Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! – A Psychological Journey Disguised as a Visual Novel

INTRODUCTION

I've played my fair share of visual novels, but nothing could have prepared me for Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!. This game, developed by Team Salvato, initially seems like a wholesome and lighthearted dating sim, but beneath the cute anime aesthetic and cheerful school setting lies one of the most unsettling and thought-provoking experiences I’ve ever had in gaming.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS – AND SWEET, INNOCENT FACADE

When I first started playing Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, everything felt like a typical slice-of-life visual novel. You take on the role of a high school student who reluctantly joins the school’s literature club at the insistence of his childhood friend, Sayori. The club consists of four girls—Sayori, the cheerful best friend; Natsuki, the tsundere with a love for cute things; Yuri, the shy and intellectual bookworm; and Monika, the club president who seems just a little too perfect.

The game’s vibrant pastel colors, cheerful background music, and adorable character designs create a seemingly cozy atmosphere. At first, the gameplay revolves around simple visual novel mechanics—choosing dialogue options and writing poems to impress one of the girls. It all feels very innocent, even predictable. But as I continued playing, something started to feel... off.

THE DESCENT INTO HORROR

It didn’t take long before Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! completely shattered my expectations. The moment Sayori’s storyline took a dark turn, I knew I wasn’t playing just another dating sim. What followed was an experience that was both emotionally devastating and psychologically disturbing. The game subtly manipulates the player, using clever writing, glitch effects, and eerie fourth-wall-breaking moments to create an unsettling atmosphere.

Without spoiling too much, the game doesn’t just tell a horror story—it is the horror story. The way it plays with expectations, twisting familiar tropes into something nightmarish, left me genuinely shocked. The psychological themes it explores—depression, existentialism, and even the nature of choice in video games—stuck with me long after I finished playing.

NEW CONTENT IN PLUS! EDITION

The Plus! version of the game adds new side stories, improved visuals, and high-resolution artwork, making the experience even more immersive. These additional stories provide deeper insight into the characters’ backgrounds and friendships, offering moments of warmth and connection before the game inevitably pulls the rug out from under you.

Additionally, the inclusion of unlockable content such as music tracks, artwork, and in-game files adds another layer of intrigue for players who enjoy digging deeper into hidden secrets. The experience feels more polished compared to the original, and the new content makes it worth revisiting even if you’ve played the base game.

PROS ✅AND CONS ❌

PROS: ✅

✔ Incredible storytelling – A masterclass in psychological horror and narrative design.
✔ Memorable characters – Each girl feels well-developed, making their stories even more impactful.
✔ Unique gameplay elements – The way the game interacts with the player goes beyond traditional visual novels.
✔ New content in Plus! – Additional stories and improved visuals enhance the overall experience.
✔ A genuinely unsettling atmosphere – The game knows how to get under your skin without relying on cheap jump scares.

CONS: ❌

✖ Slow start – The early hours may feel repetitive for players unfamiliar with visual novels.
✖ Disturbing themes – The game deals with heavy psychological topics that might not be suitable for everyone.
✖ Limited interactivity – While the choices feel meaningful, this is still largely a visual novel with minimal gameplay.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I went into Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! expecting a cute dating sim, and I left with my mind completely blown. The game is an unforgettable experience that plays with emotions, expectations, and even the nature of video game storytelling itself. It’s not just a game—it’s an experience.

If you’re a fan of psychological horror, meta-narratives, or just unique storytelling in gaming, this is a must-play. But be warned: Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is not for the faint of heart.

⭐ RATING: 9/10