Since its launch back in 2019,Disco Elysiumhas taken on a larger-than-life presence. The experimental, moody, unexpectedly hilarious CRPG was immediatelycompared to genre classics likePlanescape Tormentupon release, with particular praise heaped upon its sophisticated, literary writing, stunning art design, and pitch-perfect soundtrack, all of which contribute to an emotive and enthralling experience.
Six years later,Disco Elysium’s impact on the gaming landscape can’t be overstated, especially when looking at the indie scene, where countless studios have taken clear inspiration from ZA/UM’s increasingly seminal title. One upcomingDisco-like RPG that’s worth paying attention to isAether and Iron, a turn-based, narrative-driven game set in a retro-futuristic rendition of 1930s New York. Courtesy of a fictional substance known as aether,Aether and Iron’s Big Apple rests miles above the Earth, though the unmistakable, hard-boiled noir-detective stylings of the city in the 30s remain intact, albeit with a sci-fi slant. Filling the role of a smuggler named Gia, players will be tasked with exploring the complex landscape of the floating metropolis, delving deep into its myriad mysteries.
Aether and Iron Is Like Disco Elysium, Citizen Sleeper, and BioShock All at Once
Aether and Iron Has the CRPG Tendencies and Social Commentary of Disco Elysium
Disco Elysiumis an unapologetically political game. Its cultural and economic critiques, presented without compromise, contribute to its uniqueness and importance in the indie game scene, and a reluctance to embrace such bold ideas is a big reason why so fewDisco-inspired gameshave reached the same artistic heights. Put another way,Disco Elysiumtries to be more than a fun distraction: it wants to make its audience think critically about the world they live in, using the fictional society of Martinaise as a vehicle to send its message.
It looks likeAether and Ironis aiming for something similar, though the rigor and nuance of its social commentary remains to be seen. The rapid technological advancements ofAether and Iron’s world has “deepened social divides,” according to the game’s Steam description, which evokessimilar feelings as theBioShockseries. That is to say, the fantastical technology ofAether and Ironhas exacerbated social issues, leading to greater strife within The City That Never Sleeps. One can imagine how the title will use its RPG elements to facilitate player freedom within this premise, and developer Seismic Squirrel has suggested as much, hinting at rebellions the player can join and explicitly stating that “choices matter.”
Aether and Iron Looks Like Far More Than a Disco Elysium Clone
ComparingAether and IrontoDisco Elysiumis quite easy—even the former’s UI design and dice-based dialog checks are highly reminiscent of the latter—but the upcoming RPG is aiming to be far more than just anotherDisco-like indie. One of the most intriguing points of difference between the two isAether and Iron’s emphasis on traditional, strategy-based RPG systems: it will feature combat, which appears to be mostly vehicular in nature. Players can upgrade and expand Gia’s fleet of enhanced futuristic automobiles, utilizing them in grid-based, high-speed tactical encounters against enemy NPCs. This focus on combat serves as a powerful layer to the CRPG experience, which will ideally makeAether and Irona robust and dynamic game.
One can only hope thatAether and Ironwill stick the landing when it comes to both its storytelling and turn-based combat, serving players a fun and enthralling experience. With a slick art-deco-inspired visual style, a uniqueBioShock-esque premise, and tensedialog exchanges alaDisco Elysium, the game is certainly marketable to the right crowd, and if it lives up to its inspirations, it could be a very special project indeed.
Disco Elysium
WHERE TO PLAY
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is the definitive edition of the groundbreaking role playing game.You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city block to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders, or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.Full voice acting.All of the city’s beautiful people are brought to life with full English voiceover. Play characters against each other, attempt to help them, or fall hopelessly in love as each word is spoken to you with the appropriate accent and emotion.New political vision quests.Face the reality of your worldview as your political compass leads you down new paths. Discover more citizens, a whole extra area, and monumental sights as you leave an even bigger mark on the world by chasing your dreams.Unprecedented freedom of choice.Intimidate, sweet-talk, resort to violence, write poetry, sing karaoke, dance like a beast, or solve the meaning of life. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is the most faithful representation of desktop role playing ever attempted in video games.Countless tools for role playing. Mix and match from 24 wildly different skills. Develop a personal style with over 80 clothing items. Wield 14 tools from guns to flashlights to a boombox, or pour yourself a cocktail of 6 different psychoactive substances. Develop your character even further with 60 wild thoughts to think – with the detective’s Thought Cabinet.A revolutionary dialogue system with unforgettable characters.The world is alive with real people, not extras. Ask probing questions, make insightful observations, or express your wildest desires as you play cop or something completely different. Disco Elysium’s revolutionary dialogue system lets you do almost anything.Carve your unique path across the city.Explore, manipulate, collect tare, or become a millionaire in an open world unlike anything you’ve seen before. The city of Revachol is yours for the taking, one small piece at a time. From the streets to the beaches – and beyond.Hard boiled, hard core.Death, sex, taxes, and disco – nothing is off the table. Revachol is a real place with real challenges. Solve a massive murder investigation, or relax and kick back with sprawling side-cases. The detective decides, the citizens abide.
