Image via Complex Original
Imagine you're about to finish the most challenging level you've ever played in your life. Full of adrenaline, you start to see the final boss' life meter a hairline away from being drained. Then it happens: your girl starts beefing because she wants to switch it off and watch something "both of you" can do. Yes, your moment of victory has been lost to a bunch of rehabbing celebrities or teen moms.
Before you run for the bleach to throw into your eyes, we've got a solution: 50 Games To Play With Your Non-Gamer Girlfriend. Of course she still won't care about how many kills you've gotten or if you've found the rarest weapon in your MMO but it's sure to keep her occupied, having fun and your console in one piece.
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50. Love Plus
Genre: Simulation
Publisher: Konami
It would seem odd to put a girlfriend simulator into a list of games to play with your real-life girlfriend, but there's a plan here. Just name your virtual girl the same name as your real one. Tell your real-life girl that this is the way for you to still spend time with her when she's not around. Mileage may vary depending on how well you are at sculpting bullshit.
49. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game
Genre: Beat Em Up
Publisher: Ubisoft
The characters look cute and they kick ass. What non-nerd girl wouldn't love to be a part of that action? The best part: you two can play as Scott and Ramona, lovers in the game. Your girl will be filled with the spirit of awesomeness as she beats the baddies off of you.
48. Gears of War
Genre: Third Person Shooter
Publisher: Epic Games
Something about Gears of War attracts women over other shooters. It's really a mystery, but who are you to complain? If you can get your girl to saw aliens in half while you reload, consider it nothing short of a blessing.
47. Mass Effect 3
Genre: RPG/FPS
Publisher: EA
If there weren't a character customization feature, Mass Effect 3 wouldn't have made it. Your girl will be able to create a character that looks just like her—or how she would want to look—but don't ask her any questions about it unless you're eager to discuss a list of ill-perceived physical flaws. Stick to saving the universe.
46. Bayonetta
Genre: Action
Publisher: Sega
If your girl has a good sense of humor or an occasional wild side, Bayonetta will be a fun and hilarious play-through as she will get to play the sexy, gun wielding witch she couldn't quite pull off last Halloween.
45. Castle Crashers
Genre: Action/RPG
Publisher: The Behemoth
Just so your girl doesn't get bored with too many RPG elements, Castle Crashers leans more towards the straight-up button-mashing. Perfect for the non-gamer girlfriend who has no interest in tedious character leveling, but wants to jump in and beat things up.
44. Rusty Hearts
Genre: Action/RPG
Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
With two very attractive main characters in Victorian-era inspired costumes, Rusty Hearts will remind your romance addicted mate of Twilight and every other vampire-lite tale out there without having to watch The CW. Easy win for you.
43. Project Diva
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Sega
Now's your girlfriend's chance to make a music video without the pressure of being a size negative-12. This rhythm game allows you to create your own in-game music videos or promos using the anime-styled characters from the game. Project Diva's main character Hatsune Miku has over 600,000 fans on Facebook, and your girl could easily become another one of them.
42. DC Universe Online
Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment/WB Games
Women like superheroes, but they just aren't into all the extra-nerd baggage that comes along with them. In DC Universe Online, your non-gamer babe can create a character with a "cute" outfit and cool powers without being required to have an encyclopedic knowledge of Superman's bloodline.
41. Borderlands
Genre: First Person Shooter/Action
Publisher: 2K Games
The best thing Gearbox Software did when making a game was give their FPS a completely distinct look from any other FPS, or any other game, for that matter. The colorful landscape of Borderlands is way more attractive to non-gamer girls (or anyone, for that matter) than most other shooters. It also doesn't hurt that the females in the game are empowered (with weaponry) in a way that'll have you fighting over their characters with her.
40. Resident Evil 5
Genre: Action/Horror
Publisher: Capcom
It's the ol' take-a-girl-to-a-scary-movie trick, but in video game form. Try playing with the lights out and when those zombies come running, see how fast she jumps on you. You're welcome.
