Thirsty Suitors isn’t just another stylish RPG-it features one of the most delightfully detailed and heartwarming dog petting sequences ever seen in a game, turning a simple gesture into a standout moment of charm and flair. As you navigate Jala’s chaotic love life and family drama, even petting a dog becomes an unforgettable, joyously animated experience that perfectly captures the game’s unique blend of humor and heart.
In Thirsty Suitors, you play as a woman named Jala who undertakes a quest to make amends with her many exes and get to know herself better. In one very special scene, Jala meets a dog in a restaurant. Instead of simply just creating an animation of Jala petting the dog and calling it the day, Outerloop went all in. She can pet the dog, but also do so much more.
As Jala, you can pet the dog. You give it a high-five. You give the dog a skateboard. The dog does a kickflip. The to top it all off, you scratch it under its chin and the dog will give you a little lick in return. It’s a whole dang scene that you progress via a series of little quick time-esque events. It’s an incredible sequence I didn’t know I needed. You can view a recording of it below.
Whether you can pet the dog or not in a game has basically become a recurring meme. Obviously the human desire to pet a dog predates any internet joke, but the above Twitter whether or not a game allows you to pet a dog, and has grown in popularity over the years – so much so, that some developers have even admitted to adding dog scenes because of it.
I imagine it can be frustrating as a developer. You make an entire game and people focus on the dang dog? However, what I like about this scene is the way petting the dog connects to the larger intent of the developers. In an interview with AELGAMES, the developers talked about how they wanted Jala’s story to be about joy. And while there are a lot of ways to lean into the joys of life, one small way can be stopping to pet a pup – and watch it do a kickflip.
Why does the dog petting sequence in Thirsty Suitors stand out so much
The dog petting sequence in Thirsty Suitors stands out because it combines playful animation and interactive charm in a way rarely seen in games: the dog performs a kickflip, and when you scratch it under the chin, it responds with a little lick, creating a delightfully engaging and memorable moment. This sequence exemplifies the game’s commitment to style and flair, where even simple actions like petting a dog are animated with maximum personality and visual panache, fitting perfectly with the game’s overall aesthetic inspired by Scott Pilgrim. This attention to detail and joyful interaction elevates what could be a mundane task into a standout, heartwarming experience that resonates with players.
What makes the dog petting sequence in Thirsty Suitors uniquely memorable
The dog petting sequence in Thirsty Suitors is uniquely memorable because it elevates a simple interaction into a playful and charming moment: the dog performs a kickflip, and when you scratch it under the chin, it responds with a little lick in return. This combination of unexpected, stylish animation and affectionate feedback creates an engaging and delightful experience that stands out from typical petting mechanics in games.
