Reviews of Alter Ego

By: Choose Multiple LLC Game

List of user reviews and ratings for Alter Ego

Total ratings

3.93 (Rating count: 1,697)

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Review summary

Alter Ego is a nostalgic, text-based life simulation game adapted faithfully from its 1980s original. Players appreciate its unique, entertaining gameplay and enjoy exploring life choices across multiple playthroughs, sometimes sharing the experience with friends. However, many criticize the lack of LGBTQ+ representation and the game's linear, restrictive nature that often punishes non-conforming decisions. Users also mention pacing and UI frustrations, and feel the game's price doesn't match its limited content and replay value.

Pros

Nostalgic and faithful adaptation of a classic 1980s life simulation game.
Unique and entertaining text-based gameplay without graphics.
Useful as a learning tool to understand life and relationships from a different perspective.
Enjoyable when played in a group as a shared experience.
Multiple playthroughs allow exploration of different life paths and outcomes.

Cons

Lacks options for LGBTQ+ orientations and gender identities, which many users find limiting or outdated.
Gameplay is quite linear with limited variation; choices often lead to similar outcomes and same playthrough experiences.
The game can feel judgmental or restrictive, sometimes penalizing genuine player choices or attempts to deviate from 'scripted' paths.
User interface and game pacing issues: hurried transitions between life stages, clunky menus, and the quiz at start has little impact on the game.
Price considered too high for the amount of content and replayability, especially given its limited features compared to other modern life simulation games.

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User Reviews

Recent rating average: 3.20

All time rating average: 3.93

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14% (3)

Date	Author	Comment
2024-12-22	To*****	Love it. Just wishing the story could have been made in a time where America is more progressive and give the option to date the same sex or the option to be non-binary, regardless i like the outcomes.
Love it. Just wishing the story could have been made in a time where America is more progressive and give the option to date the same sex or the option to be non-binary, regardless i like the outcomes.
2024-04-13	Ev*****	It's really disappointing that you are forced to be straight, and there are options whatsoever about exploring sexuality or gender. This normally wouldn't bother me, except in the childhood and adolescent stages, romance is extremely pushed on you, and the text will constantly describe how "stunning" and "attractive" members of the opposite sex are. Really feels like the heterosexuality is shoved down your throat.
It's really disappointing that you are forced to be straight, and there are options whatsoever about exploring sexuality or gender. This normally wouldn't bother me, except in the childhood and adolescent stages, romance is extremely pushed on you, and the text will constantly describe how "stunning" and "attractive" members of the opposite sex are. Really feels like the heterosexuality is shoved down your throat.
2023-03-04	Lo*****	This game helped me a lot to understand many things (especially the other sex!) when I was a kid playing on the apple //. I'm very glad the programmer made an updated version. It is truly a wonderful learning tool!
This game helped me a lot to understand many things (especially the other sex!) when I was a kid playing on the apple //. I'm very glad the programmer made an updated version. It is truly a wonderful learning tool!
2022-05-08	Ry*****	Little variety but I can understand why since the game is on a decently small scale in comparison to other CYOA games. It's fun, and that can last for a couple of playthroughs but after a certain point you're just doing the same options every time because not doing them will result in clear losses for your character which personally I somewhat dislike.
Little variety but I can understand why since the game is on a decently small scale in comparison to other CYOA games. It's fun, and that can last for a couple of playthroughs but after a certain point you're just doing the same options every time because not doing them will result in clear losses for your character which personally I somewhat dislike.
2020-09-12	d *****	It's pretty good, to be honest. I hate all the people asking for LGBT options. This was made in 1980s! Lgbt wasn't accepted back then and wasn't understood properly, they didn't wanna change anything when adapting this very old game, and sure it's a bit repetitive, but it's meant to be played like once or twice. It says what it is in the description, a text game, so don't complain.
It's pretty good, to be honest. I hate all the people asking for LGBT options. This was made in 1980s! Lgbt wasn't accepted back then and wasn't understood properly, they didn't wanna change anything when adapting this very old game, and sure it's a bit repetitive, but it's meant to be played like once or twice. It says what it is in the description, a text game, so don't complain.
2020-09-07	Ge*****	I don't think some of the reviews are being fair to this game. Before purchase it is made clear that aside from being adapted into ChoiceScript, the content remains unchanged from the original release in 1986. I'm not sure why they are asking for a more modern/progressive take. As for how the stats work, it should be noted that the quiz does have an effect, but prior to that, some stats are randomized from 20 to 80 to simulate random aptitudes. My only issue is that it needs a CS engine update.
I don't think some of the reviews are being fair to this game. Before purchase it is made clear that aside from being adapted into ChoiceScript, the content remains unchanged from the original release in 1986. I'm not sure why they are asking for a more modern/progressive take. As for how the stats work, it should be noted that the quiz does have an effect, but prior to that, some stats are randomized from 20 to 80 to simulate random aptitudes. My only issue is that it needs a CS engine update.
2020-01-20	A *****	The game is good for it's age, being originally made for the Atari the graphis are non existent, due to old tech limits. I miss when this was hosted on it's own website for free, but that isn't the games fault. I wouldn't recommend the other games this dev offers due to incessant microtransactions. Overall, it is limited by the software of the time, and so it struggles to live to modern standards for even indie games.
The game is good for it's age, being originally made for the Atari the graphis are non existent, due to old tech limits. I miss when this was hosted on it's own website for free, but that isn't the games fault. I wouldn't recommend the other games this dev offers due to incessant microtransactions. Overall, it is limited by the software of the time, and so it struggles to live to modern standards for even indie games.
2020-01-02	A *****	Surprisingly fun in a group. If you have a group of oddball friends try playing this together. Its a weird yet fun passtime to raise a digital human being together. Sort of like you're all characters from Inside Out. Its a unique and awesome game I couldnt love it more.
Surprisingly fun in a group. If you have a group of oddball friends try playing this together. Its a weird yet fun passtime to raise a digital human being together. Sort of like you're all characters from Inside Out. Its a unique and awesome game I couldnt love it more.
2019-09-21	A *****	The game is rather linear, and while one can argue life is just linear events, there isn't much variation to this game. You can't even choose your sexuality. Just plain ol' heterosexual. Not a game really worth purchasing as there isn't much choice in it. The game also kind of lectures you for trying to go off "script". Really? I can't live my life how I want in a "life simulator"? Just download Bitlife instead. You'll actually have a bit of fun and it is free with some variation to each life.
The game is rather linear, and while one can argue life is just linear events, there isn't much variation to this game. You can't even choose your sexuality. Just plain ol' heterosexual. Not a game really worth purchasing as there isn't much choice in it. The game also kind of lectures you for trying to go off "script". Really? I can't live my life how I want in a "life simulator"? Just download Bitlife instead. You'll actually have a bit of fun and it is free with some variation to each life.
2019-08-14	A *****	Theres nothing to do, and many other apps that do this concept better. Once you play it one time through (about 20 minutes of gameplay) there is not really any more content. Not worth the price, or even half the price. The graphics are also non-existant for a game of this price - its a text scroll game with the same text for everything. It also spends a good portion of that text lecturing you, and will punish you harshly for going off-script. Boring, no experimentation allowed. Skip this one.
Theres nothing to do, and many other apps that do this concept better. Once you play it one time through (about 20 minutes of gameplay) there is not really any more content. Not worth the price, or even half the price. The graphics are also non-existant for a game of this price - its a text scroll game with the same text for everything. It also spends a good portion of that text lecturing you, and will punish you harshly for going off-script. Boring, no experimentation allowed. Skip this one.