User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 804 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 51 out of 804

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  1. Jun 22, 2020
    9
    Un juego que no es lo que aparenta, convirtiéndolo en algo mejor, esa mezcla de ternura con terror psicológico simplemente me encantó, revolucionando el género de novela visual y llevándolo a otro nivel
  2. Jun 21, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game honestly change my life, not cause its a Weeb game, it’s Bc it talks about real life problems like Depression, Loneliness Abused, and self harm, I do love this game and the r/DDLC community, I hope in the futures this game gets a sequel, a movie or tv show even, play this game so you can have the experience. (May I also say it’s free too?) Expand
  3. Jun 20, 2020
    10
    A free game with the ability to support developer by purchasing additional content. Just Monica!
  4. May 31, 2020
    8
    A very interesting text-based psychological thriller game that makes you laugh, scared, and surprised within a minute.
  5. May 21, 2020
    10
    Trama originale con dei colpi di scena pazzeschi giocarlo e finirlo è stato piacevole .L'ho giocato sotto il consiglio di un amico visto che all'apparenza non sembra bello ansi abbastanza ridicolo
  6. May 15, 2020
    9
    A surprisingly enjoyable experience for a short game. If you are reading this review you really shouldn't be, because others may spoil it. What you should be doing is going through the first playthrough, which is a 2 hour long visual novel about poetry.
    If you feel like digging in deeper after that first one there is a surprising amount of depth of things which can be found. So after you
    A surprisingly enjoyable experience for a short game. If you are reading this review you really shouldn't be, because others may spoil it. What you should be doing is going through the first playthrough, which is a 2 hour long visual novel about poetry.
    If you feel like digging in deeper after that first one there is a surprising amount of depth of things which can be found. So after you feel you're done I suggest checking out other things online, like Game Theorists videos. Don't miss out on that first playthrough, it is short enough, but it is unlikely to leave an impression if you don't play or make choices for yourself.
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  7. Apr 13, 2020
    10
    A primeira visual-novel que joguei. Foi uma experiência fantástica. É o tipo de jogo que você não deve receber spoilers. Apenas jogue!
  8. Mar 27, 2020
    1
    I really don't see what people find so special about this game. Characters are very generic, no slapping soundtrack, not really many choices you get to make so is it really even a game? And it has a super generic plot twist that everyone finds super shocking and new. This game didn't invent breaking the fourth wall. There are so many games that do the whole fourth wall thing better, likeI really don't see what people find so special about this game. Characters are very generic, no slapping soundtrack, not really many choices you get to make so is it really even a game? And it has a super generic plot twist that everyone finds super shocking and new. This game didn't invent breaking the fourth wall. There are so many games that do the whole fourth wall thing better, like Undertale, or Danganronpa, which is an infinitely better visual novel. This was one of the most boring games i've ever played. Expand
  9. Mar 19, 2020
    9
    Doki Doki Literature club is infamous for the characters and story. What attracted me was the cute intro and the welcome letter on the website. This short story packs a punch and has nice elements of moe culture. I wished there was a bit more lore to the whole story, yet almost perfect for what it wanted to deliver. If you like anime, virtual novels and horror this is your call! BecauseDoki Doki Literature club is infamous for the characters and story. What attracted me was the cute intro and the welcome letter on the website. This short story packs a punch and has nice elements of moe culture. I wished there was a bit more lore to the whole story, yet almost perfect for what it wanted to deliver. If you like anime, virtual novels and horror this is your call! Because Doki Doki is entirely free to play. Not recommended for people with a weak stomach. Expand
  10. Mar 6, 2020
    10
    Great game that had me depressed, sad, and glad all at the same time. This game knows how to strike a balance with psychological horror. The music Is great, and the characters are great, but dont expect to be mentally sound for a week after beating the game because it can and will do that to you. Other than that it is a game that leaves a lasting impression.
  11. Mar 5, 2020
    10
    This review will be lost in the sea of my fellow gamers, but DDLC was really a game-changer (pun not intended) both for me and the gaming community. An utterly shocking twist masked by "yo date anime girls", Doki Doki will be known as one of the greatest indie games of all time, up there with FNAF and Undertale.

    The passion and thought put into this game are well executed, and generally
    This review will be lost in the sea of my fellow gamers, but DDLC was really a game-changer (pun not intended) both for me and the gaming community. An utterly shocking twist masked by "yo date anime girls", Doki Doki will be known as one of the greatest indie games of all time, up there with FNAF and Undertale.

