How to Date an Entity (and Stay Alive)
In a world oversaturated with typical dating sims and visual novels, How to Date an Entity (and Stay Alive) by SFour offers a unique twist on both genres. Mixing elements of analog horror with the familiar mechanics of dating simulation, this game manages to be both eerie and strangely compelling.
Though the game might only take 15 to 20 minutes per ending, with 10 possible endings in total, don’t let its short runtime fool you. It’s packed with tension, dark humor, and a surprising amount of depth for such a compact experience. The key to survival? Keeping an eye on the all-important Interest Meter. Make the wrong move, and you’ll quickly find out just how deadly dating can be.
The Premise: Wake Up, Date, Survive
You wake up in what seems like your room, but something feels… off. The lighting is strange, shadows move in ways they shouldn’t, and sitting across from you is a tall, enigmatic woman with a smile that’s both inviting and terrifying. She’s not your average date, and the stakes are far higher than just social embarrassment. Date her correctly, or suffer the consequences.
The game plays on this simple yet intensely creepy premise. Unlike traditional dating sims where awkwardness or rejection is the worst possible outcome, here, failure can lead to a bloody, horrifying demise. It’s a brilliant mix of psychological tension and dark romance, keeping you constantly guessing what the right choice might be.
Gameplay Mechanics: Balancing Charm and Fear
At first glance, the game seems like a typical visual novel. You read through dialogues, choose from multiple responses, and try to navigate the conversation. However, the twist lies in how each choice affects the Interest Meter—a hidden gauge that determines how your mysterious date perceives you.
1. The Interest Meter: Your Lifeline
This invisible meter is the heart of the game. Make her interested enough, and you might live to see another day. Bore her, annoy her, or make the wrong move, and you’ll quickly learn the true meaning of regret. The Interest Meter adds an extra layer of strategy, forcing players to think carefully about each choice. It’s not always obvious which responses will keep her intrigued, and part of the fun (and fear) comes from experimenting with different approaches.
2. Multiple Endings: Ten Ways to Win… or Lose
The game features 10 different endings, ranging from mildly unsettling to outright horrifying. Some endings might leave you wondering if you really won, while others make it clear you took a very wrong turn. The game encourages replayability, but trying to unlock all endings in one go isn’t recommended. The tension of each playthrough, combined with the unpredictable outcomes, makes for a thrilling experience that’s best savored over time.
3. Analog Horror Aesthetic
The game’s visuals play a huge role in its atmosphere. With its distorted colors, unsettling backgrounds, and uncanny character designs, How to Date an Entity (and Stay Alive) leans heavily into analog horror vibes. The flickering lights, shadowy corners, and odd glitches make the game feel like you’re interacting with something that wasn’t meant to be found.
Top Features That Make the Game Stand Out
While the concept alone is intriguing, several features make this game a must-play for fans of horror and visual novels alike.
1. Unique Blend of Dating Sim and Horror
It’s not often you find a game that successfully combines the lighthearted mechanics of a dating sim with the unsettling tension of horror. This game strikes that balance perfectly, keeping you on edge while still offering moments of dark humor and genuine charm.
2. Quick Playthroughs with High Replay Value
Each playthrough lasts around 15-20 minutes, making it easy to jump in and out of the game. But with 10 unique endings and countless dialogue choices, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again to see what other fates await.
3. Multilingual Support
The game is available in English, Russian, and Turkish, making it accessible to a wider audience. This thoughtful inclusion helps expand the game’s reach and ensures more players can experience its unique story.
4. Impressive Design from a Solo Developer
Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of this game is that it was created by a single developer in just seven days. With no prior coding experience, SFour managed to craft a game that’s both visually striking and mechanically solid. The artwork, in particular, stands out, adding to the eerie atmosphere and pulling players deeper into the experience.
Tips for Surviving Your Date
If you want to make it through your date alive, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Pay Attention to Her Reactions
The mysterious woman isn’t shy about showing how she feels. Watch for subtle cues in her expressions and tone—these can give you hints about whether you’re on the right track.
2. Don’t Get Too Comfortable
Just because you’ve survived a few rounds of dialogue doesn’t mean you’re safe. The game loves to throw unexpected twists at you, so stay alert and be ready for anything.
3. Experiment with Different Choices
The best way to discover all the endings is to try different approaches. Sometimes, the most unexpected choices lead to the best (or worst) outcomes.
4. Keep an Eye on the Interest Meter
While the Interest Meter isn’t visible, it’s always there in the background. Try to think from the perspective of your date—what would keep her interested, and what might push her over the edge?
FAQ
What is How to Date an Entity (and stay alive) about?
It’s a visual novel where you wake up to find a mysterious woman in your room. To survive, you have to navigate conversations and win her interest. The game mixes dating sim mechanics with horror elements, creating a suspenseful and unpredictable experience.
How many endings does the game have?
The game features 10 different endings. Each outcome depends on how well you manage the “Interest Meter,” which tracks the entity’s reaction to your choices. Some endings are humorous, while others dive into horror territory.
How long does each playthrough take?
Each playthrough takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Since there are multiple endings, replaying the game to explore different choices and outcomes can add to the overall playtime.
How do I unlock all the endings?
The endings are based on how you manage the Interest Meter. Choosing different dialogue options will either raise or lower the entity’s interest in you. To unlock all the endings, you’ll need to experiment with various choices and observe how the entity reacts.
Is there any horror content in the game?
Yes, while the game has playful elements, it includes unsettling imagery like unnatural smiles, blood, and eerie environments. The combination of dating sim tropes with horror elements adds a creepy layer to the gameplay.
What platforms can I play this game on?
The game is designed to be played on web browsers, especially those based on Chromium like Chrome, Edge, or Opera.
Does the game contain any suggestive content?
Yes, the game has slightly suggestive themes, including blood, unsettling visuals, and some playful “service” scenes. While it’s not overly explicit, the combination of horror and suggestive content adds to the game’s unique tone.
