Don’t Nod, the studio behind the Life is Strange series, Lost Record: Bloom and Rage, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, and more, revealed its latest game last year at Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase. The science-fiction cinematic action adventure game Aphelion teased a mysterious and intense setting in its initial reveal. Now, as part of the New Game Plus Showcase, the studio has given a new look at the game alongside the reveal of who will be composing its score.
Aphelion follows a pair of astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, as they explore a new, uncharted planet named Persephone. The duo is on a mission from the European Space Agency to find a new home world after earth has become uninhabitable. Dubbed the Hope-1, Ariane and Thomas’s ship crashes, leaving them scattered across the new planet. Now they will explore the planet to find each other and perhaps a new home for mankind.
The newest trailer for the game reveals that Amine Bouhafa will be composing Aphelion’s score. Bouhafa previous works include films such as The Summit of the Gods and The Voice of Hind Rajab. The game will mark his debut as a video game composer. The exclusive look above demonstrates some of his process for recording the game’s soundtrack. Commenting on his involvement in the project, the game’s creative director Florent Guillaume stated “Amine is a person with great emotional intelligence and sincere humanity. I hope that players will feel that connection and will be moved by their experience.”
The trailer also includes new glimpses of gameplay, including a new look at some creepy alien monsters, implying that the game will have a focus on survival horror sequences. It will also include Don’t Nod’s trademark narrative-based choices which alter the story’s outcome.
Don’t Nod has also confirmed that Aphelion will receive a physical PS5 release at launch. The physical release is being distributed by Maximum Entertainment in North America, Europe, and Australia. The game will also be included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch.
Aphelion is due to release in 2026 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Is this one you are watching closely? Let us know if this is on your wishlist in the comments below.
