- Publisher: DONTNOD Entertainment
- Release Date: Apr 28, 2026
- Also On: PC, PlayStation 5
- Summary:
- Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
- Genre(s): Action Adventure, General
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 1 out of 12
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Mixed: 11 out of 12
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Negative: 0 out of 12
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Apr 28, 2026Aphelion is a small game that hits hard with big emotions by embracing the very best elements of science fiction. It embraces humanity and connection while still showcasing the genre’s love of alien planets and condemnation of evil corporations.
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Apr 28, 2026Aphelion succeeds by betting on an interesting theme and a relatively realistic approach to space exploration. The combination of science fiction, human drama, and mystery works well enough to keep the player curious for much of the campaign. However, the game suffers from linearity issues, some repetitive moments, and a lack of technical refinement that prevents the project from reaching its full potential.
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Apr 29, 2026DON'T NOD delivers a linear, narrative-driven space adventure focused on the connection between its two protagonists. While it shows excellent direction and great characterization, it stumbles on a basic level design, repetitive gameplay, and an underdeveloped story plot. A flawed yet very fascinating interstellar journey.
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May 5, 2026Aphelion is a game that works better as a narrative experience than as a video game in its own right. DON’T NOD once again demonstrates its talent for storytelling. However, the lack of challenge, its short length, and some unpolished gameplay mechanics prevent it from reaching greater heights.
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May 8, 2026Aphelion is a fine action-adventure game. I use “action” loosely here as there isn’t that much action, but there is more than we are used to in a Don’t Nod title. With a solid enough story there is enough to get invested in here. But with game play mechanics that faulter more than they work, and a final third of the game that drags on far too long, it’s hard to recommend Aphelion to anyone other than the die hard Don’t Nod fans.
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Apr 28, 2026Aphelion isn't a disaster and can even be enjoyable, but it fails to be a memorable space odyssey. While its premise and script keep the game afloat, the repetitive and simplistic gameplay mechanics and unstable technical performance constantly hinder the adventure's progression.
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Apr 28, 2026It’s hard to hide our disappointment with Aphelion, which stands as the very definition of an average game. While there’s nothing fundamentally bad or failed about Don’t Nod’s title, there’s still plenty of room for improvement on many levels, which inevitably leaves us with a bitter aftertaste once the adventure is over. We’re left with the feeling that we’ve missed out on what could have been a great adventure, one whose good ideas, though present, weren’t properly developed by the studio.