Polish developer 11 Bit Studios has unveiled another trailer for their much-anticipated sci-fi adventure, The Alters, which is inching closer to its release date. Amidst the excitement, the studio took a moment to reminisce about one of their most celebrated titles: This War of Mine. This wartime survival game not only put 11 Bit Studios on the global map over a decade ago but also set a benchmark for narrative-driven gaming.
While This War of Mine is renowned for its somber and despairing ambiance, The Alters introduces a narrative that's more vibrant and often laced with humor. It focuses on the trials of alternate versions of the protagonist, Jan Dolski. Despite these stark contrasts in tone, the developers stress a deep-seated connection between the two games.
Although the settings and atmospheres of the two games differ significantly, they both center on the theme of survival. In This War of Mine, players are thrust into the grim realities of war within a besieged city, where they must manage resources and face daily challenges to keep their group alive. Conversely, The Alters portrays survival as a frantic race against time, with players needing to relocate their mobile base continuously to escape a merciless sun that turns everything to dust.
Both titles challenge players to step out of their comfort zones, compelling them to explore hostile territories in search of scarce resources. The primary distinction between the games lies in their protagonists: This War of Mine involves guiding a group of ordinary civilians, whereas The Alters features a unique ensemble of alternate versions of the main character, Jan Dolski.
The Alters is slated for release in 2025 and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Excitingly, it will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass right from launch day, ensuring a wide audience can experience this innovative take on survival and alternate realities.
