10 Video Game Trailers That Lied To Us (But Were Still Awesome)

9. Doki Doki Literature Club!

Dead Island
Team Salvato

Unlike other entries on this list, the deceptive promotions for Doki Doki Literature Club! enhanced the gaming experience. On the surface, every aspect of this anime-styled visual novel appears to be harmless. The upbeat music. The cheeky schoolgirls. Bonding through poetry. The pink hearts. Everything about Team Salvato's freeware indie looked so frickin' cute. 

But before purchasing DDLC, consumers should take notice this adorable visual novel has been slapped with a Mature rating.

Rest assured, this rating isn't an oversight. Despite the sweet and innocent aesthetic, it isn't long before Doki Doki descends into a meta-horror nightmare. 

Although Doki Doki is an innovative title that flawlessly subverts expectations, it's not for the faint of heart. Players who were hoping to play an easy-going dating sim will not be impressed by the game's intense themes and disturbing imagery.

When the expanded Plus! version was announced, a less subtle trailer was put together. Though it still maintains the whimsical facade, it repeatedly emphasises Doki Doki Literature Club! isn't what it seems to ensure customers don't buy it under false pretences.

 
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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows