Symptoms of Deceit
A downloadable yandere visual novel for Windows, macOS, and Linux
This game contains disturbing themes and is intended for an 18+ audience. Please read the content warnings below before playing. Do not play this if you are under the age of 18.
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You've been working at the Willani Epidemiology Lab as a secretary for around a year now. The researchers appreciate you, but they're not allowed to share the confidential details of their work with you.
Things are going well until your coworkers begin acting strange and you hear rumors of the lab performing unethical experiments. As your coworkers dodge your questions, you meet a new neighbor who seems a little too eager to insert himself into your life.
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Features:
- 16800 words and 4 endings included in the demo
- two yandere love interests causing problems
- customizable protagonist (including name, pronouns, one aspect of backstory, and the main color for your character)
- VN with some point & click elements
Content Warnings:
obsessive yandere behavior, stalking, manipulation, gaslighting, blackmail, threats of violence, non-consensual drug use, strong language, forced kissing, threats of non-consensual undressing, suggestive and sexual topics and scenes, blood, gore, violence, murder, body horror, unsettling themes and imagery, and infectious disease (main characters will not become infected)
Credits:
- Music: Kevin Remisch (spotify, apple music, youtube)
- Phone code: Nighten
- Sound effects: freesound, pixabay
- Everything else: me 🍓🦑 (tumblr)
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This is a demo! I am new to developing games & this is my first project. I hope anyone who decides to play this has fun with it, and I'll work hard to improve for future updates + games! There is a guide to the endings in the Devlog.
Download
Development log
- Endings Guide!Mar 02, 2024
Comments
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I went ahead and got the two "good" endings for Thaumo first, and decided to try Nalis's "good" ending afterwards.
Spoilers:
Thauma remembered I gave him MC's number in the previous playthrough sfhiulsahgfluesfhgfdhhfdh
i tried it and omg dossdjjdsjjdk THATS SO COOL
I can not for the life of me find that 4th ending. I got letting him stay, making him leave, and swallowing.
there's an ending guide in the development log, hope it helps<3
thank you! Lol
где прода прекрасной игры????? уже как год жду (TT_TT)
Ending 3 was the first one I got, and...wow. I genuinely could not stop thinking about this game for DAYS. I'm SO intrigued by this entire story! I can't deny Nalis is my fave for now, haha, but I think every character is interesting in their own way. The sinister undertone is also really well done, it doesn't overwhelm the story but I definitely never felt 'safe' as the MC. Truly looking forward to following this game's development!!
yea this game is way too good. i'm in love with thaumo. i love the way he is clingy i just love my yanderes like that. but seriously you can tell how much work and thought were put in this game! I cant wait for the full game. I'm really excited!!
Thaumo is cute, but a bit clingy. And dense.
And he clearly needs to either develop some interests (even if it is yours.)
He feels very.... empty.
And not just in the way yandere's usually are. But like the character lacks depth.
Other than that, I like him.
...why is the MC so hung up on what happened to that co-worker? oO
It's not like they were particularly close, as far as I could tell.
They weren't friends or anything, right?
Is the game still under development?
Because so far it seems to end whether you let Thaumo stay or see him tomorrow. Which doesn't seem like an ending, more like a "to be continued" thing. It's not like it'll kill you, but it's also not a 'happily ever after' thing.
It's just the end of another day.
(No clue what the other two ends are, but I'm guessing the relate to the other possible love interest, and I don't really care for him, so....)
Assuming this is not a demo, the game is a bit short.
But overall it's an interesting concept, pretty good artwork, and pretty good writing.
I'd love to see a less clingy version Taumo, with a little more substance.
But otherwise I like it.
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it! I’d like to do everything I can to improve my game, so I’ll keep these things in mind 🫡🫡
The MC was not close with the coworker, but it’s still traumatizing to see someone you know get murdered in front of you. For the next update I have added 3 scenes of the coworker & MC interacting so his death feels a little more relevant and impactful.
The game is a demo and is still in development. I am working on adding new content and improving old content. I usually work 50-80 hours a week and am on call a lot, so my progress is slow 😅
I definitely want to + plan to add more content to give Thaumo more depth.
I am sorry to say that he won’t be any less clingy, though. He is an extremely clingy, needy, and desperate person. It’s totally understandable if he isn’t your type!
Hrm. I will concede I have not seen a human murdered in front of me, and I am about as normal as Wedensday Addams on these things, so I'll take your word for it.
Human emotions tend to elude me at times...
I think it will help if you add a bit more character traits to Thaumo, so that he isn't defined solely by his neediness.
I may not like that particular trait of his, but I think he'd be a better character all round if he had some more depth to him.
Maybe a show of vulnerability that explains his clingyness (fear, trauma, whatever), or some interest in something that he is passionate about.
