Stunning visuals in a planet-scale alien mind action game
In a landscape saturated with hyper-realistic graphics, truly stunning visuals in video games demand more than just more pixels—they require a radical dose of creative imagination. This is the challenge developers face when trying to make a game not just look good, but look unforgettable. Stepping into that arena, the upcoming action-adventure title Etre promises to be a visual spectacle that redefines the genre.
Developed by the LA-based studio Studio Lifeforms, Etre transports players to Orbis, a sprawling cityscape that Studio Lifeforms describes as a “planet-scale alien mind on the brink of awakening.” The narrative is deeply interwoven with the experience, placing the player in the role of Xyle, a traveler on a quest to find his soulmate, Atel, within this sentient environment.
The game’s striking aesthetic is perhaps its most immediate draw. Studio Lifeforms drew inspiration from the bold, dynamic style of ’70s and ’80s graphic novels, resulting in a visual identity that is both nostalgic and intensely unique. While the specific source material remains a delightful mystery, the resulting art style is instantly recognizable and captivating.
Aesthetically, Etre finds kinship with acclaimed titles like Rez> and Tetris Effect, translating those rhythmic, stylized visual experiences into a much more grounded action adventure setting.
Mechanically, the game leans heavily on dynamic exploration and movement-based combat, drawing clear influence from Remedy’s Control>. Players navigate Orbis in a semi-open fashion, allowing their actions to directly shape the unfolding story. Combat is a core feature, demanding quick reflexes and strategic movement.
The enemies in Orbis are equally bizarre, manifesting as environmental anomalies and unsettling “living geometry,” adding a layer of surrealism to the conflict. While the visual journey is mesmerising, the experience’s full potential hinges on the tactile feedback of combat. To truly match the visual flair, Etre will need to deliver that satisfying physical weight to complement its stunning appearance.
Despite the visual prowess, developers still have work to do. While the aesthetic is a major win, some early clips suggest the combat mechanics might currently feel a little flat. The promise of Etre is clear: a visual feast, but the true test will be whether the gameplay delivers the same visceral satisfaction that games like Control> perfected.
Though a release date has not yet been announced, anticipation is high. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that this visually rich, mechanically ambitious world of Orbis arrives sometime next year.
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