The Alters: A Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Survival Journey
In the latest sci-fi survival game, The Alters, players are faced with a daunting question: if you had the opportunity to create another version of yourself, would you? This is the exact dilemma that Jan Dolski, the game’s protagonist, finds himself in. Stranded alone on an uncharted planet, Jan must do the unthinkable to survive. According to a review by Vice, "The Alters asks us that question, before giving us no choice but to do it."
Jan’s crew is dead, and his family is back on Earth. With limited resources and time, Jan must create an alternate version of himself to help with the task of finding a rare material called Rapidum. This material is crucial to the survival of humanity, and Jan’s mission is to gather it and return to Earth. As reported by Vice, "The Alters is a game that requires multiple playthroughs to get all of the answers."
The game’s unique feature is its ability to allow players to create multiple versions of themselves, known as Alters. These Alters can be created using a machine found in the Mobile Base, and they can be used to automate tasks, gather resources, and even provide emotional support. However, as Vice notes, "Their emotional well-being is just as important as gathering up resources, especially as they’re also a major part of how the game will progress."
The Alters have their own unique personalities, and players must manage their emotions and well-being to keep them happy and productive. The game’s review by Vice highlights the importance of emotional management, stating that "it was surprising to see how much their emotions can completely botch a day’s work, especially if my Alters began fighting with one another."
The game’s visuals are stunning, running on Unreal Engine 5, and the gameplay is smooth, with a frame rate of 30FPS or 60FPS. The review by Vice praises the game’s visuals, stating that "the oppressive lands, great character models, and fantastic lighting make each area pop."
The Alters is not just a survival game; it’s also a thought-provoking exploration of morality and identity. Players must confront the ethics of creating multiple versions of themselves and the consequences of their actions. As Vice notes, "It’s uncomfortable, and it’s supposed to be."
The game is set to be released on June 13, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A review code was provided by the publisher for the sake of review. The review by Vice concludes that The Alters is a highly recommended game, stating that "it’s been one of the most interesting and thought-provoking games I’ve played this year."
In conclusion, The Alters is a unique and thought-provoking game that challenges players to confront the ethics of creating multiple versions of themselves. With its stunning visuals, smooth gameplay, and engaging storyline, it’s a must-play for fans of sci-fi survival games. As Vice notes, "When the time comes, do you think you could depend on yourself?"
