Valentine’s Day is centered around one theme: love. It’s something almost every human being craves, and it’s also something people are constantly looking for. Whether it be at a bar, in class or even swiping through the latest dating apps, everyone is looking for some sort of connection.
For all you single readers out there this year, you no longer have to swipe your life away looking for a valentine. Instead, your perfect valentine is waiting for you in one of these top five dating simulator games you can play this year.
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“Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator”
“Dream Daddy” is the perfect game for those players who have the “daddy kink” and can’t get enough dad bods.
The game was developed and published by Game Grumps, and was later re-released with the extended “Dadrector's Cut” on PlayStation 4 and PC.
“Dream Daddy” is an interactive visual novel with mini games and multiple endings. Players can choose between seven different fathers to romanticize. Players will play as a lonely single father who just moved to Maple Bay with his daughter, Amanda. His cul-de-sac is filled with single fathers who are ready to mingle.
Overall, the game is cute and filled with dad jokes. Going on dates can be so much fun, but say the wrong thing and the player might find himself or herself friend-zoned or rejected. Players will instantly fall in love with all of these hot dads, but they can only be with one.
Available on: PC, Mac and PlayStation 4. -
“Hatoful Boyfriend”
“Hatoful Boyfriend” is a great game for players who love to go bird watching and fall in love with birds.
The game was originally developed by PigeoNation Inc., and was later internationally remade by British developer Mediatonic.
Set in a version of Earth populated by sapient birds, players will play as a teenage girl who is the first human student to be accepted at the prestigious St. PigeoNation’s Institute, a school for talented birds.
Yes, birds.
As players roam the halls and fall in love between classes, they must make decisions to determine which of the game's multiple endings they receive. With eight different love interests, players will definitely be able to find their perfect feathery valentine. Most of the characters are normally represented with pictures of birds, but players can toggle on the ICPSS (Intra-Cerebral Playback Synchro System) feature at the start of the game allowing each possible love interest to be represented with a human version of the character.
The game may seem odd at first, but after a few hours of gameplay, players will begin to wonder if birds can really be this romantic.
Available on: Android, iPhone, PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. -
“Coming Out On Top”
Developed by Obscurasoft, “Coming Out On Top” is its first gay dating simulator/visual novel.
Players will play as Mark Matthews, a college student who came out to his two roommates, Ian and Penny, before the start of his final year. Based on the decisions made, players will be introduced to Matthews’ multiple love interests.
Players will begin by flirting with multiple guys, but midway through the game, all other interactions will fade away while the strongest is pursued.
The game does have pornographic elements with explicit images of Matthews performing sexual acts with another character. This may surprise the player at first, but in the end, sex is part of being in an adult relationship.
“Coming Out On Top” is a great way to pass the time this Valentine’s Day. Sure Matthews’ lack of conversation may urge players to step into the game and slap sense into him, but with its great sense of humor and expertly written dialogue, “Coming Out On Top” will not disappoint.
Available on: PC and Mac. -
“HuniePop”
“HuniePop” is an erotic tile-matching dating simulator adult game created by American developer HuniePot.
Players will attempt to swoon their love interest by talking to them and giving gifts. Doing this will reward players with "Hunie,” an in-game currency that can be used to upgrade the player's stats. Stats allow players to earn more points during dates, increasing their chance of success.
Players must take their potential life partner on dates in order to progress in the game. During these dates, players will play a tile-matching game where they must match three or more of the same tokens. They must earn enough points to complete the date before they run out of moves. However, each date has a specific token they like or dislike. Match the right tokens and the player will earn more points.
“HuniePop” may be considered pornography, but like many dating simulator games, some are dirtier than the rest. It may feel like an R-rated Bejeweled, but “HuniePop” is visually pleasing with solid voice acting and amusing characters.
Available on: PC and Mac. -
“Nekopara”
“Nekopara” is a series of visual novel video games with six volumes and was developed by Neko Works.
Unlike most dating simulators, players don’t have the power to make decisions or influence the story. This is unusual for most dating games, but it ensures players will all get the same ending.
In volume one, players will play as Kashou Minaduki, an aspiring chef who moves away from home to open his own dessert shop, La Soleil.
While unpacking, Minaduki discovers two of his family's cats, Chocola and Vanilla, followed him by hiding in cardboard boxes. After the two sneaky cats convince him to let them stay, the three of them work together to run his shop.
“Nekopara” is a cat lover’s paradise. With plenty of flirtatious dialogue and risqué implication, “Nekopara” is a delightful game to play.
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4.
These are just a few of the dating simulator games players can play this Valentine’s Day. There are many more erotic, odd and fun-filled games out there, but if players have yet to dive into the world of dating simulators, prepare to be surprised because this list is nothing compared to what’s out there.
“Dream Daddy” is our recommendation for anyone who enjoys dad bods and jokes.
