The Alters shattered my expectations of reality and questioned my life’s decisions

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Since last year, I’ve been closely following “The Alters,” a game that captured our executive editor’s heart at the 11 Bit Studios event in Poland. Although it may sound cliché, I was cautiously optimistic about this project.

As a researcher, I can’t help but be captivated when experiencing a game in an ideal environment. During previews, the emotions I associate with a product are deeply ingrained. Trailer previews spark excitement, while immersive music and dynamic lighting displays leave an indelible, unforgettable impression.

The difficulty lies in maintaining the same intensity of enthusiasm after leaving the game and returning home. However, as I pen down my account of the Jan Dolski experiences, an unquenchable longing arises within me, a yearning to re-immerse myself in the realm that I left on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

In my next attempt at playing this game again, I’ll need to hold off, yet the affection I harbor for it compels me to put it down on paper. There is a demand for a game that sparks one’s imagination and manages to do so while staying affordable, priced around $35.

Amidst a time when projects often become excessively costly and inflated, it’s truly worth recognizing and appreciating studios that manage to optimize their productivity in unique ways, like the creators behind The Alters.

Join me as I share the many reasons why.

What exactly is The Alters?

Have you ever pondered over the idea of a survival game with a strong narrative, reminiscent of Fallout Shelter? I share your curiosity! The Alters’ unique fusion of genres stands out in the sea of indie games. Its radiance is so captivating that it might leave you dazzled by its brilliance.

To be completely straightforward, this game is absolutely superb from start to finish. It’s so captivating that I can hardly wait for its complete version.

As Jan Dolski, the lone explorer of the Dolly mission on a hunt for Rapidium, it won’t take long before you realize that the alien terrain has the upper hand and leaves you in a perilous situation, yearning for assistance.

In simpler terms, your new living space is a place on solid ground that you’ll have to establish and manage to ensure protection from the harsh sunlight. However, what Jan dreams of doing and what really needs to be accomplished are two completely separate tasks.

You’ve got a strict deadline here. It’s not just a friendly reminder; it’s a matter of life and death. A missed target means the game is over – permanently.

The design of the timer is carefully thought out. In the initial introduction, an ominous feeling will envelop the player, as a bold, large countdown number appears on the screen at the beginning of every day, creating a sense of urgency.

After the introduction was over, I finally had a moment of great relief as the timer counted down, saying “The Sun is distant.” With this breather, I felt free to delve into the vast expanse around my outpost without fear gripping me.

Tomasz Kisilewicz, head director of The Alters, explained that the mechanism underwent changes during development due to the identical causes.

One of the major modifications made during the previous year was making the counter less visible. Previously, the counter had been constantly visible from the start, showing the countdown to sunrise, which started at 30 days and decreased by one every day.

Tomasz further explained the significance of this alteration, mirroring the feelings about it that I had experienced when the mechanic spoke.

From observing testers during gameplay, we discovered that having the counter constantly visible created a sense of urgency for them, leading to excessive time pressure from the get-go. To alleviate this issue, our game design includes a period at the start of each act intended for players to understand the situation, explore the environment, and engage with the storyline without feeling rushed. However, when combined with a set timer, it can result in an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Make sure you understand correctly; survival is indeed crucial. Yet, while efficiency remains essential, allow some margin for mistakes. If Jan intends to make it through, he must delve into exploration but always keep his base tidy and well-maintained. This process requires time.

To achieve this, eventually Jan will divide into different personas, known as Alters. These are alternate versions of himself stemming from paths in life that the actual Jan Dolski didn’t take. Essentially, they represent realities that were never realized, yet they appear as if they were pulled from a timeline that never began.

If Jan had confronted his abusive father, the change in his self-confidence and life trajectory might have been so significant that he would have evolved into a completely different individual, likely pursuing a distinct career path.

Whatever paths Jan Dolski didn’t choose in life will be mirrored by his alter ego. If he had been a miner, a technician, or a botanist, those possibilities might still resonate with his alternate self. His decision not to become any of these could have significantly impacted others’ lives. For instance, if he hadn’t chosen the path of medicine, someone close to him might have missed out on being saved by a doctor at a crucial moment.

