From Seismic Squirrel:
Set in an alternate 1930s New York transformed into a vertical city by the discovery of “aether”, a key component to newfound anti-gravitational technology, Aether & Iron follows Gia, a smuggler navigating crime syndicates, political conspiracies, and fragile alliances. Players shape Gia’s story through meaningful decisions, with every choice influencing relationships, outcomes and the fate of the city itself. The game is fully voiced and features writing talent with credits on Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate, with an original score composed by two-time Grammy Award winner Christopher Tin and Grammy nominee Alex Williamson, best known for their work on the Civilization series.
“Aether & Iron is about finding your own path when the world doesn’t give you many choices, if any at all.” said Tyler Whitney, Narrative Lead at Seismic Squirrel. “Whether you’re talking your way out of trouble, taking a risky job, or deciding the fate of someone who has put their life in your hands, every decision shapes Gia’s story and the future of New York. We’ve spent years building this world and bringing its characters to life, and we’re incredibly excited for players to finally experience it when the game launches this March.”
Gameplay blends narrative-driven role-playing with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat that reflects the risks of life in the city’s underworld. Players customize a fleet of aether-powered vehicles and recruit a diverse cast of companions, each bringing unique talents and personal stories that influence both combat encounters and narrative paths.
As a seemingly simple smuggling job escalates into a conspiracy threatening the entire city, players develop their Hustle, Smarts and Brass - core abilities that shape combat effectiveness, dialogue options and high-stakes decisions. Even the most carefully considered choices carry uncertainty, where success or failure can come down to a single dice roll. Over time, those decisions determine whether New York’s citizens find hope, or remain trapped in corruption and violence.
Key Features
- Narrative-Driven RPG: Shape the story through impactful choices that affect characters, alliances, and the future of New York.
- Your Choices Matter: Your decisions will shape the unfolding history of New York and the lives of its citizens, determining whether they will be able to find hope in a corrupt world of manipulation and violence.
- Turn-Based Vehicular Combat: Assemble a wide range of incredible aether-powered vehicles and unlock new tactical options to try out in an interesting twist on strategic, turn-based vehicular battles.
- Muster Your Crew: Recruit unique and resourceful companions to watch your back and follow their stories.
- Grow your Talents: Level up your Hustle, Smarts and Brass abilities to improve your chances in combat and social situations. But no matter how good you are, you’re always a dice roll away from success or failure.
- Drive in Style: Upgrade your aether-powered rides to suit your playstyle. Enhance your cars with every trick in the smuggler’s toolkit - hidden compartments, smoke dispensers and, of course, flamethrowers.
- Dive into An Underground Life: Navigate secret paths, dodge enemies, hide contraband, and stay ahead of the big bosses out to get you.
- Distinctive Visual Identity: Inspired by 1930s detective comics and the Art Deco period, Aether & Iron brings a unique visual identity to gameplay.
- Full Voice Acting: Experience an alt-history 1930s New York directly through the voices of its inhabitants. Learn their stories; sometimes funny, sometimes philosophical, usually tragic.
