Saiko No Sutoka for Windows

Survive a crazed yandere

Saiko No Sutoka is a free horror adventure video game wherein you must escape from a crazy stalker. Developed by habupain, this indie survival game features a unique enemy AI that behaves quite differently from most horror game enemies. The game is set in your run-of-the-mill school environment, but it’s already past school hours, and you must leave the place while avoiding a dangerously crazy girl roaming around the halls.

Not your average stalker

Yandere is a portmanteau of two Japanese words—yanderu, which means “to be sick” and deredere, which means “lovestruck.” Thus, a “yandere” is usually a sweet, caring, and innocent person. However, they turn extremely violent or psychotic out of their high level of devotion to their targeted love interest. This character type is often used in anime and is even the subject of some popular games, like the Yandere Simulator. 

Unlike the aforementioned game, however, you have to run from one in Saiko No Sutoka. Literally “Psycho Stalker” in translation, this creepy and deranged enemy will be actively searching for you. To win, you must open the exit, which is locked by a keycode. You have to look around the dimly-lit school for clues. It won’t be easy, as some rooms require keys, and you can only hold one key at a time.

W, A, S, and D keys are for movement, and E is for interacting with objects. Pressing Shift alongside the movement keys allows you to run, but you need to be careful when doing so, as you can be heard. The girl’s AI behavior is unique in that she won’t just walk up to you and attack—she will actually hide, sneak, and even wait for you to turn around before stabbing you.

Can be difficult to escape

Overall, Saiko No Sutoka is a creepy survival horror game that can be quite refreshing due to its AI system. Plus, the dark lighting and shading add up to the creepy factor. However, escaping the enemy can be unfair sometimes. She can respawn inside a room all of a sudden, and it can be hard to spot her because you don’t ever wield a flashlight. Nevertheless, this is a promising and highly-recommended game.