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| Don't Nod's Aphelion brings emotional storytelling to a frozen alien world. |
By Carmelo Cianciotta
Don’t Nod, the studio renowned for narrative-heavy titles like Life is Strange, takes a leap into the sci-fi action-adventure genre with Aphelion. Dropping day-one on Xbox Game Pass, this game attempts to blend the studio’s signature emotional storytelling with the cinematic moving and climbing similar to Uncharted. While it successfully crafts a haunting, atmospheric journey through the stars, the transition to more traditional action mechanics isn't without some turbulence.
Aphelion Details
Platform: Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X
Developer: Don’t Nod
Publisher: Don’t Nod
Genre: Sci-fi Action-Adventure
Game Modes: Single-player
A New Home on Persephone
Set in the 2060s, a dying Earth has sent a mission to the frozen planet of Persephone in a desperate search for a new home. You follow two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, who are separated after a violent crash landing. The narrative isn't just about survival, it’s a deeply personal exploration of their relationship and the guilt of words left unsaid.
The mystery of Persephone’s "Nemesis," a persistent, shadowy threat, adds a layer of tension, but it’s the grounded, beautifully voiced performances that carry the emotional weight of the 10-hour campaign. Getting a chance to explore the beautiful world as both characters adds to the story as you see different perspectives.
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| Unreal Engine 5 brings the cold, jagged scale of Persephone to life. |
Reach for the Stars With Stiff Climbing
The gameplay is a tale of two halves. As Ariane, you engage in Tomb Raider-style movement: climbing icy cliffs, swinging from grappling hooks, and navigating linear platforming sections. These are functional but can feel broken due to some stiff animations and invisible barriers. I also had some issues with the camera angles not moving smoothly.
As Thomas, the pace shifts to a slower, methodical survival-horror style where managing a damaged oxygen supply and solving light environmental puzzles takes centre stage. Since he was injured in the crash landing, he is unable to move fast, making climbing not possible for him. While the variety is welcome, the lack of a deep upgrade system or combat makes some of the 11 chapters feel like a walking simulator with high stakes climbing and a nice view.
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| Traversal routines look great in Unreal Engine 5 but the climbing routines trip over their own feet. |
A World of Beauty on Unreal Engine 5
Persephone is the star of the show. Built on Unreal Engine 5, the frozen vistas are breathtaking, capturing the dual beauty and lethality of deep space. On Xbox Series X, the lighting and particle effects during snowstorms are top-tier.
The sound design deserves a special nod; the howling winds and the score by Amine Bouhafa perfectly sell the isolation of being millions of miles from home. Being full of wonderful colours and beauty adds to the game.
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| Unreal Engine 5 carries the look of these characters. You can really see the toll the trek takes through Ariane's eyes. |
Aphelion is a Trip to the Stars Worth Taking
Aphelion is an ambitious departure for Don’t Nod. It excels as a cinematic experience, offering one of the most touching sci-fi stories in recent memory. However, the controls and repetitive moving and climbing mechanics prevent it from reaching the heights of the triple-A titans it mimics.
If you value atmosphere and narrative over tight mechanical precision, this is a trip to the stars worth taking, especially as part of your Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, some gamers might find the game dull due to its repetitive nature.
Aphelion Review Summary
Liked
- Breathtaking Unreal Engine 5 visuals on Xbox Series X
- One of the most touching sci-fi stories in recent memory
- Beautiful sound design and isolation atmosphere
- Dual character perspectives add depth to the mission
Didn't Like
- Stiff animations and invisible barriers
- Camera angles don't always move smoothly
- Climbing and moving can feel repetitive
Overall Assessment of Aphelion
Gameplay: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 / 5)
Presentation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 / 5)
Performance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3 / 5)
Story / Narrative: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 / 5)
Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐✨☆ (3.5 / 5)
Overall Value: ⭐⭐⭐✨☆ (3.5 / 5)
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