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The Alters

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Alters
Item: The Alters
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJun 13, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

Developer11 bit studios

Overview

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…?

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Alters captivates critics with its deep themes of identity and morality, showcasing protagonist Jan Dolski's complex choices through alternate selves. Praised for its emotional depth and philosophical questions, the narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, though some reviewers point out flaws in character development and dialogue. Despite criticisms of predictability and missed emotional potential, the consensus remains largely positive, marking The Alters as a standout in narrative-driven gaming for fans of sci-fi and psychological exploration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The narrative of The Alters has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, who commend its exploration of profound themes such as identity, morality, and the consequences of choices. Reviewers like GameSpot and Digital Trends highlight the captivating nature of the story, emphasizing how the protagonist, Jan Dolski, navigates complex moral dilemmas through his interactions with alternate versions of himself. Critics such as IGN Deutschland and Gamers Heroes appreciate the emotional depth and philosophical questions posed by the narrative, noting that the player's decisions significantly impact the storyline and character development. The game is often described as thought-provoking, with many critics, including PC Gamer and Eurogamer, acknowledging its engaging and well-crafted narrative that resonates with players. However, not all reviews are uniformly positive. Some critics, like PCGamesN and Slant Magazine, point out shortcomings in character development and dialogue, suggesting that certain aspects of the story feel predictable or rely on stereotypes. While the ethical dilemmas presented are intriguing, there are complaints about the shallow differentiation between characters, which can detract from the overall impact of the narrative. Eurogamer Germany and Game8 also mention that while the story is engaging, it does not fully utilize the emotional potential of its characters, indicating a missed opportunity for deeper exploration of their backgrounds and motivations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of The Alters' story, with many praising its ambitious themes and emotional resonance. While some reviewers highlight areas for improvement, such as character depth and dialogue, the majority agree that the narrative succeeds in offering a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Critics like GamersRD and Stevivor encapsulate this sentiment by emphasizing the game's ability to engage players through its intricate storytelling and moral complexities. Thus, The Alters stands out as a noteworthy title in the realm of narrative-driven games, appealing to those who appreciate science fiction and psychological exploration.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Alters has sparked mixed reviews, praised for its engaging blend of survival mechanics and character-driven narrative, but criticized for repetitiveness and lack of depth. While it offers fresh exploration and moral dilemmas, flaws like tedious resource management detract from the experience. Critics acknowledge its innovative potential but warn that it may frustrate seasoned gamers seeking more complexity. Ultimately, the game is a bold attempt at genre fusion that struggles with execution, leaving critics divided.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of The Alters has garnered a variety of opinions, with several critics highlighting its engaging mechanics and unique blend of genres. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Softpedia, appreciate the integration of survival mechanics, resource management, and character interactions, which create a narrative-driven experience. Critics like ElDesmarque and BaziCenter note that the gameplay's emphasis on exploration and decision-making with clones offers a fresh perspective, allowing players to navigate moral dilemmas and build relationships. The game’s strategic elements, as pointed out by Windows Central and TechRadar Gaming, provide a challenging experience that encourages players to think critically about their decisions while managing their resources effectively. However, the gameplay is not without its flaws, as numerous critics express concerns about repetitiveness and a lack of depth in certain mechanics. PCGamesN and GamingBolt describe the resource management aspects as tedious and dry, detracting from the overall experience. Critics like Combo Infinito and Critical Hits echo these sentiments, noting that while the core mechanics are engaging, the repetitive cycles can lead to frustration. Additionally, Slant Magazine and Gamer Escape highlight the simplification of survival mechanics, which may leave some players feeling that the exploration lacks challenge and engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with many recognizing the potential of The Alters while also pointing out significant shortcomings. While some reviewers, such as IGN Deutschland and GameMAG, commend the seamless blend of survival strategy and adventure elements, others like PCGamesN and GamingBolt caution that the gameplay can feel burdensome and uninspired at times. The game appears to offer a unique experience that may resonate well with newcomers to the genre but could frustrate veterans seeking depth and variety. As a result, The Alters stands as a title that showcases innovative ideas but ultimately struggles with execution in certain areas, leading to a divided reception among critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Alters impresses with stunning visuals thanks to Unreal Engine 5, earning praise for its detailed alien landscapes and strong artistic direction. Critics highlight its immersive atmosphere but point out significant flaws, including poor animation quality, graphical inconsistencies, and repetitive environments that detract from immersion. While the game shines visually, it still has critical areas needing improvement to reach its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Alters is largely positive, with many critics praising its impressive use of Unreal Engine 5 to create visually stunning environments. Reviewers like GameMAG and Combo Infinito highlight the game's ability to deliver detailed and immersive graphics, showcasing well-designed alien landscapes and interiors that enhance the sci-fi atmosphere. Critics such as Digital Chumps and IGN Spain commend the strong lighting effects and artistic direction, which effectively convey the hostile nature of the game world. Furthermore, the unique visual style, as noted by GameSpot and TechRadar Gaming, contributes to an engaging experience that draws players into its desolate yet beautiful settings. