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CRITIK

Thirsty Suitors

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Thirsty Suitors
Item: Thirsty Suitors
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, RPG, Romance, Single Player

AvailableNov 2, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperOuterloop Games

Overview

Can Jala learn to love herself and heal the wounds of her past? Thirsty Suitors is a stylish, story-driven adventure that unfolds through turn-based battles, skateboarding, and cooking.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Thirsty Suitors are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the story for its heart, humor, and positive representation of genders and sexuality. Nintendo Life commends the game for its positive representation, while Push Square describes it as a deep and relevant experience packaged in a light-hearted tone. Metro GameCentral praises the game for its sharp and witty portrayal of scorned exes through the lens of a South Asian family in America, exploring complex relationship dynamics with a light and often surreal touch. These positive aspects of the story highlight the game's ability to tackle important themes and provide an engaging and entertaining narrative. However, there are a few critics who mentioned some negatives about the story. IGN feels that Thirsty Suitors tries to do too much and feels overstuffed at times, suggesting that the game may have struggled to maintain focus and coherence in its storytelling. But Why Tho?? also mentions that the story can feel disjointed at times. These criticisms indicate that while the story has many strengths, it may have faced challenges in balancing its various narrative elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Story of Thirsty Suitors is very good. Critics such as Screen Rant, RPGamer, and Digital Trends appreciate the game's exploration of themes such as reconciliation, cultural expectations, and self-discovery. The narrative is praised for its compelling characters, meaningful decisions, and authentic representation of South Asian culture. The story is described as heartwarming, hilarious, and thought-provoking, with a good balance of comedy and serious subject matters. The positive reception from multiple critics underscores the overall quality and appeal of the story in Thirsty Suitors. In conclusion, the Story of Thirsty Suitors is highly regarded by the majority of critics. Its strengths lie in its heart, humor, positive representation, and exploration of themes such as reconciliation, cultural expectations, and self-discovery. While there are some criticisms about the story feeling overstuffed or disjointed at times, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and entertaining narrative that tackles important subjects with care. Thirsty Suitors is praised for its engaging characters, meaningful decisions, and authentic representation of South Asian culture.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise the Story of Thirsty Suitors for its heart, humor, positive representation of genders and sexuality, and exploration of themes like reconciliation and cultural expectations. While some critics mention issues with the story feeling overstuffed or disjointed, the consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and entertaining narrative with engaging characters and authentic South Asian culture representation.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Thirsty Suitors are mixed, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praise the inclusion of various gameplay mechanics such as turn-based combat, cooking mini-games, and skateboarding. Screen Rant commends the game for seamlessly combining these elements in an organic and flowing manner. Push Square appreciates the unique combat mechanics, including taunting enemies to inflict different statuses, while GamesRadar++ highlights the combination of combat and dialogue, with turn-based combat and QTE mini-games during cooking segments. The inclusion of these diverse gameplay mechanics adds variety and depth to the overall experience. However, there are also criticisms regarding the depth and polish of the gameplay mechanics. Nintendo Life criticizes the lack of depth and polish in the gameplay mechanics, while Metro GameCentral finds the skateboarding to be weak and inessential. CGMagazine mentions that random encounters can feel overly tough and tedious, and Digital Trends notes that the gameplay can become repetitive. These criticisms suggest that while Thirsty Suitors offers a range of gameplay mechanics, some of them may lack depth or fail to provide a satisfying experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Thirsty Suitors offers a mix of enjoyable and engaging gameplay mechanics, but also has its flaws. The combat system, particularly the turn-based aspect, receives praise for being engaging and incorporating unique mechanics such as timed button presses and exploiting vulnerabilities. The inclusion of cooking mini-games and skateboarding is also appreciated by some critics for adding variety to the gameplay. However, there are concerns about the lack of depth, polish, and repetitive nature of certain gameplay mechanics. The critics' opinions on the gameplay of Thirsty Suitors are diverse, with some praising its hybrid gameplay experience and others finding certain aspects underwhelming.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Thirsty Suitors gameplay. Some praise its diverse mechanics like turn-based combat and cooking mini-games, while others criticize lack of depth and polish. The game combines combat and dialogue effectively but faces criticism for weak skateboarding and repetitive gameplay. Overall, critics appreciate the engaging combat system but point out flaws in certain mechanics, making Thirsty Suitors a game with both strengths and weaknesses.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Thirsty Suitors are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the game's visual style, with many describing it as visually striking, vibrant, and visually appealing. Critics such as Nintendo Life, Screen Rant, Push Square, WellPlayed, and PC Gamer all commended the game's unique and eccentric art direction, highlighting the bright and varied character designs, detailed environments, and expressive animations. The game's visuals were also lauded for their ability to capture different cultures, including Indian and South African, as mentioned by Hardcore Gamer. The inclusion of pop culture references, surreal exaggeration, and whimsical and flavorful style, as noted by Guardian and Eurogamer, further added to the positive reception of the game's visual design. The blend of retro designs with a modern style, as observed by Siliconera, also received praise. While the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Thirsty Suitors is positive, there were some minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics. RPGamer pointed out the presence of minor graphical glitches, and Twinfinite highlighted a bug where some character portraits don't appear in the Suitor Status menu. Digital Trends mentioned that while the game has a stylish and vibrant pop art style, it lacks polish. These criticisms, however, appear to be relatively minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Thirsty Suitors received high praise from the majority of the critics. The game's unique and visually striking art style, bright and varied character designs, detailed environments, and expressive animations were highly appreciated. The inclusion of cultural aesthetics, pop culture references, and whimsical and flavorful style added to the game's appeal. Although there were some minor criticisms regarding graphical glitches and lack of polish, the overall consensus among the critics is that Thirsty Suitors showcases superb visual presentation and stands out in terms of visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Thirsty Suitors for its visually striking and vibrant graphics, highlighting unique art direction, diverse character designs, and expressive animations. The game captures different cultures and incorporates pop culture references, earning positive feedback for its retro-modern blend. Minor criticisms included graphical glitches and lack of polish, but overall, the game's visual design received high acclaim for its creativity and appeal.