Developed by AIHASTO, MiSide may seem like just another “cute anime girl but make it horror” game. But it delivers so much more. This breakout indie horror hit immediately captured players’ interest and hearts – accumulating over 40,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam in just two weeks.

While initial comparisons to Doki Doki Literature Club! are inevitable, MiSide establishes itself as something far more ambitious. The game seamlessly combines elements of classic survival horror, first-person shooters, and clever puzzle design, all while maintaining a steady and gripping narrative. Coupled with beautiful environments, fluid character animations, and quality voice acting, MiSide stands as one of the most compelling and innovative gaming experiences of the year.

Warning: This review contains spoilers!

Story Overview: Digital Romance Gone Wrong

Transported into your favorite mobile game with your favorite best girl, Mita, you quickly learn that things aren’t as sweet as they seem. The opening 30 minutes introduce you to the digital world of MiSide and its titular character. At first, our protagonist is rightfully startled. But the pushy charm or Mita makes it difficult to say no to her whims. You cook and play games together as she explains the mechanics of the game. Everything seems fine, but you can’t shake the feeling that something sinister is going on. And then you hear a strange knocking coming from Mita’s closet . . .

What starts as a typical dating sim takes a sharp turn into psychological horror when you discover a chilling truth – the Mita you’ve been romancing is actually an evil, alternate version. After daring into the secret basement in her closet, you find the genuine version from your game’s reality trapped in a cell. This “Good Mita” fills you in on her plan to reboot “Evil Mita” – and help you escape the game in the process. All you have to do is reach the game’s Core, she says. But that’s easier said than done. To do so, you must travel across a multitude of game versions.

Your journey introduces you to an eclectic cast of Mita variants, from the hat-wearing Cool Mita to the disfigured Tiny Mita and even a Mita who calls herself Mila just to stand out. Each version comes with a unique personality – some are nice, but some are out for blood. With Good Mita acting as a guide, it’s up to you to survive long enough to get to the Core.

Innovative Gameplay That Keeps You Engaged

MiSide is reminiscent of Bendy and the Ink Machine in the reality-bending themes and overall unsettling vibe throughout the 5-hour run time. Similarly, each chapter brings new gameplay mechanics that keep you on your toes. You’ll find yourself sneaking past murderous exoskeletal prototype Mitas, sprinting through heart-pounding chase sequences, and solving puzzles to squash game-breaking bugs.

Standout sequences such as a P.T. style looping hallway and a ensures no two chapters feel alike. Standout minigames include a Papers, Please style task that involves approving or rejecting prototype Mitas before receiving their own version.

The variety in gameplay keeps each chapter feeling like a totally different game, and the diverse cast of Mita clones covers every dating sim trope you could ever want. The solid storytelling also ensures that you’re never deviating too far from the main objective.

The Horror Persists: MiSide Ending

MiSide features 3 distinct endings, 2 of which are only accessible after finishing the game once. I won’t spoil the endings too much, so if you’re interested in learning more about them, check out our MiSide endings guide.

After achieving the first ending, you can make a few different choices to unlock the next two. A major letdown of all three endings is the inability to help any of the other Mitas tormented by Evil Mita’s plans. Hopefully in the future there will be additional endings and the ability to save the Mitas trapped in this nightmare. In the coming months, we’re also expecting a Peaceful Mode for those who have completed the main story.

Should You Play MiSide?

If you enjoy psychological horror and cute anime girls, this game is for you. MiSide is a solid experience that delivers genuine scares and distinct gameplay. With a diverse blend of genres and styles, you’re bound to find something you like. And I believe it’s a wonderful tribute to the indie horror genre that perfects the balance between inspiration and innovation.

Try it for yourself to discover why players are loving this yandere and her twisted, digital world.