Aphelion sci-fi game reviewed after release on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X

15 articles · Updated · Polygon · Apr 28

Developed by Don’t Nod, Aphelion follows astronauts Ariane and Thomas on a mission to Persephone, a planet with frozen water, as Earth faces climate collapse.
The narrative centers on their fractured relationship and survival after a crash landing, with standout performances by Vanessa Dolmen and Eric Geynes. Gameplay elements like parkour and stealth receive mixed reviews.
Aphelion continues Don’t Nod’s tradition of character-driven storytelling, blending personal stakes with humanity’s search for a new home, though some gameplay mechanics are seen as less innovative.

Following recent commercial struggles, can 'Aphelion' be the financial success Don't Nod desperately needs?

Does 'Aphelion' offer a hopeful vision for humanity or serve as another bleak warning on climate inaction?

By physically separating its romantic leads, does the game successfully build a more compelling emotional story?

How deeply did the ESA partnership influence the game’s scientific realism and world design?

Can a compelling narrative rescue a game from its flawed and repetitive gameplay mechanics?

Is the game's unkillable alien a truly terrifying threat or just a frustrating gameplay gimmick?