As a girlfriend, I have witnessed the highs and lows of my partner’s gaming journey — often from the couch next to him. Sometimes I join in, sometimes I just watch, but there is no denying that video games have become a major part of our time together. Basing my credibility on the fact that I have witnessed at least 100 hours worth of video game play, I have decided to look at the top five most entertaining games through my own lens.
1. Elden Ring
The cinematic quality of this video game alone is enough to give it a spot on my list. The storyline, while incredibly confusing and somewhat disturbing, makes for a very entertaining watch and spiked my interest enough to make me google and read the entire backstory.
The monsters and bosses are next level; everything, and I mean everything, wants to kill you and will, no matter how harmless they might seem upon initial contact. While this is probably a frustrating aspect for the player, it is highly entertaining for the spectator.
But, Elden Ring can be a bit of a mixed bag — on one hand, the open-world exploration and vast landscapes are breathtaking. On the other hand, there is the constant, repetitive struggle of watching my boyfriend lose to a boss for the umpteenth time. There is nothing quite like the sigh that escapes when I hear him shout “This boss is impossible!” for the 15th time, or the endless backtracking to gather lost souls.
I do not mind the challenge for him, but I do have to mentally prepare myself for his next rage quit or triumph — I guess that is just part of the charm.
2. Mortal Kombat
The Mortal Kombat series is one I’ve come to appreciate, mostly because of the over-the-top nature of the fighting and the iconic Fatalities.
What is interesting to me about Mortal Kombat is how it is both a fun, casual party game and a serious, competitive experience for hardcore players. We can both play, but the intensity really rises when my partner challenges me to one-on-one duels, and let’s be honest, I do not always win. But the game’s exaggerated violence and hilarious Fatalities make it easy to laugh off losses. Besides, it is a great outlet for any pent-up rage. It is fun to kick back and unwind, throwing punches, executing finishing moves and yelling “Flawless Victory!” even when it is anything but.
The fast pace of the game makes it a great way to spend a few quick rounds together when we have limited time.
3. Fallout 4
As someone who enjoys shows like The Walking Dead, The Last of Us, The 100, and most recently, Fallout, Fallout 4 was highly entertaining with its radroaches, mutants, scavenging, building settlements and making tough moral decisions.
While I do not always get sucked into the combat-heavy parts, I find the world-building fascinating, and the mixture of a 50s aesthetic with a futuristic society creates a disorienting but captivating world.
The fact that your choices really matter in Fallout 4 — whether it is deciding who to side with or how to treat certain characters — adds an emotional layer to the game. And while the dark humor and quirky dialogue often get a smile from me, I also appreciate how Fallout 4 makes you think about the consequences of your actions in a way that is both fun and thought-provoking.
4. Far Cry 3
One of the most entertaining games my boyfriend has played is Far Cry 3. The island setting is lush and vibrant, and the story — where you play as a young man stranded on a tropical island, fighting to survive and rescue his friends — is filled with chaos and intensity.
The relationship between the protagonist, Jason, and the eccentric villain Vaas is a compelling one. Vaas is crazy in a way that is genuinely unsettling, and the psychological mind games he plays are incredibly intriguing to witness, while his dialogue is often humorous.
I also love the simple thrill of running through the jungle, setting traps or climbing radio towers to unlock new areas. The open-world aspect of the game makes it easy to jump in for a few hours of exploration or to engage in chaotic firefights. It is a game that has it all — action, exploration and a wild, unpredictable narrative.
5. The Witcher 3
When it comes to captivating storylines, engaging characters and moments of genuine emotional investment, The Witcher 3 stands out by far. Not only is it one of the most visually stunning games out there, but Geralt of Rivia will likely earn a special place in any girlfriend’s heart.
For me, the narrative depth is what makes The Witcher 3 shine. I genuinely enjoy watching my boyfriend play through this one because the world feels so alive, and the voice acting, dialogue and character relationships are top-notch.
And let us be honest, there is something fun about listening to Geralt’s gravelly voice and watching him fall in and out of love with various characters. And the romance options? I may joke about it, but hey, watching Geralt’s romance with Yennefer or Triss makes for some surprisingly enjoyable and sometimes cringe-worthy viewing.
This is the rare game that feels like an interactive movie with actual stakes, so even if you are not playing, you are emotionally invested.
Whether it is slaying dragons in Elden Ring, duking it out in Mortal Kombat or embarking on a post-apocalyptic adventure in Fallout 4, these games provide a window into different worlds, filled with action, strategy and incredible stories. And I get to partake in all of them, without really having to do much other than offer a quick “great job, babe” every once in a while. I read the stories, he plays them, and we are both entertained.
