Doki Doki Literature Club!

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 804 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 657 out of 804
  2. Mixed: 96 out of 804
  3. Negative: 51 out of 804

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  1. Alentejano
    Aug 19, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is two different things: the first half that is boring, generic and bad but with good music and some funny moments and the second half that, albeit a bit repetitive, is incredibly refreshing. It starts out with a great twist and the game changes to a more surreal experience that wants to screw with the player while also providing unique commentary and satire on the romance/dating simulator genre as a whole. The first half needs to be that bad so the second one can be as impactful as it and that ending is something special (the need to delete Monika's character from the game files, another great aspect of this game).… Expand
  2. Waozec
    Mar 25, 2022
    7
    Even after getting spoiled by a friend of mine, it was still one hell of an experience. Game really screws you mentally. The first few hours were quite boring though.
  3. frinkL7
    Dec 12, 2017
    7
    What DDLC delivers is part subversive horror as well as a deconstruction of the Visual Novel/ Dating Sim genre. I wouldn't call it a 'masterpiece' as there isn't much in the way of unique gameplay, content or fun factor. What it does deliver are a small handful of moments of genuine spine-chilling horror. The kind of mixed feeling of not merely fear, but sadness, shock, grief, and genuineWhat DDLC delivers is part subversive horror as well as a deconstruction of the Visual Novel/ Dating Sim genre. I wouldn't call it a 'masterpiece' as there isn't much in the way of unique gameplay, content or fun factor. What it does deliver are a small handful of moments of genuine spine-chilling horror. The kind of mixed feeling of not merely fear, but sadness, shock, grief, and genuine physical nausea.

    The content warning at the beginning is there for a reason. If you are anxious or depressed, consider steering clear of this one.    … Expand
  4. ragnarokew
    Dec 16, 2017
    7
    Good and short vn definitely worth checking since its free , im one of a few people who rated below 8 i cant really see whats the extra here.İts not the first vn with psycho stuff , twists and breaking the 4th wall. i think there is so much hype right now especially from new vn players comes from steam in the end i don't think its deserves to be called "masterpiece" and having 9.0 averageGood and short vn definitely worth checking since its free , im one of a few people who rated below 8 i cant really see whats the extra here.İts not the first vn with psycho stuff , twists and breaking the 4th wall. i think there is so much hype right now especially from new vn players comes from steam in the end i don't think its deserves to be called "masterpiece" and having 9.0 average rate but definitely good enough to entertain.

