Play Russian Roulette with Turn-Based Medical Horror Game ‘Side Effects’; Demo Available Now [Trailer]

Publisher Free Lives with developers hirohun, Mr.Pootsley, Jaybooty, and Lofar42 are looking to take medical experimentation to horrifying (and hilarious) new heights with Side Effects, a turn-based medical roulette game inspired by Buckshot Roulette where every dose could be your last. Initially available on itch.io as a prototype, a more refined version is coming later this year to Steam, though you can currently check out the demo on Steam as part of Steam Next Fest that features updated visuals, new items and mechanics.

The concept for Side Effects is simple: Two test subjects are seated across from one another as part of a medical trial. Each round you’ll be presented with a selection of pills, with six types in all. Some are helpful, some are harmful, and some mean instant death. The goal is to outlast your opponent in order to win.

Every pill you ingest impacts your resistance. Manage it wisely, as you have zero resistance to their effects. Between rounds, you can choose from a range of  15 experimental items and treatments that can shift the odds in your favor, from vaccines to mouth clamps.

Keep in mind that the other patient, aka your “opponent” wants to outlast you. They’ll bluff, adapt, and use everything at their disposal to keep breathing one dose longer than you.

In addition to a single-player mode, Side Effects will offer a multiplayer mode of 2-4 players, and a “Free Healthcare” mode aka endless mode.