The core of How to Date an Entity revolves around decision-making and managing the entity's interest, which determines the story's outcome. The game’s mechanics are straightforward yet impactful, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore its branching narrative.
The Interest Meter is the game’s central mechanic, tracking how much the entity, Mrs., is intrigued by the protagonist based on their dialogue choices and actions. Players must keep her interest high to avoid fatal consequences, as poor decisions can lead to her boredom or hostility. This mechanic adds tension, as every choice feels significant, whether it’s choosing what to cook or how to respond to her unsettling questions.
The game offers a dialogue-driven experience where players advance the story by selecting responses during conversations with Mrs. These choices shape the narrative, leading to one of 10 possible endings, ranging from survival and romance to darker, horrific conclusions. For example, the "Lovey-Dovey" ending allows the protagonist to form a genuine connection with Mrs., while others, like Ending #4, may leave players emotionally rattled. The variety of outcomes incentivizes replayability to discover all paths.
How to Date an Entity (and Stay Alive) is a standout indie game that combines dating sim mechanics with analog horror to create a memorable and replayable experience. Its innovative premise, engaging gameplay, and striking art make it a must-play for fans of horror and visual novels.
- Bed Wars