Alter Ego

Preface: This is one of the best life simulation games I've every played, right up there with The Sims 3 and The Sims 2. It's probably one of my favorite games. As an adolescent who grew up under turbulent conditions, playing this game sorta helped model for me how to go about handling myself in certain situations. I recommend this game - just not the paid version. Cons: Here's the thing, this game used to be free and you could play it online on the author's site with a donation model. The author now charges for the game but offers no new features or fixes to the game. The inclusion of achievements alone could warrant the price tag. I bought the game because I never donated when I played this as a kid because I didn't have a way to. Just about every screen of the game has the author's name at the top. There can be some buggy spots with stats and relationships in the mid to later parts of the game. It's not clear in certain scenarios if the game is aware you're in a relationship. Then there are modules that seem harmless, but can instantly end your relationship with someone that you've worked on for some time. The game is set in the 80s which is when it was originally made. It is nowhere as easy today for people to save money, afford college, a house, or a family. In a way the game frankly feels somewhat removed from being like a life simulation game. Pros: The game has that "one more turn" feel to it. There is replay-ability here as you can't do all the modules in one play through. The game handles adult situations, which you can opt out of, pretty well for the most part. The game was made by a psychologist, so it can be insightful at times.