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SIDE EFFECTS

Web browser, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

A twisted trial of pill roulette for up to 4 players (solo or online). Pick your poison. Use experimental items to shift the odds. And remember: only one of you can survive.

Global score

86/100

Genres

Indie, Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and tense multiplayer gameplay
  • Engaging social bluffing and strategy
  • Affordable price
  • Distinctive creepy art style
  • Fun with friends

Cons

  • Buggy multiplayer and crashes
  • Limited singleplayer content
  • Lack of progression and customization
  • Players quitting mid-game
  • No chat or communication features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players choose pills and items strategically each turn, allowing control over actions despite randomness."

  • Competence
    2

    "Requires strategic thinking and item use to outsmart opponents, though luck plays a strong role."

  • Competition
    4

    "Multiplayer is focused on outlasting and bluffing opponents, with direct competition and sabotage."

  • Continuation
    -2

    "Some players find replay value limited; singleplayer is short and multiplayer can be frustrating due to bugs and quitting."

  • Cooperation
    -3

    "Primarily a competitive game; cooperation is minimal and players often work against each other."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players experiment with item combinations and strategies; some desire for more customization noted."

  • Domination
    3

    "Players can force-feed pills and sabotage others, exerting control and psychological pressure."

  • Escapism
    3

    "The dark, absurd theme and social bluffing provide a form of escapism and stress relief."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social interaction, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different items and tactics to influence outcomes and bluff opponents."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Gameplay occurs in a fixed environment with limited discovery; focus is on social dynamics."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited customization; some desire for more character or cosmetic personalization."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Stylized, surreal medical experiment setting with exaggerated body horror effects."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Strong social component in multiplayer; players enjoy shared experiences and interactions."

  • Growth
    1

    "Some learning curve in strategy and item use, but limited long-term progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during turns; not suitable for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are competitive and surface-level; no deep relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -2

    "No formal leadership roles; players act individually or in opposition."

  • Progression
    2

    "Unlocking items and modifiers provides some sense of progression, though limited."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay is tense and suspenseful, with emotional swings and stress."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and auditory design create a creepy, unsettling atmosphere with emotional impact."

  • Status
    -3

    "No visible social status or ranking systems; focus is on immediate gameplay."

  • Story
    -4

    "Minimal narrative or lore; gameplay is context-free and focused on mechanics."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Strategic use of items and bluffing is key to success despite randomness."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High suspense and tension from risk of instant death and uncertain outcomes."

  • Value
    3

    "Affordable price and fun multiplayer experience seen as good value by many players."

  • Violence
    3

    "Game involves inflicting harm and death on opponents through pills and sabotage."

  • Survival
    4

    "Core gameplay revolves around managing health and resistance to avoid death."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026