Seismic Squirrel’s Aether & Iron throws players into a version of 1938 New York that never existed and it is one powered by anti-gravitational aether engines and split by class, corruption, and control. The streets hum with smog and ambition, and every neon glow hides another secret. This isn’t your usual post-war noir; it’s a full-blown decopunk RPG where style and consequence collide.
In the demo, we meet Gia, a smuggler trying to stay alive between the city’s gilded towers and grimy underbelly. Her weapons of choice? A custom aether-powered car, a quick tongue, and a dice roll that never guarantees safety. From the start, Aether & Iron makes one thing clear every choice counts, and the world keeps score. So are you ready greenhorn?
Welcome to the City of Aether
Dialogue here are heavily narrated with well done voice acting. Though it is worth mention since it is a demo, the developers have not fully flush out all the voice acting for each character. If you love a good role-playing game, I can say the devs and voice actor done a good job on trying to match the feel of the world. Each encounter uses skill checks tied to Gia’s traits: Hustle, Smarts, and Brass. These aren’t just stats; they define who you are in this world. Do you talk your way out, intimidate your way through, or trust your street smarts to dodge trouble? Every decision shapes your relationships, opens (or closes) missions, and shifts how New York treats you.
There’s a constant push-and-pull between luck and preparation. Fail a check, and that smooth plan turns messy fast. Pull it off, and you might unlock an entirely new route. It’s a system that rewards creativity and keeps you second-guessing even the smallest line of dialogue.
The talent tree expands this even further. Whether you double down on charm, muscle, or intellect, progression feels deliberate. There’s no “right” build, so just choose the one that fits how you want to survive the city. And because everything from persuasion to combat is skill-based, your stats aren’t background noise they’re your lifeline and will alter how you progress in the story.
Tactical Roads and Vehicular Mayhem
Where Aether & Iron really sets itself apart is its take on turn-based combat that is unique in the attempt make it fit in this narrative world. Instead of sword swings or gunfire on static maps, fights happen behind the wheel. Tactical, grid-based encounters take place on floating highways and crumbling bridges as you steer your aether-powered vehicle through danger.
Each battle plays like a blend of positioning and resource management. You spend action points to maneuver, ram, or unleash mounted weapons: flamethrowers, smoke screens, grenade launchers, and more. The flow feels methodical yet unpredictable, especially when the environment itself turns against you.
Between jobs, you can tinker with your ride, upgrading armor, adding hidden compartments for smuggling, or boosting raw speed for cleaner getaways. These tweaks aren’t cosmetic as they change how you approach combat and how much risk you can afford. Go in heavy and loud, or play it slick and evasive; both paths have their advantages.
A Living, Breathing Decopunk World
Visually, Aether & Iron nails its theme. The Art Deco skyline, neon reflections, and thick city fog give it the look of a 1930s comic strip come alive. The presentation feels deliberate, confident, and grounded in that alternate-history energy. Every character is either from worn-down mechanics to sharp-tongued rebels or feels pulled straight out of a pulp magazine.
The writing team’s pedigree shows too, with credits from Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate lending weight to the dialogue. Conversations have rhythm, and even background chatter builds the world’s tension. The demo’s full voice acting helps sell the immersion, making every shady deal and smoky conversation land with personality.
Style Meets Substance
The blend of narrative depth, grounded world-building, and unique vehicular strategy stands out in a genre that often plays it safe. Though not in a bad way. The game has a lot going on and its very immersive into getting you feel like you are in that timeline. Though this game may not be for those who like heavy based story or narrative game, but if you look a good storyline and plot this is a game you might consider.
If the full release maintains the balance between story freedom and gameplay tension, Seismic Squirrel might have one of next year’s most intriguing RPGs on their hands. In a skyline ruled by greed and gravity-defying ambition, Aether & Iron looks ready to carve out its own altitude.
The demo is available right now on PC (Steam) with the full game to be released sometime next year 2026.