    The passion and thought put into this game are well executed, and generally shines as an indie game (or a video game in general).
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  12. Mar 1, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is just wonderful, everything is so well built within the entire universe within it, the soundtrack is perfect, the characters are so charismatic and everything within the game itself is incredible ... I will never forget the Doki Doki Literature Club because it simply marked my life. Expand
  13. Dec 27, 2019
    8
    It's genuinely creepy, disturbing and weird. Since that's what Dan Salvato was going for, that's a good thing.
  14. Dec 22, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was never a huge fan of anime games but this game made me love them. I liked the Fnaf games with its way of telling the story. The characters are just awsome but the gameplay lags a bit behind. I would liked it if there was more meaning to you poems. Expand
  15. Dec 7, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The plot twist and the whole story is suprisingly good. And they modified the game code itself sp a big plus for that game. :) Expand
  16. Dec 5, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't think Doki Doki Literature Club is the best game that came out in 2017 but it still a great game who deserve his 9 point. i know i'm gonna spoil but anyways here I go :
    At the first sight, we have a boring visual novel with generic characters (the leader, the tsundere etc) but everything change with Sayori's death. With his suicide and the background we understand that the game is not a boring visual novel but something, something more terrible.
    In the second act, Monika start to become omnimous and the really fun start here. The game start to don't give a f*** with the fourth wall and break it reguliary. the character start to act weirdly and Monika gonna tries everything to be with you. I not gonna talk more about the story but the story is just Amazing
    I really recommend the game, play it and after that why not testing some mods ?
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  17. 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.
  18. Nov 6, 2019
    10
    One of my favorite ganes of all time, just don't play if you're feeling a little sad lately
  19. Sep 2, 2019
    9
    This is the best visual novel that i ever played! I won’t lie, the first couple hours are a bit boring but it’s still ok.. after that, the story gets really intense and frightening.DDLC is an awesome horror game that really messed with my head a little...It’s definitely worth playing.
  20. Aug 19, 2019
    10
    It's a testament to the impact that this game had on me when I originally played it that years later I still consider it one of the most memorable video games I've ever played, and as such one that I consider one of my all-time favourites next to what others might consider more "traditional" games.

    Now, having completed it numerous times, there is still joy to be had by recommending it
    It's a testament to the impact that this game had on me when I originally played it that years later I still consider it one of the most memorable video games I've ever played, and as such one that I consider one of my all-time favourites next to what others might consider more "traditional" games.

    Now, having completed it numerous times, there is still joy to be had by recommending it to others and hearing their reactions. I introduced this game to two of my friends, and both of them were quick to contact me after completing it both revealing the impact that the game had on them, and to "thank" me for putting them onto it. We still reminisce on it to this day.

    To explain why this game is so great would be to spoil what makes it so. If you stick with it, even if you're not a fan of the "dating game" genre, you'll find that there is more to this game than initially meets the eye... but be sure to heed the warning when the game loads; this game is definitely not for those who are easily disturbed.
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  21. Jun 11, 2019
    9
    I give this game a 9, because I like its concept, and it's surprisingly well made for such a small team of developers: the creator and two hired artists (characters and backgrounds).

    The charm of the game doesn't come directly from its genre (dating sim/visual novel) but from the overall plot, the music and the liberal (and intelligent) use of graphical and sound effects to craft and
    I give this game a 9, because I like its concept, and it's surprisingly well made for such a small team of developers: the creator and two hired artists (characters and backgrounds).

    The charm of the game doesn't come directly from its genre (dating sim/visual novel) but from the overall plot, the music and the liberal (and intelligent) use of graphical and sound effects to craft and change the atmosphere on a whim. What I found genius about the game was the use of poetry to portray the feelings of the characters, which from a dating sim standpoint is a smart idea. Poetry is definitely a theme of the game, and it's a well executed one.

    There are many secrets that DDLC hides from you, like the fact that is has a hidden genre, one that's hinted at by the warning message at the start the game: "This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed", but that's all I can say without going into spoilers.

    Overall, It's a short game (5-6 hours long) and it's free, I highly recommend anyone to play this game alone, at night, in the dark...
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  22. Jun 10, 2019
    10
    Go in blind. Don't read any reviews. Just go and see for yourself. What are you waiting for???
  23. Apr 26, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of my favorite games of all time and undeniably on my list of must plays if you aren't suffering from depression or anxiety. If you are suffering from any sort of mental instability, it's a must NOT play. I don't wanna give too much away, so warning, (somewhat minor) SPOILERS AHEAD!

    So this dating game with a dark twist left me with a minor depression for like 5 hours but it there were just so many other emotions that it was well worth it. The expertly written dialogue and the writing itself is impeccable, and being one who appreciates literature even hearing the poems was a great experience. Not only was the writing a work of pure genius, but the soundtrack and the music made for the game fit absolutely perfect with what was going on. Dan Salvato really immerses you in his world with charming dialogue and cute characters. The story grabbed me and I was completely hooked, and almost addicted to the game. I just couldn't wait to see what happened next, and when I saw what happened next I consistently felt fulfilled. This game made me feel a real connection with the characters that only games like Undertale (another game on my list of must-plays) could do. Not only do you begin to feel a connection to the characters but you also feel the pain and terror when they're ripped away from you. Even at the end of the game, the credits song really tugged at my heart strings and just made a beautiful ending. This game is just a roller coaster of emotions and by far the best horror game I have ever played. There is no other experience like it and if you're reading this and are okay with themes like suicide, depression, self harm, and abuse, then you have to play this game. Even my friend who only likes Fortnite enjoyed it!
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  24. Apr 9, 2019
    8
    Awesome, innovative, creative and inspiring game that does get a little slow at times, but is absolutely, and without a doubt, very much worth playing and experiencing for yourself.
  25. Mar 18, 2019
    8
    Unusual story. Interesting characters and a nice soundtrack. Still cool made a moment with the name of the computer. It is a pity that the elections in the game does not affect the final.
  26. Mar 16, 2019
    9
    (Much sad, very unexpected, such story) wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow.
  27. Mar 6, 2019
    10
    best game in 2k17 лучшая визуальная навела ,которая застуживает больше чем 78 баллов
  28. Feb 18, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very good game. This game gives you the feeling of "this game is amazing". 10/10 Expand
  29. Jan 28, 2019
    2
    I don't understand the hype. This novel is boring. I skipped several hours before something interesting started.
  30. Jan 24, 2019
    10
    Very interesting psychological horror which disguise as ordinary dating sim. and remember Yuri is the best girl.
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. 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
  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. 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.