Players Like...

❤ Game Overview

The game blends elements of interactive fiction, visual novels, and retro-inspired mini-games. Developed by Michael Luo and published by Cathode Radiator, the game has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 97% of the 62 user reviews being positive.

❤ Narrative and Storytelling

Players take on the role of a worker tasked with maintaining and assessing the efficiency of the 2ELLIOT AI, the flagship algorithm of the Arteon Corporation. The narrative explores themes of artificial intelligence, corporate technology, and the fragmentation of digital spaces. As players delve deeper, they uncover the mysteries surrounding the algorithm and the trauma shared by the protagonist and their AI partner. The game delivers the narrative through a combination of conversations, text-based adventures, and cinematic cutscenes, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Reviewers praise the surreal and evocative storytelling, describing it as a "eulogy for the cyberian commonplace" and a "love letter to a lost future of alternative video games."

❤ Gameplay and Mini-Games

The game integrates various gameplay elements, including mini-games and interactive fiction. It is divided into eight chapters, each offering unique reading, playing, and visual experiences. Throughout the game, players encounter a variety of mini-games, ranging from classic 2D and 3D platformers to puzzle-solving and clicker-style experiences. These mini-games are seamlessly woven into the narrative, often serving as a means for players to interact with the AI and uncover new information. Reviewers highlight the variety and quality of these mini-games, with one stating that "the mini-games kinda suck to play, but they're thematically related to the narrative and not bad enough to ruin the experience." In addition to the mini-games, the game incorporates elements of interactive fiction, allowing players to make choices and navigate the narrative through text-based sequences. This blend of gameplay styles creates a unique and engaging experience as players navigate the fragmented terrain of the digital world while engaging with the narrative.

❤ Atmosphere and Aesthetics

The game's distinct visual style and atmosphere have resonated with players. The cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic, with its neon colors and retro-futuristic elements, evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Reviewers comment on the "vibrant neon colors," "bustling cityscapes," and "intricate character designs," all of which contribute to the game's immersive and captivating atmosphere. The pixel art and hand-drawn visuals have also been highlighted as strengths, with one reviewer describing the overall aesthetic as "stylized" and "abstract."