DON'T NOD
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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 Soundscape
The 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 Agency
This 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 Pass
Five 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 launch
DON'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 Heroes
DON'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 More
Microsoft 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 April
IGN 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 April
Microsoft 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 More
Xbox 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 April
Microsoft 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.
The Biggest New Game Releases Of April 2026
April 2026 is set to be a busy month for game releases, featuring highly anticipated titles across various genres. Notable releases include Starfield and Saros for PlayStation 5, the tactical stealth game Darwin's Paradox, and the fighting game Invincible VS. The month also offers a diverse range of indie titles and niche genres, ensuring something for every player.
Best New Xbox And Game Pass Games For April 2026
April 2026 will see a diverse range of new games released for Xbox and PC, with many titles also launching day one on Game Pass. Notable releases include the roguelike Hades II, the cyberpunk action platformer REPLACED, and the unique word game Beyond Words. The month offers a variety of genres, from RPGs and survival horror to simulation and fighting games, ensuring something for every player.
Hades II and Date Everything leading the charge at the 2026 Gayming Awards nominations
Hades II and Date Everything! lead the nominations for the sixth annual Gayming Awards, with each title receiving three nods. The awards celebrate games representing the LGBTQIA+ community. Other nominated games include Hollow Knight: Silksong and South of Midnight.
Massively Overthinking: The nine games portrait of you
This article features Massively OP staff members sharing their personal lists of nine core video games that have shaped them. Contributors discuss foundational titles, franchise representations, and personal favorites across various genres, including MMOs, JRPGs, and action RPGs, reflecting on their impact on their gaming identities and creative work.
Hades 2 and Date Everything lead Gayming Awards 2026 nominations
The nominations for the sixth annual Gayming Awards have been revealed, with Hades 2 and Date Everything leading with three nominations each. Hades 2 is nominated for Game of the Year alongside other titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ghost of Yōtei. The awards ceremony will take place on June 8, 2026, and will be hosted by Erika Ishii and Dawn.
Ubisoft names general managers of Creative Houses 3 and 5, Creative Network
Ubisoft has appointed Julien Bares as general manager of its new Creative Houses 3 and 5, focusing on live service, mobile, and casual games. Thomas Andrén has been named general manager of the newly-created Creative Network arm, designed to provide production support across studios. These appointments are part of Ubisoft's ongoing restructuring efforts.
Aphelion Launches April 28 on PC, PS5, and Xbox; New Persephone Trailer Debuts
Don't Nod announced that its sci-fi action-adventure game Aphelion will launch on April 28, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass and features a Pioneer Edition for PlayStation 5 releasing July 2, 2026. Players will explore the alien planet Persephone as ESA astronauts.
2026 Game Developers Choice Awards winners announced
The winners for the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards have been announced. Several titles were recognized across various categories, including Best Audio, Best Debut, Best Design, Innovation Award, Best Narrative, Best Technology, Best Visual Art, Social Impact, and Audience Award. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince were among the most nominated games.
Don't Nod's Aphelion Dated For April | Console Creatures
Don't Nod's sci-fi adventure game Aphelion is set to launch on April 28, 2026, for Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and PC, and will also be available on Game Pass. Players will control astronauts Thomas Cross and Ariane Montclair as they explore the uncharted planet Persephone after a crash landing.
