Get virtually stood up in indie game Dinner Date

Not every man can save the world, even in video games. Rather than thrust you into the role of a macho space marine hero, or a whiny adolescent protagonist, the newly released PC game, Dinner Date, lets players see the world through the eyes of a man being stood up by his date. As if that weren't weird enough, the player doesn't actually play as the unlucky-in-love sap, Julian, rather as his subconscious.

“You play as the subconsciousness of Julian Luxemburg, waiting for his date to arrive. You listen in on his thoughts while tapping the table, looking at the clock and eventually reluctantly starting to eat...” says the game's official site. Being stood up stokes the fires of Julian's insecurities. You can choose to calm him down and let him face the situation with dignity, or agitate him and make him question not just his love life, but his career and self-worth.

This is also the first game we're awareof thatcomes with a recommended wine. “Julian has purchased a bottle of Otra Vida, an Argentinian Merlot. It is a refreshing pleasurable wine, offering a moment away from the stresses of daily life and work. Stout Games recommends drinking it while playing Dinner Date,” say the game's developers.

Above: The trailer

Dinner Date is $12.45 - kind of priceygivenits experimental nature and thatit only lasts 25-minutes, though it is meant to be replayed and,based on the trailer, it does look surprisingly interesting.Players are encouraged to see exactly how far they can push Julian, or calm him down.

It's available now for download onthe official site... we're not sure if our curiosity is going to push us to try it or not. We wouldn't, of course, want to play it without a bottle of Otra Vida for the full experience. Or two.

Nov 18, 2010