Aphelion: Don’t Nod’s Sci-Fi Survival Adventure Blends Interstellar and Alien: Isolation
Don’t Nod, the studio behind narrative-driven games like Life is Strange, is venturing into new territory with Aphelion, a third-person science-fiction action-adventure game set on Persephone, a newly discovered planet at the edge of our solar system. The game, set to release in the spring, distinguishes itself with a focus on survival and stealth, drawing inspiration from both Interstellar and Alien: Isolation.
A Desperate Future and a New World
Aphelion is set in 2062, a time when Earth is becoming uninhabitable due to a global crisis. Humanity’s hope rests on Persephone, an icy planet discovered at the fringes of the solar system. The game follows astronauts Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, dispatched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on an exploratory mission that goes awry, resulting in a crash landing [Polygon]. The ESA collaborated with Don’t Nod on the game’s development [GamingBible].
Gameplay: A Blend of Action, Stealth, and Platforming
Unlike Don’t Nod’s previous choice-based games, Aphelion is a linear action-adventure experience. Players will navigate the hostile environment of Persephone, engaging in platforming, stealth, and exploration [Wccftech]. The initial segment of the game focuses on Ariane’s attempt to escape the wreckage of the crashed spaceship, featuring platforming reminiscent of the Uncharted series [GamingBible].
A Relentless Hunter
A key element of Aphelion’s gameplay is a relentless, unkillable creature that hunts players entirely by sound [Wccftech]. This mechanic draws heavily from the survival horror of Alien: Isolation, requiring players to utilize stealth to avoid detection. After escaping the ship, Ariane’s primary objective is to locate her missing crewmate, Thomas [GamingBible].
Two Characters, One Story
The game will span 11 chapters, with the initial preview showcasing the first and fourth chapters, each approximately one hour in length [Polygon]. The narrative focuses on the perspectives of both Ariane and Thomas as they attempt to survive and uncover the secrets of Persephone. However, Aphelion features a linear narrative, differing from the branching storylines found in Don’t Nod’s previous titles [Wccftech].
Aphelion is slated for release in the spring, offering a unique blend of sci-fi adventure, survival horror, and compelling narrative from a studio known for its innovative storytelling.