Aether & Iron: detectives, flying cars, and choices that shape your story

The world of detectives often takes us back to the 1930s: trench coats, hats, big cars, dark cities, and a narrative steeped in cynicism and melancholy. But what if we took that imagery to the next level? What if, moving beyond classic film noir, we transported it to a retrofuturistic world of cities suspended in the sky and floating cars? The same gritty atmosphere, but from a different perspective. That’s the premise of Aether & Iron, a title from Seismic Squirrel that combines these elements in a game that, while it appears simple, is far from it.

Aether & Iron is an RPG with visual novel elements that follows the story of Gia, a smuggler going through one of the worst times of her life. She is tasked with transporting Nellie, a shy doctor fleeing the most privileged islands after making a potentially dangerous discovery. Aether, the resource that allows cars and islands to float, isn’t as stable as previously believed. Nellie begins to be pursued, her research is at risk, and several people close to the project have gone missing. Without giving away any spoilers, this is the catalyst for a story that blends an intimate narrative—told from the protagonist’s perspective—with a gameplay system that, while accessible, has several layers.

A Noir RPG

The game strays far from our typical idea of RPGs and opts for a much simpler system, without ever becoming simplistic. The gameplay is based on a series of screens in which Gia describes what she sees and what is happening: the setting, the characters, and the situation—all in the style one would expect from a film noir. This is where the role-playing mechanics come into play, as these dialogues and descriptions allow the player to make decisions, investigate, and interrogate, opening up different paths throughout the story.

Just like in pen-and-paper role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, Gia’s skills play a significant role. At certain points, the player can try to resolve situations in alternative ways: intimidating a guard, examining an object, or seeking a less violent solution. The outcome depends on dice rolls, which can lead to calmer scenarios or the acquisition of items and goods that can later be sold.

When we’re not investigating or chating, we explore maps that let us discover this unique world and appreciate its aesthetics. The mechanics here are also straightforward: missions tell us where to go, whether they’re main or side quests. Along the way, random encounters may occur, such as police checkpoints, combat, or even the start of additional missions. It is in these moments that the game shines narratively, as our decisions while moving around can open up new paths and enrich the world-building.

High-Speed Combat

Combat is where Aether & Iron most clearly distinguishes its systems. While investigation and conflict resolution rely on dialogue, the real danger emerges when we’re behind the wheel. All confrontations take place on the highways, at high speeds. The mechanics are reminiscent of tactical grid-based combat, but adapted to the vehicle’s constant movement.

As we dodge other drivers, we use the car’s modifications—machine guns, pistols, shotguns, or even aggressive maneuvers—to damage enemies. Although the system has some interesting nuances, it isn’t the game’s strongest aspect. The combat is functional and, aside from occasional spikes in difficulty, remains fairly accessible.

The vehicle can also be modified: from cosmetic changes to upgrades in armor, weaponry, or cargo capacity. You have the option to purchase other vehicles, though the game doesn’t push you to do so, as it’s usually more practical to invest your limited funds in repair kits.

Both research and combat allow you to level up. Gia and the characters who join the story have modest skill trees, focused mainly on improving dice rolls and expanding your options during key moments.

The Subtlety of Detail

Where Aether & Iron truly shines is in its storytelling. The game offers multiple choices and branching paths that give the player’s decisions real weight. At times, it feels more like an interactive novel than a traditional video game, but the quality of the writing more than makes up for it. It effectively uses film noir tropes, something that hasn’t been seen with this clarity in years. This, combined with solid voice acting, allows the experience to flow despite its static nature.

An early example makes this clear: when helping a couple having trouble with their foreman, he asks us to “resolve” the conflict with a scrap dealer. Upon finding him, we can confront him, ignore him, or discover that, in reality, he has always worked for the foreman himself. Upon returning, we discover that the foreman is under investigation by the secret police, and the player can decide whether to expose his corruption or let the matter slide. These choices have consequences later on, making the decisions feel meaningful.

Moving on to the visuals, the art really stands out. The illustrations of both characters and environments look stunning; in some cases, they feature dynamic elements that show they’re not just background images, but that there’s more to them—with lighting and parallax effects that enhance the game’s presentation.

Aether & Iron is a title that uses its limitations to tell a unique story and offer an interesting twist on the RPG genre. It stands out for a narrative that’s as enjoyable as a fine whiskey in the rain, with voice acting that immerses you in its world. If you like role-playing games but don’t want to deal with overly complex systems—and you’re comfortable with combat that isn’t too demanding—this is an ideal choice for a break from high fantasy.

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