This post seems to be a interesting topic for me to discuss. Ironically enough, I used to DESPISE anime before I played this game. It was only after that it inspired me to have an open mind and enter the world of anime. This is only one of the reasons why this game will hold a special place in my heart, but of course there are many more reasons why DDLC is one of my favourite video games of all time.
In case you guys don't know, Doki Doki Literature Club is a psychological horror visual novel that became more than just your typical dating sim. It uses the facade that it's just going to be a game that features a bunch of cute anime girls, only to slap you across the face when all the heavy, traumatizing and horrific moments begin to show. It was a very nice twist. Then DDLC Plus came is with even more content, including the Side Stories, which pairs each of the main girls together to explore their friendships in a lot more depth. Either way, this is a brilliant game in its own right and it's no wonder it has gained a lot of popularity over the years.
Overtime, I did begin to notice that a few people who loved DDLC were hoping to find an anime that shares a lot of similarities with the visual novel. Overtime, during those times I've been enjoying anime, I've managed to find a few. I would like to recommend a couple of anime for those who are looking for something similar to Doki Doki Literature Club, whether it would be fandom-wise or close in tone:
Anime Recommendations for Those Who Love DDLC:
Re:ZERO: This shares one major thing in common with DDLC. It's a psychological horror series. Re:ZERO also hides behind the facade of being just another typical anime with a bunch of cute anime girls, only to take a completely dark turn when you least expect it, and things only get worse from there. The first season really gets into your head and there will be a lot of moments where your skin will crawl.
Toradora: Anyone who loves Natsuki will love this anime. If there's one show that handles the tsundere romance well, it's Toradora. Taiga Aisaka is basically Natsuki, only a lot more violent and aggressive... and I freaking love her for it. Even Minori shares a lot of similarities to Sayori.
Yuru Yuri: This is for those people who love the... shipping side of the fandom. Although, shipping aside, it mainly follows this group of girls also in a club called the Amusement Club and they usually do crazy antics. If you are also just into the idea of the Dokis being Dokis in a slice-of-life story in the literature club, this is just the anime for you. Also, there are no male characters in this series so you can pretty much guess what type of anime this is as well.
A Silent Voice: A Silent Voice deals with a lot of the same heavy themes as DDLC, especially suicide and bullying. If you like Sayori, this anime will make you cry.
Clannad: The main similarity this anime shares with DDLC is the fact that it is also a harem anime. Unlike DDLC, however, the MC is not an idiot and overall, the anime has some nice interesting twists.
K-on!: K-on! is a light-hearted anime about the Light Music School Club. Sayori was explicitly inspired by Yui from this anime, and Mio could have easily been inspiration for Yuri as well.
Those are the anime I can name so far off the top of my head. If you guys have any other similar recommendations, feel free to add them in the comments! |
