Horror Game News

MiSide is a psychological horror adventure game developed by the Russian indie team AIHASTO and published by IndieArk and Shochiku. Released on December 11, 2024, for Windows, the game has garnered an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with over 94,000 reviews praising its unique blend of unsettling horror and anime-inspired aesthetics. (MiSide Wiki | Fandom, MiSide)

Premise: From Mobile App to Digital Nightmare

The story begins with the player, a software developer, downloading a mobile game called MiSide, featuring a virtual girlfriend named Mita. After 37 in-game days, Mita requests to meet in person, and the player is suddenly transported into the game’s world, now rendered in a first-person 3D perspective. What starts as a seemingly innocent simulation quickly unravels into a psychological horror experience. (An In-Depth Review of MiSide – Katelyn Brooke – Medium, MiSide)

Gameplay: Navigating a Twisted Virtual Reality

Players must solve puzzles, explore the apartment setting, and interact with various versions of Mita, each with distinct personalities and intentions. Choices made throughout the game influence the narrative, leading to multiple endings. The gameplay evolves from simple tasks to complex challenges as the player uncovers the dark secrets of Mita’s world. (MiSide, MiSide DEMO by Aihasto – Games)

Themes: Obsession, Control, and the Blurring of Reality

MiSide delves into themes of obsession and the consequences of escapism. The game explores the psychological impact of becoming too immersed in virtual relationships, questioning the boundaries between reality and simulation. The character of Mita embodies these themes, transitioning from a caring companion to a manipulative entity as the story progresses.

Reception: A Viral Indie Success

Upon release, MiSide quickly gained popularity, with over 10,000 reviews in its first week and maintaining a 98% positive rating. The game’s success is attributed to its unique narrative, atmospheric design, and the viral spread of gameplay clips on social media platforms. Critics have compared its impact to that of Doki Doki Literature Club!, noting its subversion of expectations and emotional depth. (MiSide)

Content Warning

MiSide contains mature content, including scenes of violence, blood, and psychological distress. Players can enable a censorship option in the settings to modify certain visual elements. (MiSide on Steam)

Experience the game firsthand on Steam:
👉 https://store.steampowered.com/app/2527500/MiSide/