Side-scroller with dark, serious themes
Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。) is a free-to-play action game from KoS Studios, sending the player on a surreal side-scrolling experience. You follow the One of Insomnia, who was prescribed a powerful sleeping pill that sends her into a coma. Delve into her psyche as you fight against inexplicable creatures hoping to get out.
Its 2D visuals give off a simple retro vibe, but Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。) has dark and mature themes comparable to games like Blasphemous and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. Expect difficult fights, a wide range of imagery, and a linear overall gameplay.
Escape a surreal world
As mentioned, Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。) takes place within the character’s mind, which explains how all logic is abandoned. Use different weapons to fight different enemies across five stages. Even the themes behind the stages vary wildly, from cyberpunk to a psychedelic world. Also, there are multiple endings to unlock. While the story seems straightforward, the progression and the imagery open up mature themes of violence and abuse.
In terms of visuals, it is in 2D and has that paper doll-like quality to the characters. Going back to the set designs, most of the background and character designs look like cut-outs, most of them with recognizable references to art, literature, and even religion. It’s worth noting that the game, despite its retro sensibilities, contains sensitive materials such as flashing lights, religious iconography, and even nudity.
For the gameplay, the surrealism goes beyond the inexplicable design choices. As you play this 2D side-scroller, even the camera moves in certain instances. This adds a layer of immersion at the cost of the player’s sense of direction, which throws off your aim and dodge. Add this with well-choreographed enemy movement and attack patterns, and you have challenging gameplay.
A unique side-scrolling experience
Ego In A Coma (自我、状態、昏睡。) offers players a surreal journey through the depths of the mind, with themes of violence and abuse. It delivers a unique visual experience, too. Its visually striking 2D aesthetic, incorporating elements of art, literature, and religion, adds depth to the narrative. However, the challenging gameplay, enhanced by dynamic camera movements and enemy patterns, demands strategic skill from players.
