History YMMV / DarkDeception

* EvilIsSexy:
** Bierce has a great body and wears a dress that evokes [[Creator/ElviraMistressOfTheDark Elvira]], and based on her backstory, she's at the very least of shaky morality.
** The Reaper Nurses, despite being sadists with misandry tendencies, fit the bill nonetheless, no thanks to their designs actually looking like normal people - and well-built, curvy ones to boot. They even exploit this trope to ease Doug into their clutches.

* AscendedMeme: The "Dread Ducky Dance." Upon Devlog 4's arrival, one of the things it showcased was practice animation of a Dread Ducky moving, and people started joking about it actually dancing. Come Chapter 3's arrival, and said animation was inserted in-game at several points.

* EvilIsSexy: Bierce has a great body and wears a dress that evokes [[Creator/ElviraMistressOfTheDark Elvira]], and based on her backstory, she's at the very least of shaky morality.

* SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic: Arguably, ''all'' of the game's tracks are this in some standing out more than others:
** The game's main theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iZslnGfu2c&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=12 Darkness is Coming]] gives first-time players a feel of what's to come in the game, a world of darkness and deception.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkItmL-UJOw&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I Monkey Business]] is one of the game's most memorable tracks, and for good reason. The music has a very catchy but urgent tune to it that basically tells you to keep running from something that is always on your toes.
*** This track is also a revitalised version of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXIdGJAZSrU Into Madness]], which also gives off the same vibes.
** Then there is the level's boss and escape theme [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMgHXoohFo Chef Frenzy]]. It is an even darker reprise of Pizza Time that is far more intense. It lacks goofy vocals, but it also has a chaotic calliope tune with heavy drums with subtle breaths that scream the fact you are being chased by a gang of frenzied primates.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwx__aMbqd8 Share Your Pain]] plays during Agatha's boss fight, and encapsulates Agatha's status as a TragicVillain flawlessly. It starts off with a melancholy music box, evocative of her origins as the maid's daughter sacrificed by Bierce to secure her deal with Malak, before transitioning to heavy beats reflecting her currently warped, demonic nature. The music box motif returns throughout the song, reminding the listener of the innocent little girl who [[{{Tearjerker}} went through so much suffering, torment, and pain]], her spirit was [[WasOnceAMan twisted by anger, hatred, and sadness into the monster we face today.]]
** Both [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WiEXMPUdFo&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=10 The Golden Rule]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8gE2l8iws&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=9 Mind Your Manors]] play when you first enter the Manor, and both tracks really give off the feeling that you've just entered a place where [[TheMostDangerousGame rich folk hunt you like the peasant you are]].
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CxQ01mGymo&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=14 It's Time to Leave]] is an extremely panic-inducing track that's done through repeated screeches and groans that sound similar to demonic ducks. This especially works during the escape sequence of ''Stranger Sewers'', telling you to hurry up and escape an enraged Doom Ducky down the sewer paths.
** Speaking of Doom Ducky, another honorable mention has to go to its awesomely titled battle theme [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZjcSWcRwho Rising Terror.]] The song is very dramatic as it uses a lot of instrumental screeches as well as a few orchestral instruments. This track fits with the stressful encounter of being [[AloneWithThePsycho trapped in a room]] with an AnimalisticAbomination that wants to eat you alive.
** Another boss theme that is quite catchy has to be the one of the Fun Murder Circus which is appropriately named [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya-0wQvQtF4&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=18 It's Showtime.]] This theme plays during the showdown between the Goliath Clowns in Crazy Carnevil and it definitely fits them. It is somehow able to make CreepyCircusMusic sound not only threatening but epic too. It has an ominous, dramatic intro to when the giant monster clowns appear, and then it transitions into a fast-paced, and intense carnival-like melody to match the intensity of the fight.
** However, one of the most unexpected tracks for a horror game to be [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEk6t3vG230&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=20 Healing Hospitality.]] It is actually used as the lobby theme for the hospital, [[MakesJustAsMuchSenseInContext which also doubles as a strip club but without stripping.]] It has a unique synthetic beat, presenting a rather upbeat tone when compared to the more dramatic and sinister music the game has to provide.
** ''Torment Therapy's'' boss fight theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8dbjylEl0&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=24 Patient Transfer]], is an intense track that, while not exactly scary, is very quick-paced and very telling that you're in a car chase. Or ambulance chase in this, and the song is actually split into two different parts. The first part is used during the main ChaseFight with the Matron and the Reaper Nurses and then transitions to the second part when the Matron is low on health. After her defeat, this second part then acts as the escape theme for the hospital.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsho5MXbGY8&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=25 Joy Joy Ditty]], a track played by the Joy Joy Gang at certain moments, is a simple, but somehow earwormy song that brings to mind a lot of children's songs heard in restaurants and attractions.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2CqrwY5Nvw Only the Joyful]] is a great contrast when compared to the more chipper ditty. It is now far more ominous and creepy, and it shares the same {{Leitmotif}} as the previous tune but now at half the speed. It honestly fits very well for exploring an abandoned theme park.
** The battle theme of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtF6LQP1n1s&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=30 Joy Kill]] is definitely a fan favorite. It carries a dramatic tone with it, as it begins with clanking sounds and a male choir, similar to Rising Terror, but it then switches it up to a leitmotif that sounds very similar to Only the Joyful, with a female choir. Also, a low distorted voice repeats the words "joy" [[MadnessMantra over and over again]]. The song honestly fits the character it is named after since they are the final form of the Joy Joy Gang and you fight them in a NightmarishFactory.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZV0NN0LH-E Uninvited Guests]] is the chase theme for Bearly Buried in that title is very meaningful. It sounds very primal and menacing and the pass will become quicker over time with a young choir chanting "Keep it moving" with ominous gasping in between each beat. It sounds simple and silly on paper, and yet it is by far one of the most threatening chase themes in the entire game, it makes it sound like the souls that have fallen here are encouraging you to not give up and ''keep it going''.
** And yet that song is nothing compared to Mama Bear's battle theme [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSye9mz92Bw&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=38 Maternal Instinct]]. Not only does it sound similar to the above-mentioned song, but it also happens to be far more intense as well. It is rapidly passed, and eerie sounding with several suspenseful and high-pitched PsychoStrings in the background. The song honestly fits well for Malak's lead executioner who shows her prey that she is someone not to be taken lightly.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI4xGwRtlzk&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=39 Deliverance]], which plays during the escape sequence of ''Bearly Buried'', is an utterly orchestral track that pretty much has the souls of those trapped here urging Doug to hurry up and escape the whole time through, almost giving a sense of hope that you can still redeem yourself in an otherwise hopeless and horrifying situation. Just like Patient Transfer, this song is also divided into two parts. The first part plays when being chased by Mama Bear's monstrous bear hand through a tunnel filled with skeletal remains, and the second part plays when trying to escape through the now falling apart cabin that is filled with panicking Trigger Teddies.

