Alex & Arty is a single-player action-adventure indie game set on the alien planet Gladness. Players take on the role of explorer Alex, who teams up with the shapeshifting companion Arty to cleanse widespread pollution and revive the damaged world. The experience blends exploration, environmental restoration, and light building elements in a narrative-driven package that emphasizes positive change both in-game and through optional real-world contributions.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on purifying corrupted biomes using Alex's Ionizer tool to remove pollution. As corruption clears, color and wildlife gradually return to each region, transforming lifeless areas into thriving ecosystems. Arty's abilities complement this process through shapeshifting into different forms that enable new traversal options and help overcome environmental obstacles. Exploration occurs across varied landscapes, supported by a hoverboard for movement. Players also engage in creative engineering by repairing ruined structures, reactivating old machinery, and designing settlements that reshape the environment. The story unfolds around uncovering the origins of the pollution caused by corporate activity, adding purpose to the restoration efforts.
Game Modes
The game operates primarily as a single-player experience focused on progressive world restoration. Players move between exploration of polluted zones, direct interaction with the environment through cleansing mechanics, and moments of adventure that involve Arty's transformations to access new areas. Progression ties directly to biome recovery, where actions in one region influence the overall state of the planet. No separate competitive or multiplayer modes exist, keeping the emphasis on personal journey and incremental environmental improvement.
Environmental Impact and DLC
A dedicated DLC expands the game's real-world connection. Purchasing and activating Alex & Arty - Restoring Planet Earth directs 100 percent of the revenue share received by the developer and publisher to Dots.eco, a certified corporation that funds tree planting, ocean cleanup, and wildlife conservation projects. This initiative has already supported the planting of more than two million trees, protection of over 900,000 sea turtles, and removal of more than one million pounds of ocean-bound plastic. The DLC integrates seamlessly with the in-game theme of restoration, allowing players to extend their impact beyond the screen.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a full release scheduled for September 16, 2026, the game remains in a pre-launch state with a free demo available for preview. No user reviews exist yet, so reception cannot be assessed through ratings or widespread feedback. The title suits players interested in indie action-adventure experiences centered on restoration rather than combat or competition. Those drawn to companion-driven stories, environmental themes, and the option to support verified conservation efforts through the DLC will find the most alignment with its focus. Availability on PC provides straightforward access once launched, and the demo offers an early look at the core cleansing and exploration systems.