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall visual experience. BaziCenter and ElDesmarque mention issues with animation quality and environmental interactions, which limit the immersion that the game strives to achieve. Additionally, some reviewers, including GamersRD and Eurogamer Poland, express concerns about graphical inconsistencies, such as blurriness and a lack of variety in scenery, which can hinder the player's connection to the game world. Critics like Oyungezer also note that while the visual design supports the atmosphere, it can feel monotonous due to repetitive environments. In summary, while the consensus among critics is that The Alters offers a visually appealing experience with strong artistic elements and detailed environments, there are significant criticisms regarding animation quality and environmental variety that prevent it from achieving its full potential. Reviewers such as ZTGD and GameSpot emphasize the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere, yet they also acknowledge the technical flaws that need to be addressed. Overall, The Alters stands out for its impressive visuals, but it also leaves room for improvement in certain areas to elevate the player's experience further.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Alters impresses with its immersive sound design and melancholic soundtrack, praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Critics highlight its sci-fi ambiance and dynamic score, but voice acting and dialogue lack dynamism, with some calling the music generic. While the overall soundscape enriches the experience, there are clear areas for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of The Alters have received considerable praise from various critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. Reviewers such as MondoXbox and TheXboxHub emphasized the soundtrack's contribution to the game's mood, describing it as melancholic and mysterious, effectively enhancing the overall experience. Vandal noted the well-crafted sci-fi ambiance of the music, which complements the narrative's urgency, while ZTGD appreciated the dynamic shifts in the score that enhance both calm and tense moments. Critics like Digital Trends and Finger Guns also lauded the music for its emotional depth and synth-heavy quality, which aligns well with the game's themes, further enriching the player's engagement with the story. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Some critics pointed out shortcomings in the sound design, particularly regarding the voice acting and dialogue. GRYOnline.pl mentioned a lack of dynamism and emotional depth in the dialogues, which could detract from player immersion. COGconnected criticized the music score as bland and generic, failing to live up to the game's potential. Additionally, Game8 noted that the repetitive nature of voice acting and sound effects could lead to audio clutter, which may disrupt the overall experience. These criticisms suggest that while the sound design has strong elements, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that The Alters excels in creating an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the game's emotional and narrative depth. While many reviewers, including IGN and Multiplayer.it, praised the soundtrack for its ability to evoke feelings of isolation and tension, there are notable concerns regarding the execution of voice acting and some aspects of the music. Critics like Windows Central and SpazioGames encapsulated the general sentiment by acknowledging the soundtrack's ability to complement the gameplay without overshadowing it, suggesting that while the sound design is largely effective, there remains room for improvement in certain areas.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Alters, especially by Alex Jordan, has been lauded for its depth and realism, significantly enhancing character dynamics and the narrative. While critics praise the performances and facial animations, some note issues with dialogue delivery and a lack of Portuguese localization, which slightly detracts from immersion. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a major strength of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Alters has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the high quality and depth of performances, particularly by Alex Jordan. Reviewers from outlets such as MondoXbox and TheXboxHub highlighted the realistic facial animations and modulation that effectively convey the unique personalities of the Alters. Critics like Digital Chumps and Finger Guns noted that Jordan’s voice work adds emotional weight and believability to the narrative, with distinct personalities and accents for each clone. This sentiment is echoed by multiple sources, including IGN and TechRadar Gaming, who commend the voice acting for enhancing character dynamics and contributing positively to the overall experience. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics pointed out limitations in the delivery and presentation of dialogues. For instance, GRYOnline.pl mentioned a lack of dynamic delivery that detracts from immersion, while Slant Magazine noted that the character designs might undermine the effectiveness of the performances. Additionally, Critical Hits highlighted the absence of Portuguese voice acting, which could impact accessibility for certain audiences. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is generally strong, there are areas where it could have been improved to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly favorable towards the voice acting in The Alters, with the majority recognizing it as a significant strength of the game. Reviewers such as GameSpot and Xbox Tavern emphasized how Alex Jordan's performance brings distinctiveness to each version of Jan, adding depth to the characters and enhancing the narrative. Despite some criticisms regarding dialogue delivery and localization issues, the positive reception of the voice acting underscores its role in creating an engaging and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Alters delivers a polished performance on Xbox Series X, earning praise for stable frame rates and smooth gameplay. The PS5 offers a decent experience but is plagued by bugs that disrupt gameplay. PC performance is mixed, with significant technical issues like frame drops and crashes hampering enjoyment. Overall, while the game shows promise, it needs further refinement and updates to address persistent flaws across all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of The Alters varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with each platform showcasing its strengths. On the Xbox Series X, both MondoXbox and Vandal reported a polished experience, highlighting stable frame rates and smooth gameplay without any major issues. This positive sentiment suggests that the game