Every once in a while, a game comes along that doesn't just entertain—it provokes. The Alters, the latest release from 11 Bit Studios (the studio behind Frostpunk), is one such title. Merging survival mechanics with a deeply human narrative, it offers something rare in the gaming landscape: an experience that feels as much like introspective science fiction as it does interactive strategy. For anyone who finds themselves drawn to space, identity, or existential storytelling, The Alters is well worth the time.

A Multiverse of Identity

The game places players in the role of Jan Dolski, a solitary worker stranded on a distant, toxic planet after a mission gone wrong. With the sun’s lethal rays creeping closer and no way to call for help, Jan's only hope lies in manipulating a mysterious substance called Rapidium to create “Alters”—alternate versions of himself who lived different lives. Each Alter brings a different skillset and perspective, allowing Jan to survive—but not without emotional and moral consequences.

What makes The Alters compelling for sci-fi fans is its take on the multiverse. Rather than using alternate timelines for spectacle, it explores what it means to be fractured across choices. A version of Jan who pursued science may bring knowledge, but not necessarily compassion. A more hardened version may be an efficient technician, but comes with a colder edge. These are not just copies of the player character—they’re independent personalities, and their reactions to your leadership form the emotional core of the game.

Strategy Meets Philosophy

On the surface, it plays like a survival-management sim. Players control a massive rotating base that must constantly move to stay ahead of the sun’s deadly path. Inside, you’re constructing modules, managing energy and resources, and directing your Alters to carry out critical tasks. But the real challenge isn’t just keeping the base running—it’s managing relationships between your Alters, who may question your decisions, refuse orders, or even spiral if neglected.

This tension is where the game finds its edge. The Alters isn’t about space battles or alien threats. The danger comes from within—both from the harsh environment and the volatile nature of your own fractured psyche. For fans of sci-fi that leans cerebral and philosophical, this alone makes the game stand out.

A World That Reflects Its Themes

Visually, the game is stunning. Built in Unreal Engine 5, it balances bleak industrial interiors with stark alien landscapes, creating an atmosphere of quiet urgency. The rotating wheel base, slowly rolling across barren terrain, becomes a symbol of fragile progress. The art direction supports the story: minimal, cold, and just uncanny enough to remind you that this isn’t a place meant for people.

Gameplay blends real-time management with narrative exploration. The base’s survival depends on constant upgrades and efficient use of your Alters’ skills, but players can also step into Jan’s shoes in third-person segments. These moments are quieter, slower—giving players space to talk to their Alters, explore the base, and uncover more about Jan’s past. These interactions add emotional weight to the mechanics, creating a bond between the player and their many selves.

A Story That Lingers

The emotional storytelling is where The Alters elevates itself. While the survival mechanics are strong, what truly resonates is the way the game handles regret, identity, and self-confrontation. This isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about confronting the paths not taken. Each Alter is a living, breathing "what if," and managing them forces players to reflect on the choices that define them. For players who appreciate narrative-driven experiences that grapple with complex themes, this depth is where The Alters shines brightest.

Replay Value and Purposeful Design

Beyond the core story, there’s replay value in exploring different Alters and moral paths. Multiple endings and varied strategies offer a reason to return, and with a focused playtime of around 20 hours (or 55-60 hours to experience every Jan), the game never overstays its welcome. Its systems are engaging without being overwhelming, making it accessible to both strategy veterans and those newer to the genre.

A Must-Play for Thoughtful Sci-Fi Fans

For sci-fi and space enthusiasts, The Alters offers something beyond space opera or action-driven exploration. It’s a story of survival, yes—but more importantly, it’s a story about identity, consequence, and the strange burden of being many people at once. In a genre filled with high-concept settings and alien encounters, The Alters takes a quieter but more personal route—and ends up somewhere far more affecting.

Whether you're in it for the cerebral challenge, the existential narrative, or the immersive atmosphere, The Alters proves that sci-fi games don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the most important journey is the one inward.