Doki Doki Literature Club!

About

Doki Doki Literature Club is a 2017 visual novel developed by Team Salvato, led by Dan Salvato. Initially presenting itself as a light-hearted dating simulator, the game rapidly evolves into a metafictional psychological horror experience. Players take on the role of a high school student who joins the school's literature club at the insistence of his childhood friend Sayori. The club consists of four female members: Sayori, Yuri, Natsuki, and Monika, each with distinct personalities. The gameplay involves making choices that influence relationships with these characters, though ultimately, these choices have little impact on the game's outcome. The game's narrative is notable for its dark themes and unexpected twists, often breaking the fourth wall to challenge player perceptions. As the story progresses, it delves into psychological horror elements, featuring glitches and disturbing events that subvert the initial cute setting. The game requires players to confront uncomfortable realities, including character deaths and the manipulation of game files to progress. This unique approach to storytelling has made Doki Doki Literature Club a standout title in the visual novel genre, offering a thought-provoking experience that explores themes of control and the illusion of choice.