39. Kingdom Hearts
Genre: Action/RPG
Publisher: Square Enix
No one truly outgrows their love for Disney characters, which is why Kingdom Hearts has so much staying power. Since it's an RPG, and a lot of non-gamer girls hate them, just imagine how much your girlfriend will gush when she sees Mickey Mouse opening a can of whoop ass on the Heartless.
38. L.A. Noire
Genre: Action
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Tired of your girl always trying to read what you're REALLY thinking? Set her up with a few rounds of L.A. Noire to get her off your case. The facial expression puzzle experience will surely satisfy your girl's suspicion fix enough for you to stash the porn she's been so close to finding out about.
37. Portal 2
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Valve
This classic game features a female lead character that isn't a sidekick or running around in the clothing equivalent of tissue paper. Girlfriends will be able to get into that type of girl power along with the brain teasing puzzles and engaging storyline. Brownie points scored for putting her on to this one.
36. Trauma Center
Genre: Simulation
Publisher: Atlus
Best known for its intense gameplay, the Trauma Center series is perfect for talkers. If your girly girl loves to run her yap on turbo, hand her a Wii controller and challenge her to save a character's life. The moments of silence you'll enjoy while she's focused will be golden.
35. Street Fighter II
Genre: Fighting
Publisher: Capcom
The best thing about the earlier Street Fighter games is that you don't have to know the controls perfectly in order to bust ass. Many times players have gotten over with wild button mashing to the anger of more strategic opponents. This time, when you tell your boo that you really didn't let her win that round, you won't be lying.
34. Duck Hunt
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: Nintendo
A classic, surefire way to include wifey in your gaming time. Break out the old NES and light gun to let her go Elmer Fudd for a while (or scoop it up from the Wii Store). Don't be a show-off with your gunslinging skills, though: it might just secure you a spot in the solo shooters club for the night.
33. Katamari
Genre: Action/Puzzle
Publisher: Namco
Give your girl a hint at cleaning up after your slobbish ways by getting her into the Katamari franchise. Since players have to guide the Prince of all Cosmos on his way to collect enough objects to create a star, let your girlfriend know that she'll be your special star by doing the same with your underwear and empty food containers.
32. Phoenix Wright
Genre: Simulation
Publisher: Capcom
Hook your girl up with a copy of Phoenix Wright and rest assured that she'll be sucked into the immersive cases to solve in no time. Your boo will get to hunt down evidence, beef in court and feel like she's in an episode of Law and Order, instead of being forced to sit through another rerun.
31. Minecraft
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Mojang/Microsoft Studios
If you're not careful Minecraft could steal your girl right from your arms. The addictive builder/puzzler/adventure game doesn't require an extensive amount of nerd power. All that's needed is time and creativity. If she's the creative type, then look forward to happy times collaborating on world building.
30. The Lego Series
Genre: Platform
Publisher: Lego
The cutesy Lego characters waddling around and falling apart when they get hit is sure to make any non-gamer girlfriend coo with delight. The fun part: showing her the controls and getting her to giggle when she does something wrong.
29. Fez
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Microsoft Studios/Trapdoor
First of all, Gomez will win your girlfriend over as soon as she sees him, little red hat and all. When she gets an eye full of the puzzles in the game, you won't be able to get another game into the console.
28. Pokemon
Genre: RPG
Publisher: Nintendo
The adorable little Pokemon have been with us for over a decade and girls are just as obsessed with them as guys are. Introducing your honey to the highly addictive game will finally give you someone to trade with on a regular basis. Also having another DS around can come in handy when the batteries in your own DS die.
27. Dance Dance Revolution
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Konami
The most popular rhythm dance game ever has been known to spark romances whether players are battling or cooperating. Forever, women have been attracted to guys that can get it in on the dance floor. Helping her score high points will help you score even higher points in the game of amore.
