Aphelion focuses on sound, this is how the atmosphere for this game was created.

Aphelion is one of those games where sound is not just an addition, but a key element of the entire experience. The creators have opted for a more cinematic approach to music and sound design, which is intended to directly influence the player's emotions and the way the story is perceived.

Music instead of typical “feedback”

The soundtrack is by Amine Bouhafa, who brought a more artistic approach to the project than what is typical for games. Instead of dynamically reacting to every player action, the music in Aphelion flows more naturally and builds the atmosphere of scenes and relationships between characters. This means that the tracks are often not interrupted or “cut” for gameplay, but rather develop in the background, giving the game a more emotional and cohesive character. This makes the experience feel more like a film than a classic gaming production.

Silence and Solitude as Part of Gameplay

The creators focused heavily on the feeling of isolation, which is why silence plays as crucial a role as music. At times, the absence of sound can be more expressive than any audio track, highlighting the heroes' loneliness and their struggle for survival. Inspiration came from films such as Arrival, which is particularly evident in the approach to sci-fi. Instead of typical electronic effects, the emphasis was placed on more natural and subtle sounds. One of the more interesting elements is the sound design for the enemy, Nemesis. This being primarily moves through sound, so its presence and behaviour are communicated through audio. The creators used a mix of synthetic and natural sounds, from animal noises to processed effects, to create something truly unsettling. As a result, the player not only sees the threat but, above all, "hears" it, which builds tension in a completely different way.

Aphelion shows how important sound can be in games. Instead of treating it as a background, the creators have made it one of the main elements that build the atmosphere and emotions, which can distinguish this production from other titles.

source: Xbox