* CutsceneIncompetence: When you have Agatha catching up, you cansprint. When you have Gold Watchers between you and the exit, you can teleport. When Clown Gremlins are ganging up on you, you have Primal Fear to stun them. When you have Joy Kill in front of your exit, though, you get neither of the latter options and must stand by Doug as he endures the worst day of his life and the days leading up to it.

* BigLippedAlligatorMomment: The hospital lobby doubling as a strip club definitely qualifies. It is so absurd and random and just so out of place. And the music that plays sounds nothing like the others from the rest of the game.

* EvilIsCool: The Joy Joy Gang fit this trope like a gear. They're a [[LaughablyEvil laughably evil]] trio of mascots with a memorable combination of distinctive designs, personality, and powers for each of them. It also helps that their appearance marks a turning point in the story, [[spoiler:as they're the only monsters so far to actually capture Doug, complete with a full-on NoHoldsBarredBeatdown to boot.]]
* EvilIsSexy: Bierce has a great body, and wears a dress that evokes [[Creator/ElviraMistressOfTheDark Elvira]], and based on her backstory, she's at the very least of shaky morality.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI4xGwRtlzk&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=39 Deliverance]], which plays during the escape sequence of ''Bearly Buried'', is an utterly orchestral track that pretty much has the souls of those trapped here urging Doug to hurry up and escape the whole time through, almost giving a sense of hope that you can still redeem yourself in an otherwise hopeless and horrifying situation.
* CreepyCute: All of the standard nightmare enemies encountered are undeniably creepy to say the least. However, there is also something usually endearing about them in some fashion, especially if you look past their more questionable attributes. Agatha, the Dread Duckies, and the Joy Joy Gang are perhaps the biggest offenders, but all of them can fit the bucket somehow.

** ''Torment Therapy's'' boss fight theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8dbjylEl0&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=24 Patient Transfer]], is an intense track that, while not exactly scary, is very quick-paced and very telling that you're in a car chase. Or ambulance chase in this, and the song is actually split into two different parts. The first part is used during the main ChaseFight with Matron and the Reaper Nurses and then transitions to the second part when the Matron is low on health. After her defeat, this second part then acts as the escape theme for the hospital.

** Another boss theme that is quite catchy has to be the one of the Fun Murder Circus which is appropriately named [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya-0wQvQtF4&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=18 It's Showtime.]] This theme plays during the showdown between the Goliath Clowns in Crazy Carnevil and it definitely fits them. It is somehow able to make CreepyCircusMusic sound not only threatening but epic too. It has an ominous, dramatic intro to when the giant [[MonsterClown]]s appear, and then it transitions into a fast-paced, and intense carnival-like melody to match the intensity of the fight.

