The last few weeks have bordered on overwhelming for science fiction fans. While Project Hail Mary is dominating the box office and shows like For All Mankind are in their final stretch, games like Pragmata and Saros are pushing the action to new heights. But amidst all this cosmic drama, don’t miss out on Aphelion.

The new adventure game is a nice counterpoint to the recent barrage of blockbusters. Developed by Don’t Nod, known for Life is Strange, it’s an intimate and approachable experience in a near-future where Earth is near uninhabitable due to Persephone, a promising new home planet. Two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, crash-land there, separating on a barren wasteland. Their contrasting stories unfold as you navigate puzzles, climb, and explore.

Aphelion plays like a third-person action game crossed with a walking sim. Ariane is mostly healthy, engaging in climbing and exploration, while Thomas struggles due to his damaged suit. The story alternates between their viewpoints, creating a tense and cinematic experience. Sci-fi influences abound, but it’s the tragic tale of its lead astronauts that drives the narrative forward.

The dual-perspective story is paced nearly perfectly, making it long enough to tell without overstaying its welcome. The only real issue is how rigid the gameplay can be, often following a single route intended by designers. But Aphelion does have very forgiving checkpoints, so dying isn’t as frustrating as it could be.

Perhaps the game Aphelion reminds us most of The Invincible. Both are essentially the video game equivalent of a short sci-fi story, tightly paced and incredibly focused. Aphelion uses visuals and gameplay to tell an intimate story that stands out during this busy moment in the genre.