Each Alter contributes uniquely to the puzzle of staying alive. Reaching survival is the target, and the Alters serve as the essential resources guiding you towards your destination. Without them, progress would be impossible.

These entities function independently, yet they always seek your guidance before completing a task. For instance, should they be cultivating produce in the garden, or perhaps focusing on crafting tools and harvesting resources at a constructed outpost?

Regardless of their goal, if they can complete it, they’ll seek out more tasks to tackle – maintaining a smooth and effortless work cycle. Essentially, your role is to provide them with the tools they require to accomplish these tasks.

Previously, I mentioned that outposts serve a crucial role in mining operations. Given that your storage capacity is only as large as your chosen base size, it’s wise to stockpile any materials you can find and use them quickly to foster the expansion of your base and the well-being of your Alters.

You should watch over their diet and cognitive abilities. Social interaction, affection, and empathy will all be important to manage the mental states of your Alters. It’s understandable that discovering your entire existence is a fabrication and the memories you possess are merely unlived experiences would make anyone feel distraught.

Not only does their casual talk offer insights into their private hardships while dealing with real-world issues, but it also influences the spirits of other individuals based on the subject matter and who they are speaking to.

When asked about the writing process for the diverse conversations players might encounter in The Alters, Katarzyna Tybinka, one of the senior writers, shared her thoughts. She and her fellow writer, Magda Gamrot, spent many back-and-forth discussions shaping these scenes and making them more substantial. It was an enjoyable task despite the apparent tedium due to the sheer amount of work and the numerous configurations involved. However, they found it rewarding because these characters are so distinctive and these scenes can create such engaging experiences for the player. In her opinion, their work was a great job well done.

They certainly did, and the impact of these conversations is a driving force in the game.

Katarzyna, “Doesn’t it do a lot, though? Sometimes, it seems like the conversations with the alters aren’t as fulfilling for the player compared to the ones they overhear among themselves. It really adds to the feeling of authenticity.

The character you select from among the possible companions for your adventure will significantly influence your journey’s direction. It’s worth noting that not every character can be obtained in a single game session; you must choose the one who seems to offer the most promising chance of survival, or simply the most entertaining experience.

The distinct and shared traits of these characters are what make each encounter truly extraordinary.

Tomasz mentioned, “We discussed certain character types earlier, such as the warrior, the lover, and another. However, what made it unique was that these roles were embodied by a single individual.

It seems like each one is unique, yet distinctly connected to Jan. How can they all be one person? What trait or characteristic unites them and makes them one entity?

The shared traits among Jan’s alters are primarily responsible for establishing their connections, as finding similarities helps tie their perception of reality to the circumstances they encounter.

The opening of the game — My story begins

I awoke to find myself in a world reminiscent of a grim sci-fi tale. The unsettling, eerie atmosphere foretold the ominous situation that awaited me and my companion, Jan.

I embark on a cautious stroll, where the unclear circumstances veil the full horror that lies ahead. Amidst the bustle, Jan shouts to his shipmates, searching for additional members of our voyage.

Upon encountering the initial member, I found them unresponsive inside their enclosure. There was no sign of life when Jan looked through the window. Jan and I then continued our exploration further.

One by one, they were discovered deceased, until it became clear to Jan that each had suffered a similar fate. All of them lay motionless within their pods, having fallen from the confines of space and landed on the planet’s surface. The crew responsible for the Dolly mission appears to have perished.

Everyone else, except for Jan, is a man. Sorrow and despair heavily impact my senses, yet the ongoing predicament of Jan Dolski continues to unfold, refusing to allow me to wallow in sympathy alongside the main character.

A warning sounds off; radiation starts taking control of Jan’s equipment. It’s now essential that I run quickly to where I’ll temporarily reside, which I will refer to as my shelter.

Hurrying straight towards the prominent landmark, a colossal cylindrical structure, I sense urgency in every step. In my haste, I barely acknowledge alternative routes branching off to either side of me, seemingly leading away from this massive base that Jan stands beside. Upon reaching a moment of calm, I’ll take a moment to survey the areas ahead that I plan to explore.

