Redakcja Choose TV
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 created by Amine Bouhafa, who brought a more artistic approach to the project than what is typical in games. Instead of dynamically reacting to every action of the player, the music in Aphelion flows more naturally and builds the atmosphere of scenes and relationships between characters. This means that the pieces are often not interrupted or "cut" to fit gameplay; instead, they develop in the background, giving the game a more emotional and coherent character. As a result, the experience is more reminiscent of a film than a classic gaming production.
Silence and solitude as part of the gameplay
The creators focused heavily on the feeling of isolation, which is why silence plays as important a role as music here. At times, the absence of sound can be more expressive than any audio track, emphasizing the characters' loneliness and their struggle for survival. The inspiration included the film 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. It is a being that moves mainly through sound, so its presence and behavior 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 primarily "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 building the atmosphere and emotions, which can distinguish this production from other titles.
source: Xbox
