Alt-Frequencies – PAX East Preview

Driven by a unique premise of solely using audio to stimulate and develop a narrative, Alt-Frequencies is set to make players solve mysteries in a way never seen, or “heard” before. Handsome Phantom was given the opportunity to sit down with the developers at Accidental Queens to check out the second chapter of the game.

Inspired by real world history, current events, and hot button social topics, this is a game that is meant to arouse thought provoking conversation. While no actual names or references to real events are used, the subject matter within Alt-Frequencies is meant to draw parallels to things that are actually going on around us.

When playing Alt-Frequencies, you are able to freely cycle between different radio presets, and each chapter of the game will produce a new set of audio clips and radio shows. Using a selection of radio stations that reveal themselves in short snippets, players are tasked with piecing together clues to unravel a mystery. You gain control of a pirate radio station. This gives the player the ability to record and broadcast individual pieces of audio. Once a key soundbite is uncovered, you are able to record, and then play out to the masses of listeners. This is meant to intrigue and inspire society in an effort to uncover and overthrow a government conspiracy – this is the games main method for progression.

Finding the appropriate clues will take time. Trial and error will need to be employed as you cut through the “background noise” to find the real audio stimulants to prompt a strong response. Luckily, Alt-Frequencies is as entertaining as it is thought provoking. Lighter-hearted talk shows with obnoxious hosts like “Ennis B” will make you giggle and scoff as you cycle through stations. Voice acting is obviously a huge factor in making this successful game, and everything we heard was on point and full of personality. There are also stations primarily playing music, all of which play songs from the games original soundtrack.

Complimenting this open minded approach to gaming is the fact that this is a genuinely inclusive title. It was built around the premise that everyone should be able to enjoy the game, including those with sensory limitations and disabilities. While I played the game at PAX East on a smart phone using the touchscreen to toggle recordings and radio stations, this can all be done using gestures as the main input method – specifically allowing the visually impaired to interact easily with Alt-Frequencies.

Developed by Accidental Queens, and published by Plug In Digital, Alt-Frequencies is set to release on mobile and Steam in May 2019.