Dev behind new Doki Doki Literature Club-style psychological horror says it's not "for those with weak hearts," but with 98% positive Steam reviews, I'm not sure I can stay away

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MiSide is Steam's latest horror sensation, but approach with caution

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There's a uniquely terrifying quality to games like Doki Doki Literature Club that comes from deeply disturbing psychological horror masking itself in the sickly sweet veneer of a bright, colorful anime setting. Even though you know you're playing a horror game and thus will likely experience some dark stuff, there's just something disarming about not being able predict when and what it'll be due to the seemingly cheery vibe of the game.

Like Doki Doki, things begin innocently enough when you download a mobile game and start hanging out with your new virtual girlfriend, cooking and cleaning and playing various mini-games with her. However, you soon find yourself trapped in Mita's virtual world, and unfortunately, she's not always down to help you get back to your world.

Mita will have a different look and personality depending on which version of her you encounter. Sometimes she'll help you out, and other times she'll chase you down with a bloody chainsaw. Other, even more horrific times, she'll summon these creepy spider-like creatures that I presume aren't looking to cuddle.

Despite Aihasto's warning of "disturbing" content, MiSide already has an impressive 1,300 reviews on Steam after launching just yesterday, and a whopping 98% of them are positive. I absolutely loved Doki Doki Literature Club, and a lot of reviews are comparing MiSide to that, so I'll definitely be checking out the free demo as soon as I can.

Check out our list of the best horror games for even more frightful fun.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.