    7/10    … Expand
  5. pikby
    Jan 15, 2018
    7
    i had a good time with Doki Doki literature club, despite it being a predictable mess at times, it has some good scares,while some of it is just plain laughable ,if your looking for a good laugh, or a good scare . this will serve you well for both all wrapped in a little clever package, just dont expect anything groundbreaking
  6. kvnd
    Aug 11, 2018
    6
    The meta fourth wall breaking is unique and the music & presentation are dope. Drags on for just a little bit too long unfortunately. Not hugely scary but definitely super dark as soon as you get to around the half-way mark. Crazy amount of secrets and Easter eggs all throughout this game which are impressive but still don't make playing the actual game any more entertaining.
  7. Raouf314
    Jul 6, 2018
    6
    Not so much of a horror as other might tell you but it touches upon the real issues and expands them up to a dramatic but real point. It had some innovative elements which made the game not as boring as usual visual novels but I give it a 6 because in the end it follows the routine form so nothing that surprising happened to move or shock me as a person who has gotten used to visual novelNot so much of a horror as other might tell you but it touches upon the real issues and expands them up to a dramatic but real point. It had some innovative elements which made the game not as boring as usual visual novels but I give it a 6 because in the end it follows the routine form so nothing that surprising happened to move or shock me as a person who has gotten used to visual novel form over the years. I still hope for a big bang and a balls-to-the-walls change in this industry.
    You should definitely check the game though. Enjoy yourselves    … Expand
  8. Vitor007
    Dec 7, 2018
    7
    Completely surprising and unexpected. A totally different game than you think. Despite having good communication with the player, Doki Doki slides in his conclusion, being the only point in which the game is lost. I'd play more times to test new choices.
  9. keanex
    Mar 26, 2018
    7
    An interesting experience. I wouldn't call it a game, moreso an interactive graphic novel. Quite an experience still. I had a good time with it and the way the game unfolded was unique for sure. Well worth the time invested.
  10. kycokkycka
    Jan 8, 2019
    6
    найми сценариста найми сценариста найми сценариста найми сценариста
  11. RogueV
    Dec 5, 2019
    6
    Cute lil game with a neat surprise. Don't read any spoilers on it before playing it, and don't judge it too hard before you're at least about half an hour into it.
  12. russiangamer
    May 1, 2021
    7
    Первая, невинная, половина игры проходит под флагом подросткового ромкома. Так продолжается до переломного момента, который ввергает в ужас, ведь максимально контрастирует с прошедшей "целомудренной" половиной. Далее начинается хоррор бэд-трип с крепкой атмосферой и интригой.
    К концу перед игроком всё раскрывается и в итоге игра удаляет саму себя. "Доки доки" своей формой хорошо передаёт    Первая, невинная, половина игры проходит под флагом подросткового ромкома. Так продолжается до переломного момента, который ввергает в ужас, ведь максимально контрастирует с прошедшей "целомудренной" половиной. Далее начинается хоррор бэд-трип с крепкой атмосферой и интригой.
    К концу перед игроком всё раскрывается и в итоге игра удаляет саму себя. "Доки доки" своей формой хорошо передаёт палитру страданий, депрессии, неудовлетворённости. По содержанию же, это, пожалуй, разговор о любви и о том, что любовью не является. Неумение отличить любовь от привязанности или дружбы, а то и пагубной зависимости; невозможность пересилить себя, чтобы отпустить того, кого ты любишь. Мне выпала концовка, в которой Моника удаляет всю игру, по сути, сознаваясь в том, что она не любит героя (меня), ведь готова уничтожить всё, даже себя, чтобы не чувствовать страдание. Это вызывает одновременно и сочувствие и неприязнь, но... Здесь уж вступают в силу философичные рассуждения: что такое любовь, как пережить пик страдания - уничтожить всё? Стоит ещё порассуждать о том, что игра-то знает, что она игра, но это всё равно, как всегда, рассуждение о человеке. И конец - он как приговор: мы, люди, не умеем любить, не вторгаясь в автономию другого человека, руководствуясь при этом политикой физического и эмоционального захвата; мы скорее всё уничтожим, весь мир, чтобы избежать собственного страдания, была бы только возможность.
    Ладно уж, ладно. Есть ещё о чём поговорить, но основное я сказал. Упомяну ещё интересную фишку, которую я раньше никогда не встречал - она меня очень-очень удивила: чтобы продвигаться дальше по сюжету, нужно будет покопаться в папке с файлами игры. Пускай этому уделяешь всего с минуту, но этот выход за рамки - в папку с файлами - произвёл на меня впечатление.
    Грустная игра, советую.    … Expand
  13. greenndreams
    Mar 2, 2018
    6
    처음 2시간(Act 1)은 매우 느리고 지루하다. 내 소중한 시간에 난 지금 뭘 하고 있는 걸까 싶지만 캐릭터들의 비현실적인 대사들을 억지로 꾸역꾸역 읽으며 2시간을 버틴다. 그러다 분위기가 갑자기 변한다. 그 씬 하나가 상당히 효과적이다. 그 뒤(Act 2)엔 심히 어리둥절하고 여전히 지루해 죽겠는 2시간을 보낸다. 드디어 몰입됐고 뭐가 뭔지 궁금해 죽겠는데도 Act 1과 같은 과정을 반복한다. 그러다 마침내 Act 3에 도달하면 제대로 보상받는 듯한 느낌.

