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About Aphelion
In the year 2060, Earth is no longer livable and humanity looks to the newly discovered ninth planet, Persephone, for salvation. The ESA’s Hope‑01 mission, carrying astronauts Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, crashes, scattering the crew across a frozen, alien landscape.
Aphelion is a cinematic third‑person action‑adventure that tasks players with surviving harsh weather, evading a hostile lifeform, and reuniting the two astronauts. Using tools such as a pathfinder, oxygen tank, and grappling hook, players explore shifting ice, uncover hidden secrets, and confront an unsettling reality‑bending phenomenon.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story and Setting
The game is set on Persephone, a distant, uncharted world at the edge of the solar system, described as a vast frozen landscape shaped by deadly weather and ever‑changing terrain. Humanity’s hope rests on the ESA’s Hope‑01 crew, whose crash initiates a desperate quest for survival and reunion.
The narrative follows Ariane’s high‑risk parkour and Thomas’s investigative ingenuity as they piece together clues about the planet’s strange conditions and the cause of their crash, all while an unknown enemy stalks them.
- Observe environmental cues; they often hint at safe routes or hidden pathways.
- Pay attention to dialogue fragments for subtle hints about the planet’s history.
02 / THE GUIDE
Dual‑Perspective Survival
Players experience two distinct playstyles: Ariane’s fast‑paced traversal and Thomas’s methodical investigation. Ariane relies on parkour tools like grappling hooks to swing over chasms, while Thomas must use observation and resourcefulness to survive his injuries.
Both perspectives intertwine, requiring the player to switch between high‑risk movement and careful puzzle‑like exploration, reinforcing the theme of partnership under pressure.
- Switching between characters can reveal alternate solutions to the same obstacle.
- Use Ariane’s mobility to scout ahead before committing Thomas to a hazardous area.
03 / THE GUIDE
Traversal Tools
The game equips the astronaut with a pathfinder, oxygen tank, grappling hook, and other exploration tools. These enable climbing melting ice, swinging across dark chasms, and navigating shifting terrain with momentum‑driven movement.
Traversal is cinematic, emphasizing fluid motion and the danger of each step, reinforcing the survival aspect of the frozen world.
- Keep your oxygen tank in mind before attempting long climbs.
- Experiment with grappling angles; different approaches can open hidden shortcuts.
04 / THE GUIDE
Stealth Sequences
An alien lifeform stalks the player, prompting tense stealth encounters. Players must avoid detection, using the environment—such as shadows and terrain features—to stay one step ahead of the threat.
These moments contrast with the high‑octane traversal, adding a layer of strategic caution to the otherwise kinetic gameplay.
- Move slowly in open areas; sudden motion often triggers the enemy’s attention.
- Utilize environmental cover like ice formations to break line of sight.
05 / THE GUIDE
Character Relationship
Ariane and Thomas share a deep, unresolved connection that drives the narrative forward. Their fractured bond becomes a lifeline as they navigate the planet’s dangers, emphasizing the emotional stakes beyond mere survival.
The story weaves their personal history into gameplay, making each reunion and discovery feel weightier and more meaningful.
- Listen to character exchanges; they often reveal motivations that affect decision‑making.
- Reflect on past dialogue to better understand each astronaut’s priorities.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion