Since its launch back in 2019, Disco Elysium has taken on a larger-than-life presence. The experimental, moody, unexpectedly hilarious CRPG was immediately compared to genre classics like Planescape Torment upon 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.
Disco Elysium Mobile Could Be Bittersweet for Fans
As exciting as it is that Disco Elysium is finally getting an official mobile phone port, its release may leave a bad taste in some fans' mouths.
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 Elysium is 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 few Disco-inspired games have reached the same artistic heights. Put another way, Disco Elysium tries 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 like Aether and Iron is aiming for something similar, though the rigor and nuance of its social commentary remains to be seen. The rapid technological advancements of Aether and Iron's world has "deepened social divides," according to the game's Steam description, which evokes similar feelings as the BioShock series. That is to say, the fantastical technology of Aether and Iron has 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
Comparing Aether and Iron to Disco Elysium is 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 another Disco-like indie. One of the most intriguing points of difference between the two is Aether 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 make Aether and Iron a robust and dynamic game.
One can only hope that Aether and Iron will 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 unique BioShock-esque premise, and tense dialog exchanges ala Disco 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.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 96%
- Released
- October 15, 2019
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Developer(s)
- ZA/UM
- Publisher(s)
- ZA/UM
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, try 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.
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Stadia
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- How Long To Beat
- 23 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
