Once you've survived the city, you can survive anything.
Veteren's of modern RPG's will most likely not be thrilled with Alternate Reality, if for no other reason than that there is no main goal to accomplish. The point of the game is to survive, thrive, and reside in the mystique of the world set before you. Linearity is virtually non-existent. This shift in stance differs from the "get 'er done" and "cinematic watching" of popular titles today. It is, however, this difference, more than any other perhaps, that sets it apart from the pack.
Those who enjoy such non linear games should also check out Ultima 3, 4, and 5. While certainly story driven and with goals in mind, like Alternate Reality, the method by which the game is completed is left entirely up the player.