Sucker for Love: First Date

A horror game dating sim that's bloodier than it is romantic, but knows what it wants to be and never fails to surprise.

If we take our eyes off what the P.E.N.I.S. is suggesting for a minute, Sucker for Love is a wholly enjoyable experience. The writing is hilarious and clever; especially a treat for anyone who has a Necronomicon on their shelf. Its approach to the genre is completely irreverent, and it pulls it off so well it’s flattering. It’s certainly not the longest visual novel you will find, but it’s worth forfeiting your sanity to summon. Just beware of the bugs that crawl beneath its skin.

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.

Sucker for Love: First Date is a perfect experience for anyone unfamiliar with dating simulators who want something with a bit more substance. This title is amusing for anyone who plays it and doesn't focus on the dating element to the point where it's uncomfortable. It's got a good few hours of gameplay and despite it's lack of story it's still got several mechanics which will no doubt keep you coming back until you've seen every possible ending.

Sucker for Love: First Date is a gut busting romp through relationships with several eldritch abominations. While this visual novel has a few rough edges, it is a must play for fans of comedy games.

I just had a total blast laughing my way through the narratives and there's no doubt the immaculate voice acting has a lot to do with that – it wouldn't have been the same without it.