** ''Torment Therapy's'' boss fight theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8dbjylEl0&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=24 Patient Transfer]], is an intense track that, while not exactly scary, is very quick-paced and very telling that you're in a car chase.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2CqrwY5Nvw Only the Joyful]] is a great contrast when compared to the more chipper ditty. It is now far more ominous and creepy, and it shares the same {{Leitmotif}} as the previous tune but now at half the speed.

* EvilIsCool: The Joy Joy Gang fit this trope like a gear. They're a [[LaughablyEvil laughably evil]] trio of mascots with a memorable combination of distinctive designs, personality, and powers for each of them. It also helps that they're appearance marks a turning point in the story, [[spoiler:as they're the only monsters so far to actually capture Doug, complete with a full-on NoHoldsBarredBeatdown to boot.]]

** ''Torment Therapy's'' boss fight theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8dbjylEl0&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=24 Patient Transfer]], is an intense track that, while not exactly scary, is very quick-paced and very telling that you're in a car chase.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI4xGwRtlzk&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=39 Deliverance]], which plays during the escape sequence of ''Bearly Buried'', is an utterly orchestral track that pretty much has the souls of those trapped here urging to hurry and escape the whole time through, almost giving a sense of hope that you can still redeem yourself in an otherwise hopeless and horrifying situation.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwx__aMbqd8 Share Your Pain]] plays during Agatha's boss fight, and encapsulates Agatha's status as a TragicVillain flawlessly. It starts off with a melancholy music box, evocative of her origins as the maid's daughter sacrificed by Bierce to secure her deal with Malak, before transitioning to heavy beats reflecting her currently warped, demonic nature. The music box motif returns throughout the song, reminding the listener of the little girl who went through so much suffering, torment, and pain, her spirit was [[CreateYourOwnVillain twisted by anger, hatred, and sadness into the monster we face today.]]

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwx__aMbqd8 Share Your Pain]] plays during Agatha's boss fight, and encapsulates Agatha's status as a TragicVillain flawlessly. It starts off with a melancholy music box, evocative of her origins as the maid's daughter sacrificed by Bierce to secure her deal with Malak, before transitioning to heavy beats reflecting her currently warped, demonic nature. The music box motif returns throughout the song, reminding the listener of the little girl who went through so much suffering, torment and pain, her spirit was [[CreateYourOwnVillain twisted by anger and sadness into the monster we face today.]]

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwx__aMbqd8 Share Your Pain]] plays during Agatha's boss fight, and epitomizes Agatha's TragicVillain status. It starts off with a melancholy music box, evocative of her origins as the maid's daughter sacrificed by Bierce to secure her deal with Malak, before transitioning to heavy beats reflecting her currently warped, demonic nature. The music box motif returns throughout the song, reminding the listener of the little girl who went through so much suffering, torment and pain, her spirit was [[CreateYourOwnVillain twisted by anger and sadness into the monster we face today.]]

** ''Monkey Business'' (the first level, mind you) can go in this territory at times. You have to deal with three Murder Monkeys, all of whom become aware of your location the moment you collect a shard, so walking or staying in place for too long is guaranteed to kill you. They also have a nasty habit of trying to corner and cut you off if they're close enough, meaning you have to focus on either collecting power shards or predict their general direction via footsteps. Even after the Enhanced Edition nerfed the Monkeys' AI to lessen the chances of players getting cornered, each Monkey still spawns on a different part of the map, making it possible for the player to get sandwiched regardless. Thankfully, they don't move faster than the player, and if you do get away from them they will slow their movement speed (although you probably won't be able to tell anyways).

** The game's main theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iZslnGfu2c&list=PLJuLtMXQpmkyfSd1V6L0M-M817Bdv2v0I&index=12 Darkness Calls]] gives first-time players a feel of what's to come in the game, a world of darkness and deception.

* CreepyCute: All of the nightmare enemies encountered are undeniably creepy to say the least. However, there is also something usually endearing about them in some fashion, especially in comparison to Malak. Agatha, the Dread Duckies, and the Joy Joy Gang are perhaps the biggest offenders, but all of them can fit the bucket somehow.

** ''Torment Therapy'' and ''Mascot Mayhem'' aren't exactly considered "easy", but ''Bearly Buried'' somehow managed to blow those previous levels out of the water, especially the first zone. The aim is to [[spoiler:get the ring pieces and shards back]], and the first zone involves getting one while sneaking past a group of sleeping Trigger Teddies. Doesn't sound too bad until you realize that [[spoiler:you no longer have your powers at this point to help you.]] It doesn't help that the sleeping teddies will wake up at just the slightest noise, and escape is impossible since they move ''ridiculously'' faster than you could ever run (which is jarring compared to how fast they are most of the time). As if that wasn't enough, there's also the chance of a Trigger Teddy already looking for you, and while he's not as fast as the others you will be forced to run if he sees you, which is guaranteed to wake some of the other teddies up.