Alterium Shift – Preview (Early Access)
OUR RATING: 7.5/10
Ever stumbled upon a game that instantly transports you back to the golden age of RPGs? That’s exactly what happened when I first laid eyes on Alterium Shift. As a die-hard fan of classic JRPGs, particularly those from the SNES era, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. The game’s 2.5D graphics and turn-based combat system immediately evoked memories of timeless classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI.
Developed by the talented duo at Dratzzy Games, Alterium Shift is currently available in Early Access on Steam. It’s a love letter to the JRPGs of yesteryear, but with modern twists that make it feel fresh and exciting. Let’s dive into what makes this game a potential gem for RPG enthusiasts.
Alterium Shift takes place in the fantastical realm of Alteria, a world recovering from a devastating war with Dark Elves. As you step into this richly crafted universe, you’ll find yourself immersed in a tapestry of magic, intrigue, and adventure.
The game’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of three distinct protagonists: Pyra, the fierce fighter; Atlas, the skilled archer; and Sage, the powerful mage. Each character brings their unique perspective and abilities to the table, allowing players to experience the story from different angles.
What’s truly fascinating is how your choice of character impacts the game’s progression. The developers have implemented a clever save system that allows you to switch between characters, with actions taken in one playthrough potentially affecting the others. This innovative approach adds layers of depth and replayability to the game.
At its core, Alterium Shift is a turn-based RPG that feels comfortably familiar to anyone who’s played classics of the genre. The combat system is straightforward yet engaging, allowing for strategic decision-making in each encounter.
One of the game’s standout features is the ability to see enemies on the map before engaging them. This mechanic, reminiscent of Chrono Trigger, adds an element of strategy to exploration. Do you avoid that tough-looking monster, or take it on for the potential rewards?
The battle system itself is a delightful blend of old and new. You have your standard options like basic attacks and special skills, but there’s also a unique “burst” meter that fills up as you fight. Once full, it allows you to unleash powerful ultimate attacks, adding an extra layer of tactics to boss battles.
Alterium Shift’s graphics are a treat for anyone who appreciates pixel art. The game beautifully combines 2D sprites with 3D environments, creating a visually striking world that feels both nostalgic and modern.
The character designs are particularly noteworthy, with each protagonist sporting a distinct look that reflects their personality and role. The animations during combat are fluid and satisfying, making each battle a visual spectacle.
What really caught my eye were the boss designs. These fully 3D rendered behemoths stand out against the 2.5D backdrop, creating memorable encounters that harken back to the epic boss battles of classic JRPGs.
Exploration in Alterium Shift is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the world of Alteria is vast and filled with diverse environments to discover. From lush forests to scorching deserts, each area feels distinct and begs to be explored.
However, navigation can sometimes be a bit tricky. The lack of clear landmarks or a detailed map system occasionally led to moments of confusion, especially in larger areas. It’s a minor gripe, but one that could be addressed in future updates.
One aspect of exploration that I thoroughly enjoyed was the inclusion of environmental puzzles. Each character has a unique ability that allows them to interact with the world in different ways. Atlas, for example, can use his bow to hit distant switches, while Pyra can break through obstacles. These puzzles add a welcome layer of variety to the exploration.
If there’s one area where Alterium Shift truly shines, it’s in its side quests. Unlike many RPGs where side missions feel like afterthoughts, the optional content here is rich and rewarding.
The developers have clearly put a lot of thought into these quests, crafting mini-stories that feel meaningful and add depth to the world. Whether you’re helping a local farmer with a pest problem or unraveling a mysterious disappearance, each side quest feels like a miniature adventure in itself.
This attention to detail in the side content reminds me of games like The Witcher 3, where even the smallest tasks can lead to surprising and engaging narratives. It’s a refreshing approach that encourages thorough exploration of the game world.
No discussion of a JRPG would be complete without mentioning its soundtrack, and Alterium Shift doesn’t disappoint in this department. The music perfectly captures the spirit of classic 16-bit RPGs while adding its own unique flair.
From the upbeat town themes to the tension-filled battle music, each track enhances the atmosphere and emotional impact of the game. I found myself humming along to several tunes long after I’d stopped playing, a sure sign of a memorable soundtrack.
It’s important to note that Alterium Shift is currently in Early Access, which means it’s still a work in progress. While the core gameplay is solid and enjoyable, there are some rough edges that need polishing.
I encountered a few minor bugs during my playthrough, though nothing game-breaking. The developers seem committed to improving the game, with regular updates addressing issues and adding new content.
One area that could use some refinement is the game’s pacing. The early hours can feel a bit slow, especially for experienced RPG players. However, once the story picks up and you gain access to more abilities, the game really starts to shine.
Despite being in Early Access, Alterium Shift shows tremendous promise. The foundations of a great JRPG are all here: an intriguing world, engaging combat, memorable characters, and a unique twist on traditional gameplay mechanics.
The multi-character perspective and interconnected save system add a layer of depth that sets Alterium Shift apart from many of its contemporaries. It’s a feature that I’m particularly excited to see develop as the game progresses towards its full release.
Alterium Shift is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of classic JRPGs. It successfully captures the essence of what made games like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI so beloved, while adding its own unique twists to the formula.
While there are some rough edges typical of an Early Access title, the core experience is already highly enjoyable. The developers’ passion for the genre shines through in every aspect of the game, from the lovingly crafted pixel art to the intricate side quests.
If you’re a fan of JRPGs, particularly those from the 16-bit era, Alterium Shift is definitely worth keeping an eye on. It’s a nostalgic journey into a new RPG frontier, one that promises to only get better as development continues.
For those on the fence, I’d recommend trying out the demo available on Steam. It gives a good taste of what the full game has to offer and will likely leave you eager for more.
As for me, I’m eagerly anticipating future updates and the eventual full release. Alterium Shift has the potential to be something truly special in the world of indie RPGs, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves.
