Strong Start for The Alters

16/06/25

In just three days after release, The Alters received around 2,000 user reviews on Steam, with 89% of them rated positive. We analyzed most of these reviews to understand what players love about the game—and what issues they bring up.

About the Game

The Alters is a narrative-driven sci-fi game developed by Polish studio 11 bit studios, best known for This War of Mine and Frostpunk. The story follows Jan, a lone survivor stranded on a hostile planet after a crash. To survive, he creates alternate versions of himself—called "alters"—each with unique personalities, memories, emotions, and skills.

Gameplay blends base management, moral decisions, exploration, and building relationships with the alters. At its core, the game explores loneliness, fear, personal responsibility, and the struggle to stay human in extreme conditions.

What Players Love

The most praised aspect of The Alters is its story. Players highlight the emotional depth, philosophical undertones, and engaging narrative. Many say it's one of those rare games worth playing for the plot alone.

The concept of creating alternate selves feels fresh and meaningful. Each alter represents a different path Jan could have taken, and players enjoy how their decisions shape the story and characters.

Visuals are also widely praised. The atmospheric art style and well-crafted environments immerse players in a dark and reflective sci-fi world. Overall, the game is often described as unique, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful.

Common Criticism

The most frequent complaint is the stress from time pressure. Many feel the game rushes them with constant timers, making it harder to enjoy the experience at their own pace. Some players say it's at its best when it lets them slow down.

Other concerns include bugs, UI quirks, and the lack of a manual save system, which some find limiting during difficult moments.

Some players also noted a steep difficulty curve and occasional repetition. A few criticized outdated interface elements or unclear mechanics.

Overall Impression

The Alters leaves a strong impression. While not without flaws, its original concept, powerful narrative, and emotional depth resonate with many players. With nearly 90% positive reviews, it's safe to say the game struck a chord with its audience.

The game is currently available at a 10% discount on Steam, valid until June 27.