Sucker For Love: Date to Die For [Review]

A little while ago, I put in a request to play Sucker For Love: Date to Die For and got a key in exchange for an honest review (thank you devs). Honestly, it's taken me a while to write this because I was hoping I could sit down and finish the game first. As of June 8th, I have conceded that I'm not going to finish the game -- not because I dislike the game -- but because it and I are just not a good fit.

With the name of the game and description, I initially was under the impression that this was a silly dating sim with some light horror elements. Oh no. Possum you sweet summer child. This is absolutely 100% a horror game, although there's humor and funny quips. And well, I don't play horror games. Or maybe it's I can't play horror games? Whatever it is, fear and I in video game form don't get along.

This is a shame because I can tell Sucker For Love: Date to Die For is a well-made game full of heart. I really wanted to finish it.

So what is Sucker for Love: Date to Die For? The Steam Description reads: Put the ‘love’ in 'Lovecraftian horror!' Avoid the fanatical cultists and survive dangerous rituals to escape the Black Woods with your life in this 90s anime-inspired visual novel!

Let's talk about the good stuff. The art style is a throwback to 90s anime in the best way possible. The writing was quite good, with a gripping story. Enhancing this is the voice acting. There's Lovecraftian nightmares and lots of creepy imagery and gore. It feels just like a campy 90s horror movie, which ironically is the type that I love watching. I can't say how scary the spooky parts are because everything the tiniest bit scary is very, very scary in my book. The chapter selection even has this VHS thing going on that I think is rad.

The game even plays as a 90s adventure/visual novel. While some people might find this play style dated, I found the throwback delightful.

It's there are chase sequences. A lot. And for whatever reason, the invoked phobia levels of fear in me. Thus, the reason I can't quite finish it.

That said, I do recommend this game. I hope if you're less cowardly then me that you do check it out. For me, I think I'll watch a play through on Youtube to see how the story ends.

~ PossumCoffee