Trolley Problem, Inc. (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): April 21, 2022
- Release Date (EU): April 21, 2022
- Publisher: Yogscast Games
- Developer: ReadGraves
- Genres: Point-and-click
Game Features:
The Trolley Problem was first put forth by philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967 and goes something like this: there’s a trolley speeding on a track along which 5 people are tied to. However, there’s another track on which only one person is tied to and you have access to a lever that can alter the trolley’s course along either track. What will you do?
Arguably, there is no right answer to this question as several factors come into play in order to form an informed decision; but the aim is to gauge how people would react in such scenarios, as unlikely as they seem. Solo indie developer ReadGraves’ first game Trolley Problem, Inc. takes this philosophical conundrum to another level by gamifying it.
Comprising 55 Trolley Problem-like questions, this new title provides you with two choices in each case that you will have to choose from before a timer runs out. There’s no other way out or further insights into the background of the future victims, so you have to pick one option. The question is: which one will you pick?
“Everything is awful at the moment, so what better way to take your mind off that fact by playing something which will make you feel worse?” These are literally the words of Trolley Problem, Inc.’s solo developer Samuel Read-Graves as excerpted from a press release. In many ways, Trolley Problem, Inc. can (and will) make you feel awful with its host of ethically challenging questions. It’s understandable and even expected that such a premise for a game would bring criticism and rightly so: no one should be faced with such choices in real life.
But Trolley Problem, Inc. is set in fictional settings with overt dark humour undertones and the game makes this clear from the get-go. You’re a fresh recruit at the titular Trolley Problem, Inc. where you get to climb the corporate ladder by answering timed questions provided two choices. At the end of the countdown, you will get to see how your choices are compared to other players before proceeding to the next problem.
The questions and the choices available are completely voiced over by actor Jan Ravens (who featured in titles like Dead Ringers, Spitting Image and Skins) who does a stellar job at sowing doubt into your choice while the countdown is running, conveying subtle sarcastic comments about the scenario and eventually judging your choices (and the type of person you are).
In addition to the fourth-wall breaking layer of self-awareness that the narrator brings, Trolley Problem, Inc. also features some occasional quirky easter eggs like a "#canceltrolleyprpbleminc" watermark across the screen, flashes of victims you've sacrificed or "xXx_belzebub_xXx" trying to add you as friend on Steam. These features lighten the mood and further emphasise that you shouldn’t take the game as seriously.
While the dark comedy premise might not be well received by all players, Trolley Problem, Inc. wants you to roll with it and humour the thought of the questions it presents. “Trolley Problem, Inc. presents some genuinely testing and morally challenging scenarios based on philosophical problems and has been designed to spark debate in a format only possible through video games,” said developer Samuel Read-Graves. “The journey isn’t entirely bleak – there are moments that I hope will make players laugh out loud – but ultimately, it’s a game about making hard choices and discovering more about yourself and how your moral compass compares with the rest of the world.”
The questions are actually based on genuine philosophical papers which are referenced when you are presented each question, with more information available in the ‘Reading List’ menu. However, they aren’t just copy/pasted but are more adaptations presented in different scenarios ranging from medical settings through murderous A.I. to The Matrix’s red and blue pill.
While the gameplay is simplistic and minimal, given that you can only choose between two options at a time, there is an interesting twist to how it progresses. There is some continuity in the “plot” that relates to the next choices you have to make. Did you sacrifice that dog early on? Well, you might encounter its angry owner later. Do you tell the truth or lie to customers about your self-driving car’s A.I.? This might subsequently affect your employment based on your decision. In this way, Trolley Problem, Inc. makes its premise more engaging.
While the game isn't that long, clocking at around 2 hours, you will have the option to revisit previous scenarios to see how events unfold if you opt for a different choice. You can replay specific events based on the week/days they take place, which is a nice feature if you want to experience all of the routes available.
Another nice-to-have feature is the CRT filter that you can toggle at will for that nostalgic look as well as the multiplayer mode. The latter could be a more appropriate mode for the game as a party title instead of having a game morally questioning you and you alone. The integration of a Twitch mode also point to the fact that it might be more geared towards a social game rather than one to take seriously all by oneself.
A feature that was said to be “coming soon” during my playthrough was the option to fast forward. This would be especially handy after you’ve locked your choice and don’t want to wait for the entirety of the timer.
While I played an early version of the game ahead of its release, I came across recurring issues with the screen resolution right after booting the game as well as visual glitches. Hopefully these are fixed prior to launch.
Even if its dark humour aspect might not entice everyone, Trolley Problem, Inc. offers an original take for a £8.99 / $10.99 / €10.99 indie game. If you’re up for the indulging in the dark comedy, it might be fitting for a party game as you (as well as the narrator) judge fellow players when faced with ethically challenging questions.
Trolley Problem, Inc. Release Date Trailer
Verdict
- Judgemental narrator
- Interesting continuity to “plot” based on your choices
- Dark humour might not entice everyone
- Some technical issues
