Choice of Games

Choice of Games LLC (COG) is a pioneering developer and publisher of textbased interactive fiction, revolutionizing the narrative gaming landscape since its inception in 2009. Specializing in "chooseyourownadventure" experiences, COG merges the depth of literary storytelling with the agency of roleplaying games (RPGs). Their catalog spans diverse genres—fantasy, scifi, romance, mystery, horror, and historical fiction—offering players unparalleled control over plot progression, character development, and moral dilemmas.

Unlike traditional video games, COG titles prioritize text over visuals, relying on vivid descriptions and branching narratives to immerse players. Each game functions as a novel where every decision matters, shaping outcomes ranging from subtle relationship shifts to worldaltering consequences. Available on Steam, iOS, Android, and web browsers, COG’s library appeals to readers and gamers alike, bridging the gap between literature and interactive entertainment.

Gameplay Mechanics: How Choice of Games Works

1. NarrativeDriven DecisionMaking

At its core, COG gameplay revolves around making choices. Players encounter scenarios presented in prose, followed by multiple response options. For example:

"Do you confront the traitor openly, or gather evidence in secret?"

"Will you spare the rogue AI, or terminate it to protect humanity?"

These decisions influence character stats (e.g., courage, intelligence, charisma), relationships with nonplayable characters (NPCs), and story outcomes. A single playthrough typically takes 2–4 hours, but replayability is immense, as alternate choices unlock new paths and endings.

2. Character Customization

Most COG games allow players to design their protagonist. Options may include:

Gender, pronouns, and sexual orientation (often customizable for inclusivity)

Skills and attributes (e.g., combat prowess, diplomacy, hacking)

Moral alignment (altruistic vs. ruthless, lawful vs. rebellious)

These traits dynamically affect dialogue options and plot opportunities. In Heroes Rise: The Hero Project, for example, a "charismatic" hero might negotiate with villains, while a "combatfocused" one opts for brute force.

3. Stat Tracking and Consequences

Hidden variables track player behavior, creating ripple effects. Saving a character in Chapter 2 might lead to betrayal in Chapter 7, while accumulating "corruption" points in The Soul Stone War could unlock dark powers—and tragic endings. Games like Choice of Robots even feature permanent worldstate changes, such as triggering a robot uprising or achieving humanmachine symbiosis.

4. No Graphics, Pure Imagination

COG’s minimalist design eschews visuals, relying on descriptive text to stimulate imagination. This approach allows for expansive worlds without budget constraints—epic battles, alien planets, and intricate political intrigues are rendered through words alone.

Standout Features of Choice of Games

1. Branching Narratives with High Stakes

COG’s proprietary scripting language enables complex branching. Heart of the House, a gothic mystery, boasts over 650,000 words of content with 32 possible endings. Players’ choices aren’t illusory; selecting a romantic partner, for instance, may determine which allies assist in the finale.

2. Inclusive Representation

COG champions diversity. Games like Tally Ho and Creme de la Creme let players define their gender, sexuality, and identity without restrictions. Samesex romances are seamlessly integrated, avoiding tokenism. In Fallen Hero: Rebirth, players can portray a disabled supervillain grappling with trauma and ethical ambiguity.

3. Genre Innovation

COG experiments with unconventional settings:

A Study in Steampunk: Victorianera espionage with mechanical enhancements.

The Eagle’s Heir: Alternate history where Napoleon’s heir plots a coup in 1820s America.

Zombie Exodus: Survival horror where teamwork and resource management decide who lives.

4. CommunityDriven Development

Many COG titles originate from the Hosted Games program, where writers submit scripts for publication. This opendoor policy fosters creativity, resulting in niche gems like The Wayhaven Chronicles (urban fantasy romance) and Breach: The Archangel Job (cyberpunk heist thriller).

Player Reviews and Reception

Positive Feedback

"Finally, RPGs for book lovers!" – Steam user LitGeek92 praises COG’s literary depth, citing Choice of Rebels as "a masterpiece blending slave rebellion drama with strategic resource management."

"My choices actually matter." – Redditor AdventureFanatic highlights The Lost Heir Trilogy, where early decisions echo across three games, culminating in personalized royal destinies.

"Inclusivity done right." – LGBTQ+ gamers applaud The Passenger for letting players explore nonbinary identities and polyamorous relationships organically.

Constructive Criticism

"Overwhelming for newcomers." – Some players find statheavy games like Sabres of Infinity daunting due to intricate military tactics systems.

"Wish there were visuals." – A minority of users express desire for occasional artwork, though most fans defend the textonly approach as a creative strength.

"Variable writing quality." – While flagship titles receive acclaim, lesserknown entries occasionally suffer from pacing issues or underdeveloped side characters.

Awards and Recognition

Heroes Rise: The Hero Project won the 2014 XYZZY Award for Best Game.

Fallen Hero: Rebirth was nominated for "Best Narrative" at the 2019 Pocket Gamer Awards.

Choice of Robots has a 4.8/5 rating on the App Store, with users calling it "a philosophical journey through AI ethics."

Top 5 MustPlay COG Titles

1. Choice of Robots

Design your robot companion and navigate a morally gray world where every upgrade—from military AI to empathetic androids—reshapes humanity’s future. With 150+ endings, this scifi epic explores love, war, and the definition of consciousness.

2. Wayhaven Chronicles

A paranormal romance series blending Twilightesque vampire tropes with detective noir. Players juggle supernatural mysteries and slowburn relationships across three books, with heartwrenching choices between immortal lovers.

3. Tin Star

As a sheriff in a lawless Wild West town, balance survival, loyalty, and justice. Will you become a legendary hero or a tyrant? Praised for its atmospheric writing and ruthless consequences.

4. Creme de la Creme

Attend a prestigious academy where social maneuvering determines your fate. This Regencyera drama combines Pride and Prejudice wit with scandalous secrets and multiple romance routes.

5. Fallen Hero: Rebirth

Play as a disillusioned exhero turned supervillain in this psychologically intense saga. Your actions determine whether redemption, vengeance, or world domination awaits.

The Future of Choice of Games

COG continues to innovate with upcoming titles like Blood Moon (werewolf politics) and Siege of Treboulain (fantasy kingdom management). Their recent partnership with Delight Games aims to expand mobile accessibility, while the COG Scripting Tool empowers aspiring writers to create interactive stories.

Why Choice of Games Stands Out

In an era dominated by AAA graphics and microtransactions, COG proves that storytelling remains gaming’s heart. By prioritizing player agency, diversity, and literary craftsmanship, they’ve cultivated a devoted fanbase. Whether you’re a fantasy buff, romance enthusiast, or strategy guru, COG offers a universe where your choices write the story.