SINISTERSHRIKE

I only post on here and itch.io. I do not have any other platforms right now. Beware of any fake accounts posing as me or my team.

Welcome to Hell, enjoy the buffet.

Howdy. You can call me Darin. I'm a creator that enjoys horror-themed works. I express my art through illustrations, comics, writing, and games.

My current project is a horror game visual novel called Lurking For Love

The demo is very outdated, and I'm currently working on a new version and finishing the full game with a group of talented people.

Last update: October 26, 2025

Remember to scroll down to see the updates we have so far! The game is not abandoned, far from it ;)

There's been a few changes going forward with LFL: I've got a team of awesome talented friends helping me!

They're going to help me with a few parts of the game such as creating some of the backgrounds, side characters, proof reading, and beta testing. I'm glad I get to work on this project with them❤️

We've been working together behind the scenes (along with hanging out irl, best homies ever~) and doing a lot of writing touch ups. There's going to be some new side characters in the full game and a lot more fleshing out of previously established characters, such as Jacob and Austin, but there's also a brand new character we're adding who is also dateable!

MORE UPDATES:

Wowie, October 26 is Jacob's birthday! Here's a spooky treat: Jacob dressing up as Eddie Gluskin from Outlast: Whistleblower :D He's gonna chase you!

Something I probably should have worded better from the prior update post was when I said "we’re also currently working through the ‘chapters’ of the game’s dialogues": So what I meant was the writing for the game is cut up into sections in the diagram for easier reading for myself (sort of like "Here's Section 1 where you meet Jacob, blah blah, here's Section 2 where you meet this other guy, blah blah-" I called it 'chapters', but I think some people thought the game was going to be released as a chapter-by-chapter basis (like how there's some people that release something as "THE GAME: Part 1" like, episodic? But I don't want to do that, nor was I going to ^^; The game is going to be released as one whole completed project, that's one of the reasons the game is taking a while to finish aaa-)

Sorry for any confusion, I'll try wording things better next time xD Again, the game is being released as one finished package, not seperated parts!

BUT! Here's some other things to get excited about:

-The basement route is COMPLETED and graphed out! The next thing I gotta do is go back to fixing up pieces of the outline of the main plot, then I have to work on the final script that will be put into the game, then finally get to coding and making placeholder art.

-I've been holding out for a while on his existence, but I think it's time to show him: The new dateable character is a detective, his name is Noah! (Though, his full name will be revealed in the game!) Here's a mini comic snippet of what's to come of him:

I also came across some neat songs that fit Jacob, one of which is a shitposty song I'm sure some have heard of xD I'll put a couple here:

Hilarious song, I love that it starts out cute and romantic, then suddenly gets raunchy LOL

PURE JACOBCORE, song about how he wants to go fishing with his partner ;0;

Edgy and obsessive, very fitting as he also calls you 'darling'

Once again, thank you guys for being patient, have a Happy Halloween and a splendid autumn, and spend time with your family and friends!

General Info from previous updates:

-More mapping and graphing, tidying up writing, finalizing it soon

-Added adjustments to character designs and writing for them

Tinkering with sprite designs here and there

-Summer art below

The story we have written so far is such a step up from the extremely outdated demo, which served more as a very early beta concept of the game. When I first created the demo, I didn’t expect it to get as much attention as it did. Looking back, I can’t help but feel proud of how much Jacob’s story has shifted and developed into something so much better than what the game and story was originally going to be. Even Jacob as a character has improved so much since his first debut. I feel like he’s a lot more human now. I’ve also felt like I’ve really improved on my writing, and I’m certain the full game will reflect our efforts.

Overall, steady progress has been coming along! Thank you all for being patient with us. We don’t want to give too much away, but here are some little snippets from our diagram notes that are out of context (Keep in mind this is not actual dialogue from the game, just personal work-in-progress notes the team writes down in our diagram as we plan):

"I ask Jacob if he knows who David is. He tenses up."

“I could use some more money after having to move here. How hard could it be?”

“I reach the pizzeria. I see Eddie leaning against the counter. He gives me a big smile as I enter.”