Delving into the secure elevator, a momentary sense of relief fills me, but it’s short-lived, as another cautionary signal looms ahead.

Jan phones Earth longingly, seeking any semblance of sanity left. A distant, enigmatic voice crackles over the line, forewarning of perils still to come. The Sun, it hints.

On this barren and forlorn world, the sun scorches the planet’s surface when it shines directly overhead. Anything unfortunate enough to be in that area experiences searing heat as well.

Don’t worry, let Jan cook.

I love it when a plan comes together

The first task is to activate and make functional this enormous base, which at present merely stands still. It remains motionless due to recurring engine malfunctions that prevent any movement whatsoever. No matter what I attempt, it proves futile. In the meantime, I venture out onto the planet’s surface in search of hints or useful objects that may help me resolve this issue.

As fragments of minerals, metals, and organic matter pass me by, it’s the eerie, distorting gleam of Rapidium that captivates me. It seems like a powerful lens flare from a J.J. Abrams-directed scene, mirroring the impactful cover art for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

In simple terms, Rapidium is a unique blend of vintage sci-fi elements and contemporary style. It’s crucial for the succession of our mission, and it’s vital for my survival. At present, the sole priority is getting this base operational, regardless of the mission; it’s the matter of utmost importance right now.

Reaching out to Earth again, the familiar voice resonates, prompting me to employ the Rapidium on Earth-stored DNA using an enormously powerful quantum computer.

In my game creation, the device is utilized alongside a structure I built earlier called “The Womb”. Through this aspect, I generate a tiny slice of life in the most adorable way imaginable – like Molly, the sheep! The Rapidium has proven effective! It seems it can bring forth life! Hold on, does this material create life?

Once more, I’m sharing my triumphs over the phone to celebrate. My loved one or the person on the other end of the call shares my joy about the outcome, but additional assistance seems needed.

The company responsible for your assignment has preserved your memories in a form they call a ‘memory scan’. This encompasses your entire life, from its start to the present day, and every crucial decision that brought you to this moment. It’s with this technology that we venture even deeper into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics.

Via this memory scan, the foundation for your initial AI personality, hereafter known as the Technician, will be established. This entity will shape the course of your experiences as the pioneer AI created by human technology.

This Alter came about due to a single decisive moment. When he opted to confront Jan’s father, he found the courage to endure the daily abuse his mother and he suffered at the hands of such a monstrous man. Taking a stand against him set in motion a strong conviction that ultimately led Jan onto an entirely new professional journey.

Instead of engaging in a confrontation with his father, our protagonist opted for a different path – enrolling in college instead. This decision enabled him to escape from that particular lifestyle and, as a result, he’s been grappling with a sense of guilt that persists until this very moment.

Although the Technician did commit errors similar to Original Jan at certain points, it’s important to note that those mistakes weren’t exactly the same as Jan’s original ones. From then on, these two characters developed distinct identities and storylines. Interestingly, The Technician also possesses a unique set of alternate characters that players can encounter within the game.

Initiating conversation with the Technician proves challenging due to their distinct personalities, yet the criticality of the predicament propels them forward. Guided by the Technician, you embark on a journey, establishing a secure gap between Jan and the ominous edge that threatens his life.

During the initial leg of his journey, Jan must grapple with the reality of himself, whether he truly exists or not. This mini-adventure sets the stage for every subsequent conversation, making each one uniquely significant.

Establishing commonalities with one another fosters a connection, guiding the relationship between the Technician and other Jans towards positivity. Ignoring this could plunge them into a whirlpool of negative feelings, which might escalate to dire outcomes.

Reaching a halt and recognizing further challenges on the horizon reunites them again. To overcome these obstacles, they must employ the assistance of additional versions of themselves, which they refer to as Alters. This shared understanding brings a sense of acceptance between them, and in an instant, the main sequence of events in the game becomes clear.

