Aphelion game on Xbox Game Pass needs to show more to impress players

Aphelion game is a new space mystery adventure on Xbox Game Pass. Early reviews say it's decent but needs more to truly impress players.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Sci-Fi |

Early looks at Aphelion, a new game from Don't Nod, suggest a space adventure with emotional depth, but some reviewers feel it needs to show more to truly impress. The game focuses on exploration, survival, and a story of two partners trying to find each other after a crash landing on the icy planet Persephone. While the developer Don't Nod is known for narrative-driven games like Life is Strange, early impressions indicate Aphelion aims for a blend of intense storytelling and action.

Aphelion seems like a solid <b>space</b> adventure, but I need to see more before it really excites - 1

Game Overview and Setting

Aphelion is a single-player, third-person action-adventure game. Players step into the boots of astronaut Ariane Montclair on the uncharted, frozen planet of Persephone. The core of the game involves navigating harsh environments, using survival tools, and dealing with unusual phenomena. A central element of the plot is the desperate search for Ariane's wounded partner, Thomas Cross, following a ship crash that separates them. The game is being developed with input from the European Space Agency (ESA), aiming for a scientifically grounded depiction of space exploration.

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Aphelion seems like a solid <b>space</b> adventure, but I need to see more before it really excites - 2

  • Genre: Third-person action-adventure, Sci-fi, Mystery

  • Developer: Don't Nod

  • Setting: Planet Persephone, an uncharted, frozen world

  • Protagonist: Astronaut Ariane Montclair

  • Key Objective: Reunite with partner Thomas Cross after a crash landing.

Gameplay Mechanics

Early reports highlight several gameplay aspects:

  • Exploration and Traversal: The game features gripping exploration with an emphasis on movement across difficult terrain. Players will need to be attentive to their surroundings and manage jumps between ledges.

  • Stealth: Tense stealth sequences are a part of the experience, requiring players to move quietly to avoid detection by alien lifeforms.

  • Environmental Storytelling: The game relies on telling its story through the environment.

  • Survival Tools: Players will need to utilize survival tools to overcome challenges.

  • Linear Progression: The levels appear to be fairly linear, guiding players through areas without much risk of getting lost, though keen observation is still necessary.

  • Interactive Hazards: On the ship, falling debris can create immediate threats and time-sensitive decision-making scenarios.

Narrative and Tone

Aphelion appears to be driven by its narrative and emotional core.

Aphelion seems like a solid <b>space</b> adventure, but I need to see more before it really excites - 3

  • Emotional Drama: The game promises an emotional drama set on an alien world.

  • Mystery: It poses questions about life beyond Earth and keeps players engaged by making them think and wonder.

  • Partnership: The central theme revolves around the quest to find and reunite with a partner.

"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

Mixed Expectations

While Aphelion shows promise, some initial reactions suggest a need for more compelling elements.

Aphelion seems like a solid <b>space</b> adventure, but I need to see more before it really excites - 4

  • Solid Foundation: The game is described as a "solid space adventure" and a "decent sci-fi action adventure."

  • Need for More: Reviewers have stated they "need to see more before it really excites" and "expected more" from the developer. This suggests that while the core concept is appealing, the execution needs to deliver a higher level of engagement.

Alien Presence

  • Alien Antagonist: Players will encounter an alien antagonist, described as a "strange worm-like creature."

  • Survival Aspect: The presence of other lifeforms contributes to the need for stealth and survival.

"You see, it appears you’re not the only lifeform present on Persephone, with you eventually coming face-to-face with a strange worm-like creature." - GameSpew

Development and Release Information

  • Developer: Don't Nod

  • Publisher: Not explicitly stated in summaries, but Don't Nod is the developer.

  • Platform Availability: Mentioned as available on Xbox Game Pass on Day One.

  • Collaboration: Developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Expert Analysis

The ESA collaboration is noted as lending a sense of scientific grounding to the game's space exploration themes. This partnership suggests an effort to create a realistic and potentially educational portrayal of space travel. However, the overall impression from early previews is one of cautious optimism, with the game needing to demonstrate its full potential in areas like narrative impact and engaging gameplay mechanics to fully capture player interest beyond its premise.

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"Aphelion is developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), grounding its depiction of space exploration in real scientific knowledge and humanistic values." - WorthPlaying

Conclusion

Aphelion presents itself as a narrative-driven sci-fi adventure with a compelling premise: a lone astronaut searching for her partner on a hostile alien world. The game blends exploration, survival, and stealth, enhanced by a collaboration with the ESA for realistic space elements. While the emotional storytelling and intriguing mystery are highlighted, early reviews indicate that the game must deliver a sufficiently captivating experience to meet the expectations set by its developer's previous work and its ambitious themes. Further details on its full gameplay loop and narrative depth will be crucial in determining its success.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Aphelion game about?
Aphelion is a new space adventure game where you play as astronaut Ariane Montclair. After a crash, she must explore the icy planet Persephone to find her injured partner, Thomas Cross. The game focuses on exploration, survival, and an emotional story.
Q: Why are some reviewers not fully impressed with Aphelion yet?
Early reviews call Aphelion a solid space adventure but say they need to see more. They expected more from the developer, Don't Nod, and feel the game needs to show more engaging gameplay and narrative depth to truly impress.
Q: What kind of gameplay can players expect in Aphelion?
Players will explore tough environments, use survival tools, and face stealth challenges. The game uses environmental storytelling and has interactive hazards. The levels are mostly linear, guiding players through the story.
Q: Is Aphelion available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Aphelion is available on Xbox Game Pass on Day One. This means players with a Game Pass subscription can play the game as soon as it is released without buying it separately.
Q: What makes Aphelion different from other space games?
Aphelion is developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), aiming for a more scientifically grounded depiction of space exploration. It also focuses heavily on an emotional drama and the mystery of finding a lost partner.
Q: Will players encounter aliens in Aphelion?
Yes, players will encounter alien life on Persephone. Early reports mention a strange, worm-like creature that adds to the survival and stealth elements of the game.