The Alters is a game from the developers of This War of Mine, 11 Bit Studios. This is their attempt at creating a larger-scale game, and for the most part, it works. It is kind of an unknown game because its creators don’t have the budget to promote it like a AAA title. One thing, however, is clear from the get-go: it is a unique experience that can be fun.
It takes inspiration from multiple games while still managing to deliver a unique sci-fi experience. If you are looking to try something based on what you have read so far, then this should be on your radar. Its unique idea of cloning and clash of self-identity sets it apart from the rest.
Don’t expect any high-fi over-the-top action because that’s not what the game is about. It is more about resource management and growth. Players will have the choice to approach the game the way they see fit, and the game will cater to that. All this makes you wonder, is The Alters worth it? Let’s find out.
The Background
The Alters is a dialogue-heavy and story-focused game. The easiest way to explain it is to call a Fallout Shelter on steroids. It is a game in full 3d with a dense story, has different characters, and RPG decision making. A full-on planetary exploration and Death Stranding type building elements are thrown on top of it. If what you heard so far sounds appealing, then this is the game you should play. Anyone who is into these kinds of games will find that this hits all the right spots.
Premise (Spoiler Free)
Players will take control of the character known as Jan Dolski, who is a pretty simple guy. He was on a scientific mission in outer space when his ship crash-landed on an alien planet. He is the only survivor of that crash landing.
Once you reach the outpost, you have to get to work. You will be planning on getting off the planet and getting yourself enough food. At the same time, you will be mining to get resources and crafting different stuff that is important for your survival.
The end goal of all this is to get off the planet, but you realize that if you want to escape, you need that whole team that died in the crash. The team had technicians, doctors, scientists, electricians, botanists, and all the skills needed for survival.
Clones
To help you achieve that, you then realize that you can make clones of yourself. That’s when things get really interesting because each version of Jan is from a different timeline of his life. It means that all the events that could have happened in his life are happening through these clones. For instance, a possible divorce sent him on a different path, thus changing his skills. Maybe he decided to become a medical doctor.
Every version of Jan has a different skill set due to the timeline effect. It’s realistic stuff and does not feel over the top or out of place. It is just normal stuff that offers diversity. There are a lot of different clones to choose from. All of them have their uses for crafting and survival. Miner is better at mining, technician is better at fixing stuff, and stuff like that.
These copies are known as alters, and hence the name of the game. Everyone has something to offer. The game is divided into days, with the threat getting closer with each passing day. The amount of stuff you can do in a day is limited since you can get tired. That’s when the use of Alters is put to use. Crafting, mining, healing from radiation, fixing stuff, cooking, and other activities take time.
In short, you have to manage time and assign clones accordingly. All the while, racing against magnetic storms that destroy your base. New challenges require new tools to tackle them and, of course, keep the lights on. The game does it in a good way, and it’s only about the numbers going up. Its focus on story makes it more than just a survival game.
Progression
There is progression tied to all this, and you have to figure out what’s going on as well as find a way to get off the planet. It is divided into acts, and each act takes you to a different part of the planet with new challenges. There are big goals from building a bridge to taking your station to a safer area, figuring out the deal with electromagnetic anomalies, and stuff like that. Then there are small goals in between which has a positive impact on the alters.
Going out onto the planet has its own set of challenges. Your suit has a limited battery. You can only use one device at a time, like mining or scaling, to open up new areas and stuff like that. The levels of the planets are pretty dense.
You will slowly find the right resource locations to mine and find shortcuts. That’s when Death Stranding type elements hit the scene. As you journey, you will connect things, but here you have to do it physically. You have to connect the powered pillion to get mining resources to the base, which will also act as fast travel points. Once you do this, it can go on for miles. You will be doing it while doing experiments and dodging the dangers that the planet throws at you.
Managing The Alters
Outside stuff gets more complex with time and has decent pacing. Jan Dolski can do limited stuff at a time. Then comes the Alters, and this is one of the game’s major mechanics, if not the major one. They can get sick, hurt, overworked, hungry, angry, and even be pushed to rebel against you and force you out. Such a scenario results in Game Over, and you have to start over.
It is a game about managing different versions of Jan, which is an interesting concept. This is when the developer’s previous experience of choice and consequence mechanics with Frostpunk is on full display. The choices can be really stressful and challenging, which can have far-reaching consequences. Things can go down even when you least expect it. Especially in the beginning when you’re figuring stuff out.
Every clone wants something or needs something, and it can even lead to broken relations that have far-reaching consequences that lead to more than mere grumpy dialogues. Dealing with the Alters is when the game’s RPG mechanics shine. Every one of them has needs and demands. Some alters need privacy, some need entertainment, some need a place to work out, and stuff like that. Some might even want to just talk, or you can give them a gift that you find in the world.
Figure Stuff Out
Figuring out the needs of an individual can be fun. The game won’t tell you about this, and you have to figure that out on your own. Some of these guys can be straightforward, some blunt, and stuff like that. Each character has its own personality. The writing and the voice acting elevate the overall feeling.
Seeing the life of a character through its own lens and seeing how they are different is satisfying. Their relation with the rest of the group also plays an important role. If you liked what it has to offer, then this is going to really click. It can get really challenging, so keep that in mind. There are difficulty options and a slider to tune the difficulty to your liking.
You won’t be able to see all that the game has to offer in a single playthrough. Endings will be different, and you won’t get all of the characters. The game will check a decision or dialogue choice that you have made previously, at a save point, to get you caught up on the situation you are in. Storage limitations are the game’s only major negative.
The game looks good, the characters have more details, and the spaceship has more details. The overall feel of the game is good from a technical standpoint.
Verdict (Is The Alters Worth It?)
The Alters is a game with no combat and all the stuff that you would expect from a regular game. It means that it is not the game for everyone; some will not like what’s on the table here. I had a good time with it and liked what it had to offer. If you are the person who is into these kinds of games, then this will absolutely vibe with you. For the fans of survival games, this could be a good escape.
A lot of people are complaining that there is nothing innovative about video games these days. However, looking at this game, I can say without a doubt that something new has been put on display. It is a different kind of game that can be played just to see what it brings to the table. It might even become the game that is going to leave good and lasting memories.
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