Indie games are unpredictable. Some overflow with creative storylines, unforgettable characters, or even a stimulating gameplay experience. However, there are numerous indie titles in the world that make you question the developer’s sanity, along with your own for playing it in the first place. Sometimes, you find yourself even enjoying them. With that stated, I take it upon myself to dig deep into the dark and quirky nooks and crannies of the video game community. This is The Odd and The Indiescribable.
There is an infinite amount of dating simulators floating around the internet. I Ruff You ranks as one of the stranger ones I've had the luxury of encountering. By the title, it’s fairly obvious we’re dealing with the canine species here. Dogs need love too, you know.
Created by So Good Games, this dog dating simulator ensues within a dog park where four bachelors await your charming growl. I’m not entirely sure what species you’re trotting around as, but she (or he?) is adorable nonetheless. The leisurely gameplay makes for a relaxed experience. You wander around the delightful park to gather a general look at your suitors and interact with them with various “woofs” and “barks”. Not only are there three strikingly handsome dogs to gawk at, but also a hesitant squirrel who claims you don’t understand love. Rude.
In I Ruff You, a day passes following a meager attempt to strike up a conversation with one of the dogs inhabiting the park. In some ways, this feature generates as realistic of a setting as a dating dog simulator can get, conveying the idea that true love takes time. As you flirt and bat your eyelashes, conversation options open up. Considering you’re a dog who seemingly cannot speak human words, your use of “Bark” or “BARK” determines your fate with the diverse bachelors. Your responses DO matter. Feel the room to gather a general idea of what kind of dog you’re dealing with.
The cartoon environment complements this simulator perfectly. To be honest, I was surprised and a little scared when I exchanged barks with the Chihuahua though. His face was so…spine-chilling. However, it’s about what’s on the inside that matters, ladies and gentlemen. Fetching the tennis ball for him once a day for three days typically makes him swoon, concluding a happy ending for the lovely canine couple. The other dogs, however, are more of a challenge to win over. Don’t even get me started on that squirrel.
While meandering around the dog park, I happened upon a Corgi demanding something a tad odd. Apparently, devouring the poor pup’s food and slurping up the remaining drinking water results in the Corgi stunned over your dapper self. Sharing is caring, I guess. I won’t dare analyze it too much. The Scotti plays hard to get. If you don't mark your territory on a shrub or two nearby, he won’t give you the time of day. His already nonexistent love for you vanishes into thin air, all because you didn’t pee anywhere in the park. How dare you.
Now before pursuing the squirrel, it appears being acquainted with the three dogs first is the only to be noticed. The little critter eventually finds you very fascinating, but still suffers from doubt. Don’t you fret, for your “woofs” and “barks” are nothing short of charismatic. There’s no rhyme or reason for this relationship, but I won’t give away the intimate conversation details.
Overall, I Ruff You presents as another one of those dating simulators that exist, but you’re not sure why. Though nothing quite yet compares to Date a Fidget Spinner, hoping to find love in a dog park definitely has its quirks. Head on over to So Good Games page and take a stroll through the park. All it costs is a couple of brain cells.
I Ruff You was played on PC with a copy downloaded from itch.io.
What do you think of this dog dating simulator? Do you have a game in mind that you would like to see covered? Let us know in the comments below!