Chapter Two of The Alters presents players with one very amusing conundrum with their alternative selves. As the mobile base traverses through the barren land, the different versions of Jan have gathered in the kitchen for yet another fight. This time, it’s music, not survival tactics or repairs.
The main Jan has a responsibility to select which playlist will be played inside the base. The tension originated from each of the alters having their own musical tastes. The aforementioned angle accentuates not just the plot of the game but also the distinction between the various alter types.
Understanding the Four Music Options
The conclusion of Act I presents a most vital decision about the kind of music to play. Depending on which alters are present, players may have varying options the last four selections would stay the same each playthrough. For instance, the technician who always has to be created likes rock ‘n’ roll. The scientist prefers silence, opting not to celebrate. The miner wants to hear just grunge, the botanist something soft and mellow, and the refiner boisterously calls for a rave.
Although their instruments differ, players will always have the same four music choices.
- Rave music.
- Rock ‘n’ roll.
- Calm and chill tunes.
- A stance against celebrating for now.
Do Your Choices Affect the Alters?
Whether they like lively songs or sad ballads, it will not change the happiness of the various alters. All outcomes result in a musical sequence that is humorous in nature; they add flavour to the characters in the game rather than affecting gameplay in any way. Players are free to select whatever soundtrack they wish without fear of penalties or bonuses in-game.
Enjoying the Musical Sequence
After making your choice a cutscene plays out that is very entertaining. The alters combine to sing a song, each with their own twist added to the piece. The players are granted the opportunity to interact through the selection of lyrics. Each selection initiates a new sequencing and adds to the replayability factor while also allowing the players to express themselves.
These are the lyric options presented.
First Branch
- “The road ahead of us.”.
- “I’m prepared for whatever happens.”
- “I’m with my friends, therefore, I’m in it.”
- The future is clearer at this point.
Alternate Branch
- I really don’t know where this all ends.
- I know a lot of stuff because of my friends.
- The future now makes more sense.
Second Segment
- “The path we’ve travelled together.”.
- I have been wandering with no direction.
- We can win together with peace.
- We share a common goal I believe.
Alternate Segment
- I haven’t always made the most right choices.
- We will win this fight together.
- We have a shared goal which we’re trying to achieve.
The lyrics help create another of the more memorable and comical moments in the game, letting players think about what might happen with their alters. It also offers a rare nice moment to players in a game with heavy themes.
Final Thoughts
The Alters’ choice of music has an apparent triviality in using Dvořák’s music, but it offers a novel and significant means of expressing the inner lives of characters. The decision may not change the plot, but it allows for a fun interactive break and audience appreciation of the player. When you pick rock, rave, calm sounds or opt-out of the party, each of these adds to the world-building and charm of the experience.
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