A Quantum Quandary: Do Its Multiple Selves Multiply Its Appeal?

In the vast, often desolate expanse of space, where survival hinges on ingenuity and companionship, what would you do if you could truly be in two places at once? Or, more accurately, if you could be many versions of yourself? This intriguing, philosophical question lies at the heart of The Alters, the latest narrative-driven survival game from 11 bit studios, the acclaimed creators of This War of Mine and Frostpunk 1 & 2. With so many versions of Jan, will he find unity, or simply unravel? Read on to find out!

Introduction

Reviewing a game as conceptually ambitious as The Alters can feel like peering into a quantum realm, where every decision branches into a new reality (see what I did there?). The premise alone, of Jan Dolski, a simple worker, crash-landing on a hostile planet and being forced to create alternate versions of himself to survive, is captivating. It immediately sets a tone of existential dread and scientific ingenuity, promising a narrative deeply intertwined with its mechanics. This isn’t just about resource management or base building; it’s about the very essence of identity, the choices that define us, and the paths not taken. The weight of these themes rests heavily on the player from the outset, as each “Alter” represents a version of Jan who made different life choices, leading to distinct skill sets and personalities. The challenge then becomes not just survival, but also managing these multifaceted versions of oneself, each with their own desires and grievances. The game’s narrative pulls you in, compelling you to consider the profound implications of your actions and the lives of your doppelgängers, and it also leaves an almost crushing sense of FOMO (look it up).

The Jan-iverse: Unravelling the Story and Gameplay

The core of The Alters revolves around Jan Dolski’s desperate struggle for survival after his mining operation goes awry, leaving him stranded on a harsh, deadly, alien world. His only hope lies in the “Rapid Travel” — a massive, mobile base that needs to be brought online to escape. The catch? He can’t do it alone. This is where the concept of the Alters comes into play. By utilising the mysterious, radioactive substance known as “Rapidium,” Jan can generate alternate versions of himself using some on-board tech. Each Alter is a unique individual, shaped by a pivotal life choice Jan made differently in an alternate timeline. For example, one Jan might be a brilliant scientist, another a pragmatic engineer, or even a sensitive artist.

The gameplay is a sophisticated blend of base management, resource gathering, and narrative progression. You must guide Jan and his Alters in maintaining the colossal mobile base, which acts as their sanctuary and means of escape. This involves meticulously managing power grids, crafting essential tools and machinery, and exploring the hazardous environment for vital resources. The dynamic relationships between the Alters are a central pillar of the experience. They bicker, collaborate, and even form deep bonds, their unique personalities and pasts influencing every interaction. Their skills are crucial for progress, as different Alters excel at different tasks, from operating complex machinery to cultivating fungi for sustenance.

A Symphony of Self: Exploring the Core Mechanics

The mechanics in The Alters are wonderful, woven  intricately into its narrative fabric. The central hub is the Rapid Travel mobile base, which is not merely a static structure but essentially a living, breathing entity that needs constant attention. Players must manage its various modules, ensuring they are powered and operational. This involves intricate power management, where careful allocation of energy to different systems is crucial for survival. Resources found on the planet, such as minerals, and the critical Rapidium, are used for crafting essential items, from basic tools to advanced machinery and even components for the mobile base itself. There are also several types of Anomalies that Jan will encounter when exploring the planet’s surface. Each type of anomaly does something different, and explaining what they include is nothing short of entering Spoiler City. As such, just be aware of them and be careful!

A defining mechanic is the creation and management of the game’s namesake – Alters. Each Alter is a fully-fledged character with unique skills, personality traits, and even memories stemming from their divergent pasts. For instance, the “Jan Scientist” might have high proficiency in research and development, allowing for faster technological progression, while “Jan Engineer” would be adept at repairing and maintaining the base’s systems. You must strategically assign Alters to tasks based on their strengths, optimising workflow and efficiency. However, it’s not just about skills; the Alters also have emotional states and relationships, and boy do they let you know about it!

