Alter Ego (2023)
Game Description:
Alter Ego is a 2D point-and-click narrative adventure game with psychological elements, released in 2023. Players delve into the intricate relationship between Reese and Winona, navigating through two atmospheric levels filled with challenging puzzles. As you explore, you'll gather inventory items crucial for unraveling the mystery surrounding their connection. The game invites players to question reality and perception, as they piece together clues to identify the true culprit behind the unfolding events—if one exists at all. With its immersive environments and thought-provoking narrative, Alter Ego challenges players to confront the complexities of human relationships and the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.
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What Parents Should Know About Alter Ego
Age Rating
Release Date
2023
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Alter Ego is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, and Violence. This is a "point-and-click" adventure game in which players assume the role of two characters, a thief and police detective, as they uncover a series of mysterious murders. Set in the south of England at the end of the 19th century, players solve puzzles, investigate crime scenes, and search for clues, while following the murder storyline. Some crime scenes depict close-up images of dead bodies lying in small pools of blood. Cutscenes depict a character being buried alive, a character shot by an enemy, and prisoners attacked by officers in a jail cell. During the course of the game, characters sometimes reference sexual material in dialogue (e.g., “There are plenty of hookers in the next room,” “It's the most popular whorehouse in town, and “Do men ever think of anything other than loose women?”). During the investigation, there is a prolonged conversation about a rolled cigarette found at a crime scene (e.g., "How much would this kind of cigarette cost . . . Well . . . hand rolled, that is nothing unusual. It depends on the tobacco, you know . . ."); players can also interact with items in the environment, including wine bottles and liquor. The word "sh*t" can be heard in dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Blood, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Alter Ego is not suitable for younger kids. The game contains mild profanity, including the word "sh*t," and features scenes of violence, such as close-up images of dead bodies with blood, a character being buried alive, and prisoners attacked in a jail cell. The narrative includes mature themes, with references to sexual content and discussions about alcohol and tobacco. The dark and mysterious storyline, set in the 19th century, involves solving murders, which may be unsettling for some. Parents often recommend this game for teens 13 and older due to its mature content and themes.
Why Your Kid Might Like Alter Ego
Alter Ego offers a unique experience that resonates with teens who enjoy unraveling complex narratives. The game's psychological elements and intricate puzzles provide a mental challenge that keeps players engaged. Exploring the atmospheric levels and gathering inventory items to solve the mystery surrounding Reese and Winona's relationship adds depth to the gameplay. The narrative encourages players to question reality and perception, making it a thought-provoking adventure that appeals to those who appreciate storytelling with layers of meaning.
The immersive environments and the challenge of piecing together clues to identify the true culprit create a sense of intrigue and excitement. Teens are drawn to the game's ability to confront the complexities of human relationships, offering a chance to explore hidden truths and make meaningful connections with the characters. The combination of a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay mechanics makes Alter Ego a game that many teens find enjoyable and worth their time.