Alpha and Iota

Alpha and Iota is a puzzle platformer about repairing a damaged computer system inhabited by sentient agents. You control a repair core and move through the system by ejecting between different hosts, using their distinct abilities to cross damaged subsystems and avoid security measures.

The system and its agents

Iota is beginning to lose their sense of identity. Like the other members of the system, they are trapped by the Corruption, a virus that spreads through subsystems, isolates the intelligent programs that operate them and gradually erodes their memories. Years after the system sent an urgent request for help to the Company, Iota still keeps an access port open in the hope that assistance will arrive. The Company is a mysterious organization that controls the system.

Move between hosts

Each host has its own movement and abilities. Some stay in place, while others jump, slide, climb walls or follow rails. Many puzzles require you to combine several hosts and use the ways their abilities interact. You can toggle a host to autopilot, locking in its current inputs so it continues its behavior even after you eject from it.

You can move fluidly between hosts or take a more methodical approach by planning a route through each subsystem and carrying it out step by step. Most challenges have multiple solutions, rewarding experimentation with host types and their interactions. When a puzzle’s apparent solution demands precise inputs, another approach may make it much easier.

Challenges and assistance

The primary levels are accessible to casual players and contain secrets and extra challenges. The game also has demanding bonus levels, an in-game hint system and assist features for players who want help with a puzzle or obstacle, or would rather focus on the narrative. Its movement system is easy to learn and difficult to master, and its story explores isolation and loss.