They can experience stress, fear, and even joy. Their interactions can lead to conflicts or collaborations, influencing the overall morale and productivity of the group. Ignoring their needs can lead to dire consequences, as a stressed or unhappy alter might refuse to work, become rebellious, or even leave the base, impacting the group’s survival chances. You need to actively engage in conversations, resolve disputes, and ensure the psychological well-being of their alternate selves. You also need to pay attention to each Alter’s wellbeing. For example, I paid little attention to an Alter who claimed he was in pain, and long-story-short, he resorted to chopping off his own arm because he couldn’t take the pain any more. Seriously.

Glimpse into the Void: Visuals and Soundscapes

The Alters is immediately striking, often oscillating between the stark, oppressive beauty of the alien planet and the claustrophobic, metallic confines of the Rapid Travel mobile base. The graphics are detailed, particularly in the environmental design of the alien world, showcasing peculiar flora and ominous geological formations. Despite all of the characters being a literal copy of a single person, each character model for the Alters are distinct, reflecting their varied backgrounds and personalities through, amusingly, different hair styles, accessories, and even accents!

The audio design is equally impressive and contributes immensely to the overall experience. The soundscapes of the alien planet are rich and full, from the deafening howl of surface wind/storms, to the near-deafening crackle of radiation poisoning sapping away at Jan’s life.

Inside the Rapid Travel, the hum of machinery, the creaks and groans of the massive structure, and the distinct sounds of various crafting processes contribute to a believable and lived-in environment. Crucially, the voice acting for Jan and his Alters is truly exceptional. As mentioned, each Alter possesses a distinct voice and manner of speaking, immediately conveying their individual personalities and past lives. The quality of the voice work significantly enhances the narrative, making the emotional conflicts and collaborative efforts between the Alters feel authentic and impactful as it seems more like two individuals conversing rather than two clones of the same person.

The Infinite Jeans: Longevity and Replayability

The replay value of The Alters is immense, which is primarily driven by its numerous narrative choices, and the near-overwhelming desire to explore different Alter combinations and their resulting interactions. In other words, you will doubt every single decision you make at almost every point! While the core objective of escaping the planet remains consistent, the journey can vary significantly based on which Alters you choose to prioritise and how you manage their relationships. The Alters doesn’t feature multiple endings in a traditional sense, but the nuances of the narrative unfold differently depending on the stability of your group and the resolutions of the Alters’ personal conflicts.

Furthermore, the survival and management aspects offer a degree of strategic depth. Players might experiment with different base layouts, resource gathering priorities, or Alter assignments in subsequent playthroughs to optimise efficiency or simply to experience a different approach to the challenges. However, it’s worth noting that the procedural generation aspects are limited; the core structure of the mobile base and the general layout of the external areas remain largely consistent. The primary draw for repeated play comes from the rich character interactions and the desire to delve deeper into the backstories and psychologies of the various Alters, discovering new dialogue and narrative threads that might have been missed in a previous run. The game’s strong narrative focus means that while there’s certainly content to revisit, it might not appeal to players seeking endless procedural variety.

Conclusion

The Alters is a truly ambitious and unique title that fortunately manages to deliver on its intriguing premise, and then some! It successfully blends elements of survival, base management, and deep psychological narrative into a cohesive and often thought-provoking experience. The core concept of creating and managing alternate versions of Jan is not just a gimmick but the very heart of the gameplay, influencing every decision and interaction. The Alters excels in its characterisation, making each Alter feel like a distinct individual with their own hopes, fears, and regrets. The Alters also looks and sounds incredible, immersing players in its desolate yet beautiful alien world and the claustrophobic confines of the mobile base. While the survival mechanics can be challenging, and often infuriating when things go wrong (because they will), they rarely feel unfair, instead pushing players to think strategically about resource allocation and alter management. The Alters is a game that makes you ponder the choices that shape a life, and the potential paths not taken. For those seeking a narrative-driven survival experience with a strong psychological bent, The Alters is an outstanding proposition!

Grade: 9/10 – Outstanding