Eliza (2019)

Eliza is a compelling visual novel that delves into the complex world of an AI counseling program, the developers behind it, and the diverse individuals who seek its help. Players follow Evelyn Ishino-Aubrey, who after a mysterious three-year absence, resurfaces as a proxy for the virtual counseling app Eliza. Her role is to merely read scripts provided in real-time by the AI, raising profound questions about the nature of therapy, human autonomy, and technology's encroaching influence. As Evelyn navigates reconnecting with figures from her past and engaging with the ordinary people of Seattle who use Eliza, she finds herself caught in a moral quandary, forcing her to confront the turmoil within herself and decide the course of her own future amidst conflicting views on this technological marvel. The experience is brought to life with beautiful hand-painted art, a dozen fully-voiced characters, and an evocative original score, all contributing to a deeply immersive and thought-provoking narrative. While a distinct departure from Zachtronics' renowned programming puzzle games, Eliza unequivocally earns its place among their best titles by applying the studio's signature intellectual rigor and thematic depth to a new genre. Known for games that explore engineering challenges and the ethical ramifications of technology, Zachtronics uses Eliza to directly tackle the human impact of AI, corporate control, and the responsibilities inherent in technical skills. It presents a nuanced exploration of these concepts through compelling storytelling rather than circuit building, forcing players to consider their own answers to difficult questions such as whether AI-driven counseling truly benefits humanity. This critically acclaimed visual novel expands the Zachtronics legacy, proving their ability to craft meaningful, challenging experiences across different mediums while remaining true to their core ethos of profound technological and philosophical inquiry.