Have you ever imagined a world with flying cars? Consider how such advancements might impact safety and air quality. At PAX East 2025, we had the opportunity to explore these concepts alongside Jay Zylstra, the President of Seismic Squirrel. He shared insights into their upcoming narrative RPG, Aether & Iron, which promises to captivate players with a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
Jay revealed how the project started with a desire to recreate the magic of classic games, the kind that kept us glued to our screens and eager to jump back into the story. He emphasized the timeless principles that define great games, focusing on art and storytelling that resonate deeply with players. In a world overflowing with digital content, Aether & Iron stands out with its commitment to human-made art, avoiding AI-generated content.
Drawing inspiration from the rich storytelling of games like BioWare’s Mass Effect, Aether & Iron offers a captivating narrative, balancing the scale of its immersive experience with the resources of a smaller studio. Opting for a JRPG-style approach, the game invites players into a world brimming with intrigue.
During our hands-on session, we explored the opening sequence of Aether & Iron, stepping into the shoes of a dynamic protagonist—a savvy mix of detective and femme fatale. As a handywoman and smuggler, you’re tasked with delivering precious cargo to the under city, navigating the threats posed by a mysterious adversary.
The gameplay ingeniously blends different styles: a point-and-click adventure for exploration, skill-check prompts during interactions, and a JRPG grid-based system for combat. Rather than focusing on individual characters, the game highlights crews’ flying cars and immersive environments, setting the stage for unique battles.
The introductory combat sequence served as a tutorial, but we’re eager to see how complexity evolves in later stages of the game. The main character’s journey promises to be as intriguing as her surroundings, with a noir-inspired touch as she reflects in black and white.
As we anticipate Aether & Iron’s release on Windows PC via Steam later this year, the question remains: How will you navigate this reimagined New York City? The game promises to deliver a rich tapestry of storytelling, exploration, and strategy that players won’t want to miss.
