Ctrl Alt Ego Review – by Im Dave Angel

At completexbox we are very much community driven, and welcome guest articles, opinion pieces and reviews. This Review of Ctrl Alt Ego, developed by MindThunk is written by the very talented IM Dave Angel, played on Xbox Series S.

Ok, Sum up the Game “Ctrl Alt Ego” for me…

Ctrl Alt Ego is a witty, futuristic game that lets you transfer your consciousness between various robots and devices. Set in a futuristic space station, you play as a disembodied ego navigating through various challenges to uncover the mysteries of the station.

How does this game play?

The game is set in a sprawling space station divided into different sectors. Progress is either guided in the initial stages, blocked until you get the necessary upgrades, or you are thrusted into hostile situations to figure out on your own.

Your abilities start simply but can be enhanced with various upgrades found in hard-to-reach places. The ability to switch between different machines adds a unique twist to the gameplay.

How does Ctrl Alt Ego stack up Visually?

Ctrl Alt Ego features a retro aesthetic with charmingly dated visuals. The environments are well-crafted, and the space station is a joy to explore. The sound design is immersive, with atmospheric audio and voice logs that add depth to the experience. However, the graphics might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more modern visual experience.

The character of the space station is a real high point. The myriad of robots in place around the station have such a dry sense of humour it made me laugh out loud on several occasions.

How big is the map and how do you get about?

Traversal can be a bit cumbersome, requiring you to unlock various terminals and devices to move around efficiently. The ability to switch between different machines helps, but it can still feel tedious at times.

To move your ego from one robot to another, you need a certain number of ego points. These are collected in various machines around the levels of the station and often I would jump from machine to machine, looking for more ego points to disable a troublesome enemy.

You also have a choice of tools (Drills, rocket engines, shields and many more) which are powered by ‘juice’, the equivalent of energy or ammunition. This is used up very quickly, so finding life savers (save points) and using them often is the key to progress in Ctrl Alt Ego.

Does this game have a decent, compelling story?

The story is intriguing, with a well-crafted setting and constant twists that keep you guessing. The narrative development is solid, though it might leave some players wanting more in terms of character depth and plot complexity.

Combat and Challenges

Combat in Ctrl Alt Ego is a mixed bag. While the ability to switch between machines and use their capabilities is fun, the enemy AI can be inconsistent and often completely unforgiving, leading to frustrating encounters and frequent ‘disembodiments’. The freedom of choice in tackling challenges is the game’s highlight, offering multiple solutions to problems.

Final Thoughts

Ctrl Alt Ego is an original game with a lot of potential for those who love to experiment and find multiple solutions to presented problems. Whilst it has its flaws, particularly in visuals and traversal, it offers a unique and engaging experience in the immersive sim genre.