Altered Alma is a Metroidvania with massive ambitions

by

Critical Reflex is rapidly turning into one of my preferred indie publishers, and it’s games like Altered Alma that make me feel this way. While there are plenty of Metroidvania-style games with sci-fi aesthetics, 2D art, and a parry button, Altered Alma is taking those elements and delivering powerful punches all while doing so. I only had a brief taste of the game, but in that short time, it left me awestruck, impressed by my controller skills, and also frustrated at times. Still, this is another sneak peek into a game I can’t wait to see more of.

In Altered Alma, you take on the role of a Mega Man-esque, gender-neutral character named Jack. The opening scene showcases Jack’s formidability as they engage in a series of intense battles against enemies, culminating in an explosion that sends them off the edge of a building. Waking up later, Jack utilizes a healing resource that has been tutorialized for your convenience, and sets out to navigate the mysterious city of Neo Barcelona. The demo then delves into the “search action,” a unique platforming element, and hints at romantic subplots. This game is packed with various elements to explore.

In simpler terms, if you’re accustomed to playing games of this type, you’ll notice common features such as a standard sword combo for slashing, a jump-cancelable dash, wall jumping, and a parry with a generous timing window. I appreciate this aspect because it seems many modern action games are overly focused on those who excel at parries. Evasion is also crucial, don’t get me wrong! Fortunately, the dash can be used effectively to dodge attacks and create chances for counter-attacks as well.

The situation becomes extraordinary when Jack discovers a unique artifact that functions as both a dagger and a teleportation device. This item is peculiar because it doesn’t adhere to standard limitations. By hurling the dagger at a solid surface within range, you can instantly transport yourself to its landing spot, then promptly throw it again. This versatile weapon allows for swift attacks on enemies and even offers a gruesome finishing move that showcases the intricate, violent animations hinted at in the game’s opening sequence. The dagger significantly expands the possibilities for traversal and combat within Altered Alma, and its distinct nature sets it apart from something like Celeste, adding a unique touch to the game’s core mechanics.

Earlier, I touched on the subject of romance, but it was only subtly suggested in the demonstration. I encountered one secondary character who had a heart symbol over their head. Interacting with them offered various dialogue options, some suggesting flirting could be an option if desired. However, my focus was on smashing robots, so for now, I chose to leave that aspect unexplored. That being said, I’m eager to discover how fully developed this romantic angle is in the completed game. Despite some typographical errors in the demo, the writing has a lively and entertaining tone, so I’m excited to delve deeper into Jack’s character and the rest of the cast.

One challenge I encountered was predicting enemy actions effectively. It appears that my colleague Will Borger experienced similar difficulties. The parrying opportunity is quite expansive, which is beneficial and provides a temporary stun. However, this advantage is fleeting, as enemies can retaliate swiftly after only a few sword strikes. The issue lies in the fact that the sword’s flashy and vibrant animation often conceals enemy movements, making it difficult to perceive windups unless you anticipate them due to their hidden nature behind your own weapon. Consequently, the gameplay felt inconsistent, suggesting that there may be room for adjustment before Altered Alma’s release.

Towards the end of the game demo, you encountered a boss fight that truly emphasized what makes Altered Alma unique. Instead of the typical Mega Man-style battles, this one was a one-on-one duel against a character who had powers unlike yours. The battle was difficult but straightforward, except for one peculiar aspect – a giant Dali sculpture in the background started firing lasers and projectiles from its eyes during the fight. Defeating the boss allowed you to witness the Dali hologram crumbling dramatically, all rendered in beautiful 2D pixel art. This blend of awe-inspiring and peculiar moments is what left an impression on me long after I finished playing Altered Alma at PAX.

The game titled “Altered Alma” is currently being developed for PC, PlayStation 4, 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. During PAX East 2025, a demo version was given to us by the publisher. A demo can also be found on Steam.

Read More

2025-07-01 17:57