Buckle up, because the 1930s just got a lot more vertical. Seismic Squirrel has officially confirmed that their highly anticipated decopunk narrative RPG, Aether & Iron, is set to launch for PC and Mac via Steam on March 31, 2026.

If you’ve ever wondered what Mass Effect would look like if it were directed by Fritz Lang and set in a floating New York City, this is the game for you.

Welcome to the Vertical City

Set in an alternate timeline where the discovery of anti-gravitational “aether” technology has literally lifted New York into the sky, Aether & Iron puts you in the driver’s seat—literally. You play as Gia, a down-on-her-luck smuggler trying to navigate a city defined by stunning Art Deco architecture and deep, dangerous social divides.

This isn’t just a walking simulator, though. The game blends deep narrative choices with tactical, turn-based vehicular combat. Your car is your lifeblood, and in this world, a good getaway driver is worth their weight in gold.

Key Features to Watch For:

Tactical Road Wars: Engage in strategic, turn-based battles using a fleet of customizable aether-powered vehicles. Whether you prefer a glass-cannon speedster or a tanky brute with a grenade launcher, the garage is your playground.

Choice & Consequence: With a writing team featuring veterans from Mass Effect and Far Cry, your decisions actually matter. Your actions shape the fate of the city and your standing with its warring factions.

The Power of the Dice: Success isn’t just about your stats (Hustle, Smarts, and Brass); it’s also about the luck of the draw. The game leans into its RPG roots with dice-driven outcomes that keep every encounter tense.

Full Voice Acting: Immerse yourself in a fully-voiced world that brings the noir atmosphere of the 1930s to life with a modern, high-tech twist.

A New Era of Decopunk

Visually, the game is a knockout. Inspired by 1930s detective comics, the “decopunk” aesthetic creates a world that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alien. From the seedy underbelly of “The Hole” to the gleaming towers of the elite, every inch of this floating metropolis is dripping with style.

“We’re thrilled to finally bring the world of Aether & Iron to players. It’s been a journey of bringing a retro-futuristic vision to life, combining the grit of noir with the tactical depth of a modern RPG.” — Seismic Squirrel Dev Team

Ready for Launch?

Aether & Iron will be available on March 31 for Windows and macOS. It’s also confirmed to be Steam Deck Verified, so you can take your smuggling runs on the go.

If you can’t wait until the end of the month, there is a free 2-hour demo currently available on Steam that lets you play through the opening act and get a feel for the turn-based car combat.

Find out more here – https://www.seismicsquirrel.com/

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