Side Effects May Include Surrealism and Puzzle-Platforming

A Unique Approach to Co-op Adventure

Side Effects May Include, shortened as S.E.M.I., is a single-player or co-op puzzle adventure created by the development team Two Horn Unicorn. The experience shares a similar spirit with team-based titles like R.E.P.O. by Semiwork or classic split-screen couch co-op games. While the specific genre differs from its peers, the game focuses on providing a truly distinct experience. Between the level layouts, character designs, and eccentric mechanics, the game stands out because of its trippy and ridiculous approach to the puzzle-platformer genre.

Managing Toxicity and “Medication”

Your character doesn’t have health in the traditional sense; instead, the game uses a Toxicity meter to track your status. Your Toxicity bar increases when you take damage and can only be decreased by taking pills, which are one of the most vital components of the game. These pills are obtained by scavenging the environment or locating a pill vending machine.

While taking pills lowers your Toxicity, they trigger chaotic side effects that can either disrupt or boost your gameplay. These effects include ridiculous abilities such as firing laser eyes to clear paths, exploding in a defensive ring of fire, using flatulence for flight to reach higher platforms, or shifting your body size from giant to tiny. Just make sure to keep an eye on that Toxicity bar, or you’ll get caught by the guards!

Fever Dreams and Brains in Jars

The puzzles and levels are incredibly surreal, often feeling like a fever dream. Environments range from clinical laboratories and asylums to completely random themes, like walls made of colorful cake. The tasks are equally bizarre; for example, the first level requires you to transport a brain in a jar from the midpoint of the stage to the finish line to earn extra points. It is an experience you truly have to explore for yourself.

Choosing Your Treatment: Game Modes

If you want variety, the game offers two distinct modes to suit your playstyle. The Therapy Course serves as the main level-based mode, which is perfect for those who prefer solving puzzles at a steady pace. Alternatively, Escape Mode provides a time-based challenge featuring a map that changes every time you play. This mode also features 27 different “diagnoses” that act as unique endings, adding significant replay value for those looking to uncover every possibility.

Hazards and Environmental Puzzles

In a majority of the levels, you are required to solve puzzles by reflecting lasers, flicking switches, or throwing balls at wall-mounted triggers. Lasers are a recurring threat, but they aren’t the only traps. You must also navigate active electrical currents, electric tiles, pipes leaking fire, and flammable surfaces.

Give this game a try if you want something different from the standard platformer. The satirical take on medical standards and the unique art style make it a standout title from Two Horn Unicorn.