elsewhere in this list), which utilizes
video in a clever way to construct
a twisty-turny plot you gradually
unravel by using a search engine to
discover and watch clips.
Five Dates doesn’t have that level
of innovation nor even interaction.
That said, it’s an engaging experience,
with you acting as voyeur and
occasional decision-maker in the
world of Vinny, a London-based
millennial who’s joined a dating app.
Things kick off with Vinny setting
up a dating profile while chatting
with his friend. Decisions made here
do impact later conversations during
dates, although it’s not a case of
choosing wisely – more deciding on
aspects of Vinny’s
personality. Then
come the actual
dates, which are
lockdown-appropriate
video chats. They’re
sometimes stilted,
but full of humanity,
and sporadically have
you choose Vinny’s
reply. Said answers
can make or break a
connection.
The dating app’s
rules are designed
to further the plot rather than
Vinny’s life, as you’re forced to drop
a potential partner during each of
two subsequent rounds. And when
it ends, there’s no Hollywood reveal.
But what might come across as mere
surface has enough authenticity and
heart to make it worth the journey- or multiple journeys if you want
to try again and see how different
approaches affect Vinny’s chances.
ARCADE AND ACTION GAMES
- ALONE...
Price: £1.99
ALONE... has you zip along a
procedurally generated landscape
at ever-increasing speed, trying your
best to avoid the obstacles in your
5.