Set in an alternate, sky-high 1930s Manhattan, Aether & Iron is an upcoming narrative-driven RPG that blends gritty noir storytelling with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat. Developed by Seismic Squirrel, the game has garnered significant attention for its “decopunk” aesthetic and its pedigree of writers from franchises like Mass Effect and Far Cry.
The Setting: A Vertical Metropolis
In this timeline, the discovery of a mysterious substance called aether has birthed anti-gravitational technology. New York City has literally detached from the earth, evolving into a vertical metropolis where the wealthy reside in the sun-drenched skyscrapers above, while the “Lowers” struggle in the shadows of the floating foundations.
Players take on the role of Gia Randazzo, a hard-boiled smuggler operating in the city’s seedy underbelly. After a simple job goes sideways, Gia finds herself at the centre of a conspiracy that threatens the fragile social order of the floating city.
Gameplay Mechanics
Aether & Iron draws heavy inspiration from modern CRPGs like Disco Elysium and Baldur’s Gate 3, emphasizing player choice and skill-based checks.
- Turn-Based Vehicular Combat: Unlike many RPGs that focus on individual character movement, a core pillar of this game is tactical car-on-car combat. Players navigate grid-based maps, using speed, positioning, and environmental hazards—like ramming enemies into oncoming traffic—to win.
- The Hustle, Smarts, and Brass System: Character progression is tied to three core attributes that govern both dialogue and combat. Every social interaction is a potential risk, often determined by a roll of the dice.
- Customisation & Smuggling: Your vehicle is more than just a weapon; it is your livelihood. Players can upgrade their “aether-powered” rides with flamethrowers and smoke dispensers, while also managing hidden compartments to transport contraband past city factions.
- Consequence & “Heat”: The game features a “Heat” system that tracks your notoriety. High Heat makes social interactions more difficult, and combat encounters more frequent as law enforcement and rival gangs take notice of your actions.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The game features a striking hand-drawn art style inspired by 1930s Detective Comics and the Art Deco period. The atmosphere is bolstered by full voice acting and a branching narrative that offers approximately 20 hours of gameplay with roughly 16 different endings, depending on which factions you support and the alliances you forge.
Availability
Aether & Iron is currently slated for release in Spring 2026 on PC (Steam). If you’re eager to get a taste of the “Lowers,” a free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience the opening hours of Gia’s journey.
Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/WP4KW
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