The Kid At The Back: A Psyched-Out, Offbeat Visual Novel

The Kid At The Back dumps you smack in the middle of a school that practically reeks of secrets, tension so thick you could slice it with a protractor, and a vibe that’s more unsettling than the janitor’s mop bucket. Nothing’s what it looks like—everyone’s hiding something, especially that weird kid in the back row, just staring with those freaky red eyes. Trust me, you’re gonna want to know what’s up with them, or maybe you don’t.

Roll Your Main Character

You get to put your spin on the protagonist—pick the name, pronouns, and stuff that affects how people treat you. It’s not just a color-swap, either. Every little thing you do, every person you avoid or open up to, it all comes back around. Forget those “good” or “bad” endings where you know exactly which answer to pick—here, things get messy, fast. No two runs are ever the same, unless you’ve got a scary good memory and zero imagination.

Messy People, Messier Relationships

There’s romance, but don’t expect the usual “give them a flower, get a kiss” nonsense. Their stories aren’t there just to pad out the game—they’ve got history, tension, and some real emotional landmines. Relationships feel earned, not just handed to you on a pixelated platter. You’ll probably screw up a few times, honestly, but hey, that’s high school.

Spooky Visuals & Killer Sound

The art
Gorgeous and unsettling in equal measure. It’s got that sharp, expressive anime look, but with just enough off-kilter energy to keep you on edge. The backgrounds drip with atmosphere, and those CG scenes hit hard. Oh, and the soundtrack? Good luck getting those creepy tunes out of your head. Seriously, don’t play this alone at night unless you like insomnia.

Go Again—It’s Never the Same

There’s a ton to unlock: over 15 illustrations, two different romance arcs, and a glossary that grows as you dig up dirt. Every replay peels back a new layer. You’ll spot details you missed, maybe stumble onto a secret or two, and the story just keeps getting weirder the deeper you go.

The Bottom Line

If you’re after a fluffy, feel-good story, uh, maybe look elsewhere. The Kid At The Back goes for the jugular—it’s a slow-burn psychological rabbit hole that’ll stick with you way after the credits roll. If you live for narrative games with actual bite, where your choices matter and the characters feel just as messed up as real people, you’ll want to pull up a chair in the back row. Just… try not to make eye contact.