(There is a million videos on youtube on writing, and a ton of books. Try Brandon McNulty on YouTube. He has some good pointers on writing. And writing good characters. He's a published writer for a reason.)
(There are many ways to be clingy too, for that matter. Most yandere's tend to be. But if you use Sebastian from Particles of Reality as an example of the ideal yandere; he knows when to back off, but he never -really- backs off. Or the pink-haired guy in...ah... 14 Days With You. He is also clingy, but manage to come off as charming despite it.)
I look forward to see how it turns out.
HELP!! how do i get the 3 ending ?
There's an ending walkthrough in the development log! hope it helps good luck <3
tysmmm
ofc<33 (omg a fran bow fan???)
i really adore this game, i come back to it every so often. amazing and immersive writing, if you love yandere visual novels or just a good story in general i highly recommend. i'll be able to die happily if the full game comes out, so if the creator(s) ever read this please pace yourselves and take care first and foremost. :)
Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot to me!! (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕
Making sure you die happy is very important 🫡🫡🫡🫡
Please take care of yourself too!! I’ll do my best as well :)
Honestly been a long time since my first run of this game, but Nalis has already gotten me hooked. The way my heart feels for both of the yanderes is impeccable, I can't wait for more!!
(｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕 I’m so happy to hear that you feel that way, thank you!! I’ve had a lot of fun working on new Nalis content, it’s been nice getting to focus on him. Work has been insanely busy for me lately, but I’m doing my best to have at least part of the next update ready to share here in late February / very early March.
Im a slut for yandere and this novel is in my top 5 fav! You did an amazing job on this! I cant wait to read more!
TOP 5?!?! 😭💕💕 it’s an honor to hear this, thank you!! I’m a huge slut for yandere as well 🤝🤝 I really hope that if you stick around and play my next update you’ll enjoy it!!
I'll be here bestie! waiting! <3
Wow..This is so good,like honestly.I LOVE THIS GAME SO MUCH!I just started playing yandare games and I'm in love with this one.I usually prefer green flag guys if you know what I mean but I'm in love with Thaumo.I really like Thaumo and want to see him more in this game.He's actually really nice and needy and kinda pathetic ,but I like that.I love him so much.And the artstyle is so good,so pretty,I love it!So I will be waiting more an update,I need it!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS!! (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕 And welcome to playing yandere games, there are so many really good ones out there!! I love needy pathetic types of characters so much 😭🤝 (if you haven’t tried it yet, you might like The Science of Staying awake too? It was one of the first yandere vns I played, the guy is so cute and needy and very pathetic).
Thank you for your comment, it means a lot to me!! The next update will be more Nalis focused, but after that I’ll switch into focusing on Thaumo again (and hopefully I won’t take as long to get the Thaumo update out 🫡🫡)
Absolutely obsessed! I LOVE Yandere games and this one is so good! Thaumo is my favorite type of yandere character- pathetic and needy lmao. Thank you for your hard work! Do you have a Patreon or anything that we can help support the development of the game?
(｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕💕💕 I’m so so happy that you enjoyed my demo!!
It’s nice to see another pathetic + needy yandere lover, they’re my favorite type too 🤝
I don’t have anything like that at the moment, but it means a lot to me that you asked! In the future I’d love to sell some simple character merch of Nalis and Thaumo (keychains, acrylic stands, maybe plushies too).
I would KILL for a plushie lol. Thank you for all your hard work! If you decide to sell anything, let me know! I'll definitely be buying :) You're great!
AGHHHHHHHH, son preciosos todos los personajes, espero con ansias la próxima actualización, de verdad, amo
Estoy tan feliz de que te gusten los personajes!! (˶◜ᵕ◝˶) De verdad espero que también disfrutes las próximas actualizaciones. Seguiré trabajando duro en ello cuando pueda!!
WHERE DO I BEGIN?? I finally decided to sit my butt down and play through this VN (after struggling with the downloads, I think something is wrong with the SymptomsofDeceitDemo-0.1.win.zip since it doesn't have a platform to view it) and my god was this a kaladeiscope of confusion.
I adore both Thaumo and Nalis, like holy hell I kept swinging back and forth between them ESPECIALLY WHEN THAUMO WAS SO CUTE AND PATHETIC AND NALIS WAS JUST *bangs fist on the table multiple times*
The design of these characters is just *chefs kiss* TOP TIER. Like oh my god what the hell, even Tremo was absolutely perfect as she just rounded out the cast despite the few times we see her. I adore how colorful yet visually interesting they all were, and how their design contrasted towards their darker personality.
