Aphelion Game Preview: ESA Astronauts Crash on Persephone and Must Survive

Aphelion, a new space thriller from Don't Nod, puts you in the shoes of ESA astronauts stranded on the icy planet Persephone. Expect intense survival and a deep mystery.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Science Fiction |

A New Space Thriller Emerges with Familiar Influences

Recent previews of Aphelion, the upcoming game from Don't Nod, highlight a blend of intense exploration, survival mechanics, and a deeply personal narrative. Set on the icy planet Persephone, the game follows two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, from the European Space Agency (ESA). Their mission to assess the planet's habitability takes a dramatic turn when their ship crashes, scattering them across the alien world. Early reports suggest a game that aims to immerse players in a cinematic experience, drawing comparisons to titles known for their atmospheric tension and challenging gameplay.

The Setting and Mission of Aphelion

Aphelion is a third-person action-adventure game with a focus on narrative and exploration. Players step into the role of Ariane Montclair, an astronaut tasked with evaluating the planet Persephone for potential colonization. She is accompanied by her partner, Thomas Cross.

Read More: Magic The Gathering Changes Raphael's Weapon to Jitte in TMNT Crossover Set Released February 2024

Aphelion preview: Life Is Strange devs mix Interstellar and Alien Isolation - 1

  • The initial mission involved assessing Persephone's habitability for a new colony.

  • The game begins after a crash landing that separates Ariane and Thomas.

  • The core gameplay loop involves exploration, survival, and piecing together a mystery.

  • Environmental storytelling and reality-bending phenomena are key elements.

The developers at Don't Nod, known for narrative-driven games like Life Is Strange, are aiming to ground Aphelion in real scientific knowledge through their collaboration with the ESA. This partnership suggests an effort to lend authenticity to the game's depiction of space exploration and its humanistic themes.

Gameplay Elements and Influences

Previews suggest that Aphelion incorporates several gameplay mechanics that evoke comparisons to other well-regarded titles. The need for players to evade threats and react quickly under pressure points to elements of stealth and survival.

Aphelion preview: Life Is Strange devs mix Interstellar and Alien Isolation - 2

  • Stealth and Evasion: Players will often need to "evade" rather than confront enemies, suggesting a focus on careful movement and hiding.

  • Environmental Challenges: The planet Persephone is described as a harsh, frozen world with environmental hazards, such as falling debris that can create time-sensitive choices.

  • Exploration and Traversal: The game features gripping exploration and traversal, with mechanics like timed jumps that require player input.

  • Narrative Focus: While gameplay is present, the story and character relationships, particularly between Ariane and Thomas, are central to the experience. The game is noted to have a strong narrative focus, especially in its early stages, with Thomas having a more limited role in gameplay compared to Ariane.

Comparisons have been made to:

  • Alien: Isolation: For its tense atmosphere and the need to survive against a dangerous entity.

  • Interstellar: For its grand space exploration themes and scientific grounding.

  • Uncharted: For its adventure and traversal elements.

However, the game is also described as distinct, with one preview noting it's "not at all what I expected, but that’s not a criticism."

Character Dynamics and Narrative Arc

The relationship between Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross appears to be the emotional core of Aphelion. Their shared past and current feelings are presented as crucial to their survival and the game's overall resolution.

Read More: New Star Trek Games Coming Soon

Aphelion preview: Life Is Strange devs mix Interstellar and Alien Isolation - 3

  • The crash landing is the catalyst for their desperate mission to reunite.

  • The narrative aims to be emotionally intense and thought-provoking.

  • The story is described as a personal one, centered on the human element within the sci-fi setting.

  • There are no branching narrative paths indicated, suggesting a more linear story progression.

Player Experience and Expectations

Initial impressions from those who have played Aphelion indicate a highly immersive experience, but some also express a desire to see more before forming a definitive opinion.

  • Immersion: The game is noted for keeping players engaged without feeling overly "gamified."

  • Linearity: Levels are described as fairly linear, intended to prevent players from getting lost.

  • Pacing: The beginning of the game is narrative-heavy, with the action and gameplay elements potentially increasing as the story progresses.

  • Anticipation: While seen as a solid space adventure, some critics are reserving full judgment until more content is revealed, with one stating they "expected more from the Life is Strange studio."

Expert Analysis and Thematic Depth

The game's thematic ambitions are underscored by its narrative-driven approach and its incorporation of survival and exploration elements.

Aphelion preview: Life Is Strange devs mix Interstellar and Alien Isolation - 4

"We've tried this intimate space thriller for the first time, with good graphics, a very personal story and a mystery to solve." – Gamereactor

"Aphelion doesn’t necessarily make life easy for you. You’ll just need to evade. Aphelion is not at all what I expected, but that’s not a criticism. You’re totally immersed in the action. You’ll need to react both carefully and quickly." – Gamingbible

"It keeps you engaged in the game without making the game feel too gamified. […] It isn't just a good story; it's something that will make you think and wonder." – DualShockers

The collaboration with the ESA further suggests an intention to explore the human aspects of space exploration with a degree of scientific plausibility, aiming for an experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Aphelion is shaping up to be a single-player experience that leans heavily on narrative and atmosphere, drawing inspiration from established sci-fi and adventure genres. The game's focus on the personal story of Ariane and Thomas, combined with challenging exploration and survival mechanics on the hostile planet Persephone, positions it as a potential contender in the cinematic space thriller category. While early previews acknowledge the game's strengths in immersion and storytelling, further details are anticipated to fully gauge its impact and innovation. The integration of ESA's expertise suggests a commitment to a grounded yet dramatic portrayal of space exploration.

Read More: Sony Closes Bluepoint Games Studio in March, Affecting 70 Workers

  • Key Strengths Identified: Narrative depth, immersive atmosphere, survival elements, personal story.

  • Areas for Further Observation: Full gameplay scope, the balance between narrative and action, the unique contribution of the "Nemesis" antagonist, and the overall ambition of Don't Nod's venture into this genre.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the game Aphelion about?
Aphelion is a new space adventure game where you play as ESA astronaut Ariane, who crash-lands on the icy planet Persephone with her partner Thomas. They must explore, survive, and solve a mystery after their ship breaks down.
Q: Who are the main characters in Aphelion?
The main characters are Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, both astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA). Their personal story and relationship are central to the game's plot.
Q: What kind of gameplay can players expect in Aphelion?
Players will experience third-person action and adventure with a strong focus on exploration and survival. You will need to evade threats, deal with harsh environments, and make quick decisions.
Q: What are some games that Aphelion is compared to?
Aphelion is being compared to games like Alien: Isolation for its tense atmosphere, Interstellar for its space themes, and Uncharted for its adventure and traversal elements.
Q: Why is the European Space Agency (ESA) involved in Aphelion?
Don't Nod is working with the ESA to make the game feel more real and scientifically accurate. This partnership helps ground the space exploration and human themes in the story.