Altered Algorithm
Altered Algorithm: Episode 1 is a free VR experience introducing you back to a time of gaming simplicity and the excitement of unique experiences. This project has been in development for only 6 months by a small team of developers (including me, Nick DePalo), a community of amazing artists, and a group of filmmaking partners. We hope to build on this foundational endeavor of episodic adventures with your support. Our goal is to introduce new, interesting, and unique experiences to the world.
Welcome to an alternate LA, set in a futuristic 1983. You’re either a militant or mercenary.
Jeremiah, our main protagonist lives in an alternate past where technology has already flourished for decades causing ALL risk to be mitigated. He’s a hired “Field Adjuster” who’s job is to hunt down any threats to make the world “SAFE” through the use of the most advanced AI Predictive software and Threat Analytics ever created with a new government program called… CASSI.
CASSI, a “Centralized AI Safety Surveillance Infrastructure” is designed to serve, mitigate, and protect everyone and everything.
When the A.I. Threat Algorithm Jeremiah relies on is infiltrated by Kenji Kimora, an infamous underground gang leader, an altered simulation unfolds, and it causes a system city lockdown beyond repair.
These events lead Jeremiah to embark on a journey within the simulation to explore the deep city slums of gangs, freewill, and the chaos of choice to discover the altered algorithm of who he truly is and needs to become.
There, Jeremiah is presented with the greatest risk ever encountered…. himself.
- Action-thriller set in an altered futuristic timeline of 1983 LA, where advanced technology has already flourished for decades
- Unique FMV (Full Motion Video) environments and characters that allow dynamic interaction within the real-time 3D world
- “Natural Narrative” driven pacing is at the heart of our experience. The choices you make will dynamically unfold the story you drive forward. SEARCH, SOLVE, or SURVIVE… the choice is yours.
- Environmental puzzles that involve the player to use their detective tools, the sandbox world, or weapons on hand to manipulate and solve the world’s mysteries
Players assume the first-person perspective of a fully playable character in VR known as Jeremiah, who can interact within a world of FMV (Full Motion Video) characters and elements by solving environmental puzzles and options for ranged combat, which reveals your story’s journey.
Game Discussion
Steam User 8
Experienced on the Meta Quest 3
You can view my full live review & full gameplay here:
This is about a 12 minute long mostly cinematic experience with some interactions. It's a cyberpunk action FMV with hologram scans of the characters within a Unity Engine game map to give it a very innovative style.
The first episode is completely free so this is an easy recommend from me. However, the game is in Early Access and it is a little rough around the edges. For example, when I grabbed some items, I would launch up into the air on occasion. You do have full locomotion, along with snap turning. I did find I had to play standing because I was otherwise too low to the ground without any ability to fix. Most of the VR interactions were janky.
Game is running on the Unity Engine. On my RTX 3080, I was getting mostly 72 fps (Q3 default). I did not experience any major issues or bugs, although it is possible to lock yourself in the elevator if you haven't completed the fire hydrant mini-quest to put out the fire.
Overall, I enjoyed this action FMV. It really shows the potential future of FMV in VR. The visuals looked good, despite a mish-mash of visual quality / textures / lighting etc. The FMV motion capture holograms look great in VR. I can't wait to see how this tech is improved in the future.
Rate 7/10.
If you enjoyed my review, please consider joining my Steam Curator group Oculus Rift Reviews.
Steam User 2
Nick DePalo
YOU SOUND LIKE AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO A NURSING HOME CAW CAW. SO YOU HAVE A NON VR MODE IN THIS GAME HOWEVER I CANNOT MOVE AT ALL CAW CAW.
I CAN SPAM THE E KEY AND TURN MY HEAD ROUND LIKE IT'S THAT ONE SAW 4 TRAP CAW CAW. I THINK I'M BEING SUCKED INTO A BLACK HOLE BUT I CANNOT TELL CAW CAW.
IT COULD BE JUST A LARGE BLACK BEAN RELEASING SOME OXYGEN TO THIS WORLD CAW CAW.
Steam User 9
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Steam User 6