DON'T NOD
DON'T NOD business and news from across the web.
Alien Disclosure: The U.S releasing the UAP files ties into gaming tropes rather nicelyThe recent declassification of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) files by the U.S. Department of War, FBI, and NASA has sparked discussions about their connection to gaming tropes. While no definitive proof of alien life was revealed, the release of reports from military personnel and astronauts, including transcripts from Apollo missions and sightings near military bases, highlights a growing seriousness in addressing these events. This influx of real-world mystery provides a rich source of inspiration for science fiction games exploring themes of space exploration, alien encounters, and humanity's place in the cosmos, as seen in titles like The Outer Wilds, Aphelion, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Exodus, and Kerbal Space Program.
Games Inbox: What’s the best video game to play when it’s sunny?Readers discuss their favorite games to play during sunny weather, with Super Mario Sunshine being a nostalgic pick despite its European release date. Other topics include potential Star Wars Jedi 3 announcements, the feasibility of a large-scale Lord of the Rings RPG from Warhorse Studios, and the challenges of making retro games appealing to modern audiences. The discussion also touches on the Resident Evil movie's accuracy, Microsoft's shifting stance on exclusives, and Roblox fans' rejection of AI graphics.
Aphelion review - saving the world, one relationship at a timeAphelion is a sci-fi adventure game that blends walking simulator, romance, and survival horror elements, set in 2062 on the planet Persephone. Players control astronaut Ariane Montclair as she navigates the icy landscape and deals with a mysterious electromagnetic creature after a crash landing. While praised for its characters, animation, and environments, the game is criticized for its linear story, repetitive gameplay, and technical issues.- Aphelion Review 🪐Aphelion is a story-driven adventure game where players control two astronauts exploring a distant frozen planet for humanity's survival. While the narrative and atmosphere are praised, the traversal mechanics and character relationship development are noted as areas for improvement. The game is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Gorgeous PS5 Sci-Fi Action Adventure Game Out Today on PS StoreDon't Nod has released Aphelion, a new sci-fi third-person action-adventure game, today on the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 5. The game follows two European Space Agency astronauts stranded on the planet Persephone after their mission to survey it goes awry. Aphelion is available for $34.99, with a physical Pioneer Edition priced at $39.99.
DON’T NOD Releases Aphelion Today on PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5DON'T NOD has released its cinematic sci-fi adventure game, Aphelion, on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Day One Editions, with a special Pioneer Edition for PlayStation 5 releasing on July 2nd. Aphelion puts players in the role of ESA astronauts exploring the planet Persephone.
Aphelion Lands On Xbox, PlayStation And PC – And It’s On Game Pass Day OneThe cinematic sci-fi adventure game Aphelion is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation, and PC, launching day one on Game Pass. Developed and published by DON'T NOD, the game strands players on a frozen alien world where they must survive environmental hazards and an unknown lurking threat. The article also notes a review score of 3.5/5, highlighting the game's strengths in storytelling and atmosphere.
Aphelion Review | TheXboxHubAphelion is a cinematic space odyssey from DON'T NOD that excels in its visuals and storytelling, featuring two astronauts on a mission to save humanity. While the game's narrative and atmosphere are strong, the gameplay mechanics, including parkouring and checkpointing, are noted as areas that let the experience down. The European Space Agency collaborated on the title, which is available on Xbox.
Aphelion Review - Hope-NoneAphelion is a third-person narrative adventure game set on the planet Persephone, following two astronauts searching for a new home for humanity. Despite visually striking alien landscapes and well-directed cutscenes, the game is hampered by mediocre gameplay, including shallow climbing and tedious stealth sections, and unlikable, one-dimensional leads with repetitive dialogue.
