Thirsty Suitors: From Card Battles to Evil Exes

Love and Battle From Spousal Showdowns to Ex-Encounters - My Top Indie Game of 2023!

My top indie game of 2023 began as a quirky roguelike card game inspired by Slay the Spire, focusing on arranged marriage. However, it transformed into an RPG centered around battling former partners.

Hello there, fellow gamers! Today, we have a delightful story to share about a game that has gone through quite the transformation. Grab your favorite beverage, because we’re diving into the world of Thirsty Suitors!

Picture this: way back in 2018, the mastermind behind Thirsty Suitors, game director Chandana Ekanayake, had a vision. And what was that vision, you ask? Well, it all started with a card game. Yes, you heard that right, a card game! Imagine an action-RPG like Slay the Spire, but with a twist – it centers around the intriguing concept of arranged marriage. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?

Oh, and hold your horses, because we even have a sneak peek at the original pitch message from Ekanayake to writer Meghna Jayanth. Talk about a captivating idea! You can check it out here.

But wait, there’s more! In a brilliant move, Ekanayake slyly pitched the concept at the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco. The feedback was fantastic, which served as the spark that ignited the flame for Thirsty Suitors. We won’t spill the tea on how exactly he pulled it off, but if you’re curious, you can find the juicy details in the follow-up tweet.

Now, here comes the twist that will make your eyebrows raise with intrigue. Somewhere along the way, Thirsty Suitors shed its card-based skin and become an immersive turn-based strategy RPG. But fear not, my friends, the connection is still there! Think about it – card games and RPG battles both thrive on turns, so it’s a match made in gaming heaven.

Rumor has it that the game may have even had an exploration feature in its earlier form. Picture yourself adventuring through the realm of arranged marriages, navigating the treacherous waters of love and commitment. Would you be up for the challenge?

However, the development team decided to tap the brakes on the whole arranged marriage theme. Why, you ask? Well, it turns out none of them had experienced it themselves, and they wanted to do justice to such a significant theme. Kudos to them for acknowledging their limitations and striving for authenticity!

But enough about that! Let’s feast our eyes on some tantalizing artwork. Concept artist Vijay Krish was brought on board to capture the essence of Thirsty Suitors, and boy, did he deliver! The visuals ooze a charming blend of comic book-style effects, while the characters rock some seriously rad old-school outfits. It’s a sight for sore eyes, my friends! Have a gander at the art here.

Fast forward to today, and Thirsty Suitors has evolved into something extraordinary. Brace yourselves, because this turn-based RPG with RPG elements will have you battling evil exes like a champ. And let me tell you, it absolutely slaps. Our Thirsty Suitors review speaks volumes of its brilliance, describing it as a “witty, heartfelt adventure about going home.” Talk about a glowing endorsement!

If you’re hungry for more gaming goodness, we’ve got your back. Check out our guide to upcoming indie games for a taste of what’s to come.

So, my dear gamers, that concludes our exciting journey through the evolution of Thirsty Suitors. From humble card game beginnings to battling wicked exes, the game has come a long way. Cheers to the developers for their creativity, perseverance, and willingness to bring us these marvelous experiences. Now, go forth and conquer, my fellow gamers!