Aphelion, the latest game from the creators of Life Is Strange and Jusant, offers a sci-fi adventure that combines walking simulator mechanics, romantic elements, and zero-combat survival horror. Set in 2062, Earth is becoming uninhabitable due to global warming, and humanity's last hope rests on a two-person mission to a newly discovered planet called Persephone, orbiting the sun at the edge of the solar system. After six years in space, during which the crew engages in an ill-advised romantic tryst, their ship crashes on Persephone, leaving officer Thomas Cross missing and astronaut Dr. Ariane Montclair stranded among the wreckage.
Gameplay and Exploration
The majority of gameplay involves traversal: walking, running, shimmying through tight gaps, and sliding down gullies, reminiscent of Lara Croft and Uncharted. Players climb between clearly marked ledges and creep across weakened ice sheets. However, invisible walls frequently bound the environment, a disappointing design choice. Despite this, expressive facial animations and voice acting immerse players in the story. Thomas's English accent tinged with French makes his self-encouragement sound charmingly improbable.
Setting and Atmosphere
Persephone is beautifully rendered with snowy wastes, craggy black onyx peaks, and meltwater rivers. Scans from Earth suggested an entirely icebound world, but the reality reveals multiple rivers and creaking permafrost. Ariane soon discovers the Nemesis, an aggressive beast made of electromagnetic radiation that stalks her through darkness. Blind but attracted to noise, the creature forces stealthy movement through subterranean caverns. Digital interference on the screen signals its proximity, nodding to Silent Hill.
Story and Characters
The narrative focuses on Ariane's search for Thomas, guided by ghostly traces of EM radiation. Their relationship is strained by Ariane's initial refusal to engage deeply, fearing it would disrupt the mission. Now, guilt drives her forward. Mysteries multiply when they find human settlements on Persephone, deserted and atmospheric, but the story remains strictly linear with no branching choices, similar to Still Wakes The Deep rather than Life Is Strange.
Mechanics and Issues
The scanner tool lets players locate objectives and EM radiation, and clear snow for grapple points. Thomas, injured, relies on finding oxygen sources. The action includes quick-time events (QTEs) that are overused; pressing X to grab ledges becomes automatic, robbing the system of tension. Later chapters feel less polished, with more graphical glitches and mechanical issues. The Nemesis becomes more irritating than terrifying in the late game.
Conclusion
Aphelion shines when protagonists explore separately, with mysteries unfolding against inspiring vistas. The believable characters and expressive animation are undermined by a linear story and repetitive interactions. Despite a satisfyingly adult conclusion, the gameplay and narrative cannot sustain the quality of first impressions. Score: 5/10.
Formats: PlayStation 5 (reviewed), Xbox Series X/S, PC. Price: £29.99. Publisher: Don't Nod. Developer: Don't Nod. Release Date: 28th April 2026. Age Rating: 16.
