Altered Alma is a cyberpunk Metroidvania action game that blends exploration, combat, and RPG mechanics with dating sim elements in a pixel-art world set in futuristic Neo Barcelona.
Gameplay
In Altered Alma, you control Jack, an ex-mercenary navigating the neon-lit streets of Neo Barcelona. The core loop revolves around exploring interconnected areas, discovering new routes, and acquiring upgrades that enhance mobility and combat capabilities. Combat feels rapid and stylish, emphasizing skillful movement to dodge attacks while unleashing abilities against waves of enemies.
Customization plays a key role, as you upgrade Jack's spaceship, the Esperanza, which serves as your hub. Recruiting crew members affects Jack's abilities, letting you tailor playstyles to focus on agility, firepower, or other traits. Relationships with characters add depth, influencing story branches and potential romances that tie into gameplay decisions.
Game Modes
Altered Alma focuses on a single-player campaign where you progress through a narrative-driven adventure. This mode combines Metroidvania exploration with RPG progression, without separate multiplayer or competitive options.
Story and Setting
The game unfolds in Neo Barcelona, a reimagined version of the city featuring twisted takes on landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Jack faces off against gangs, cyborg armies, and massive bosses while uncovering a story penned by writers Antony Johnston and Emma Beeby.
Key adversaries include lizard gangs and cybernetic foes, each requiring adaptive strategies in combat. The narrative explores themes of pursuit by old comrades, forging new alliances, and surviving in a gritty cyberpunk environment.
Is It Worth Playing?
Altered Alma stands out for players who enjoy Metroidvania games with added layers of character interaction and customization. Early feedback from demos highlights its atmospheric world, smooth controls, and engaging combat, making it appealing for those seeking a fresh take on the genre.
If you prefer action games with exploration and relationship-building mechanics, this title offers a compelling experience, especially with its demo available to try before committing. For fans of cyberpunk settings and pixel-art visuals, it provides a solid adventure worth exploring in its current state.
