The Altars offers an intriguing, dialogue-heavy sci-fi survival experience with a unique clone mechanic. However, its frantic pace, emotional management, and clunky controls make it a very niche game that will deeply divide players.
The Altars presents an emotional science fiction narrative that merges survival, adventure, and base-building mechanics. The story centers on Dan Jalowski, the sole survivor of a failed space mission, who must navigate a hostile alien world. To survive and ultimately escape, he utilizes a unique technology to create alternate versions of himself, known as Alters. Each Alter is born from a different life choice in Dan Jalowski's past, bringing a unique set of skills crucial for the mission's success.
A significant portion of the experience revolves around dialogue-heavy interactions and emotional management. The Alters harbor complex feelings and resentments, requiring the player to navigate their personal turmoil and maintain crew morale. This narrative focus is intertwined with a demanding, time-sensitive gameplay loop. Players must manage a large, modular wheeled base, constantly moving it to stay ahead of a lethal rising sun. This creates a frantic atmosphere of completing tasks, mining resources, and performing repairs under constant pressure.
While the game offers an intriguing premise with its blend of genres, its execution is not for everyone. The experience is heavily weighted towards deep narrative engagement and overcoming emotional obstacles rather than sandbox-style survival or relaxed base-building. The clunky control scheme on mouse and keyboard also suggests a design preference for controllers. Ultimately, The Altars is a game best suited for players who appreciate story-driven challenges and character-focused drama over more traditional survival gameplay.
