For those who prefer horror games that challenge the mind rather than rely on jump scares, Dissolution of My Self is a title worth noting. Created by Pop Elephant Studio, this upcoming dark boys’ love visual novel invites players to delve into the protagonist’s fragmented memories and identity. A free demo has recently become available for Windows on Steam and itch.io.
Dissolution of My Self centers on Hector, a prince from a fallen kingdom, who finds himself in exile alongside his uncle and aide-de-camp, Matvey. Struggling to come to terms with his circumstances, Hector chooses to suppress his past and live in a rented room until the world around him settles.
The gameplay involves exploring everyday items such as windows and medicine bottles to unlock memories Hector has tried to bury. The sequence in which players interact with these objects determines the order of Hector’s recollections and the story’s progression. Once a memory is experienced, Hector loses it permanently, and the associated object gradually fades and loses its functionality.
Matvey plays a significant role in Hector’s memories. Beyond being his uncle and advisor, Hector views Matvey as a composite of maternal, marital, caregiving, and subservient figures. As Hector revisits his past, players witness the deeply intertwined and often distorted nature of their bond.
Dissolution of My Self explores the psychological horror of human relationships and codependency, infused with dark humor and what the developers describe as “jokes straight from hell.” The game is scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2026 for Windows (Steam).