    (스포일러) 미연시라는 장르의 자기 패러디다. 뻔하고 공식화된 캐릭터들과 스토리 전개가 결국 전부 패러디를 위한 장치었음을 뒤늦게 깨닫는다. 그래서 로맨스 대사들은 심히 유치하고 오글거리지만, 제대로 쓴 대사들과 시는 소름    처음 2시간(Act 1)은 매우 느리고 지루하다. 내 소중한 시간에 난 지금 뭘 하고 있는 걸까 싶지만 캐릭터들의 비현실적인 대사들을 억지로 꾸역꾸역 읽으며 2시간을 버틴다. 그러다 분위기가 갑자기 변한다. 그 씬 하나가 상당히 효과적이다. 그 뒤(Act 2)엔 심히 어리둥절하고 여전히 지루해 죽겠는 2시간을 보낸다. 드디어 몰입됐고 뭐가 뭔지 궁금해 죽겠는데도 Act 1과 같은 과정을 반복한다. 그러다 마침내 Act 3에 도달하면 제대로 보상받는 듯한 느낌.

    (스포일러)

    미연시라는 장르의 자기 패러디다. 뻔하고 공식화된 캐릭터들과 스토리 전개가 결국 전부 패러디를 위한 장치었음을 뒤늦게 깨닫는다. 그래서 로맨스 대사들은 심히 유치하고 오글거리지만, 제대로 쓴 대사들과 시는 소름 끼치게 깊다. 게임이 막바지에 네번째 벽을 넘는데 그 방식이 독창적이다. 그리고 얼핏 보기엔 대충 만든 저예산 게임같지만 곳곳에 숨겨진 복선들과 이스터에그가 꽤 창의적이다. 완성도 높은 게임이라고 생각하진 않지만 상당히 참신한 실험이다.

    그런데 아무리 미연시라지만 오글거리는 대사를 조금만 더 현실적이게 써줬다면 캐릭터가 얼마나 더 공감됐을까. 미연시나 비주얼 노벨이 취향인 사람은 별 문제 없겠지만 그게 아닌 사람에겐 반전이 드러나기까지의 과정이 너무 지루하다. (단순히 소설을 읽는 것과도 다른 게, 이런 비주얼 노벨은 일반적인 소설에서 간단히 묘사하거나 생략할 상황까지 전부 대화록으로 장황하게 처리한다. 미연시와 야동에만 존재하는 멍청하고 순종적인 소녀들은 덤.) 그리고 게임의 길이를 조금만 단축했어도 패러디가 충분하지 않았을까 싶다. 본격적으로 분위기를 반전시킨 Act 2부터라도 조금 단축해서 긴장을 좀 더 빠르게 고조시켰다면. 중간의 "그 장면" 때 순식간에 소름 돋았는데 결국 똑같이 한없는 대화록 읽고 클릭질하는 통에 있던 긴장감도 다 식었다. 원래 미연시가 다 이런 식인지 모르겠는데, 어쩜 이렇게 똑같은 말을 조금씩 다르게 반복하는지 대단할 따름이다. 이 게임 작가는 보고서를 많이 써 본 거 같다.

