Alter World
- May 29, 2015
- Giorgi Abelashvili
Get on Steam"Alter World" is a 2D platformer inspired by Stephen King's "The Dark Tower", allowing players to travel to an alternative universe and use its reality to progress through unique levels with puzzles. The game features a distinctive art style, 80 challenging levels, and 10 distinct worlds, with the potential to unlock multiple endings and an immersive original soundtrack.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Linux
Nintendo 3ds
Reviews
- Beautiful graphics and a pleasing aesthetic enhance the gameplay experience.
- Challenging puzzles and innovative switching mechanics provide a unique platforming experience.
- The game is enjoyable for both hardcore fans and beginners, offering a sense of accomplishment despite its difficulty.
- Unresponsive controls and poor hitbox mechanics lead to frustration during gameplay.
- Level design can be uncreative and requires pixel-perfect precision, making it unnecessarily difficult.
- The game lacks customization options for controls, which can hinder the experience for some players.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the platformer is marked by a challenging quick-switching mechanic between alternate worlds, which some players found difficult to master, especially with keyboard and mouse controls. While the game features beautiful artwork and innovative concepts, it suffers from poor jump mechanics and hitbox issues that detract from the overall experience. Players recommend using a controller for better control and suggest improvements to the jumping mechanics for a more enjoyable gameplay experience.
“The fact that I was trying to use keys and mouse probably compacted the problem - a controller is certainly advised - but I still couldn't get my head around the quick-switching-between-alternate-worlds mechanic that is key to the gameplay.”
“Alter World is a beautiful platformer with gorgeous artwork and an innovative switching mechanic.”
“Gorgeous aesthetics and soundtrack give the game a relaxing tone, and help keep the game feel interesting, especially with new mechanics such as gravity introduced during the playthrough.”
“The fact that I was trying to use keys and mouse probably compounded the problem - a controller is certainly advised - but I still couldn't get my head around the quick-switching-between-alternate-worlds mechanic that is key to the gameplay.”
“Games that execute the switching mechanic well, like Mighty Switch Force and Giana Sisters, allow you to see the other side, but this game doesn't.”
“This is a platformer with an abysmal jump mechanic that works like the Worms Armageddon backjump but floatier, with no momentum conservation, damage hitboxes so huge that you can plainly see that your sprite is not touching the horribly done barbed wire spike things, and no saving grace in the artwork anywhere.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Alter World" are widely praised for their beautiful artwork and pleasing aesthetic, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by a soothing soundtrack. While the visuals are considered a highlight, some reviews note that the game's mechanics do not match the quality of the graphics, leading to a mixed overall experience.
“Alter World is a cheap game, with cool music and lovely graphics which contrasts with its level of difficulty.”
“The atmosphere is relaxing, with cool graphics and artwork while there is soothing music in the background, which changes slightly when switching worlds.”
“Gorgeous aesthetics and soundtrack give the game a relaxing tone, and help keep the game feel interesting, especially with new mechanics such as gravity introduced during the playthrough.”
“This is a platformer with an abysmal jump mechanic that works like the Worms Armageddon backjump but floatier with no momentum conservation, damage hitboxes so huge that you can plainly see that your sprite is not touching the horribly done barbed wire spike things, and no saving grace in the artwork anywhere.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in Alter World is praised for its soothing and relaxing qualities, enhancing the game's atmosphere alongside its beautiful graphics. The soundtrack adapts slightly when switching worlds, contributing to the overall immersive experience and keeping gameplay engaging, especially with the introduction of new mechanics.
“The atmosphere is relaxing, with cool graphics and artwork while there is soothing music in the background, which changes slightly when switching worlds.”
“Gorgeous aesthetics and soundtrack give the game a relaxing tone, and help keep the game feel interesting, especially with new mechanics such as gravity introduced during the playthrough.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players express that grinding in the game can be excessively time-consuming, often requiring significant hours dedicated to tasks like "card-farming," which can feel overwhelming and may detract from the overall enjoyment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Oh, and those five hours I cranked up weren't me being that bad at the game: that was me 'card-farming'!”
“Grinding feels more like a chore than a fun game mechanic.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game lacks a narrative component, with users noting that there is no story present.
“There is no story to speak of.”
“The narrative is completely absent.”
“The game lacks any meaningful storyline.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely negative, with players expressing frustration over poor mechanics and design choices that detract from the overall experience. The lack of engaging gameplay elements and subpar visuals contribute to a sense of disappointment and dissatisfaction.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its comedic failures, often enjoyed more in a social setting with friends than in solo play, as evidenced by a giveaway stream where the game's appeal seemed limited.
“The funniest part of this game was having a friend watching and laughing about the inevitable fails.”
“I did this as a giveaway stream, and funny enough, nobody wanted the free copy I had.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a relaxing ambiance, enhanced by cool graphics and artwork, complemented by soothing background music that subtly shifts when transitioning between worlds.
“The atmosphere is relaxing, with cool graphics and artwork, while soothing music plays in the background, changing slightly when switching worlds.”
