Narrative RPGs have had a lot of success in the industry over the last few years, and that's especially true for games that are willing to experiment with unusual settings and mechanical twists. While many games rely on familiar tropes, some developers go in completely different and unique directions. Ether and ironupcoming tactical RPG on Steam by Seismic Squirrel, is one of the most recent examples, as it combines character-driven storytelling with turn-based strategy in an impressive decopunk world.
The game, which launched on Steam on March 31, will transport players to an alternate version of New York City in the 1930s. There, anti-gravity technology lifted entire roads, vehicles, and even neighborhoods into the sky. The result is a layered metropolis filled with criminal networks, political tension and high-stakes smuggling operations. Between the choice-based narrative and strategic combat systems, the game is already being compared to RPG heavyweights like Baldur's Gate 3 and Disco Elysium while still making his own moves.
An RPG where roleplaying is more important than stats
Good stats are nice, but the real problem is the large options and dialogue options in these role-playing RPGs.
The upcoming Steam Game Aether & Iron's Alternate 30s Setting is its biggest catch
One of the most remarkable aspects Ether and iron is its setting. The game takes direct inspiration from the art deco architecture and cultural identity of 1930s New York City, but filters it through a speculative lens in which anti-gravity technology has reshaped the entire city. Instead of traditional streets and panoramas, players navigate a floating metropolis where vehicles glide through the air and towering structures rise above layers of suspended infrastructure. The technology that made this possible also exacerbated the city's social divisions, creating a world dominated by powerful industrial barons while underground networks of smugglers and rebels struggle to survive.
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The game has stunning art direction that reinforces its tone. The characters are illustrated with distinctive, recognizable silhouettes reminiscent of detective comics from the 1930s. Meanwhile, the setting leans heavily on sleek deco-punk design. The aesthetic makes the world feel both historical and futuristic at the same time, which gives Ether and iron a visual identity that simply stands out from more traditional RPG settings.
Tactical combat takes place behind the wheel
While the focus on narrative may lead to comparisons to other story RPGs, Ether and iron brings a unique twist to the tactical game: vehicle combat. Players take on the role of a smuggler navigating the city's dangerous underworld, meaning a reliable escape plan is just as important as a capable crew. Turn-based combat encounters revolve around aether-powered cars equipped with a variety of controls and upgrades that affect outcomes during battle. Vehicles can be customized to suit different play styles, including features such as:
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Hidden compartments for smuggling contraband
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Smoke dispensers for evasive maneuvers
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Heavy armor for durability
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Offensive upgrades like flamethrowers
These adjustments can dramatically change the way combat encounters play out. Some players may prefer speed and mobility for quick escapes, but others may prefer heavily armored vehicles for dominating confrontations. By focusing tactical gameplay on customizable rides Ether and iron it gives its combat encounters a very different flavor from most turn-based RPGs right now.
Aether & Iron emphasizes choices, dice rolling, and character development
In addition to its combat systems, Ether and iron also leans heavily on narrative gameplay. Players will recruit a group of companions throughout the story, each with their own talents, backgrounds, and personal abilities. Character development revolves around three basic abilities
- Bustlerepresenting street smarts and resourcefulness
- Smartbound to intellect and problem solving
- Brassreflecting confidence and intimidation
These stats affect both combat and dialog interactions. Like many tabletop-inspired RPGs, results are not guaranteed. Even well-prepared characters can rely on luck when rolling the dice. This design philosophy reflects the unpredictability of games like Disco Elysiumwhere character stats often shape conversations and narrative outcomes. At the same time, the party-based structure and choice-based narrative evoke comparisons to similar games Baldur's Gate 3where companions and player decisions greatly affect the world.
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Aether & Iron could be one of the most stylish and surprising RPGs on Steam to look forward to this year
Between its deco-punk aesthetic, choice-based storytelling, and unusual vehicular combat systems, Ether and iron already stands out among upcoming RPGs on Steam. Its mix of narrative ambition and tactical gameplay may seem familiar to fans of modern hit games, but its setting and mechanics give it a distinct personality. If the game successfully fulfills its ideas, Ether and iron could carve out a niche as one of the more visually striking and mechanically creative RPGs to launch on Steam in 2026.
To top it all off: Aether & Iron's Writing Team delivers a true RPG experience
Another promising sign for Ether and iron is the pedigree of an experienced writing team. Involved developers in the project they have previously worked on games such as Mass Effect, Far Cryand Sovereign Syndicateindicating a strong focus on narrative depth and character-driven storytelling. This emphasis is enhanced by full voice acting that allows players to experience the game's alternate history of New York through a cast of characters whose stories range from the humorous to the philosophical to the tragic. As they explore the city's layered neighborhoods, they'll uncover the secrets hidden beneath its enchanting skyline, navigate corruption, rebellion, and shifting alliances.
