Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow

Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow is a text-based interactive fiction adventure set in a retro-futuristic 1930s world. Players take on the role of Challenger, a renowned adventurer framed for murder after the assassination of Dr. Cosmos Zeta. With the power of zeta rays and a globe-trotting quest, you’ll uncover conspiracies, battle fascists, and explore exotic locations while making choices that shape your destiny.

Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow: Review

Introduction

Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow (2021) is a 300,000-word interactive novel that transports players into a retro-futuristic 1930s world brimming with airships, ray guns, and two-fisted action. Developed by William Brown under the Choice of Games label, this text-based adventure blends pulp serials, alternate history, and interactive fiction into a sprawling, branching narrative. At its core, the game is a love letter to the golden age of adventure, where players take on the role of Challenger, a legendary (or infamous) hero caught in a global conspiracy. This review will dissect the game’s development, narrative, mechanics, and legacy, arguing that Cliffhanger is a standout entry in the Choice of Games catalog—a game that thrives on its ambition but occasionally stumbles under its own weight.

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Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow was developed by Choice of Games LLC, a company known for its interactive fiction titles. The game was written by William Brown, who previously authored The Mysteries of Baroque, another Choice of Games title. Brown’s vision for Cliffhanger was to create a “pulp serial kind of world, where everything is always in motion and every action just escalates the tension.” The game’s setting—a retro-futuristic 1930s—draws heavily from classic adventure serials, pulp magazines, and alternate history, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and political intrigue.

Technological Constraints and the Text-Based Medium

As a text-based interactive novel, Cliffhanger relies entirely on prose to immerse players in its world. The game uses ChoiceScript, a scripting language designed for branching narratives. This format allows for deep customization—players can choose their gender, sexuality, and moral alignment—but it also means the game lacks traditional gameplay mechanics like combat or exploration. Instead, progression is driven by player choices, which influence stats, relationships, and plot outcomes.

The Gaming Landscape in 2021

When Cliffhanger launched in November 2021, the interactive fiction scene was thriving, with titles like Choice of Robots and A Dark Room gaining popularity. However, Cliffhanger stood out due to its sheer scale—300,000 words of content—and its pulp-inspired setting, which was relatively rare in the genre. The game’s release coincided with a resurgence of interest in retro-futurism, making it a timely entry in the market.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Summary

The game begins with the assassination of Dr. Cosmos Zeta, the mentor of the protagonist, Challenger. Framed for the murder, Challenger must clear their name while unraveling a global conspiracy involving Fascist regimes, interdimensional invaders, and the mysterious zeta rays. The narrative is structured as a serial adventure, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger (a nod to the game’s title).

Characters and Dialogue

One of Cliffhanger’s strengths is its vast cast of characters, ranging from historical figures like Hedy Lamarr and Al Capone to original creations like Princess Sonia of Illyria and Dr. Zeta’s doppelganger. However, the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming, and many feel underdeveloped due to the game’s branching structure. As one player noted, “I didn’t care about a single NPC because I didn’t get to know anyone in any substantive way.”

Themes

• Anti-Fascism: The game’s central conflict revolves around defeating a Fascist axis, allowing players to punch Hitler in the face (a popular choice among players).
• Science vs. Magic: The zeta rays serve as a MacGuffin, blurring the line between science and mysticism.
• Identity and Legacy: Challenger’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about adventure.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Cliffhanger is driven by player choices, which influence stats (e.g., Action, Science, Stealth) and relationships. Success or failure in key moments depends on these stats, though some players found the system vague—particularly the meaning of percentage-based skills.

Character Progression

Players can develop skills like invisibility, mind-reading, and jetpack flight, but the stat system can feel unintuitive. For example, one player noted that “having 50% in a skill is about average, but getting above 60% means you’ve maxed it out.”

UI and Navigation

The interface is simple, with text-based menus and occasional stat updates. However, some players reported stats not updating after certain choices, which can be frustrating.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

The game’s Art Deco 1930s is a highlight, featuring:
– Sky-high speakeasies in New York
– Fog-shrouded jungle plateaus with dinosaurs
– Fascist London and the Shanghai Bund

The world is richly detailed, though some locations (like the Soviet Union) feel underutilized.

Sound Design

As a text-based game, Cliffhanger lacks traditional sound design, but the prose itself is immersive, with vivid descriptions that evoke the era.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Cliffhanger received positive reviews from players, with a Steam Player Score of 89/100 based on 9 reviews. Critics praised its world-building and prose, though some noted the underdeveloped characters and vague stat system.

Influence on the Industry

While not a commercial blockbuster, Cliffhanger contributed to the resurgence of interactive fiction in the early 2020s. Its pulp-inspired setting and branching narrative influenced later Choice of Games titles.

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Conclusion

Cliffhanger: Challenger of Tomorrow is a bold, ambitious interactive novel that excels in world-building and prose but struggles with character depth and mechanics. Its retro-futuristic setting and anti-Fascist themes make it a unique entry in the Choice of Games catalog, and while it may not be perfect, it’s a must-play for fans of pulp adventure and interactive fiction.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A thrilling, if flawed, pulp adventure that pushes the boundaries of text-based gaming.