with love.
I fell in love with this one from the moment I played it, PAX Aus. It’s such an earnest experience that’s since made me cling to my pets that little bit tighter. With sections feeling like David Attenborough documentaries to even just roaming the house, Copycat is a tender ride, curated to allow players on this special journey. Even the smallest interaction in the game tugs at the narrative, further immersing you in the life of a cat.
– Alex
Wyde Flowers
Released: 21 Sep, 2022
Platforms: PC, MAC, Nintendo Switch
Join Tara on a heartfelt journey to become a witch in Wylde Flowers. Farm by day, and cast spells by night as you craft your cottagecore life and bond with your coven. Come to know and love the fully voice-acted characters of Fairhaven, as you unravel a local mystery.
Studio Drydock’s Wylde Flowers is an absolute must-play for lovers of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley and any other classic farming/life sim. This fully voice-acted masterpiece sees players take on the role of Tara, who has moved to the darling rural island of Fairhaven to assist her grandmother on the family farm, but that’s not all! You will also follow Tara on her journey to become a witch while she learns the ins and outs of brewing potions, casting spells and broomstick flying.
When she’s not doing those things, Tara spends her days living out her best cottagecore life tending to the farm, crafting, fishing, caring for the animals and the best part, getting to know the residents of Fairhaven to build friendships or maybe something a little more.
– Hannah
Crush House
Released: 10 Aug, 2024
Platforms: PC
Film and produce 1999’s hottest reality TV show: The Crush House! Select a crush-worthy cast, satisfy voracious audiences and keep the show on air to uncover the sinister secrets behind this darkly comic thirst-person shooter.
Reality TV certainly hits the spot when you’re in the mood for a little love – from the romance to the betrayal, who hasn’t fallen into a binge session? The Crush House is that reality show, only you’re in the producers’ chair. Satisfying viewers becomes a judging act as you race around the house, hunting for that perfect shot. With a cast of hotties, this is a fun time, especially if you love to watch some drama unfold. You might also uncover some of The Crush House’s other secrets!
I first became addicted to this one when I played the demo late last year, and it’s fair to say the full game is even better. From having the audience comment, “Pants are a PRISON for the ASS.” to including water in a shot, the game’s audience system can be a challenge to keep up with, but it’s all worth it when you learn more about the secrets the game hides. This one’s the perfect time if you want to forget your own troubles and instead film someone else’s!
-Alex
So there you have it. 12 indie games you can play for Valentine’s Day if you need a little love!
