The Song of Saya

The Song of Saya is a psychological horror visual novel that polarizes players due to its disturbing themes and explicit content. The story revolves around Fuminori, who perceives the world as grotesque following a botched surgery, and his relationship with Saya, an eldritch creature depicted with childlike traits. The narrative is praised for its compelling exploration of madness, existential terror, and human perception, with a gripping and eerie atmosphere enhanced by a memorable soundtrack. However, the game’s use of sexual content, especially involving Saya, is widely regarded as problematic and unsettling, leaving many conflicted about recommending it. The characters sometimes make illogical decisions, seemingly to force horrific outcomes, which can frustrate players. Despite these issues, the game is considered a masterpiece of meta-horror by some, but its shock value and controversial elements mean it’s suited only for those with strong tolerance for mature and taboo subjects.

Overall, The Song of Saya offers a short but intense experience blending horror and tragedy, though its execution and themes remain divisive among players.

Highlights

Players most praise the game's deeply disturbing and original horror narrative, its haunting atmosphere, and the rich psychological themes. The soundtrack and art style receive frequent commendations for enhancing immersion. The story’s slow revelation of Fuminori’s descent into madness and the exploration of existential dread are standout elements. The multiple endings and character perspectives add depth, while the game’s unique take on eldritch horror and mental illness intrigue many fans. Despite its controversial content, the writing and emotional impact are often described as powerful and thought-provoking.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's explicit sexual content, particularly the depiction of Saya as a childlike figure, which many find disturbing and inappropriate. Some players feel the sexual scenes are unnecessary and detract from the story. Character motivations are sometimes seen as illogical, with decisions made solely to escalate horror, reducing believability. The short duration and limited character development leave some wanting more depth. Additionally, the game’s shock value can overshadow its narrative strengths, making it unsuitable for wider audiences. The censored Steam version is viewed as incomplete, and the uncensored patch may be too graphic for many.