Still no match for natural stupidity
Nerts reminded me that there was a recent Zachtronics game I hadn't caught up with yet; and while it may not have any programming puzzles, Eliza (2019) is still definitely a Zachtronics game.
Not because its art style and soundtrack are so highly reminiscent of Exapunks - though they are - or because it has another infuriating solitaire minigame. But because its story is so innately and thoroughly a programmer's story. From the grandiose ambitions and all-night crunch sessions to the slimy venture capitalists and ultimately transparent products, Eliza is just as good as HBO's Silicon Valley at capturing the often-uncomfortable realities of the software industry.
Eliza leverages those realities to tell a pretty compelling story in a truly believable context. On its surface this may look like a cautionary tale about the power of artificial intelligence, but I'd argue the "real" story is more about its human characters: the wide-eyed junior engineers getting taken advantage of by purse-string-holders, the industry veterans burning out and losing their passion, and the users who naively think this technology will improve their lives.
The game is far from perfect, even in terms of a pure storytelling experience -- character art quality is inconsistent, voice-overs are conspicuously absent from inner-voice thoughts, and choices don't seem to matter at all until the very end of the game. And, though I assume there are many ending alternatives, the one I chose was pretty anti-climactic.
But Eliza nails its characterizations, putting its cast in just the right situations to showcase their relatable quirks and compelling foibles. And its voice work is on-point, reinforcing those characterizations with believable, emotive acting.
Eliza's story isn't the best I've played, visual novel or otherwise. But its writing and voice-acting make it feel substantial, and worthwhile.
Better than: Analogue: A Hate Story, Gone Home
Not as good as: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (NDS)
Now I really hope: That the next Zachtronics puzzle game has this level of narrative commitment.