VERSUS: The Lost Ones

VERSUS: The Lost Ones is an ambitious sci-fi interactive novel by Zachary Sergi, known for the Heroes Rise series. The game features complex world-building filled with numerous invented terms and concepts, which some players found immersive, while others considered confusing or overwhelming. The story centers on a protagonist navigating political intrigue, alien cultures, and a mysterious tournament, with a strong emphasis on gender identity inclusivity and character customization. Many players praised the depth of character development, replayability through meaningful choices, and the inclusive approach to gender and sexuality.

However, the game is the first installment of a series, ending on a cliffhanger without a traditional resolution, which left some players feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the narrative pacing and frequent exposition dumps were criticized for hampering engagement. The presence of in-game paid DLC for hints was a significant point of contention, perceived as immersion-breaking and unfair. Overall, opinions vary widely, with fans lauding the story and mechanics, while detractors found it convoluted and poorly executed in parts.

Highlights

Players particularly appreciated the game's complex and original sci-fi setting, rich character interactions, and the political intrigue that unfolds. The inclusive gender options and use of neo-pronouns were noted as a progressive and thoughtful addition, enhancing player immersion. The game mechanics, including detailed stats and relationship systems, were praised for depth and replayability. The writing style, while dense, was considered engaging by many, with some calling the story a masterpiece and a must-play for sci-fi and CYOA fans. The game’s length and the multiple branching paths were also highlighted as strong points.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focused on the heavy use of made-up terminology and complex jargon, which some found confusing and hard to follow. The narrative pacing was described as uneven, with many players citing excessive exposition dumps and a lack of satisfying story progression. The in-game prompt to purchase DLC hints was widely condemned as immersion-breaking and exploitative. Some players felt the story was incomplete and overly reliant on setting up future installments, lacking a clear beginning, middle, and end. Additionally, a few found the focus on gender politics heavy-handed and distracting from the plot.