Aether & Iron

Despite occasional stalls, this combination of tactics and talking has plush-leather depths worth sinking into.

A classic noir that tastefully departs from its ilk in meaningful ways, namely its cast and setting.

The extent to which Aether & Iron will be enjoyed is largely also the extent to which players are enamoured with visual novels. Much of the development effort here, and the overwhelming majority of player time, is spent on dialogue trees. For those who enjoy visual novels, and find that this “decopunk” setting chimes with them, there will be a lot to enjoy in Aether & Iron. Those looking for what it first appears to be – which is to say, a tactical RPG – are best advised to search elsewhere.

While Aether & Iron might be a fun tactical RPG with beautiful visuals, there are a few things that hold it back.

Aether & Iron is an ambitious RPG that places writing, atmosphere, and choice at the center of the experience. Set in a striking decopunk reimagining of 1930s New York, the game builds a morally complex world where social inequality, personal failure, and compromise are constant companions. Its greatest strength lies in how dialogue, dice-based decisions, and character perspective intertwine to create meaningful moments, even when failure is the outcome. While the turn-based vehicular combat may not appeal to everyone and some systems show the rough edges of a debut project, Aether & Iron's strong identity more than compensates. It is a game that rewards attention and patience, offering a memorable journey rather than easy gratification. For players looking for a story-driven RPG with personality and ambition, Aether & Iron is a compelling experience.

Aether & Iron is a remarkable achievement that successfully blends genres and creates something genuinely fresh in the RPG space. Despite some technical rough edges and limited mechanical depth in certain areas, the game's strong narrative focus, innovative combat system, and gorgeous presentation make it an easy recommendation for players seeking something different from their RPG experiences. In a gaming landscape often dominated by sequels and safe choices, Aether & Iron dares to be different—and largely succeeds. This is exactly the kind of ambitious indie title that deserves support, and we're eager to see what Seismic Squirrel creates next in this fascinating universe. – Flare

Aether and Iron is a tactical, 1930s aesthetic, story infused game that is definitely worth checking out and playing. It ticks all the right boxes and the narrative is engaging enough to keep you coming back for more. Yes there’s a few trope-filled aspects with the writing but that’s expected given the genre. The game does have a demo available on Steam too so if you’re on the fence about this one, give the demo a try and see if it’s for you or not. Chances are, you’ll be hooked instantly by Gia’s personality and the surprisingly fun tactical gameplay. Aether and Iron is easily on of 2026’s best games already and I highly recommend it.

Aether & Iron is a stylish and ambitious narrative RPG set in a retrofuturistic 1930s New York. Its strongest elements are its rich worldbuilding, sharp social themes, and noir-inspired storytelling, driven by meaningful choices and an introspective protagonist. While its tactical combat and RPG systems take a back seat, the game excels where it matters most, delivering a cohesive, immersive experience that feels fresh and distinct.

If you can look past the technical struggles of Aether & Iron, you will find a gripping narrative fueled by colorful characters and an equally colorful world. Gia’s journey to find who she wants to be, and what she wants to do, gripped me from start to finish. The side characters are lovely and diverse, representing different walks of life throughout New York. The combat is fun and interactive, even if surprisingly difficult in moments.  In the end, Aether & Iron is an experience worth having. Just know that nothing and no one is flawless in New York City.

While drawing inspiration from tabletop adventures, it certainly isn’t short on ideas, as it combines an alternate history 1930s decopunk setting with an intriguing turn-based combat system replicating car chases. Its fine use of noir stylings within its story and narrative helps give players an engaging experience, even if there are some missteps along the way.