Bridge the Gap

The pair of Jans soon realizes that their previously secure route has suddenly halted to a scorching standstill. Ahead lies an expansive, searing expanse of flowing lava. Finding no alternative path, and recognizing the need for a mind more analytical, Jan decides to manifest his logical self, who will be known as The Scientist.

This individual may not come across as particularly amiable, yet his intentions are quite clear. His primary objectives revolve around gaining knowledge in the scientific realm, advancing science for humanity’s benefit, and continuously improving his personal achievements.

This is the Alter (alternative or variant) that is gradually untangling the complex quantum aspect and the intricate web of timelines that Jan is currently navigating. In simpler terms, it’s a mind-bending puzzle that Jan is now handling, though I’ll try to avoid going into specifics so you can uncover these surprises on your own.

The past, present, and future might appear similar in concept, but they’re distinct entities. The enigmatic nature of ‘Jan’ is gradually revealing itself, stirring up mysteries that cannot be sealed shut like a container of wriggling worms.

As the game progresses, it becomes more polished with enhanced mechanics. You might encounter glitches that grow increasingly challenging to manage, eventually requiring you to devise strategies for eliminating them lest they cause problems for your gameplay.

In other words, you’ll gain access to research opportunities for items such as improved storage solutions, expansions for your base, advanced tooling, and even a leisure area.

It appears that thoroughly researching everything might not be feasible; instead, it serves to enhance the performance of the Alters you’ve selected. This process will involve identifying and addressing the areas where your chosen Alters may have weaknesses.

Perhaps you opted for a Medical Doctor over a Botanist. Although a Botanist can cultivate plants more efficiently, research in this field could enable faster garden harvests, effectively balancing out the challenge.

As you play, the game’s mechanics gradually become clearer. Rest assured, I won’t reveal anything about the game for those yet to play it. However, the design of the gameplay appears carefully planned. The layers of complexity enable players to select their Alters freely, providing a cover for any weaknesses due to unchosen Alters.

The Alters so far

In my selection process for my Alters, I was fortunate enough to observe several options. Among these were, though not exclusively, the Technical Expert, Earthwork Specialist, Plant Scientist, and Medical Professional.

The experiences and journey of the Doctor resonate deeply with me, as my own father is grappling with medical diagnoses. At the 11 Bit event, I chose not to discuss this personal matter, recognizing that such sensitive topics may seem out of place amidst the joyous occasion of artistic celebration.

Every day, one doctor follows another, trying tirelessly to decipher the mystery of the illness that’s slowly taking its toll on him. Yet, one diagnostic test after another falls short in revealing the root cause, leaving only temporary relief through various medications.

The pain of seeing someone dear to us suffer is something that everyone experiences. Regardless of how often we encounter it, at some stage in our lives, we all will go through this emotional upheaval. For some individuals, this distressing feeling may recur multiple times as they witness the struggles of various loved ones.

For me, the Doctor posed an intriguing query: What if I had chosen differently throughout my life? Could it be that, with alternate decisions in my youth, I might have been the one trying to rescue my father instead?

The account of the Doctor, while not delving deeply into specifics, shared striking similarities with mine that took me by surprise. And let’s face it, nobody is fully prepared to confront a reflection that mirrors oneself so vividly.

In recent times, it’s scarcely common for a game to spark deep contemplation about unexplored possibilities. It’s even more uncommon for a game to do so while deftly linking the gaming world with our own reality. Remarkably, The Alters manages to pull off both. As a tech enthusiast, experiencing this unique blend of real-life and virtual worlds is an extraordinary journey I won’t forget soon.

Remarkably intriguing, it evokes a hushed awe about my personal journey – the subtle choices made could have led to entirely distinct narratives in my life’s tale. If the writing instrument had been a different shade, what stories might I have penned instead?

Although I typically don’t revisit games, The Alters has sparked my desire to delve back into it again, impulsively exploring different choices with anticipation, whether they lead to good or bad outcomes, all in pursuit of discovering not only the solution within the game, but also uncovering truths about myself.

On June 13th, “The Alters” launches for the Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. You’ll find it on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

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2025-05-22 18:41