I was expecting combat in Aphelion, but I’m actually glad it’s not there

TechRadar Verdict

Aphelion is an enticing sci-fi adventure that explores humanity’s next home in the stars while telling a touching love story. Some of its gameplay mechanics are underbaked, but the balance between emotional interactions and mysterious intrigue nevertheless makes for an exciting time from start to finish.

Pros

• +Emotional story with likeable protagonists
• +Intriguing central mystery of its setting
• +Chapters are well-paced
• +Ariane’s gameplay mechanics are decently varied

Cons

• -Thomas’s segments aren’t as robust
• -Stealth segments aren’t very challenging
• -Collision physics are a bit shaky

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Global warming and climate change are issues that won’t go away any time soon. While the topic has been explored plenty of times through the lens of video games, Aphelion separates itself by intertwining humanity’s search for a new home into a personal, heart-wrenching love story.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Xbox Series S
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: April 28, 2026

While some of its gameplay mechanics feel like an afterthought, the deep relationship between its two protagonists kept me invested until the end.

Aphelion takes place in the 2060s, when climate change has completely decimated Earth, forcing humanity to find a new home amongst the stars. Two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, are sent on the first manned mission to the frozen planet of Persephone to make sure that it’s suitable for life.

Their ship malfunctions, causing a crash and separating them. Along the way they hope to reunite with each other while uncovering Persephone’s secrets, but soon learn that they may not be alone after all.

Planet of ice

The mysteries surrounding Persephone and its environments are intriguing enough to make me want to understand more about the icy planet. I enjoyed scouring every corner to see which collectibles I could find to absorb the lore. Aphelion’s story has a personal touch as we get to see glimpses of Ariane and Thomas’s relationship. Ariane trained her whole life for this mission, often neglecting Thomas and focusing on her work.

However, as the elements start wearing her down, she becomes more vulnerable, pining for him and won’t give up until she sees them reunited. On the other hand, Thomas is ultimately supportive of Ariane’s life choices, and underneath that beneath her icy exterior is someone who just wants to be understood and loved. Getting to grips with this emotional core through each dialogue sequence is what makes Aphelion compelling.

Despite the unrelenting cold, Persephone is a gorgeous planet to traverse. The light reflecting off ice sheets provides a sense of hope that juxtaposes the perilous situation that Ariane and Thomas find themselves in. There are a few areas on the planet where the ice has melted, giving way to earthy tones and rocky terrain that help diversify the environments.

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