4/5 ★ – megazu's review of The Alters.

The Alters is a game that dares to do something different—both thematically, technically, and narratively. It’s bold, it’s ambitious, and for the most part, it succeeds in balancing psychological sci-fi, base management, and survival. The story and its premise drew me in, and the alternate versions of Jan add a depth and dynamic I’ve rarely seen explored in this way. But it’s also a game with rough edges. Not all conversations are equally strong, the animations lag behind the voice acting, and some gameplay elements can feel a bit clunky. It’s a game that demands patience, curiosity, and a willingness to accept that the experience sometimes takes control more than might feel natural. This won’t be a game for everyone. In fact, I think many will find it too heavy, too strange, or too slow. But for me, it was exactly what I had hoped for—and it would’ve been perfect if those rough edges had been smoothed out. Still, The Alters struck a chord in me that I keep thinking about. And that, in itself, is an achievement. The fact that it’s available on Game Pass means everyone should give it a try!