Alter Ego
Another game that I missed when it was released at the time, but because of the depth and seriousness of its gameplay, it may have been for the best-it is a game that is much more enjoyable as an adult.
Released in 1986 by Activision and developed by US psychologist Peter J. Favaro, Alter Ego is a groundbreaking text-based life simulation game that offers a profound exploration of human existence. Available on the Commodore 64, the game allows players to navigate the complexities of life from infancy to old age, making choices that have real and lasting consequences. In an era dominated by action-packed arcade titles, Alter Ego stood out for its introspective approach, inviting players to reflect on the impact of their decisions.
A part of the game's short initial questionnaire will determine your initial characteristic scores.
A Life Simulator
Alter Ego presents life as a series of choices and events, mirroring the unpredictability and complexity of real life. Players begin by creating their alter ego, choosing between a male or female character and setting initial personality traits through a psychological questionnaire. This foundation influences how the game responds to your decisions, ensuring that each playthrough is a unique experience.
The game is divided into seven life stages:
- Infancy
- Childhood
- Adolescence
- Young Adulthood
- Adulthood
- Middle Age
- Old Age
At each stage, players encounter scenarios that are appropriate for that period in life, from forming friendships in school to navigating complex adult relationships and career decisions.
Each box in the game represents a theme tied to one or more of your character's traits. These traits are shaped through scene-based events, offering life lessons and opportunities for personal growth.
The game interface presents life events as icons, each leading to new choices and paths. But the player can decide to experience the events in the order he prefers: it is not necessarily to follow the route.
Gameplay Mechanics: Choices and Consequences
Alter Ego is entirely text-based, with a user-friendly interface that presents events as icons on a branching grid. Each icon represents a different scenario or life event. Clicking on an icon reveals a detailed description of the situation and multiple choices for how to respond.
As we become adults, the icons representing the areas of our lives increase exponentially: study, work, marriage relationships, family relationships, business, possessions. We will also be able to apply for a loan or take out a mortgage to buy a house!
Immersive Decision-Making
What sets Alter Ego apart is the depth of its decision-making process. During my playthrough, I aimed to make authentic choices that felt true to each life stage. In childhood and adolescence, I didn't just pick the most responsible options; instead, I considered how a person at that age might genuinely react. This immersion made the experience more personal and reflective.
Impactful Outcomes
Every choice in Alter Ego carries significant weight. For example, after carefully building a stable life through responsible decisions—excelling as a student and succeeding in a finance career—I decided to test the game's response to negative actions. After saving my progress, I chose to betray my partner. The consequences weren’t immediate, but after a few turns, my marriage started to fall apart, and eventually, it ended in a complete breakdown, leading to a cascade of negative outcomes. This perfectly illustrates how Alter Ego's cause-and-effect system works. If you skip school lessons and don’t study, your academic performance drops drastically, and your future career opportunities could be heavily impacted as a result. Every decision has a lasting ripple effect on your character's life.
Exploring Possibilities
Despite leading a successful life, I couldn't help but wonder if the game allowed for more unconventional paths, such as becoming a rock star or a famous actor. While I didn't encounter these options in my playthrough, the game's vast array of scenarios suggests that numerous possibilities await those willing to make more out-of-the-box moves.
Here is the first of the summary screens for your alter ego’s profile.
Emotional Resonance: A Moving Finale
As my journey concluded, the final scene was unexpectedly moving. My character passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth and closeness of family—a testament to the life I had shaped through my choices. It was a simple yet profound ending that prompted reflection on the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
My possessions near the end of my virtual life. In Alter Ego, there’s a screen that summarizes everything.
Graphics and Sound: Simplicity That Serves the Purpose
Given its text-based nature, Alter Ego doesn't rely on flashy graphics or elaborate sound design. The minimalist presentation focuses attention on the narrative and choices. Simple icons and straightforward menus make navigation intuitive, ensuring that players remain engaged with the unfolding story.
Replayability: Endless Paths to Explore
One of Alter Ego's greatest strengths is its replayability. With countless scenarios and branching paths, no two playthroughs are the same. Whether you choose to live cautiously or embrace risk, the game offers a rich tapestry of experiences that encourage multiple replays.
The Verdict
Alter Ego is a timeless classic that delves into the human condition with remarkable depth. While it may lack the visual flair of other games from its era, its rich narrative and meaningful choices offer an experience that is both engaging and introspective. It's a game that not only entertains but also encourages players to reflect on their own lives and the impact of their decisions.
Pros:
- Deep and Thought-Provoking Gameplay: Offers a unique exploration of life choices and their consequences.
- Replayability: Each playthrough can lead to vastly different outcomes depending on the decisions made.
- Emotional Engagement: The game evokes personal and moving moments, enhancing player connection.
- Realistic Reflection on Life: Captures the complexity of real-life situations in a grounded manner.
- Educational Value: Provides insight into the psychological and emotional effects of decisions.
Cons:
- Minimalist Graphics and Sound: May not appeal to players seeking visual or auditory stimulation.
- Slow Pace: The text-heavy nature and lack of action can feel sluggish to some.
- Reduced Interactivity: Focuses on reading and decision-making over dynamic gameplay.
The sunset icon represents the last event of your (hopefully long) virtual life. Here, you will draw the conclusions of your game. The game is so well done, and the narrative so realistic, that you are likely to be moved.
| Score | Rating |
|---|---|
| Commodore 64 Game | 96% |
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