RPGamer interviewed the dev-team of Alterium Shift:

Alterium Shift Interview

Drattzy Games’s turn-based RPG Alterium Shift is now available on Steam Early Access for PC, Mac, and Linux. Inspired by inspired by classic JRPGs and expected to fully launch in either late 2023 or in 2024, with console versions also in development, the game follows three heroes-in-training as they undertake a final test before going off on a mission to save the world of Alteria from the Dark Elves. RPGamer was given the opportunity to interview its two-man development team and find out more about the game and its creation.

Alex Fuller (RPGamer): Can you explain some of the main ideas and inspirations behind Alterium Shift?

DrassRay and Mottzy (Drattzy Games): We were heavily inspired by classic SNES and PS1 era JRPGs, like Chrono Trigger, the Mana series, Final Fantasy VI, and the Breath of Fire series. Having been kids of that era we both loved the idea of making a modern retro-styled JRPG that still retained the classic feel.

RPGamer: Can you give a quick overview of the game’s premise and world?

Drattzy Games: Alterium Shift is based in the world of Alteria, composed mostly of animal type monsters and humans. There was a great war between the humans and the dark elves a short 50 years prior to where the game takes place. You choose between three characters to start your journey, each with their own branching story path. They start out as heroes in training at a school founded by the great General Dolion, a war hero turned teacher. Dolion is training his students in the arts of Alterium Essence, and teaching them to harness their natural abilities in order to help protect the world from danger. Not everything is as it seems and early on you learn there’s a lot more to the world than meets the eye.

RPGamer: How long has the project been in existence?

Drattzy Games: The project originated with DrassRay’s initial concept in January 2021, which consisted of a character exploring a map. The concept was later presented to Mottzy and, following a successful collaboration, evolved into the game we know today. We released the first demo in April of the same year, which was well received as a proof of concept.

[...]

The J-RPG Alterium Shift will be released into Early Access today:

Alterium Shift

Join three heroes in training as they learn to master their individual strengths and harness the power of Alterium Essence. With their training nearly completed, Dolion, their teacher, prepares them for the most important mission they've faced yet.

Story:
You'll begin your journey with three heroes in training; Pyra, Atlas, and Sage. Their teacher, Dolion, strives to mold his students into heroes, ones better than himself. The three heroes are taking their final test before being sent off on an important and life changing mission. What fate awaits these heroes and can they accomplish the tasks set forth before them?
Characters:

Dolion: From war hero to teacher, Dolion seeks individuals to mold into heroes themselves.

Pyra: A strict and loyal leader, Pyra steers her team as straight as she does her spear.

Atlas: A young, shy, and nimble Archer, Atlas delivers every shot with deadly accuracy.

Sage: A very talented weaver of Alterium Essence, with an ego that matches their skill.

Combat:
Alterium Shift has a full featured turn-based combat system with a turn-order display for important decision making! Exploit enemy weaknesses and gain experience to grow your party into an unstoppable force! Of course, the loot you earn will also help you a long your journey as well.

Exploration
Explore the world of Alteria. Meet new and diverse people. Find loot and hidden treasure! Take on new quests. The decision is yours and every decision is important!

About Alterium Game and Developers:
Alterium Shift is a SNES JRPG inspired indie game developed by two friends (Mottzy and Drass_Ray) who want to share their love for games like Chrono Trigger and FFVI through their own games. 

Nookrium checked out the J-RPG Alterium Shift:

Alterium Shift - (Fantasy Adventure JRPG)

The retro J-RPG Alterium Shift will be released on December 1st:

Alterium Shift Trailer - Official Trailer | Summer of Gaming 2022

Choose between three different playable characters in this retro-inspired Pixel-art RPG. Your character choice determines your story, and you'll even overlap with other playable characters! Coming to PC and consoles, with a PC demo releasing Q3 2022.