Aphelion review: "Life is Strange creator's Uncharted-like sci-fi adventure fails to land"Aphelion, a sci-fi adventure from Don't Nod, fails to impress with its lackluster storytelling and clunky mechanics, despite beautiful alien vistas and a solid premise. The game's Uncharted-like climbing and stealth sequences are uninteresting, and constant monologuing overexplains the narrative. While it shares DNA with Don't Nod's acclaimed titles like Life is Strange and Jusant, Aphelion ultimately feels devoid of life and fails to live up to the studio's previous successes.
Aphelion’s Audio Team Explains Its Immersive SoundscapeThe audio team behind Aphelion discusses the game's immersive soundscape, focusing on the narrative-driven music by composer Amine Bouhafa and the sound design choices aimed at conveying loneliness and tension. The team highlights influences like the film Arrival and the challenges of creating unique audio for the creature known as the Nemesis.
This week's standout PC game is an astronaut epic from Life is Strange and Vampyr creators Don't Nod, made in partnership with the European Space AgencyThis week's PC game releases include the sci-fi astronaut epic Aphelion from Don't Nod, in partnership with the European Space Agency. Other notable launches include the roguelite Deified, the sandbox s&box, the shooter Far Far West, and the strategy RPG Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Several games are launching in early access, offering players a chance to experience them before full release.
Five New Xbox Games Launch This Week, Three Hit Game PassFive new games are launching on Xbox this week, with three titles available day one on Game Pass. Aphelion, a narrative-driven action-adventure from DON'T NOD, headlines the releases, focusing on humanity's survival on a frozen planet. The lineup also includes the strategy game Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era and the fighting game Invincible VS, showcasing Xbox's focus on diverse storytelling experiences.- DON’T NOD Reveals New Trailer for Aphelion before it’s upcoming launchDON'T NOD has released a new trailer for their upcoming cinematic third-person action-adventure game, Aphelion. The trailer offers a deeper look into the game's narrative, focusing on the protagonist Ariane and her journey on the planet Persephone. Aphelion is set to launch on April 28th, 2026, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
Aphelion Gets Brand New Trailer Showcasing The Differences Between its HeroesDON'T NOD has released a new trailer for their narrative adventure game Aphelion, highlighting the distinct gameplay mechanics of its two protagonists, Thomas and Ariane. Thomas's gameplay will focus on puzzle-solving and deduction, while Ariane's will involve physical traversal. The game is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S this year, though a specific release date has not yet been confirmed.
Xbox Game Pass Adds Final Fantasy V, Vampire Crawlers, And MoreMicrosoft has announced new games coming to Xbox Game Pass in late April and early May, including Final Fantasy V, Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard, Aphelion, and Trepang2. Several other titles like Little Rocket Lab, Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato, Kiln, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, Sledding Game, and TerraTech Legion are also being added. The article also lists games that will be leaving the service on April 30.
New ID@Xbox showcase in collaboration with IGN set for 23rd AprilIGN is collaborating with ID@Xbox for a new showcase on April 23rd, featuring reveals and updates for indie and mid-sized games on Xbox and PC. The event will include titles like Mistfall Hunter, There Are No Ghosts at the Grand, Aphelion, and Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive. This showcase follows a similar event in October 2025 which highlighted games such as Vampire Survivors.
Here's your next batch of Xbox Game Pass games for AprilMicrosoft has announced new games coming to Xbox Game Pass in April, including Kiln, Aphelion, and Trepang2. Several titles will also be leaving the service on April 30th. New additions span various genres and platforms, with some games available via Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and MoreXbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in late April and early May, including Little Rocket Lab, Vampire Crawlers, Kiln, Aphelion, Trepang2, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, Sledding Game, TerraTech Legion, and Final Fantasy V. Several games are also leaving the service on April 30.
Kiln, Aphelion, Trepang2 and More Coming to Wave 2 of Game Pass in AprilMicrosoft is adding several new games to Game Pass throughout April, including Little Rocket Lab, Kiln, Aphelion, Trepang2, and Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Some titles will be available on day one for specific tiers like Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Additionally, Final Fantasy 5 is set to join the service in May.