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If you’re a fan of RPGs in the style of Octopath Traveler II or Sea of Stars and you’re looking for something new to play, you’ve come to the right place.
Drattzy Games’ Alterium Shift is a delightful underrated gem that emerged last year.
It’s been somewhat flying under the radar since its release, but I’m hoping that could change.
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How? Well, Alterium Shift is currently participating in Steam’s Turn-Based RPG Fest which means you can currently sample the game for free.
“Embark on a journey through the living world of Alteria and experience its dynamic quests, unique turn-based combat, and choice-driven storylines,” the synopsis teases.
“With three branching narratives and unforgettable characters, Alterium Shift is a retro-inspired JRPG that offers a new adventure with every playthrough.”
Retro-aesthetic RPG fans should also keep an eye on the upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake.
Alterium Shift utilises the 2.5D aesthetic popularised by Square Enix, namely through the aforementioned Octopath Traveler II, soon to be seen again in Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake.
With that in mind, the game is a treat to look at.
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You’ll be able to play as one of three unique characters. There’s the spear-wielding leader Pyra, shy archer Atlas, and essence weaver Sage.
Who you choose won’t only impact battles. Each character has unique traversal abilities so while Pyra can slice through rocks, unlocking new parts of the map, Atlas can shoot far off targets.
As such, the treasures you find can differ depending on who you play as, as can the story itself.
Alterium Shift unfortunately doesn’t have a Metacritic score, but Steam users have awarded it a ‘Mostly Positive’ accolade.
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Players praise battle mechanics, storyline, and visuals while criticising the length. For context, it should take you around five hours to complete a character’s storyline, so around 15 hours in total.
As I said, a free demo is available on Steam now.
If you like what you play, you can pick up the full game for £16.75 which I think is a bargain for such a delightful RPG gem.