Podcast Summary: The Besties - "In The Alters, Life Comes at You Fast"
Episode Information:
- Title: In The Alters, Life Comes at You Fast
- Release Date: July 4, 2025
- Hosts: Chris Plant, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, Russ Frushtick
1. Introduction to "Alters"
The episode kicks off with the hosts delving into their discussion about the video game "Alters", a management and narrative-driven game that intertwines sci-fi elements with deep personal choices.
Justin McElroy introduces the game:
"Alters is not quite like any other video game I've ever played. I'd say its mechanics and narrative kind of unroll together." (02:28)
2. Game Overview and Mechanics
Christopher Plant provides a succinct overview of "Alters":
"The Alters is a management game in which you manage clones of yourself. You are in outer space trying to solve a sci-fi mystery while reflecting on the choices that led to different life paths." (02:27)
The game revolves around managing multiple clones, each with distinct skill sets derived from different life choices. This mechanic requires players to balance resource management with interpersonal dynamics among clones.
Russ Freshstick compares the game mechanics to other popular titles:
"It's a little bit like The Sims and a little bit like No Man's Sky Resource Gathering." (06:50)
3. Narrative and Storytelling
The hosts discuss the intricate narrative structure of "Alters," emphasizing its branching timelines and the emotional weight of managing different versions of oneself.
Griffin McElroy draws parallels to other media:
"It's like if Gwyneth Paltrow could pull herself through a door into another world. Never seen the movie, but that's what the Alters is about." (05:29)
Justin McElroy elaborates on the storytelling:
"You have to deal with them as people, as characters. This is like human beings adjusting to the very weird circumstance of being a clone." (06:50)
4. Gameplay Experience and Challenges
The initial gameplay phase is described as challenging due to its resource-intensive nature and heavy narrative elements.
Christopher Plant critiques the early game:
"The beginning is tough because it is a game about accumulation and hoops. It's a lot to intake." (07:11)
However, perseverance pays off as the game becomes more engaging:
"If you do end up playing this game, I encourage you to get past that hour. Because once you do get into it, it gets much better." (07:27)
Justin McElroy shares his progression:
"Currently, I have four clones of Jan, the lead character. It's a balance of quality of life and the urgency to move before the sun destroys the planet." (08:55)
5. Visuals and Technical Aspects
The hosts discuss the game's visual presentation, noting variances that sometimes disrupt immersion.
Christopher Plant addresses visual inconsistencies:
"You turn a corner from beautiful scenery to craggy landscapes that feel like an Xbox 360 game." (17:43)
Griffin McElroy adds:
"The map is very unappealing at first, but building power grids makes navigation manageable." (14:22)
6. Critique on AI-Generated Content
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the use of AI-generated text within "Alters," raising concerns about authenticity and quality.
Russ Freshstick points out:
"In the game, there were AI prompts and sciency dialogue generated by AI, which has been patched out." (20:19)
Christopher Plant reflects on broader industry implications:
"I'm getting really tired of not being able to trust that a video game doesn't have AI crap in it." (21:20)
7. Comparative Analysis with Other Games
The hosts compare "Alters" to other titles like Death Stranding, highlighting similarities in themes and mechanics.
Russ Freshstick shares his perspective:
"We're coming off Death Stranding, which does similar things in automation and resource management." (23:12)
Griffin McElroy expresses mixed feelings:
"It's a cool idea, but parts of it feel not fully fleshed out. Maybe it's fiscally impossible to realize the ambitious ideas." (22:43)
8. Listener Q&A Session
In the latter half, the hosts engage with listener-submitted questions, offering insights and personal anecdotes.
a. Sticking with Games You Love
Listener Question: As notorious non-finishers, how can we stick with games we love but tend to fall off towards the end?
Russ Freshstick advises:
"Pick your battles. Choose a few games to commit to rather than spreading yourself too thin." (24:27)
Justin McElroy suggests leveraging available resources:
"If you fall off, watch the ending on YouTube to get the gist without replaying everything." (25:03)
b. Discovering Lesser-Known Games
Listener Question: With difficult search algorithms on platforms like Steam, how do you find worthwhile games that aren't widely talked about?
Russ Freshstick recommends:
"Use SteamDB.com to search by release date and user ratings to find hidden gems loved by a small audience." (26:22)
Griffin McElroy adds:
"My TikTok algorithm and The Besties podcast itself are also good sources for discovering new games." (26:05)
c. Aspiring Game Developers
Listener Question: Did any of you ever consider a career in game development during your youth?
Griffin McElroy shares his experience:
"I used to make text adventures in QBasic and play around with RPG Maker, but it never crossed my mind as a career path." (28:09)
Justin McElroy echoes similar sentiments:
"Game development seemed like a distant thing, primarily happening in Japan or with PC titles like Sierra's games." (28:28)
d. Physical vs. Digital Game Collections
Listener Question: What do your physical game collections look like, and how do you balance clutter concerns with digital preservation?
Justin McElroy recounts his decluttering journey:
"I used to collect FMV games but donated most of them after a depressive episode. Now, I keep only the ones with personal value." (30:07)
Griffin McElroy humorously reveals his collection status:
"I have my Game Boy Advance collection on my bookshelf and the rest piled in the closet." (30:07)
Russ Freshstick concurs:
"I have very few physical games now because of limited space and a preference for digital media." (32:53)
9. Current Gaming Interests and Recommendations
The hosts share their current gaming pursuits and recommend titles to listeners.
Christopher Plant introduces a remastered title:
"Raido: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a remaster of a PS2 action RPG in the Megami Tensei universe. It's an engaging detective game set in 1931 Japan." (35:19)
Justin McElroy praises retro gaming communities:
"YouTube channels like Tech Dweeb and Retro Game Corps bring earnestness and joy to retro gaming coverage." (44:08)
Griffin McElroy discusses Deltarune and Squid Game:
"I've picked up Deltarune chapters three and four, and while Squid Game season three is brutal, it's a gripping watch." (38:53)
10. Closing Remarks and Patreon Shoutout
The episode concludes with the hosts thanking their Patreon supporters and inviting more listeners to join.
Russ Freshstick encourages engagement:
"If you enjoy the show, consider becoming a member on Patreon to access exclusive content and support us." (49:31)
The hosts wrap up by teasing next week's topics and expressing gratitude to their audience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- "Alters is not quite like any other video game I've ever played." — Justin McElroy (02:28)
- "You never fucking will." — Justin McElroy (01:20)
- "I'm getting really tired of not being able to trust that a video game doesn't have AI crap in it." — Christopher Plant (21:20)
- "Pick your battles. Choose a few games to commit to rather than spreading yourself too thin." — Russ Freshstick (24:27)
- "Technology has ameliorated a lot of the math required in game development now." — Griffin McElroy (28:42)
This episode of The Besties offers an in-depth analysis of "Alters," blending gameplay mechanics with narrative exploration, while also addressing broader industry concerns like AI-generated content. The engaging Q&A session provides listeners with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a compelling listen for both gamers and enthusiasts alike.