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Thirsty Suitors, with many highlighting its positive aspects. IGN commends the fast-paced tabla beat and snappy banter in the cooking sequences, which adds to the drama of the game. RPGamer mentions the fantastic street beats in the soundtrack and the strong voice acting, which brings the insanity of the game to life. CGMagazine praises the outstanding integration of Indian-American culture and the successful teaching of players through the music and soundtrack. PC Gamer describes the soundtrack as a complement to the gameplay and story, creating a great audiovisual treat. However, there are a few critics who express some negatives regarding the sound design and music of Thirsty Suitors. IGN mentions that the negative voice in Jala's mind can be tiring, which may suggest that it becomes repetitive or overwhelming. While this is a minor criticism, it is important to note that it does not significantly impact the overall positive perception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Thirsty Suitors are very good. The positive aspects mentioned by multiple critics, such as Push Square, TheSixthAxis, Guardian, Hardcore Gamer, PC Invasion, RPG Fan, Siliconera, Twinfinite, But Why Tho??, and Eurogamer, highlight the excellent voice acting, well-written dialogue, authentic representation of characters, catchy and unique Indian-inspired tracks, and the successful blending of traditional South Asian sounds with various genres. These positive reviews outweigh the minor negative critique, indicating that the sound design and music greatly contribute to the overall enjoyment and immersion of Thirsty Suitors.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Thirsty Suitors' sound design and music, praising its Indian-American cultural integration, fast-paced beats, and strong voice acting. While some mention minor flaws like repetitive voices, the overwhelming consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the game's authenticity and unique soundtrack as major strengths.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics have praised the voice acting in Thirsty Suitors, with several reviewers highlighting its strength and impact on the overall experience. RPGamer commends Farah Merani's performance, stating that she brings Jala's sharp tongue and humor to every situation, while TheSixthAxis describes the voiceovers as engaging and charming, effectively bringing the eccentric characters to life. PC Invasion also emphasizes the impressive performances by the voice actors, noting that they add humor to the dialogue and successfully breathe life into the characters. RPG Fan mentions the excellent voice acting that brings the vibrant cast of characters to life, with authentic representation by matching actors to their respective roles. These positive opinions highlight the talent and skill of the voice actors in Thirsty Suitors, as well as their ability to enhance the overall enjoyment of the game. While the majority of the critics' opinions are positive, there are no specific negative comments mentioned regarding the voice acting in Thirsty Suitors. This suggests that the voice acting was generally well-received and did not have any significant flaws or issues that detracted from the experience. The absence of negative comments from the critics indicates that the voice acting in Thirsty Suitors was consistently strong and effective, leaving little room for criticism. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Thirsty Suitors is highly commendable. IGN praises the non-disparaging accents used for non-white characters, while Checkpoint Gaming describes the voice acting as "utterly superb." Siliconera mentions that the voice acting is both earnest and funny, and Twinfinite states that it is energetic and adds to the entertaining dialogue. TheXboxHub also notes that the dialogue is well-acted and reflects the true purpose of the game. These positive opinions, combined with the absence of negative comments, suggest that the voice acting in Thirsty Suitors is a standout aspect of the game, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Thirsty Suitors, highlighting its impact on the game experience. Positive reviews commend the actors for bringing characters to life with humor and authenticity, enhancing enjoyment. No negative comments indicate a consistently strong performance, making the voice acting a standout feature that adds to the game's immersion and entertainment value.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life points out some small bugs such as wrong voice for enemies and getting stuck behind a wall. However, these issues are considered minor and do not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. This suggests that the game runs relatively smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with only a few minor hiccups. On the PS5, RPGamer mentions the presence of minor graphical glitches. However, they emphasize that these glitches do not detract from the overall experience. This indicates that the game performs well on the PS5, with the graphical issues being relatively insignificant and not affecting the gameplay in a significant way. Moving on to the PC version, there are mixed opinions from the critics. CGMagazine highlights clunky controls and occasional frame rate dips during the skateboarding sections, which can lead to motion sickness. This suggests that the technical performance on PC may not be optimal during these particular sections. Additionally, Twinfinite mentions minor bugs such as audio hiccups/bugs and missing character portraits in the Suitor Status menu. These issues may slightly impact the overall experience for PC players. However, Siliconera's experience on PC showcases a positive aspect of the technical performance. They encountered a bug that required a restart, but the issue was quickly resolved by the developers. This indicates that the developers are actively addressing and fixing technical issues, which is a positive sign for PC players. Overall, the consensus among the critics for all platforms is that the technical performance of Thirsty Suitors is generally good. Despite some minor bugs and glitches mentioned by the critics, the overall gameplay experience remains largely unaffected. The Games Machine specifically mentions that the game runs smoothly on Xbox Series X, further supporting the notion that the technical performance is solid across platforms. It is worth noting that while there are some technical hiccups on PC, the developers' responsiveness in resolving issues is commendable.