“He looks around my room, almost frantically.”

"His body radiates a strong stench that hits my nose: Cheap cologne and body sweat."

"Wait, you used to date Jacob? Since when?"

"She's not someone who lives in reality."

"I'm pretty sure HE was the one that killed that poor thing."

(July 2025)

We're continuing to keep certain details vague since the game has expanded quite a bit, and we don't want to give away too many spoilers. The part we are currently writing is figuring out what kind of endings we want (and how many we want). We're also thinking about what date ideas you can have with Jacob (and the other dateable character ;D ). We do have a couple of cute ideas for you and Jacob, and you'll get to see him in different outfits! Overall, we're basically doing some more fleshing out and putting all the pieces together. I'd say we're halfway done with that part, and once the story and it's routes/details are complete, we'll finally be moving on to coding. I've been wanting to try out some different 'cool things' to add to the full game, mainly having to do with the text in the dialogue box, possibly some sort of bits of animation, etc. But yeah, the team is halfway there!

For the full version of LFL:There is no longer an NSFW toggle option as we are no longer creating explicit porn content. Sex scenes are implied but no longer shown or described (a "fade to black" scene basically) nor is NSFW content the main focus of the game. I've decided that I do not wish to create pornographic material in any of my works moving forward, including current projects like Lurking For Love.

Upon moving forward, our game focused on becoming a mystery horror game with some dating sim elements in it. We are, once again, no longer creating explicit NSFW content within our works anymore. The game is still intended for a mature audience as it contains violence, blood and gore, strong adult language, use of drugs and alcohol, and some sexual content. Think of it as your average 'Rated 17+' game like Grand Theft Auto.

Yes, the team is aware that a lot of things (such as our itch.io page and info in the old demo itself) are outdated with its information. Right now we are focused on just working on the game itself to finish it. Other info will gradually be updated next to it. Any old content that revolved around ‘murdersim’/nsfw content is outdated and does not represent the new vision for our game or characters. I know old content is out there, but I don’t stand behind it anymore as I’ve changed course as a creator and so has the game and its characters. Anything the LFL team creates after the full release date can be considered canon. Also, PLEASE DO NOT repost my artwork anywhere or on social media. At some point, we will make a gallery feature that will have art in it.

We will be getting custom music for the game, including it's own main theme for the menu! A good chunk of the soundtracks will be original audio from some talented individuals we're working with behind the scenes :) Our team has grown even more and it's been a great pleasure working alongside everyone!

A Valentine's Day artwork made by Azure! (2024)

FAQ

When will the game get finished?

I don't have a definite time right now, but hopefully soon.

What kind of game is Lurking For Love? What content is in it?

Lurking For Love is a horror game in the style of a visual novel (similar to those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books). It's got stalking, murder, mystery, humor and some romance if you choose those paths. The game is solely focused on storytelling and horror, and although there is some suggestive themes between characters and dialogue, this is NOT an NSFW/porn game, and we'd prefer if people viewed it more akin to a horror film. If you enjoy horror films such as Halloween and/or Scream, then you might enjoy Lurking For Love.

How can I contact you?

As of right now, all forms of contacting me are disabled. The only username I'm using now is SinisterShrike. My previous old usernames are no longer in use. I ONLY have an itch.io and my own personal website (AKA here). I DO NOT have a Twitter, tumblr, Instagram, etc. If you see any of my usernames active on other social media platforms, that's not me. If any fake accounts try interacting with you, I would advise you on blocking them. If I do create another platform or return to one, I will announce it here on my site first.

WhAt aRe yOuR ViEwS oN-

Look, I'm an artist, not a politician. My views aren't important. My creations are meant to be enjoyed by anyone who are just here for a good time and entertaining stories. I'm a random stranger on the internet with his own personal opinions, which are no more or less important than yours. Insulting, witch-hunting and threatening people you disagree with is the least tolerant thing you could do and only encourages others to close themselves off from listening to what you have to say.

I don't like your sense of humor :(

It's not for everyone.