81
MONSTER
To survive on a lonely planet, Jan creates alternate versions of himself - the alters. Each alter’s personality is shaped by Jan’s various life paths. The Alters begs a simple question surrounding life-changing moments and the decisions people make: What if…?
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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91
The Alters receives rave reviews for its deep narrative and exploration of identity, choice, and survival. Critics praise the emotional complexity of protagonist Jan Dolski's interactions with his clones and the game's cinematic storytelling. However, some caution that the intricate narrative may overwhelm players, and a few themes could be explored more deeply. Overall, the game is hailed as a thought-provoking experience that resonates emotionally, securing its status as a standout title in modern gaming.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
91
Positive Reviews (80-100)
85%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
15%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
The Alters receives rave reviews for its deep narrative and exploration of identity, choice, and survival. Critics praise the emotional complexity of protagonist Jan Dolski's interactions with his clones and the game's cinematic storytelling. However, some caution that the intricate narrative may overwhelm players, and a few themes could be explored more deeply. Overall, the game is hailed as a thought-provoking experience that resonates emotionally, securing its status as a standout title in modern gaming.
Gameplay Mechanics
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83
The Alters impresses with its captivating mix of resource management, survival mechanics, and emotional storytelling, drawing praise for its moral dilemmas and strategic depth. Critics celebrate its engaging gameplay and unique clone abilities, but caution that it can become repetitive and overwhelming. Despite these flaws, the game's urgency and innovative blend of systems keep players hooked, establishing it as a standout in the genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
62%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
38%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
The Alters impresses with its captivating mix of resource management, survival mechanics, and emotional storytelling, drawing praise for its moral dilemmas and strategic depth. Critics celebrate its engaging gameplay and unique clone abilities, but caution that it can become repetitive and overwhelming. Despite these flaws, the game's urgency and innovative blend of systems keep players hooked, establishing it as a standout in the genre.
Graphics and Visual Design
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78
The Alters impresses with stunning visuals and immersive environments, earning praise for its art direction and sci-fi aesthetics. Critics highlight gorgeous landscapes and effective lighting, but significant flaws—like blurriness, stiff animations, and navigational issues—hinder the experience. While the game offers a compelling visual world, technical shortcomings hold it back from greatness.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
50%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
50%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
The Alters impresses with stunning visuals and immersive environments, earning praise for its art direction and sci-fi aesthetics. Critics highlight gorgeous landscapes and effective lighting, but significant flaws—like blurriness, stiff animations, and navigational issues—hinder the experience. While the game offers a compelling visual world, technical shortcomings hold it back from greatness.
Music and Sound Design
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79
The Alters impresses with standout sound design and a haunting soundtrack that enhances immersion, particularly noted by Digital Trends and GamersRD. Critics praise Alex Jordan's musical performance and the atmospheric score, but GRYOnline.pl highlights lackluster dialogue and inconsistent voice acting that dampen emotional impact. Overall, while the game's audio elements shine, there are critical gaps that need addressing for a fully immersive experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
67%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
33%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
The Alters impresses with standout sound design and a haunting soundtrack that enhances immersion, particularly noted by Digital Trends and GamersRD. Critics praise Alex Jordan's musical performance and the atmospheric score, but GRYOnline.pl highlights lackluster dialogue and inconsistent voice acting that dampen emotional impact. Overall, while the game's audio elements shine, there are critical gaps that need addressing for a fully immersive experience.
Voice Acting
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83
The voice acting in The Alters is largely praised, especially Alex Jordan's standout performance that adds depth to the characters. Critics highlight its emotional resonance and immersive quality, though some note issues with dynamic delivery and the lack of Portuguese voice acting. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the voice work is seen as a key strength that enhances the game's narrative and player experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
83
Positive Reviews (80-100)
71%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
29%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
The voice acting in The Alters is largely praised, especially Alex Jordan's standout performance that adds depth to the characters. Critics highlight its emotional resonance and immersive quality, though some note issues with dynamic delivery and the lack of Portuguese voice acting. Overall, despite minor criticisms, the voice work is seen as a key strength that enhances the game's narrative and player experience.
Technical Performance
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65
The Alters on PS5 sparks mixed reviews: some praise its solid performance and balance between visuals and gameplay, while others criticize significant technical issues like bugs and continuity errors that disrupt immersion. The game shows promise but struggles with polish, leading to varied player experiences.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
0%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
86%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
The Alters on PS5 sparks mixed reviews: some praise its solid performance and balance between visuals and gameplay, while others criticize significant technical issues like bugs and continuity errors that disrupt immersion. The game shows promise but struggles with polish, leading to varied player experiences.
Replay Value
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86
Critics are largely praising The Alters for its strong replay value, driven by branching narratives and the ability to create varied versions of protagonist Jan. While some note frustrations with a lack of challenges and potential pacing issues, the consensus is that the game delivers a rich, engaging experience that rewards exploration and experimentation in storytelling. Ideal for players who love narrative depth!
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
86
Positive Reviews (80-100)
75%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
25%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are largely praising The Alters for its strong replay value, driven by branching narratives and the ability to create varied versions of protagonist Jan. While some note frustrations with a lack of challenges and potential pacing issues, the consensus is that the game delivers a rich, engaging experience that rewards exploration and experimentation in storytelling. Ideal for players who love narrative depth!
Overall Verdict
81
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
88%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
12%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
The Alters garners positive reviews for its emotional storytelling and engaging gameplay, with many critics calling it a standout title and potential game of the year. However, it faces criticism for exploration challenges and some technical issues, which may detract from the experience. Overall, it's a memorable game worth playing despite its flaws.
81
MONSTER
Reviews
141 reviews found100
Stevivor
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is highly recommended for its unique storytelling and engaging gameplay, making it a strong contender for game of the year.
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90
IGN Spain
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is a standout title from 11 Bit Studios, blending exploration, strategy, and emotional storytelling into a compelling experience. It successfully engages players with its unique mechanics and narrative depth.
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90
IGN Benelux
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is praised as one of the most original and engaging games, despite its challenging gameplay and heavy themes. It stands out for its ambitious concept and execution by a small studio.
90
IGN Deutschland
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is a masterful blend of genres with a profound narrative and engaging gameplay, making it one of the best games of the year despite minor technical flaws.
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90
TheSixthAxis
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite its brilliance and engaging mechanics, the game can be overwhelmingly stressful, making it a challenging experience that some may find unenjoyable.
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87
ElDesmarque
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is a unique and engaging title that successfully combines narrative depth with gameplay mechanics, despite some graphical and technical issues.
80
Push Square
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is described as 11 Bit Studios' magnum opus, a tense and thoughtful game that challenges players to reflect on their choices, making it a standout title.
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80
Digital Trends
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is a compelling sci-fi survival game that successfully combines deep narrative elements with engaging gameplay mechanics, despite some repetitiveness in the survival loop. It offers a memorable experience that encourages players to reflect on philosophical questions.
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80
Critical Hits
Jun 13, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is a unique blend of management and emotional storytelling, offering a profound experience that challenges players to reflect on identity and empathy, making it memorable despite its potential frustrations.
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80
WellPlayed
Jun 12, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Alters is an ambitious and engaging game that successfully expands on the developer's previous work, despite some navigation frustrations and technical issues. It offers a thought-provoking experience with a mix of humor and survival elements.
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