Sucker for Love: First Date (2022)

Sucker For Love: First Date is a romance simulator with cosmic creatures that manages to handle well both its comical side and the nefarious implications of its concept. Though some quality of life details could have been better, its plot and the curious system of doing sinister rituals for a kiss make it a title very different from the usual ones in the market and, at the same time, shows competency in depicting romance, comedy and horror and mixing them up.

Trying to answer the question of what it would take to woo an eldritch bringer of the world’s destruction

Sucker for Love: First Date may be a niche title with a weird premise, but it does that premise incredibly well. If you’re a fan of Lovecraftian horror and anime, or if you think dark romantic comedies are great, this game is for you. Akabaka’s weird creation definitely isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’re gonna love it. I know I did.

When it comes to Sucker for Love: First Date, we feel its charm but don’t fall in love. The story’s overall premise is cute and playful but a lack of choices really holds back the game. The developers attempt to make the player feel like there are multiple choices, but at the end of the day, these choices only come into play at the very end. We can admit that we have been spoiled by other games that have a narrative-driven story such as Catherine: Full Body, Detroit Become Human, or Doki Doki Literature Club. With that in mind, the story is still enjoyable to play through but lacks depth.

Despite the Elder Gods being presented as cute, quirky waifu material, Sucker for Love: First Date knows how to present its horror elements in a scary way: bloody rituals, terrible spells and their consequences.