    심지어 떡씬도 없다.    … Expand
  14. giannis2001
    Aug 6, 2021
    7
    Very interesting game. I won't say anything because the least you know the better but follow the game's advice in the starting screen.
  15. Jackthegamer
    Jul 6, 2023
    6
    I would actually prefer this game to be a dating simulator with a dark undertone.
  16. edxtan
    Feb 27, 2023
    7
    At first sight, Doki Doki Literature Club! appears to be a typical romantic visual novel. As the game goes on, many of the clichés and tropes are explained through dark and intimate themes which develop into 4th wall breaking mechanics that make you feel more personally connected with the characters.
  17. Boromaih
    Aug 13, 2022
    7
    Good game, will keep you invested all throughout its rather short duration.
  18. KapralDominik
    Jul 20, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Интерактивная новелла, выигрывающая исключительно на первом обманном впечатлении. Зная главный твист, фактически теряется вся ценность и игровой процесс не принесет должного экспириенса. В любом случае, если это ваша первая игра манипулирующая прорывом сквозь 4-ю стену, обманутом ожидании и нарочистом удалении файла главной антагонистки (с последующем сохранением его у себя на флешке/диске/вибродилдаке/прочем носителе, дабы беречь его под подушкой питаясь влажными мечтами), то это будет приятное впечатление оставшееся с вами на всю жизнь. Итого: 6.… Expand
  19. Chubac
    Oct 10, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first half is one of the worst experiences i ever had with a videogame. It's boring, cringey and bad. After the first 3-4 hours it's finally picks up and we get an interesting twist at the end.… Expand
  20. Alex_Stone
    Apr 6, 2023
    7
    Крутезная новелла про аниме девочек, а вот херня про Монику не очень получилась, как по мне. Желаемого эффекта, мне кажется, можно было добиться только, если бы главный прикол сюжета, раскрылся неожиданно. А так он читался, благодаря множеству отсылок, оставленных автором по ходу. Но Моника всё равно госпожа.Крутезная новелла про аниме девочек, а вот херня про Монику не очень получилась, как по мне. Желаемого эффекта, мне кажется, можно было добиться только, если бы главный прикол сюжета, раскрылся неожиданно. А так он читался, благодаря множеству отсылок, оставленных автором по ходу. Но Моника всё равно госпожа.
  21. Oshiri_Maeda
    May 8, 2023
    7
    Very nice gig! too long to actually play it though, better watch it on YouTube.
  22. ErayTellezi
    Nov 17, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ergenlerin bunalıma ve intihara nasıl sürüklendiğini iyi anlatıyor. Ama kabul edelim, bu çocukların hiçbirisi normal değil.… Expand
  23. eraybeycik
    Dec 24, 2020
    6
    Oyun oldukça ilginç ve ürkütücü. AMA BİR SAAT MAL GİBİ YAZI OKUMAK SIKIYOR.
  24. EmirhanSahin
    Jan 2, 2022
    5
    The only point of this game is an unpredictable story. Without it, we have nothing.
  25. Ave-Nar
    Nov 17, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my friends told me he couldn't sleep after playing this game. I was curious so I downloaded the game. I like the basic idea: an innocent visual novel suddenly turning into a bizarre horror. After the turning point unexpected and wicked things happen. Some of those were shocking and cool, but some of those just felt weird. I have to admit I was disappointed that the game wanted me to believe that choices matter but it was only an illusion.… Expand
  26. Baterie
    Nov 19, 2021
    7
    meh aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  27. Taken_Hades
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    -7/10 story
    -6/10 gameplay (not big fan of visual novels but it was short and enjoyable)
    -7/10 art
    -7/10 characters
    -8/10 music
  28. SFproductions
    Nov 19, 2022
    7
    this game made me realize i need to start talking to women ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
  29. xalugg
    Nov 30, 2022
    7
    Eu gosto da historia mas tem muito dialogo e isso acaba fazendo a pessoa querer pular tudo
  30. xalugg2
    May 5, 2023
    7
    Eu gosto da historia mas tem muito dialogo e isso acaba fazendo a pessoa querer pular tudo

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PC Game of 2017
19
#19 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. GameGrin
    Feb 14, 2018
    85
    Doki Doki Literature Club is a mind boggling and hard hitting horror game that takes tried and tested formulas of both visual novels and dating sims and turns them on their heads. The themes and story pack a punch, and stayed with me long after I had finished playing. It may require commitment from some to get through but the reward for those who stick it is more than worth it
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Feb 8, 2018
    55
    A horror game disguised as a dating sim. First couple of hours are boring and written poorly to the degree of being hard to digest for me, then things get better, but the story is still shallow and the substance plays second fiddle to the form. [01/2018, p.61]
  3. Ragequit.gr
    Jan 21, 2018
    87
    Doki Doki Literature Club is a visual novella that masterfully manages to creep up on you, shatter the 4th wall with a sledgehammer and land it on your unsuspecting face.
    Read full review
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