The Entropy Cage

Good Old Days
Full Review by Herr M.
There is no real truth to programming a piece of software, no perfect environment: You can create junk or joy out of anything. In the end it always depends on the creator’s skill, on how he/she uses the tools to shape their vision of entertainment/enlightenment. And as far as The Entropy Cage is concerned, I think the author knew the crafts well enough to deliver a game that finally convinced a parser fan like me, that there is such a thing as a good hypertext game.
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The Good Old Days
Contest Summation by Herr M.
In my opinion this is a perfect example what Twine games are capable of doing in the right hands. Instead of heavy prose and click any word in sight, you actually get to make some choices and can reach several different endings. I would even go as far and say that this kind of game would not have been possible with the use of a parser, because you would have been lost in the syntax instead of unravelling the mystery.
You can utterly fail as well as triumph in glory, which mostly depends on staying alert and making the right choices at the right time. There is also exactly the right amount of background story and the plot doesn't take forever to pick up the pace or come to a conclusion. I also liked the scenario a lot, especially the 'antagonists' goal and motivation (very cool idea!), but maybe that is just because I am a bit of a computer nerd.
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Liz England
Review by Liz England
It’s a solid science fiction short story, and unlike many other linear stories turned into choice-based games “The Entropy Cage” certainly benefits from the interactive fiction medium. Over time, as previous options like “punish()” stop working on the subs, you are given more options to explore to troubleshoot the problem, in turn revealing more information. Interacting with the game via a computer in real life certainly helps ground the virtual computer console you interact with.
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The Rest of Your Mice
Other things I can tell aren't normal. Some of my commands are failing or, worse, being subverted so something different can be done. Now one of the programs is talking about a war. So... this is maybe not a great day to be made of meat. I for one welcome our robot overlords.
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