Frostpunk developer 11 bit studios is attempting something new. The Alters is a new science-fiction survival title that’s apparently as much about philosophy as it is gameplay. A unique take on identity, this game uses an unusual premise that proves more interesting than your average survival game.
Stranded With Only Yourself for Company
Jan Dolski is the name of the narrator who thanks to a crash, is alone on a strange planet. Jan’s crew has been lost and jan’s resources have all been depleted. This is also another impossibility. Instead of just surviving on scraps, he learns to summon alternate versions of himself from other branches of time.
These alternate Jans stand for the things that were not meant to be by the original character. The players meet Jan in scenarios where he picked different paths in life. One iteration chose to skip college and pursued a career of being a mechanic, while another iteration went through academics and became a scientist. A botanist brings knowledge of agriculture into the survival equation. All clones have special skills like defense, medical, engineering, and science to keep the base safe and live longer.
Gameplay Duration and Replay Incentives
A single play through of The Alters usually takes around 25 to 30 hours if you mostly focus on the main goals. The experience is divided into three acts, which end on an exciting note, even though this section is much shorter. If players spend a lot of time building their base and talking to their character, then they might play more than this time.
The real depths of the game are seen after you playthroughs. The Alters is created in such a way by the developer that you cannot uncover all things and character interactions in one run.
Character Complexity Beyond Simple Copies
The alternative Jans are completely realized people and are not just pawns in a game. Each version has a different nature developed from its experiences. These differences transfer the high-stakes situations into a rich adventure that enhances the drama.
Players see different versions of the same character, who have disagreements with one another such as the scientist and the mechanic, who have differing ideas about the types of life one should lead. During these moments, actions from the players are needed to make a decision. It won’t just be a resource game anymore.
The Value of Exploring Every Timeline
This game has about ten different Jan variants, but not all of them will appear in a single run. Some versions are considered compulsory to proceed with the story while others can be discovered optionally. This design encourages players to experiment with different combinations to unlock distinct dialogue exchanges and character development moments.
Different Jans reveal unexpected changes in the main character’s personality and ability. In his interactions with these alternate selves, the original Jan finds aspects of himself which he was unaware of. The character’s psychology gives me more feelings about survival.
Total Time Investment for Complete Experience
If you want to see all the Jan variants, you’ll have to play through the game twice. Expect to spend about 55 to 60 hours on it. Players who want to explore different character combinations will probably need more time.
The replayability not only comes from the discovery of new characters but the way different character personalities influence group dynamics and the story. Every time you play, you learn more about Jan as he interacts with different versions of the character.
A Fresh Take on Survival Gaming
The Alters is a survival game that is not focused on mechanics. Instead, it’s a psychological exploration. While base-building and resource management are paramount, the emotional core of the game lies in the themes of identity, choice, and discovery.
By taking this unique approach, what could have been another basic survival game becomes a meditation on human nature and the road taken. A repeated story is a great way to get variations on a theme, and anyone who has played through the game will most likely wind up talking about their second playthrough of the game.