Thaumo's design looking all soft and innocent despite the acts of violence he commits, and Nalis open and cheery appearance contrasting with his twisted personality is just *chefs kiss*
ALSO NALIS, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH YOU MAN YOU CAN'T KEEP TOYING WITH MY HEART LIKE THIS!! This man has made me completely doubt my loyalty to Thaumo because yeah, Thaumo poster boy yandere of the VN but NALIS?!?! Listen, I just can't. The way this man gaslights, gatekeeps, and genociding this damn section. At least with Thaumo we get his full blown transparency which I love (adore his neediness) BUT JESUS ALMIGHT CHRIST NALIS?! Dude had me switching like a pendulum going back and forth, and that scene with him just jumpscaring and gaslighting/confusing me?? BOY CAN'T AN MC SHOWER IN PEACE?
(Also I cackled at Thaumo's ending on how he came up to MC's floor even though realistically it must be pretty creepy)
Anyway, I have a high tolerance for the shit Nalis put us through and every time a new line of dialogue came I kept constantly switching moods being "You war criminal" to "OH MY GOD I NEED YOU". Not my proudest moment over my knee-jerk reactions but it was more tame compared to Thaumo's good endings because hot DANG IS THAT DUDE DOWN BAD
hehehe
Hang on, I need to praise the masterful way the world is built up, especially with teh associated animals. It's all so intriguing because of how the disease is being spread, like, is it actually natural or is the lab doing some unethical things. Just, the reason why MC is kept in the dark, why they seem so important, what the deal with Nalis and Tremo hiding from them, Nalis himself, Thaumo's relationship with Orca, Thaumo HIMSELF, and the backstory and if the star fish boy in the prologue was the reason how the SSWS mutated into the horrific disease.
Just, absolutely phenominal work, I'm so glad I finally took my time to actually play this VN and experience many epiphanies of myself. ALSO YOU WANNA KNOW HOW I FOUND OUT NALIS IS NALIS DURING HIS ENDING???
"Good girl. Thank you."
PLEASE I NEARLY FELL OFF MY CHAIR (I also slammed myself against the back of my chair at 1am when I went through Ending 2. MC I AM DOWN BAD FOR YOU)
Looking forward to what comes next!! Please excuse my disorganized and chaotic rambles, it's 1:38am and I have not done the dishes yet.
You have no idea how happy reading your review has made me!! I’m really so flattered that you enjoyed the demo and characters so much, reading your thoughts on them has me smiling at my phone like an idiot.
Those “not my proudest moment” reactions are one of the best parts of enjoying yandere games. I always love experiencing that with games I play, and It means so much to me that you felt this with my demo (｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕
It’s killing me that the “good girl” is what made you realize it was Nalis lmao 😭😭😭😭
Your rambles were so fun to read, and I apologize that I was unable to send one of my terrible yanderes over to do the dishes for you 😔
I’m hoping to have the next update (including 2 days of Nalis route + 4 Nalis CGs) out in late February or early March. I really hope you enjoy that as well if you play it! And thank you so much for your support and comment here!!
Please send Thaumo, he'd give me less grief to do the dishes at 1:30am. But also I'm glad my rambles made you entertained ahaha!
Looking forward to the update! Hoping things go well and I will be stalking those update posts (with love)! Excited to see what sorts of things you've concocted up in your mind!
THE DESIGNS ARE SO GOOD AND I LOVE THE STORYLINE THIS IS SO GOOD
game so good that i made an acc just to give it 5 stars
(｡ŏ﹏ŏ)💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
I don’t have the right words to express how much I appreciate your comments. I’m so happy that you enjoyed my game this much!!
22 cm taller than me?! He's 191 cm wow
You could always tell him to walk around on his knees? He’d listen (only when you’re around) and be shorter than you then 👍 best of luck with him 😭😭
Thanks for your reply 😇 I actually don’t mind his height at all in fact it’s perfect haha lol😆
I need more!! I want to know what happens next so badly
Great game! I can't wait for the new updates ^0^
I enjoyed it so much! loved the story and thauma <3 such a lovely game I can't believe this is your fist game it is so amazing I need more!
I loved it!I did all the four endings and second one was my favorite. Anxiously waiting for updates <3
Props to Nalis I love that amazing DIVA
I NEED HIM I WANT HIM EHFSFHDHFIDEFI
I should wake up
I rarely leave a comment on anything ever but your game deserves all the praise! From characters to the overall aesthetic, everything about the game's universe is perfect and left me wanting sooo much more (in a good way), 100/10 and will be keeping an eye out on the full release
do you know if this game is still being updated?
the last time they updated was 6 days ago on Tumblr claiming that the goal is to have the next game update ready in late February for the yandere game jam.
it's not a want anymore, its a NEED. I love him so much omg (thaumo, obviously)
I will not admit that this game made me search if it's possible to keep octopuses/cuttlefish as pets and watch a few documentaries on sea creatures - because what's more fun than trying to out-yandere yanderes! Both Thaumo's and Nalis' designs made me feel things that I never should feel towards fish!!
