Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk and Milk outside a bag of milk outside a bag of milk（2020）
Developer: Nikita Kryukov
Compatible devices: Switch/PC
Just buying milk is such a painful journey
The player becomes the "inner voice" of a girl suffering from some kind of mental illness, and gets a glimpse into her daily life through dialogue. In a world with dark tones, eerie 8-bit graphics, and a horror-themed feel, the "pain of living" that the girl is carrying emerges through dialogue.
"As you read the text, you begin to see the logic behind actions that may seem illogical to others. This work makes you realize that video games can suggest new ways of seeing the world." (Yamada Shuka)
Return to school -Detention- (2017)
developer: Red Candle Play
Compatible devices: Switch, PS4, PC, iOS, and Android
Depicting the atmosphere of an oppressive era using horror game techniques
Set in 1960s Taiwan, this 2D point-and-click adventure sees students and teachers living under martial law as they attempt to escape a school overrun by beings from the underworld.
"The story of a reign of fear and daily life steeped in mutual surveillance overlaps with the strange phenomena rooted in Taiwanese culture and religion, making the suffering of the people living at that time all the more compelling. It has also been adapted into a TV drama and a live-action film, and it serves as an opportunity for young people born in Taiwan after the White Terror to learn about history." (Yamada Shuka)
OMORI（2020）
Developer: Omocat LLC
Compatible devices: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC
Horror and innocence coexist in the psychological world of a child
Even the enemies you battle look like doodles drawn in a notebook. This is a cute RPG with a youthful motif. The story tells a happy tale...or so you might think, but it's actually a "dream" world. The game soon turns into a psychological horror story that exposes the pain, harshness, and psychological darkness of living in reality.
"While there are some scary scenes, the story is wonderful in that it carefully portrays the delicate emotions young people experience, such as loneliness and conflict." (Sayawaka)
Five Nights at Freddy's（2014）
Developer: Scott Cawthon
Compatible devices: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, iOS, and Android
Before you know it, he'll be right next to you
The robotic mascots of a pizza restaurant become aggressive at night and wander around the restaurant. The player, a security guard, must make full use of remote-controlled security cameras and automatic doors to avoid being attacked by the robots until morning. Just like in "Daruma-san ga Koronda," the robots will slowly approach you whenever you take your eyes off the camera.
"This is the first in a hugely popular horror series. The comical character designs are actually quite scary. The film will be released in Japan in February 2024." (Sayawaka)
INSIDE（2016）
Developer: Playdead
Compatible devices: Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox, PC, iOS
To escape, keep going to the right.
This game was created by the same team behind the hugely popular game "LIMBO." Players control the protagonist, a young boy, who walks steadily to the right while avoiding enemies and traps. There are no lines, making the game simple and intuitive to play. However, as players clear stages, the background of the story gradually becomes clearer, revealing who the boy is and why he keeps walking to the right.
"There are some slightly grotesque scenes, but towards the end, a dramatic development breaks the silence. Be sure to experience the whole story." (Sayawaka)
