Welcome to Neo Barcelona!
Dutch indie game studio 2Awesome Studio, known for AK-xolotl, is thrilled to announce that Altered Alma has reached its Kickstarter funding goal in just six hours.
This outstanding milestone reflects the warm reception from enthusiasts, with 973 backers supporting the project within the first day of the crowdfunding campaign. Their contributions have brought in $63,238 (approximately €56,944), well above the initial goal of $44,215 (around €40,000).
This significant achievement not only provides the developers with the necessary funds to advance the project but also paves the way for exciting stretch goals. Among these, the much-anticipated Boss Rush mode will be unlocked once the campaign hits €60,000.
What is Altered Alma?
Welcome to the future, where the vibrant yet dangerous city of Neo Barcelona beckons. This neon-drenched metropolis merges the atmospheric tension of Blade Runner with the complex spaceship and crew dynamics of Mass Effect 2.
Altered Alma is a visually striking 2D Metroidvania infused with RPG elements, where high-octane combat meets strategic gameplay. Embark on a journey brimming with action and a rich narrative. Your decisions and relationships with your crew will shape your adventure through Neo Barcelona’s shadowy alleys and hidden corners. The secrets you unearth will not only steer Jack’s fate but could potentially influence the destiny of an entire planet—or even the cosmos.
Crafted by the accomplished writing duo Antony Johnston (Resident Evil Village, Dead Space) and Emma Beeby (Tails of Iron, Still Wakes the Deep), Altered Alma thrusts you into the role of Jack—a former enforcer from Neo Barcelona’s harsh streets, now a fugitive tormented by his past and pursued by sinister forces.
Altered Alma blends classic Metroidvania gameplay with deep RPG elements, offering a dynamic experience filled with action and stylish, customizable combat. At its core is the Quantum Blade—an exceptional tool that, in some respects, echoes the sword wielded by the protagonist of Eden’s Guardian. This blade empowers players to teleport instantly, revolutionizing both combat and exploration.
Yet, the true essence of Altered Alma lies in its setting: Neo Barcelona. This visually stunning yet ominous cityscape, a marvel of futuristic technology, is rich with history, mystery, conflict, and resilience. As you explore its depths, you’ll gather loot and discover items to upgrade your spaceship, all while assembling a team for a nearly impossible mission. The city evolves with every choice you make, drawing you further into its complex narrative.
Relationships and romances play a crucial role, inspired by the likes of Mass Effect and Baldur’s Gate. Delving into personal stories not only unlocks side quests and new challenges but also deepens connections, potentially leading to romantic entanglements that can alter the gameplay experience.
Here’s a glimpse of the key features awaiting you in the cyberpunk world of Altered Alma:
- Ship, Captain and Crew: Customize Esperanza – Jack’s spaceship and the base of operations. Upgrade the Esperanza, recruit new crew members, and make it your own. The choices you make will directly influence Jack’s abilities and play style.
- Epic Narrative: From legendary authors Antony Johnston (Resident Evil Village, Dead Space) and Emma Beeby (Tails of Iron, Still Wakes the Deep). Embark on your epic journey with Jack, once a revered enforcer, now a fugitive with everything to lose.
- Barcelona, Re-Imagined: Explore Neo Barcelona, a futuristic city based on the real thing! Featuring iconic landmarks: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and many others! Although they may not look as you expect them to…
- Engage in Intense Combat: Master the rapid, stylish combat system and use mobility, skill, and powerful abilities to overcome the relentless onslaught of enemies.
- A Pantheon of Adversaries: Encounter foes from gangs of giant lizards to armies of cyborgs, capped off with a variety of classic boss fights.
- Forge Relationships: Reconnect with Jack’s old contacts while forging new alliances. Build relationships, recruit them to your cause, and possibly even find love in this unforgiving world.
Release Window, Platforms, and Exciting Updates Ahead
Although the Kickstarter campaign for Altered Alma has just launched, the developers already have a well-defined roadmap for its release. Building on their experience with AK-xolotl, they have acquired valuable insights into the challenges of launching a game on consoles. This has driven the team to work diligently towards a simultaneous release on both console and PC.
Published by CRITICAL REFLEX, Altered Alma is scheduled for release in Q4 2025—tentatively in November, according to the Kickstarter page. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox (likely including both Series X/S and Xbox One), and will be fully verified on Steam Deck.
For more details, visit the game’s Steam page where you can also try a free demo. Show your support by following the developers on their X page or backing their Kickstarter campaign. You have 29 days left to be part of this exciting journey!
Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more updates on Altered Alma.
That’s all for now. Until next time!
