The Alters Review: A Gripping Sci-Fi Survival Game
In a genre dominated by familiar tropes, The Alters, as reviewed by IGN, presents a refreshingly unique blend of sci-fi storytelling, resource management, and base-building, making it a standout title in the survival genre.
The game’s narrative, as described by IGN, centres around Jan, the sole survivor of a crash landing on an inhospitable alien planet, where he must navigate the challenges of survival and confront the consequences of his life choices. According to IGN, "The Alters knows that you have regrets in your life, and that’s why its sci-fi story about morally and ethically questionable cloning on a wildly inhospitable alien planet hits home." This thought-provoking premise is reminiscent of a playable Black Mirror episode, where technology has enabled communication with alternate versions of oneself, raising questions about the consequences of choice and the human condition.
As reported by IGN, the gameplay is divided into two distinct perspectives: a third-person view of Jan navigating the planet’s surface and a diorama-like view of the base, where players manage resources and interact with clones of Jan, each with their unique personalities and skills. IGN notes that "it’s a little silly at times in that each version of Jan has different hair and a different way of speaking," but praises the game’s ability to create a sense of urgency and tension, particularly when managing resources and navigating the planet’s hazardous environment.
IGN highlights the game’s base-building mechanics, where players must balance resources, manage relationships between clones, and make tough moral decisions that impact the story. According to IGN, "managing your relationships with your Alters is partially about satisfying their basic needs with good food, enough rest, and some entertainment… but it’s also a game of getting to know which Jans value compassionate responses and which will thrive with some tough love and bluntness." The game’s use of a "womb" room to create clones, each with their unique abilities and perspectives, adds a fascinating layer to the gameplay and narrative.
As IGN notes, the game’s story is not without its challenges, with the player forced to make difficult decisions that impact the fate of the clones and the overall narrative. IGN praises the game’s ability to create a sense of emotional investment, stating that "it’s very much a Kobayashi Maru: a test of how you deal with a no-win scenario."
The game’s presentation, as reviewed by IGN, is also noteworthy, with a distinctive art style and effective use of sound design to create a sense of tension and atmosphere. IGN notes that "there’s even a musical performance where all the Jans collaborate on a song, and it’s only a little bit cheesy."
In conclusion, based on IGN’s review, The Alters is a gripping sci-fi survival game that challenges players to navigate the complexities of survival, relationships, and moral decision-making. With its unique blend of gameplay mechanics, thought-provoking narrative, and effective presentation, The Alters is a must-play for fans of the survival genre. As IGN states, "The Alters certainly cuts corners in how it tells its story… but it does a lot with a little in that respect, and very effectively gets across the moral dilemmas, relationships, and mood."
