Some Thoughts on Thirsty Suitors
When Thirsty Suitors was shown in a demo event for Microsoft, I was immediately intrigued by it. It was a little rough around the edges, but I am always down for a quirky dating simulator and this one took that idea in a whole new direction. So when the game finally came out and dropped on Game Pass, I wasted no time in downloading it. And yes, this thoughts article is coming way late because I got hit with a bad case of writers block.
One might ask why I would call Thirsty Sailors a quirky dating sim is that there isn’t actually any dating in it. Instead, it is about how to mend relationships with people, post breakup. Normally, the games are always about trying to find that special someone, whereas here, we just want to salvage a friendly relationship with former lovers. As most have experienced in real life, this is never an easy task as there is animosity that needs to be solved.
Here is where things get a little weird with Thirsty Suitors, as it combines a multitude of gaming mechanics together, and it can be a lot to process. You get around on a skateboard that comes complete with its own set of little mini-games and unlockables. You have a dynamic with your mother that is engaged through a series of cooking mini games. There are dialog choices that can affect the gameplay depending on your answers. This finally brings us to the combat mechanics, where you have turn based combat using the tools available to you. Normally this means, power-ups that use your skateboard, basketball, or even dancing to attack the enemy.
I know that reading this, it sounds like Thirsty Suitors should be a big hot mess of a game. Somehow, all of these different game types and styles never becomes too much to handle. And some of it, like the skateboarding, can be ignored mostly if its not your thing. I found each of these sections to be a lot of fun and as you progress further in the story, all of these elements get more and more over the top.
I have to admit that I am sad it took me so long to put this little thoughts piece together for Thirsty Suitors, because the game really is a lot of fun. It also just left Game Pass, where more people should have taken a moment to play it. The characters are well written and funny, adds a ton of family dynamics that many can relate to, and it is very inclusive without feeling forced. I am sure you can find it for $20 on sale, and for that price, you will definitely not be sorry.