is well-optimized for the Xbox Series X, providing a seamless experience for players. On the PlayStation 5, IGN Spain noted that the game performs well, offering both fidelity and performance modes, which enhances the overall experience. Additionally, some critics, such as TheSixthAxis, described the game as well-crafted, indicating a generally solid technical execution despite minor flaws. On PC, several reviewers, including Combo Infinito and TechRadar Gaming, praised the game for maintaining stable frame rates on high-end hardware, suggesting that the game is capable of delivering a good performance when played on capable systems. However, the negative aspects of the technical performance cannot be overlooked. On the Xbox Series X, while the overall sentiment is positive, there are no specific criticisms noted, indicating a lack of depth in reviews. On the PlayStation 5, multiple critics pointed out various bugs and glitches, such as disappearing characters and continuity errors (BaziCenter, ElDesmarque), which disrupt immersion and gameplay. WellPlayed highlighted several technical issues, including navigation problems and untranslated text, which further detract from the experience. The PC version appears to have the most mixed reviews, with critics like DBLTAP and Xbox Tavern citing significant issues such as frame drops, crashes, and UI glitches, which can heavily impact gameplay. Others, like Voxel, emphasized poor optimization, leading to frequent slowdowns that hinder the overall enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while The Alters performs admirably on Xbox Series X and has moments of stability on PS5 and PC, it is marred by various technical issues across all platforms. The Xbox Series X stands out as the most reliable platform, providing a polished experience, while the PS5 has a mix of solid performance and notable bugs. The PC version, despite showing potential for high performance on advanced hardware, suffers from optimization issues and a range of technical difficulties that could frustrate players. Critics like GamersRD and Loot Level Chill emphasize the need for further refinement and updates to address these issues, suggesting that while the game has a strong foundation, it requires additional polish to fully realize its potential across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Alters garners mixed reviews for its replay value. Critics praise its branching narratives and player choices, highlighting potential for diverse outcomes and moral dilemmas. However, many express frustration over repetitive gameplay, linear tasks, and a lack of features like a skip option, which may deter players from multiple playthroughs. While the game showcases design that encourages exploration, its execution might not satisfy all players seeking deeper engagement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Alters reveal a notable appreciation for its branching narratives and the impact of player choices on the gameplay experience. Several critics, including IGN Italia and GameSpot, highlight the game's ability to offer significant replayability through its multiple endings and the unique experiences that arise from different decision paths. Critics like Gamer.no and PC Gamer emphasize the engaging mechanics that encourage players to explore various outcomes, suggesting that the game can provide diverse experiences with each playthrough. The presence of moral dilemmas and the management of clones, as pointed out by Eurogamer and PCGamesN, further enrich the gameplay, making it appealing for players interested in narrative depth. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's replay value being hampered by repetitive gameplay mechanics and linearity. For instance, Slant Magazine and PCGamesN note that the tedious nature of resource management and gameplay can make the prospect of replaying unappealing. Critics like Gamersky and Eurogamer also mention the lack of a skip feature for repetitive content, which detracts from the overall replay experience. The restrictive save system, as highlighted by Gamepressure, and the linearity of tasks, noted by IGN France, further contribute to a sense of frustration that may dissuade players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed sentiment regarding the replay value of The Alters. While many reviewers appreciate the depth of choices and the potential for varied outcomes—citing the game's design as encouraging multiple playthroughs—there remains a palpable concern about the repetitive gameplay and linearity that could limit its appeal. Critics such as TheSixthAxis and Xbox Tavern acknowledge the complexity of choices as a driving force for replayability, yet they also recognize that the game's execution may not compel all players to revisit it extensively. Thus, while The Alters offers a framework for replayability, its actual execution may leave some players wanting more.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of The Alters has been largely positive among critics, who commend its unique blend of narrative depth and engaging gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, such as PC Gamer and Shacknews, highlight the game as a masterclass in high-tension gaming, effectively intertwining survival elements with profound storytelling. Critics like Digital Trends and WellPlayed appreciate the thought-provoking themes and emotional engagement, noting that the game encourages players to reflect on philosophical questions. Additionally, the game is recognized for its artistic design and character development, with IGN and TechRadar Gaming calling it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven experiences. However, several reviewers point out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Critics like PCGamesN and Slant Magazine express frustration with the game's lack of depth in storytelling and gameplay, suggesting that it may only appeal to a niche audience. Others, such as Gamersky and Eurogamer Germany, mention issues with repetitive gameplay and technical shortcomings that hinder the experience. Furthermore, some critics, including GameMAG and Gamepressure, acknowledge that while the game has strong ideas, it may not satisfy players seeking deeper challenges or emotional engagement, indicating a divide in player expectations. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that The Alters is a commendable title that successfully showcases 11 Bit Studios' ambition and creativity. Many reviewers, including those from IGN Benelux and Push Square, regard it as a standout entry in the survival genre, praising its compelling narrative and innovative mechanics. The game is seen as a significant achievement for the studio, with numerous critics suggesting it could be a contender for game of the year. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the majority of critics agree that The Alters offers a memorable and worthwhile experience for players who appreciate deep storytelling and complex gameplay.

