Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! Reviews
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! starts a bit slow but quickly establishes itself after that as a must-play visual novel. Everything starts all cute and fun but when the dark side of these girls starts coming out, you’ll want to keep playing until the end to see what happens. The game touches on a lot of dark subject matter and it is very much a pure visual novel experience so if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy those things then this won’t be the game for you. For those who do enjoy this genre you’ll get a multi-hour long experience that will stay with you long after the conclusion.
In the end, Doki Doki Literature Club (and this Plus version) is both a homage and a challenge. It’s a homage in the way it delightfully plays with the dating visual novel genre – sure, it ends up subverting that to horrific effect, but there’s such glee in how it does that that hugely entertaining. On the other hand, it’s also a challenge – a suggestion that the genre can be a bit more reflective, look for ways to approach things differently, and that there is a lot that this genre can do with characterisation and relationship dynamics. The director has been outspoken that the initial seed of Doki Doki Literature Club from his “love/hate” relationship with anime and VNs. There’s much more of the love in there, I think, but developers making games in this genre should certainly play this game to encourage them to think about the structure of their own work from a different angle.
Doki Doki Literature Club doesn't disappoint as an off-kilter visual novel. If you, like me, tend to avoid this genre, you might consider DDLC as an exception to the rule if you can handle some disturbing content.
Subversive, shocking and even touching, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus brings a definitive package to consoles for all players, fans and new players alike.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you’re a visual novel fan, or at least open to them, you should definitely give Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! a try.
First developing quite a notorious reputation as a free title, DDLC has finally made its disturbing way to Switch… and with a few extra bits of content to boot, though they’re just niceties and don’t really move the needle much...
'Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!' is not much special comparing its free edition which already has shown off a unique experience. However, for fans who want to dig deeper into related stories, it will be like a Christmas gift.
Review in Korean | Read full review
A strikingly immediate game that covers dark subjects most titles wouldn’t dream of approaching, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! left my jaw on the floor multiple times. I won’t tell you why, or when. You’ll know when you get there. I was at times happy, sad, and truly horrified. I feel bad even telling you that this game isn’t what it looks like, because even that gives away more than I want you to know going in. This is a game that just keeps opening up as you dig deeper and one that even now I can’t stop thinking about, even if a part of me wishes I could.
The main thing that makes Doki Doki Literature Club Plus worth anyone’s time is the fact that even four years since its original release, it’s still a shocking and unique experience.
Overall, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is an excellent re-release that handled its console versions well from a design standpoint. The value and time you find inside will far outweigh its asking price. Just be prepared for some of the moments in the main game as some will shock or make you uncomfortable. It is not advised for children or anyone experiencing mental issues to play this game, so be forewarned.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is a unique and troubling experience. Not everyone should play it as the themes are profoundly serious and mature and the psychological horror part doubles down on that. However, it tells a very compelling story surrounded by an immersive atmosphere. Be ready to come out highly impacted by its ending.
Review in French | Read full review
The story is fantastic in this game. Do not investigate it beforehand and you will have one HELL of a time. Developer Team Salvato made something truly special. A game that elevates a genre in a way nothing really had before it, at least for me.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus is a great way to revisit a visual novel that made quite a splash. For newcomers, it’s easy to hop into and enjoy, even offering the PC “workarounds.” For people who’ve joined the club before, the extra stories and media are enjoyable. The sole downside is that, with all its accessibility, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus is difficult to read on the Switch and has an unfriendly UI.
Whether you’re an old fan of Doki Doki Literature Club or someone checking it out for the first time, this new release has something for everyone to enjoy.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! brings some much needed quality of life changes to the original game. It also makes it much more accessible to people, no longer being PC only and bringing it to most consoles. If you’re into visual novels, horror, puzzles, or all of the above, this is a nice cheap one to check out.
What it never stops being, though, is interesting. A blend of unapologetic and bittersweet were the lasting flavors, and even if I didn’t savor every moment that brought me to the end it was a refreshingly unique break from reality.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! is great for existing fans that want to know more about their favorite characters and possibly the deeper universe.