If you ever thought working with random people was hard, The Alters challenges you with something even worse: collaborating with different versions of yourself. This new title from 11 bit studios blends unconventional gameplay elements into a strange yet fascinating experience. Its mechanics feel like a mix of Death Stranding’s exploration, Fallout Shelter’s base management, and Mass Effect’s choice-driven conversations. Despite how odd that sounds, this combination successfully breaks traditional genre boundaries.
The story centers on Jan Doski, the sole survivor of a space crash on an uninhabitable planet. Lacking the skills or physical capacity to survive or escape, Jan turns to a quantum machine that allows him to create multiple versions of himself—each from alternate timelines shaped by different life choices. These “Alters” aren’t simple clones; they have their own personalities, skills, and emotional baggage, making every interaction feel rich and unpredictable.
Gameplay revolves around managing resources like food, maintenance, and engineering while directing the Alters and maintaining their emotional stability. If morale drops, they might refuse to cooperate or even sabotage your progress. The real-time progression adds constant pressure, as the player must make key decisions quickly. Meanwhile, exploration is vital to gather materials needed to expand the base and build new labs.
Visually, the game is stunning—especially the outdoor environments, which evoke a melancholic and introspective atmosphere. The base interiors may feel generic, but they serve their purpose. A standout element is the voice work by Alex Jordan, who brings each Alter to life with unique accents and vocal nuances. While the lack of combat and slow pace might not appeal to everyone, The Alters delivers a bold, emotionally resonant narrative experience that encourages multiple playthroughs to explore its many branching paths.
Final Score: 4/5
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