Welcome to the Mental Hospital
Sometimes, you just want to grab a few friends, hop on Discord, and play something stupid. S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include… aims to fill that exact niche. Released on January 23, 2026, after an Early Access period, this chaotic platformer tasks players with escaping a bizarre clinic by popping pills that grant random, often detrimental, superpowers.
Developed by Two Horn Unicorn, the game embraces a “Fanboy and Chum Chum” aesthetic—derpy, colorful, and slightly unhinged. But is it a prescription for fun or just a bad trip? The answer depends largely on whether you have three friends willing to suffer with you.
Pills, Platforming, and Pain
The core loop of S.E.M.I. is simple: navigate procedurally generated rooms filled with traps, enemies, and puzzles. The twist comes in the form of pills. Ingesting these experimental drugs grants abilities with massive side effects. “Bipolar Force” might make you an invulnerable monster one second and a helpless ragdoll the next. “Laser Astigmatism” gives you two sights but only one laser, leaving you guessing where you’ll actually shoot.
When it works, it’s hilarious. One Steam reviewer described it as “rage-inducing at times” but ultimately fun, especially when puzzles get chaotic near the end of a round. The physics-based combat allows you to smack guards with random objects, and the platforming requires a level of coordination that inevitably leads to screaming matches when someone misses a jump.
The “Co-op” Factor
This is undeniably a game built for multiplayer. Solo play is possible, but reviewers warn that it is “not as fun” and some puzzles in the “Therapy” levels feel nearly impossible without a partner. The chaos is the point. Watching your friend shrink due to “Alice’s Syndrome” and get stuck behind a lamp is the kind of emergent comedy the game thrives on.
However, the co-op implementation has flaws. One player noted that reviving a fallen comrade leaves them stuck upside down, unable to even spectate properly. It’s janky, but for $7.99, many players seem willing to forgive the roughness for a few hours of laughter.
The Side Effects: Bugs and Polish
Unfortunately, the game’s transition from Early Access to full release hasn’t smoothed out all the edges. Players have reported performance issues, micro-freezes, and bugs that can halt progress. The platforming can feel “annoying,” with little reward for those seeking a tight, precise experience.
Additionally, the lack of control remapping is a sore point, especially for Steam Deck users who find certain keys (like ‘Q’) unusable. The inability to turn off motion blur is another quality-of-life omission that has frustrated players sensitive to screen effects.
| The Good | The Bad |
| Chaotic Fun: Random abilities and physics create hilarious moments with friends. | Bugs: Micro-freezes, getting stuck in geometry, and revive glitches are common. |
| Art Style: A “derpy,” colorful aesthetic that fits the tone perfectly. | Solo Experience: Puzzles can feel impossible or tedious without teammates. |
| Price: At $7.99, it offers good value for a few nights of entertainment. | Controls: No remapping options hurts accessibility, especially on Steam Deck. |
| Variety: Randomly generated rooms keep the escape attempts feeling fresh. | Platforming: Can feel imprecise and annoying rather than challenging. |
S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include…: S.E.M.I. – Side Effects May Include… is a solid budget party game. It isn't going to win Game of the Year, and it likely won't keep you occupied for weeks. But as a weekend distraction with friends? It’s a prescription worth filling. It is cute, chaotic, and derpy. Just be prepared for some bugs and maybe don't try to tackle it alone. – Obsidian
