SIDE EFFECTS similar games & best alternatives
SIDE EFFECTS
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
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Autonomy3
"Players choose pills and items strategically each turn, allowing control over actions despite randomness."
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Competence2
"Requires strategic thinking and item use to outsmart opponents, though luck plays a strong role."
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Competition4
"Multiplayer is focused on outlasting and bluffing opponents, with direct competition and sabotage."
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Continuation-2
"Some players find replay value limited; singleplayer is short and multiplayer can be frustrating due to bugs and quitting."
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Cooperation-3
"Primarily a competitive game; cooperation is minimal and players often work against each other."
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Creativity2
"Players experiment with item combinations and strategies; some desire for more customization noted."
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Domination3
"Players can force-feed pills and sabotage others, exerting control and psychological pressure."
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Escapism3
"The dark, absurd theme and social bluffing provide a form of escapism and stress relief."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily for fun and social interaction, not out of obligation."
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Experimenting3
"Players try different items and tactics to influence outcomes and bluff opponents."
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Exploration-3
"Gameplay occurs in a fixed environment with limited discovery; focus is on social dynamics."
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Expression-2
"Limited customization; some desire for more character or cosmetic personalization."
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Fantasy2
"Stylized, surreal medical experiment setting with exaggerated body horror effects."
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Fellowship3
"Strong social component in multiplayer; players enjoy shared experiences and interactions."
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Growth1
"Some learning curve in strategy and item use, but limited long-term progression."
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Health-5
"Game involves sedentary play with no physical activity."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention during turns; not suitable for passive or background play."
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Intimacy-4
"Social interactions are competitive and surface-level; no deep relationship building."
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Leadership-2
"No formal leadership roles; players act individually or in opposition."
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Progression2
"Unlocking items and modifiers provides some sense of progression, though limited."
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Relaxation-2
"Gameplay is tense and suspenseful, with emotional swings and stress."
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Sensation2
"Visual and auditory design create a creepy, unsettling atmosphere with emotional impact."
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Status-3
"No visible social status or ranking systems; focus is on immediate gameplay."
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Story-4
"Minimal narrative or lore; gameplay is context-free and focused on mechanics."
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Strategy3
"Strategic use of items and bluffing is key to success despite randomness."
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Thrill4
"High suspense and tension from risk of instant death and uncertain outcomes."
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Value3
"Affordable price and fun multiplayer experience seen as good value by many players."
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Violence3
"Game involves inflicting harm and death on opponents through pills and sabotage."
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Survival4
"Core gameplay revolves around managing health and resistance to avoid death."
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Last update: 06/03/2026