MiSide Review (EFSP)
A Unique Blend of Horror and Gameplay
Miside offers a refreshing take on storytelling, combining engaging mechanics with a tense atmosphere. It exceeded my expectations in many ways, delivering a memorable, albeit slightly flawed, experience.
One notable drawback is the occasional frustration of unskippable conversations. While this may serve to immerse players in the narrative, it can sometimes feel unnecessarily restrictive.
At approximately four hours long, Miside is a concise yet varied experience. Its integration of mini-games and diverse gameplay styles ensures each segment feels distinct, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging. This variety helps maintain a steady pace as the story unfolds, making the short runtime feel satisfying.
The game cleverly balances its cute and horrific sides, offering moments of lighthearted charm that contrast sharply with its eerie atmosphere. However, while the horror elements are technically well-executed, the character designs—particularly Mitu—lack the visual impact to be truly scary. This undermines some of the tension, as the characters don’t fully convey the dread the story aims to evoke.
From a technical standpoint, the atmosphere is consistently tense, employing effective techniques to keep players on edge without overusing jump scares. Instead, Miside relies on subtle psychological horror and environmental storytelling, which work well to immerse the player.
Unfortunately, the game’s community is a major drawback. It is dominated by immature individuals, with some members sharing questionable fantasies about the characters. I strongly advise against joining the Discord server or engaging with the community, as it detracts from the game’s appeal. Blocking communication with community members is recommended.
Despite its minor quirks and the problematic community, Miside is a well-crafted game that stands out for its gameplay variety, distinctive dual-tone narrative, and haunting atmosphere. It's a must-play for fans of innovative storytelling and horror who don’t mind a touch of charm in their scares.