On PC and consoles, the game files are interactable and provide clues to a story that’s outside the scope of the game. The other interactive portion of the game actually takes place outside of DDLC+. If there’s a particular club member that you’re fond of, you can try to choose words that they like. Each member of the club has a word that resonates with them, and when selected will cause their avatar to jump in joy. To the left, there will be chibi avatars of the club members. Composing a poem consists of choosing 20 words from a randomly generated list of words that changes after each selection. The most interactive aspect part of the game is when the player is allowed to create poems to share at the next club meeting. The “gameplay” is mainly composed of scrolling through text boxes with the background art changing from scene to scene. Each NPC will be fighting for your attention, but ultimately it’s up to the player to choose who to go after before the descent into madness.
Finally, Monika is the multi-talented class beauty and trusted leader of the group. Sayori is the bubbly personality that keeps the group from falling apart and keeps the squabbles to a minimum.
Natsuki is the complete opposite, with a love for manga, baking, and all things cute. Yuri acts as the more mature character, delighting in her tastes for sophisticated language and darker novels. Along the way, there will be choices you make that will bring you closer to one of the girls. Inside the club classroom, we’re introduced to the shy mature Yuri, the small-statured and short-tempered Natsuki, and the club president Monika. After some convincing, your character decides to swing by the high school’s Literature Club where you meet the rest of the cast. You’re quickly introduced to your childhood friend Sayori. The main story starts out in a modern-day Japanese suburb. Imagine my surprise when the cute and innocent little visual novel turned into a full-blown psychological horror game. I had no idea that this game wasn’t the uwu-inducing, anime dating sim I was shamefully craving. Having not played the original, I went into this game completely blind. The game also utilizes improved HD remastered art. New songs were added to the soundtrack, along with collectible images that unlock based on in-game choices. The new side stories detail how the members of the literature club first meet, including new frights in store for returning players. In addition to the base game, there are also new side stories that take place prior to the events of the main game. Originally launching solely on PC back in 2017, Doki Doki Literature Club received an enhanced re-release known as Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! The enhanced release made its way onto PC and consoles in 2021. Wow! What else is there to say about Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! (DDLC+)? It’s equally as cute as it is terrifying.