26. Michael Jackson: The Experience
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Ubisoft
Pop music's self-proclaimed king left us so many dance moves that we love to imitate that you can bet your favorite controller that your girl will love you long time for putting her up on Michael Jackson: The Experience. Use caution when playing "Billie Jean" however, you don't want her making a big deal out of why you're screaming "the kid is not my son" so passionately.
25. Mario Bros.
Genre: Platform
Publisher: Nintendo
We're giving Super Mario Bros. a break here. The original Mario Bros. where Mario and Luigi run around and bump the floors above them to flip the turtles over is the game you'd want to play with your girl. Both of you can play at the same time and laugh as you screw up each other's progress.
24. The Sims
Genre: Simulation/RPG
Publisher: EA
Playing The Sims is just like playing a more advanced version of "House." Your girl can relive her childhood through the Sims characters and create as much creative drama as she likes. It's almost like playing through one of those Housewives reality shows, just without the incessant screaming and shot glass throwing.
23. Outrun
Genre: Racing
Publisher: Sega
This is one of the few racers out there where you don't have a confusing amount of controls and can still have fun. All you do is hit the gas, dodge other cars and shift from low to high gear. The bonus here: ladies can enjoy the game without you performing the dreaded, let-me-show-you-how-to-do-it controller grab.
22. Tetris Party
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Hudson Soft
Some girlfriends just aren't going to be the FPS types, and this is where a game like Tetris Party shines the brightest. It's easy to play. Besting someone doesn't depend on how much time you've put into the game. Win her over by telling her that "L" shape represents the love you have for her. It might not earn you six more uninterrupted hours of Call of Duty later, but it's worth a shot.
21. Uno Rush
Genre: Cards
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
The classic card game goes turbo on this XBLA gem. In addition to playing against your girl or computer, you can hook up a double date with two more friends. The only drawback of Uno Rush is that there's no way to hide a "Draw Four" card up the sleeve.
20. You Don't Know Jack
Genre: Trivia
Publisher: THQ
Excite your console deficient GF with a fun, hilarious game of trivia. Get really freaky by dressing up and wearing name tags while playing the virtual gameshow. Then pretend to be Richard Dawson from the old days of Family Feud and lay a few smooches on her. Try not to be too cruel with the game's infamous "screws," though.
19. Mario Kart
Genre: Racing
Publisher: Nintendo
Winning the race is a part of it, sure, but the adorable characters and vehicles that perform the cutest hijinx during the competition make this more palatable for her than, say, Gran Turismo. Banana peels, turtle shells and whatever else is on the track you ride will keep her more than entertained, while you overly obsess about the track's drifting difficulties.
18. Little Big Planet
Genre: Platform/Puzzle
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony's Sackboy from Little Big Planet is the only one that can get away with calling himself that nickname without looking like a pervert. The cute diminutive toy come-to-life will have your girl rushing the controller for nexts.
17. Just Dance
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Ubisoft
What girl doesn't want to be the queen of the dancefloor? Just Dance will allow you to jump and kick rhythmlessly without the hysterical laughter and possible YouTube infamy. Be prepared to lose because chances are she'll take it far more seriously than you ever will.
16. World of Warcraft
Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: Blizzard
The fantasy world is perfect for couples: create a duo and venture off into quests together. Just don't get all snobbish on your girl when she's equipping better armor and weapons than you. Shut up and level up.
15. Fable: The Journey
Genre: Action/RPG
Publisher: Microsoft Studios
Your lady might not be into the whole swords and sorcery type-deal, but casting spells in the latest Fable game is so much fun, she'll only have to see you do it a few times before she'll be shooting fireballs and lightning bolts like a pro. With the Kinect camera she doesn't have to concern herself with which button does what—she can just yell out spells and thrust her hands like when she's mad and/or telling you to talk to them.
14. Wii Sports
Genre: Sports
Publisher: Nintendo
So it's not Madden or 2K, but these overly-cute, big-headed characters knocking balls around will soften your girl up enough to get fierce with this. Forget about pulling off major plays, she won't be interested. Just swing the Wii tennis racket, and try to lose with dignity.
