We may well have covered this in the past on Gamesblog, but there's no harm in tracking over old territory, especially when it includes videogames, social awkwardness and, possibly, sex. Over on Film Blog, they've been having an interesting discussion about good - and extremely bad - date movies. Guardian film critic Xan Brooks was inspired to pose the question by the cinematic release of Lars Von Trier's grueling Antichrist, which I'm thinking probably just edges into the 'really nightmarishly bad idea' category.
So anyway, I thought we could apply the same question to games. Say you've bought a prospective new 'partner' home after a successful date. You don't want to hit them straight away with the Marvin Gaye and dimmed lights, so you suggest some interactive entertainment of the digital kind. What game do you go for? And if you've actually been in this situation, let's hear about your previous choices, good or bad...
*If your answer is 'you shouldn't play videogames with a prospective lover', you are absolutely reading the wrong blog. Videogames are acceptable forms of entertainment now. This is the 21st century.
The obvious option would be something like SingStar or Rock Band. They're intuitive, social and you get a sneaky hint at your date's music tastes. Beware though, they could well make their excuses and leave if you insist on loading up SingStar Abba and belting out Waterloo with all the vocal skill of a horny mountain goat.
Wii Sports may also be a good ice breaker, though suggesting a few minutes on Wii Fit may be frostily misinterpreted. Street Fighter IV is a possibility - it's visually impressive, the bouts are quick and entertainingly manic, and uninitiated newcomers can button bash with some reasonable results. Survival horror might also be a good idea; games like Resident Evil 5 and Silent Hill 4 are fun to watch as well as play and you can snuggle up on the sofa together, taking it in turns to grab the controls.
Definite bad ideas for a date videogame? Well, loading a copy of Pokemon or Monster Hunter will instantly undo the 'sophisticated urban adult' act you were pulling all the way through your pan fried pigeon breast at that hideously over-priced bistro. On the other hand, it's probably better to avoid anything with an 18 certificate. Rockstar's interactive snuff flick, Manhunt, may send out absolutely the wrong sort of message - unless you've accidentally pulled Marilyn Manson.
So anyway, your suggestions and experiences please...
