3. The Grey Warden & Leliana (Dragon Age: Origins)
He is dear to my heart. - Leliana
Part of what makes a great romance story is being there to see it from the beginning. In Dragon Age: Origins, the sheer size of the game allows you to connect and know the characters around you really well. Leliana being one the main party members (although you can totally miss her) is true in this regard too. Leliana has a rich back story, even before her character specific DLC was released, that plays out through conversations between herself and the Grey Warden. She's not 100% sure of herself or her choices in life, but she always tries to put on a happy face. She's very talkative and always up for a chat, all the while hiding her terrible past. Until it catches up to her. As the Grey Warden, you too have a back story that she is interested in. One of the few who are. She always tries to be kind and sweet, even hating herself for lying to you, the Grey Warden, about her past. Putting her faith in you, she asks for your help to overcome her past and her troubles. Successfully doing so gives her a new resolve. Leliana is just generally a great companion to have while wandering the Ferelden countryside. A romance option if you so choose increases that even further, as the whole playthrough will feature playful and meaningful moments.