TL;DR

technical performance

Thirsty Suitors performs well on Nintendo Switch and PS5 with minor bugs. PC version has mixed reviews due to control issues and bugs, but developers are quick to fix issues. Overall, the game runs smoothly on all platforms, with minor technical hiccups not significantly impacting gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Thirsty Suitors are mixed. Some critics highlight positive aspects that contribute to the game's replayability. Nintendo Life praises the appropriate length and well-paced progression of the main story, while Screen Rant emphasizes the game's unique mechanics and creative storytelling, making it worth playing through at least once. RPGamer also mentions the fantastic themes and characters that make the game worth experiencing. These positive aspects suggest that Thirsty Suitors has elements that can engage players and encourage them to replay the game. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the replay value of Thirsty Suitors. Metro GameCentral criticizes the game's repetitive structure and undercooked role-playing mechanics, which may deter players from replaying the game. Press Start Australia mentions that the additional systems, such as collecting jackets and shoes, and defeating exes for combat bonuses, feel like small distractions from the main story and are not engaging. Eurogamer highlights that while the game offers additional challenges and unlockable characters, the skateboarding aspect feels separate from the main game, leading to a lifeless and lonely post-game experience. God is a Geek also mentions that the different gameplay elements are not always top-notch, which could impact the desire to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Thirsty Suitors has some positive elements that contribute to its replay value, such as well-paced progression, unique mechanics, and memorable characters. However, there are also negative aspects, including repetitive gameplay, undercooked mechanics, and a lack of engagement with additional systems. While some critics find the game worth experiencing due to its fantastic themes and strong narrative, others express concerns about the short length and disjointed aspects of the game. Ultimately, the decision to replay Thirsty Suitors may depend on individual preferences and tolerance for its shortcomings.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Thirsty Suitors. Positive aspects like engaging story progression and unique mechanics make it worth playing through once, according to some. However, criticisms of repetitive gameplay and disjointed elements may deter replaying. Overall, while the game offers memorable characters and themes, its flaws may affect the desire to replay it. Your decision to replay Thirsty Suitors may hinge on personal preferences and tolerance for its shortcomings.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Thirsty Suitors has received a generally positive reception from the critics, with several aspects of the game being praised. Nintendo Life commends the game for its story and visual style, while Screen Rant highlights its combination of storytelling, creativity, and South Asian culture. IGN and TheSixthAxis both appreciate the game's boundary-breaking storytelling and character design, with TheSixthAxis describing it as a "delicious and unique snack." Push Square praises the deep and relevant story, unique gameplay mechanics, visually striking graphics, and well-complemented soundtrack. WellPlayed also commends the game for its approachable nature, charming cast, heartfelt writing, and captivating visuals. The game's themes, characters, and inclusive nature are also highly regarded by critics such as God is a Geek and RPG Fan. However, there are some criticisms regarding Thirsty Suitors. Metro GameCentral mentions that the game has an uneven blend of gameplay elements, but it manages to hold together due to its thoughtful and punchy writing. CGMagazine points out repetitive combat and problematic skateboarding sections as drawbacks, while Digital Trends mentions a lack of polish and depth in some areas. Eurogamer notes that the skateboarding aspect feels disconnected from the overall experience. PC Invasion and But Why Tho?? both mention repetitive gameplay as a downside, although they still appreciate the game's strong narrative and authentic representation of characters. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Thirsty Suitors is an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. The game's strengths lie in its engaging storytelling, unique visual style, and diverse cast of characters. Critics like GamesRadar++ and Hardcore Gamer emphasize the compelling and important story, while Press Start Australia highlights the game's charm and the importance of diversity in gaming. Despite some flaws in gameplay mechanics and repetitive elements, the game's exceptional narrative, dialogue, and characters make it a standout experience, as noted by PC Gamer and Twinfinite. The positive reception from multiple critics suggests that Thirsty Suitors successfully delivers on its vision and provides an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Thirsty Suitors for its engaging storytelling, unique visuals, and diverse characters. The game is lauded for its boundary-breaking narrative and South Asian culture representation. Some critics note drawbacks like uneven gameplay elements and repetitive combat, but overall, the consensus is that the game offers a compelling and important experience despite its flaws. Thirsty Suitors successfully delivers on its vision and provides an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience, according to multiple critics.

CRITIK

Reviews

45 reviews found

RPG Fan

Nov 2, 2023