Seriously, everything about this game is *chef's kiss*. But like others have said: As much as I look forward to the next update and more fish shenanigans, your mental health ALWAYS comes first :) Please take your time and don't let the pressure sap the fun of the project!
SPOILER WARNING FOR ANYONE WHO'S CHECKING THE REVIEWS!! imma be spoiling in mine so!!
i've enjoyed this lots!! i like how your choice in the beginning plays into thaumo's claims of 'i would have loved you no matter how we me', it kinda rlly?? reinforces the story if that makes sense??
i played through all the routes and!! am so curious abt who the third person could be,,,? as well as how the overarcing plot is going to play out?? there's so many interesting lore building tidbits in the demo alone, i can't wait to see how it all plays out (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) nalis is also so fun?? gonna have some words with thaumo if shit happens to him >:[
OVERALL this has been so fun so far, can't wait to see how the full thing turns out!! but also take your time and do things as needed, your health is a priorityyyy ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و ♡
i like this! the plot is really nice :) i look forward to future updates!
The game sountracks, plot-twist storyline absolutely amazing.. normally i don't feel tension aura that easily and fun at the same time if a game manages to do that for me, it's a special game. I haven't had fun around like this expect for few games thank you so much for your hardwork.<33!
Big big Squiiiiish! Can't wait to see more of the story, characters and world building so many cool concepts in it!
I admit that I didn't imagine that I would like this game so much! I liked it so much that I got to all the endings in a few minutes, the characters were so interestingly written that I felt the time I spent playing go by so quickly and so fluidly, I also didn't imagine that this game would have so many incredible plots, I had a great time even in a short demo! I have already recommended this game to a friend who also likes this type of game and you can be sure that I will recommend it to other people in the future! I wish you success and hope that one day you can complete the game, I would buy it for sure! :D
I love the Demo and can't wait to see how it is expanded upon. The way you wrote Thaumo is a very interesting and unique way to perpetuate the Male Yandere trope. I would also like to say that I LOVE Themo (both artistically and personality-wise) and really hope that they are going to be a pursuable love interest when (or if) the Female Yandere selection becomes available.
However, I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT RUSH OR OVERWORK YOURSELF WHEN CREATING THIS! It always breaks my heart to see artists and writers stress themselves out over their work because of feeling the need to please their fans as quick as possible, take your time and make sure to take regular breaks and focus on your own health (after all, us writers have a reputation for having a questionable mental health), so make sure you are happy and prioritise yourself before your work, we want what is best for you, even if that means the VN will take longer to release.
Stay safe and take care! <3
Edit: Holy shit! Did not know you worked in vascular surgery, take as long as you need to, that work environment must be stressful and excruciating!
Thank you so so much for your comment!! I can’t express enough how much it means to me, and I’m so incredibly happy that you enjoyed my characters and demo 💕
Thank you so much for your support and understanding as well! My work schedule is quite demanding (lately I’ve been called in a lot and had many 65-70 hour work weeks), so my progress here is often very slow due to limited time outside of work 😅
But I absolutely love working on this project!! It’s been a learning process, but so much fun for me.
I’ve been super behind on checking comments here, but I really appreciate all of your kind words so much. I hope you are staying safe, taking care of yourself, and prioritizing your health and happiness as well 💕
Of course, your safety and well being matter more than anything else, I know how much of a pain the medical field can be! Please don’t feel pressured about the progress—what you’ve already created is incredible, and your well-being should always come first. It’s amazing that you find joy in your project, even with your hectic schedule, and your dedication is so inspiring. I hope you’re finding moments to rest and recharge! Keep being amazing, and know that your hard work is deeply appreciated 💕✨
I think I am in love. I don't even know who I like more between Nalis and Thaumo, I just want to put them both in a jar and keep them on my shelf. Basing the characters on marine animals is such a cool concept. I will patiently (kinda) wait for next updates! Keep it up!
Thank you so much!! I am so happy that you enjoy my characters. You are more than welcome to keep them in a jar 💕
I had to take a bit of a break as work got busy, I took a vacation to visit some friends, and I put together a new PC to replace my old laptop I was working on. But I am slowly making progress on the next part of the game again, and I’m really excited about how it’s going!! I’ll absolutely keep it up 💪😤
I'm more than happy to wait, and I think everybody here feels the same (´◡`) don't push yourself too hard! Super excited for what's to come!
Supa cute! I loved the little details of world building and how Thaumo is written! I'm already invested into the characters and I can't wait to see what the MC's workplace is hiding!
This was amazing! I love all of the twists and turns and characterization already.
Loving this! I also love how Thaumo blushes blue....octoboy indeed!
WOAH THATS SUPER COOL I ALREADY LOVE THE DEMO SM