Alternative Alliance Alpha

[b]Alternative Alliance Alpha (AL2α)[/b] is the interactive pixel-art equivalent of an indie arthouse movie: at once both beautifully minimalist and meandering, more interested in world-building vignettes than over-arching story, and riddled with spelling errors, but a clear labor of love and artistic vision. [h3]Story[/h3] In the distant post-apocalyptic future, a select few individuals are able to "link" with sentient biosuits called "Armalion" and navigate the dangerous wastelands separating human colonies. Jinovika Sowik of AL13, a linker, is given 30 days to test-run an Armalion and venture into the world. Full of strange characters and small side stories, [b]AL2α[/b] is ultimately a cozy-dark tale about dystopian complacency… with a side of anime-Venom-suits. [h3]Gameplay + Details[/h3] This visual novel/[i]light[/i] management game is told in two discrete ~30-minute parts: part one (look for the "+" symbol on the upper left corner), where you learn to use the suit and struggle to balance income, time limits, and dietary needs; and part two, where you have 30 days to gain experience, allies, and stumble across cut scenes that lead to a specific ending. [b]Controls. […

Alternative Alliance Alpha (or AL2α) is a fun and fascinating little game. From the start, I was swept up by the world and gameplay, and I'm already eager to jump back in to see more. The story for the game is simple: You play as Jinovika, a young man living his normal life in Colony AL13 until he is approached by a member of governmental staff. Jinovika, having met the requirements of being a Linker, is offered to become a Wielder, someone who partners with an Armalion to explore the outside. Accepting, Jinovika is able to venture into a sandstorm-riddled world, meeting many other Linkers along the way. The storyline isn't terribly deep, as it mostly evolves through gameplay and character interactions. To start, there are essentially two "game modes" featured here, so I'll divide them accordingly. The first part of the game is mostly focused on resource gathering and trading. In here, you're given a map with various points to travel to and a delivery log requesting various plants and minerals from outside. Here, you must balance your food and travel days to efficiently gather the necessary items while not tiring yourself out in the process. Selling your materials earns you credi…