#Alter ego game script full#
#Alter ego game script plus#

It took a while for me to put my finger on what was wrong with Alter Ego until I finally realised that there was no music. There is more tension in a decision to make a sandwich, which is bitterly disappointing considering the potential brought to the game by some of the parts. Here, it seems that half the orchestra have given up, the cellist is facing the wrong way, and the conductor snuck out back for a fag and never returned. Each work well independently, but it is when they come together that a masterpiece or disaster can be born. Ordinarily, a game’s atmosphere is built up in a similar way to an orchestra, with every independent part working together to create a wall of interwoven textures sound effects, lighting, visuals, voice acting, pacing, puzzles etc.

#Alter ego game script plus#

Sadly, this is almost where Alter Ego’s plus points largely splutter to a halt.Ī murder mystery game, with thrilling elements should be bursting at the seams with atmosphere and tension, however, Alter Ego seems utterly devoid of either. Tim’s initial escape from the docks is impressively presented, with the water lit beautifully around him as he swims. In these scenes the animation is top notch, with beautiful effects to surround the action. Traditionally, this is one area where adventures fall down somewhat, but there is no sign of that here and in this respect Alter Ego sails above most rivals.

#Alter ego game script full#

The cut-scenes are also a standout, with full cinematic scenes of a quality which, frankly, surprised me. However, as impressive as the visuals are, few were truly creepy or atmospheric (rain soaked scenes excepted), which was a shame considering the subject matter being played with. The level of detail throughout makes most locations a joy to take in, and, while they aren’t as dynamic and absorbing in terms of lighting and effects as say, the recent Black Mirror 3, they are at the leading end of the graphical pack and are one of the game’s strengths. In the old stables, the chipped paintwork and dented green bars give way to a tantalising glimpse of lush fields and blue sky, while the cemetary is home to dead trees and magnificent tombs. Inside the Lewis manor house, a grand staircase sweeps upwards, while the hallway below entertains the eye with scuffed columns, and ornate bannisters. Each location (of which there are surprisingly few) is well realised, offering beautiful settings and character, down to small details and often fantastically detailed textures. The inventory, as is oft the case, is kept tucked away, with a brief mouseover needed to access it, and the show all hotspots key is present and correct, with everything working as you’d expect from this type of game. While Detective Briscol sets out to try and solve the mystery, Tim has his own destiny to work towards, although fate sees that their paths soon cross and become tangled… it is just a shame that this didn’t happen far sooner – it may well have shored up the pace and story somewhat.Īlter Ego is a point and click adventure that falls into the 2.5D category, presenting detailed backdrops against which the 3D characters work. Of course, it doesn’t take long for events to go awry and Sir William’s body mysteriously goes missing from his wrecked coffin, amid several gruesome and unusual murders. Both tales are set against the backdrop of the funeral of the town’s most feared and hated man, Sir William Lewis, known as the ‘White Beast’, who is suspected of the murder of dozens of people. Meanwhile, stuffy Detective Briscol arrives in town to take up a new position on the force (and seemingly look down on as many people as possible). Irishman Tim, a stowaway and thief, arrives at the docks, where he is promptly delivered into the custody of a waiting Police officer before making his escape and setting off to meet his companion, Brian. Coming from Future Games, developers of the original Black Mirror, Alter Ego promised dark and gruesome delights with its murder mystery storyline, and with a pedigree like The Black Mirror, it understandably caught the attention of adventure fans.Īlter Ego is a murder mystery, set in the docks and streets of 1894 Portsmouth, and focuses on the lives of two protagonists – both of whom are playable in alternating chapters – Timothy Moor and Detective Briscol. It has taken some time for it to reach UK shores, but finally Alter Ego has slipped from the shadows and pounced on a retail release date.