13. Guild Wars
Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: NCsoft
This is another title that's great to play together. Band together like Bonnie and Clyde, and defend the world from evil. Try not to get too annoyed when she breaks character and asks you to pick up snacks on your way to her crib.
12. Temple Run
Genre: Action/Puzzle
Publisher: Imangi Studios
A perfect game for the girlfriend who must multi-task everything. Set a ridiculously high score and challenge her to beat it. It will become her life's mission to take you down.
11. Ms. Pac Man
Genre: Platform/Puzzle
Publisher: Bally/Midway
Another game that doesn't require weeks of training to play. The classic sequel has always held a special place in the hearts of women and your girlfriend is no different. She may not be into going head to head with you in a fist-pounding Dead or Alive knockout brawl, but it's almost a given that your girl will be willing to take your ego down a few notches in Ms. Pac Man.
10. Nintendogs
Genre: Simulation
Publisher: Nintendo
Surprise your girlfriend with a cuddly puppy she'd melt over without the responsibility of having to walk it and pick up behind it. The hit game was a godsend for pet lovers. Let it be a fun turn-based love fest for you and your other half without the cost of canine health insurance.
9. Plants Vs. Zombies
Genre: Tower Defense
Publisher: PopCap Games
Even if the lady doesn't like zombies, it's okay: this is essentially an anti-zombie game. Watch as her protective instincts kick in and she develops defensive strategy that would rival the NFL's.
8. Angry Birds
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Rovio
The smash hit appeals to everyone, but can also be the perfect introduction/re-introduction to the gaming lifestyle. Unless your girlfriend's an animal lover-extremist offended by black-belt birds knocking over oblong green pigs, this is the game to ease her into your crack den of games.
7. Cooking Mama
Genre: Simulation
Publisher: Nintendo
The best way to tell your girl to go whip you up some grub without getting slapped is to challenge her to a game of Cooking Mama. Amazingly, a fictional woman can demand the most complicated dishes out of your girlfriend but the crib turns into Wrestlemania if you ask her to make you a sandwich.
6. Draw Something
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Omgpop
As a dude—as a human—this game will probably enrage you. But your girl? She'll love it. It doesn't pay to lose at this one, though, especially if she considers herself an artist of any kind. If you can't recognize what she's drawing, just tell her it's a problem with your phone or something.
5. Words With Friends
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Zynga
Zynga's spin on Scrabble makes excessive mobile communication with your significant other fun for a change. Just prepare to get slaughtered by the English language since there aren't any points for Leet Speak.
4. SoundShapes
Genre: Puzzle
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Combining music and puzzles, SoundShapes is a fun game that takes no time to learn. In no time, your better half will be challenging you to conquer the complicated levels she's built. It's better than challenging you to co-habitate.
3. Wii Yoga
Genre: Fitness
Publisher: Nintendo
The New Workout Plan, for sure. Unless you're one of those zen types, you probably don't care much for anything yoga, but anything to get your girl bending and stretching into hot positions is a winner. Be aware, she's gonna ask you to join her. It's a small price to pay for some quality oogle time (or the potential for viral video fame)
2. Rock Band
Genre: Rhythm
Publisher: Harmonix Music Systems
Rhythm and music are sure winners when it comes to getting your non-gamer girl to play with you. Rock Band's competitive element and addictive performance experience is attractive to any gender. Most likely there's a version with a band that she likes, and if you ask nicely enough, you may get to play the drums. Maybe.
1. Venus Rising
Genre: MMORPG
Publisher: FoxySoft
Every guy has wondered what it'd be like to have a threesome. This is probably the safest way to go about it. Although the game isn't out yet, Venus Rising (formerly titled, Orgia Romanus) promises to offer gamers the option to bang each other when it's released. As a word of caution, be sure to pay more attention to YOUR girl in your virtual menage a trois. As in a real one, things can go wrong here in no time.