TL;DR

The Alters receives acclaim for its powerful storytelling and gripping gameplay, hailed as a standout in the survival genre. Critics praise its emotional depth and artistic design, making it a must-play for narrative enthusiasts. However, some reviewers highlight issues like repetitive gameplay and shallow mechanics that may limit its appeal. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus lauds the game as a significant achievement for 11 Bit Studios, positioning it as a potential game of the year contender.

MONSTER

Reviews

148 reviews found

100

Stevivor

PlayStation 5

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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100

KonsoliFIN

Jun 12, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is a balanced game that successfully combines resource management, narrative depth, and survival elements, resulting in a compelling experience that invites players to explore different approaches.

Impulsegamer

Jun 18, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is described as 11 bit studio's most ambitious and possibly best game, successfully combining various gameplay elements into a memorable narrative adventure.

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Hooked Gamers

Jun 25, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is a must-play for its engaging narrative, thoughtful mechanics, and forgiving gameplay. Despite some shortcomings in base building and technical issues, it offers a rich experience.

Gamers Heroes

Jun 12, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is a unique and thought-provoking survival game that blends mechanics with deep storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on players.

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Softpedia

Jun 30, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is praised for its engaging story, fascinating characters, and immersive world, despite some tedious moments and light combat.

COGconnected

Jun 20, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is a unique and original game that successfully blends survival mechanics with social simulation, offering a fresh experience in a genre often filled with sequels.

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CGMagazine

Jun 12, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is praised for its unique storytelling and engaging gameplay, leaving a lasting impression with its exploration of personal themes and high-concept sci-fi elements.

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Windows Central

Jun 12, 2025

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Alters is a beautifully crafted game that combines a complex narrative with engaging gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of sci-fi and strategy genres, despite its intense themes.

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IGN Deutschland

PlayStation 5

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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