Altis Gates

Graphics don’t make the game; that’s what my friends and I used to tell each other back in school, when games were released on 32-bit cartridges and could fit in your pocket. We told each other that, but we never really meant it. Deep down inside, we all wanted to see games expand visually, allowing us to experience new worlds and characters as rich in detail and design as they were back then in concept and development. Though had we known the truth; had we known that the increase in graphics would come at a price; that they would sacrifice story and character development and gameplay innovation entirely in place of smoother curves, lusher forests and fashionable tailoring... well, I for one would’ve told them not to bother.

And so in 2010 — a time when I occasionally find myself wondering whether or not the picture of Gran Turismo 4 I’ve been drooling over for the past eight months is real, or created using a computer — I find myself enjoying the fruits of Altis Gates, a game packed to the rafters with nostalgia from the days of old. Well, kind of.

When it comes to developing a game of a lower visual caliber than the norm, it is imperative that the remaining elements are above and beyond. When the visuals look as though they were drawn in the late 80s, the gameplay diversity, innovation and story have to literally blow you away, lest you find yourself unengaged, and realise that you’re playing a game that too closely resembles those you played in your younger years and start searching for something more.

Altis Gates sits about mid-way in that regard, dotting most of the I’s, but missing a few T’s. The visuals look great; the low resolution produces a crisp ‘SNES’ image (though I wouldn’t complain if they increased that a little), the artistry and environments are immersive and engaging, and the character and battle animations are sublime. They work together to produce that nostalgic feeling we’ve all come to know and love, and with the help of subtle benefits like zoom, they do it masterfully. More importantly, the ‘feel’ of Altis Gates matches the era, too. Story cutscenes introduce you to your role in the universe and the part you must inevitably play right from the beginning of the game, and the world design draws you in and reminds you of all that you’ve been missing this past decade whilst you were staring mouth-open at Lara Croft’s bust. 

And of course, when you combine elements like those above with the social interactions and design enhancements of the MMO, you really begin to notice just how well it all works. Tasks become quests; maps become saviours, and NPCs become... well, NPCs, but the ability to team up with other players, an aspect that in today’s world goes mostly unnoticed, brings everything together to create a magic almost forgotten, and forever yearned. In Altis Gates, joining a party puts you under the direct control of the party leader; you follow him automatically, just as you’re follows in a single-player RPG of old would, until it’s time to battle – which, to my complete and total amazement, is turn-based, and totally awesome with other players by your side. Teamwork, co-operation, good company and good times; it’s all there, it’s all familiar, and it all tastes good. 

All your base are belong to us...
In terms of reliving past days, there’s one element left available for scrutiny: STORY. On the plus side, Altis Gates does have a story. Not a bad one, either, from the little I’ve seen thus far, except for one small problem. It’s in Engrish. When you take into account the average writing ability of the western society gamer today, it feels as though something like grammar wouldn’t really be an issue, and in reality, it probably isn’t. But it is for me. For me, it’s a deal breaker, as it’s the story that excites me most about video games, and it’s the very reason I enjoy playing games designed with older visuals. In most cases older games focus their energy on the story, and while it’s evident that the development team behind Altis Gates have done just that, they dropped the ball with the translation, detracting from the experience greatly. 

All in all, Altis Gates is a good fantasy game. It’s lacking some in the innovation department, with only two available class choice (Mage and Warrior, though there are several advancement options for both) and the Engrish is capable of making your eyes bleed, but the overall charm is undeniable, and the love, care and attention devoted to its design never ceases to amaze. The turn-based battle system and ability to party with other players creates an experience too enjoyable to translate to words, and the pet taming system, effectively allowing you to catch monsters and train them to fight at your side, adds considerable depth to the combat; all working together to create a true and fully realised SNES/MMO gaming experience. If you’re old enough to remember what that is, then Altis Gates is going to blow you away. Get in there.

Old-style visuals

Gameplay nostalgia

Pet Taming

Adequate translation

More class/customisation options

Something ‘new’