Later Daters (2020)

‎If you like simulators of this type, ‎‎Later Daters‎‎ is a different and at the same time casual, in its own way, version of looking at the genre. It will be worth it if you feel like getting fully into the sensitivity of the elderly and knowing how they can feel in this important part of our life.‎

In the end, Later Daters is a pure delight to play. Being older doesn't mean life is over and these sprightly and very realistic seniors prove that love truly is eternal. If you're looking for a visual choose-your-own-adventure game that will make you laugh, think, and, yes, even tear up a bit, then Later Daters is the game for you. It's available on Steam for $7.99.

This isn’t your average Visual Novel, no over the top romance with hot guys, but a more realistic approach to friendships and potential relationships in old age. Though in some of the chapters, realism is far away! Poignant, sad at times, and with some dollops of sarcastic humour Later Daters makes for a special game. A pity that it’s so short, even with the DLC added.

Later Daters reinforces the natural desire for companionship, even at an older age. The game is just silly enough at times that it makes for a funny dating sim, without making its characters out to be a joke. There is a ton of media that focuses on trying to normalize elderly relationships, and I think Later Daters is highly effective—and most importantly fun.

With a colorful cast, incredibly high replay value, and diversity for miles, Later Daters is a surprisingly deep dating sim that unfolds over time. I personally feel it could do with a bit of better marketing in terms of communicating that this is, in fact, a partially finished game; additionally, with LGBTQ+ representation featured more prominently than most games that offer such narratives, the trailer and descriptions could stand to present just how much this aspect of diversity takes the driver’s seat (and they’d certainly benefit from it as it’s a selling point). Nevertheless, Later Daters is a total catch that serves as an important reminder that love knows no age.