Thirsty Suitors Review (Flom)
Thirsty Suitors is a difficult game to write a review for - it was at times enjoyable, at times frustrating.
Pros
- I enjoyed the variety of characters you get to interact with, and just enough time to get to know them in what's otherwise not a long game. There's no one I dislike, and some (like Auntie C!) always brought a smile to my face.
- I liked cooking the dishes - their parallels to combat means it was good practise for action commands, and the dish items you make are quite useful. I love a game that makes me hungry with in-game food.
- Its over-the-top style is really fun, there's enough clothing customisation to make things your own, and skating around the city was enjoyable.
Cons
- The game design consistently felt off. I played on the suggested 3* difficulty, which was punishing at first. But once you get the hang of the action commands, it feels like there wasn't enough else going on? The status ailments are interesting in theory, but you can only do the ones they're weak to (and often have to cycle through all of their weaknesses to finish the battle, anyway). You end up getting 5 versions of each move (weak/strong/group attacks in all types). I struggled finding a gear setup I liked and felt relevant, I wasn't sure what my thirst-sona did outside of stats.
- I can't say I love the premise of the game. I know I'm playing as Jala, not myself, but I never really liked any of the choices I was presented with (often: snap back, deflect, or apologise yet again) - I know that's the point, but it made me feel like when reconciliation happens, it comes out of nowhere. That also contributed to each ex loop feeling repetitive, like they're other stops in the "apology tour" (though as I said, I did enjoy the exes as characters!) ...I do think the demo and store page are clear about the kind of game it is. I was just hoping I would "feel" the change/intentions of Jala along the way.
- Given my thoughts on the premise, it's not surprising that I wasn't excited by the way the game wrapped up - it felt abrupt. WARNING - Ending spoilers ahead: The skatepark story wraps up suddenly - I was convinced Soundie was going to show up again, or that we'd see how hard this kind of change is to make. As for Jala, she just had to stop listening to her inner voice and instead listen to everyone around her, because they all have her best interests at heart and know her better. If Jala just apologises and hugs it out, everything will be fine. It can be read as aspirational, though maybe I would have like it more if there were queer storylines between "I got kicked out we don't speak anymore" and "family will always love you and if you all try it works out" ...I guess once more, I want time with Auntie C, since her story seemed more interesting.
I would still overall recommend playing Thirsty Suitors, if you're ok with the game balance being a little off, and the "apology tour" premise of the story.