The Enigma Machine Review

Ever wanted to know what it was like inside an android’s mind? Well wonder no more, as The Enigma Corporation is giving you a chance to dive into Dreamscape, an explorable 3D environment of an android’s mind available via simulation at your fingertips! Please note that it is a reflection of an A.I.’s mind state and there could be unpredictable results.

The Enigma Machine’s gameplay is quite unique where via an in-game computer using the Dreamscape OS, you’ll explore the mind of an AI through an interactive environment. You have to “talk” a virtual assistant by answering its question using the keyboard and pressing A for Enter when an acknowledgment is required.

As the conversation progresses with the dreamOS, you’ll see more options available on the right-hand side of the screen under Query List and level list. Once prompted with the keyboard, you can type those in and the android will answer and continue the conversation. You can also enter more general answers; early on, it’ll ask your age and respond accordingly. But instead of a keyboard, a selectable list of specific words would’ve been such a smarter development decision.

When you’re finally able to leave the computer and finally walk around, it’s the most counter-intuitive control you can almost imagine. When facing an object that can be interacted with, instead of simply pressing A or a single button, you need to hold down LB to prompt the cursor and then RB to toggle/use the object. Once you find a code, you need to return to the terminal and enter it to unlock the next level.

While the game has a unique premise, it comes with downfalls. First off, using an in-game keyboard for a console game is so annoying; having to move around the joystick (d-pad) doesn’t work, and typing the letters one after another is annoying. The keyboard is also very very white; I mean blindingly white. You can barely see which letter you’re highlighting. The lack of accessibility features whether it be for the text or colors is appalling. I understand that it’s an indie game, but the overall experience gave me a headache each time. And also? Too. Much. Reading. Also seems impossible to pause for whatever reason.

Given the game’s unique gameplay, it can be difficult to categorize its visuals. However, the writing is incredibly small, even while playing on a 43″ TV, barely six feet away, I sometimes had to squint because of the small writing but also because of the visual effect overlay that gives it a blurred effect. Thankfully, the outside decor is decent; dark, creepy Fall-like setting. The soundtrack is fair; nothing really special. When using the computer it’s a jazz-like smooth score filling up your ears, while walking around is an unsettling mix of creepy ambient noise.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to recommend The Enigma Machine. Half of it will make you blind and give you a headache, while the other part of the gameplay is counterintuitive and not user-friendly. The premise is interesting and quite unique, but the execution is sloppy and not with consoles in mind. If you can tolerate the game’s lack of accessibility features and unnecessary complex mechanics, The Enigma Machine is a decent, creepy, and unsettling experience,