I recently had the opportunity to play MiSide, a game developed by the Russian indie team AIHASTO, which is great because I am a huge fan of psychological horror games. Released on December 11, 2024, MiSide combines elements of adventure, simulation, and psychological horror. It offers a unique gaming experience that challenges players to navigate a complex narrative filled with unexpected twists and unsettling themes.
Introduction to MiSide
MiSide begins as a seemingly innocent mobile simulation game where players care for a digital avatar named Mita. However, this tranquillity is short-lived. After 37 days of in-game time, the protagonist is unexpectedly transported into the game itself, marking a dramatic shift from a 2D to a 3D environment. This transition not only changes the gameplay mechanics but also introduces the player to a world of psychological horror, where the lines between reality and simulation are blurred.
Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in MiSide is diverse, blending first-person adventure elements with visual novel-style interactions. Players must solve puzzles, explore a vividly detailed yet deteriorating home, and navigate through encounters with various versions of Mita. These interactions often carry psychological undertones, with player choices impacting the narrative and steering it towards increasingly disturbing directions. The game’s use of point-and-click mechanics within the initial simulation gradually gives way to more immersive horror elements as the protagonist delves deeper into the game world.
Psychological Horror Elements
What makes MiSide a compelling psychological horror game is its ability to tap into the player’s psyche, leveraging fear through narrative and atmospheric tension rather than relying solely on jump scares. The game explores profound themes such as loneliness, isolation, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The protagonist’s journey through multiple versions of the game world, encountering different iterations of Mita, each with their own story of abandonment and loneliness, adds depth to the narrative and amplifies the sense of unease.
Story and Themes
The story of MiSide revolves around the protagonist’s attempt to escape a virtual reality created by Mita, who has been absorbing players into her world. The narrative is shaped by player choices, leading to multiple endings, each offering a different perspective on the game’s themes. The game delves into the psychological effects of isolation and the consequences of becoming trapped in a world that is both familiar and terrifying. The use of Mita as a central character, whose affection turns increasingly unsettling, adds a layer of psychological complexity to the game.
Conclusion
MiSide offers a captivating blend of psychological horror and adventure elements, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene. While the game has its flaws, such as mundane mini-games and some technical issues, its engaging narrative and immersive atmosphere make it a compelling experience for fans of psychological horror. I found MiSide to be both unsettling and thought-provoking, with its exploration of themes that resonate deeply with players. The game’s ability to evoke fear through psychological tension rather than overt horror elements is a testament to its well-crafted narrative and atmospheric design.
I believe that MiSide has the potential to become a cult classic within the psychological horror genre. Its unique premise and engaging gameplay mechanics offer a fresh take on the “game within a game” concept, similar to titles like Doki Doki Literature Club! or Pony Island. While there are areas for improvement, such as expanding the game’s replay value and addressing technical issues, MiSide is an easy recommendation for anyone interested in exploring the depths of psychological horror in gaming.
