Aether: Strategy RPG Blends Dice Combat and Art Deco Aesthetic

Aether and Iron transports players to a mesmerizing alternate New York in the year 1939, where the cityscape is a blend of art deco design and the wonders of anti-gravity technology, drawing comparisons to the iconic aesthetics of BioShock Infinite. This captivating environment serves as the backdrop for a narrative-driven RPG experience that combines dice-rolling combat with visual novel elements.

Character-Driven Storytelling

Players assume the role of Gia, a skilled and seasoned smuggler entrusted with the task of escorting Nellie, a determined young scientist intent on exploring the slums below the floating city. The journey is not just a physical descent but an exploration of complex relationships and challenging moral choices. The narrative is supported by the game's unique skill check system, utilizing two six-sided dice to determine the outcomes based on three core attributes: Brass, Hustle, and Smarts.

Brass prioritizes physical strength and resilience, favoring characters who excel in direct confrontations. Hustle reflects a character's ability to navigate social intricacies and employ coercion, while Smarts gives players an edge in logical analysis and persuasive argumentation. Each choice has significant repercussions that can alter relationship dynamics and story arcs, imbuing the game with a sense of depth and replayability.

Dynamic Vehicle Encounters

Vehicle encounters in Aether and Iron add a thrilling layer to the gameplay, simulating fast-paced, turn-based car chases reminiscent of action-packed mobster films. Players must navigate a variety of hazards, lane closures, and an interactive environment that requires strategic maneuvering. The ability to customize vehicles for increased speed and weapons enhances the player's tactical options, allowing for a tailored gameplay experience.

Producer Joshua Enz highlights the team's ambition to blend run-and-gun action with strategic planning, citing the critically acclaimed Into the Breach as a key inspiration. This hybrid approach promises to deliver a unique combat experience that challenges players to think several steps ahead.

A World Filled with Possibilities

Aether and Iron stands out not only for its stunning art style but for its commitment to providing a rich, branching narrative. As players progress, they are presented with opportunities to recruit multiple companions, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the team. The story is further enriched by a tapestry of mysteries waiting to be uncovered, encouraging exploration and discovery.

Set for release in 2026, Aether and Iron is already generating buzz among RPG enthusiasts. The ability to wishlist the game offers players a chance to stay updated on its development and prepare for an immersive experience that promises to challenge conventions and ignite the imagination.

Update: 16 Sep 2025