Aerannis

Aerannis is a stealth-action Metroidvania set in a cyberpunk version of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in the year 2XXX. In this dystopian world, men have vanished, and the remaining population is controlled by mysterious shapeshifters. Players take on the role of Ceyda Farhi, an assassin uncovering a dark conspiracy through missions involving stealth, hostage-taking, traps, and intense boss battles. The game features vibrant pixel art, a large interconnected world, and a blend of fast-paced action with strategic stealth mechanics.

Aerannis: A Cyberpunk Stealth Metroidvania That Defies Convention

Introduction

Aerannis is a game that dares to be different. Released in 2015 by the indie studio Ektomarch, it blends stealth, action, and Metroidvania exploration into a cyberpunk world where men have ceased to exist, and society is controlled by shapeshifting aliens and radical feminists. The game’s protagonist, Ceyda Farhi, is a trans woman assassin navigating a world that both oppresses and fears her. With its vibrant pixel art, synth-heavy soundtrack, and a narrative that tackles themes of identity, oppression, and conspiracy, Aerannis is a game that refuses to be ignored. Yet, its ambitious vision is often undercut by clunky mechanics, unforgiving stealth systems, and a story that struggles to cohere. This review will explore Aerannis in exhaustive detail, examining its strengths, flaws, and the legacy it leaves behind.

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Development History & Context

Aerannis was developed by Ektomarch, a small indie studio that emerged during the mid-2010s, a period marked by the rise of crowdfunding and the democratization of game development tools. The game was built using the Love2D framework and SDL, with Lua scripting, which allowed for a lightweight but flexible development process. This choice of tools reflects the indie ethos of the era, where small teams could create ambitious projects without the need for massive budgets or proprietary engines.

The game’s release in September 2015 coincided with a burgeoning interest in cyberpunk aesthetics and narratives in indie games, as well as a growing demand for more diverse representation in video games. Aerannis arrived at a time when discussions about gender, identity, and politics in gaming were becoming increasingly prominent, thanks in part to movements like GamerGate and the push for greater inclusivity in the industry. The game’s premise—a world without men, ruled by a feminist government that persecutes trans women—was both provocative and timely, positioning Aerannis as a game that sought to engage with these conversations head-on.

However, the gaming landscape of 2015 was also crowded with Metroidvania-style games, many of which struggled to stand out. Aerannis attempted to differentiate itself by blending stealth mechanics with its exploration and combat, a combination that was relatively rare at the time. Games like Mark of the Ninja had proven that stealth could work in a 2D format, but Aerannis aimed to merge this with the progression and world-building of a Metroidvania. The result was a game that was ambitious but flawed, a product of its time and the limitations of its development.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

Aerannis is set in the year 2XXX in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, a cyberpunk dystopia where men have mysteriously vanished, and society is controlled by a feminist government. The protagonist, Ceyda Farhi, is a trans woman assassin who works for a shadowy handler named Elsa. As the game progresses, Ceyda uncovers a conspiracy involving shapeshifting aliens who manipulate human society, as well as the oppressive regime of the TERFs (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists), who view trans women as threats to their vision of a female-only utopia.

The story unfolds through a series of missions, each of which reveals more about the world and Ceyda’s place in it. Early missions involve standard assassination contracts, but as Ceyda delves deeper, she discovers that the government is not only oppressing trans women but is also complicit in the alien conspiracy. The narrative culminates in a choice between two endings, both of which are ambiguous and open to interpretation.

Themes and Symbolism

Aerannis is a game that wears its themes on its sleeve. At its core, it is a story about oppression, identity, and resistance. Ceyda’s status as a trans woman in a society that rejects her is central to the game’s narrative. The TERFs, who control the government, represent a real-world ideology that excludes trans women from feminist spaces, and the game does not shy away from depicting the violence and bigotry that Ceyda faces. The inclusion of shapeshifting aliens adds a layer of surrealism to the story, suggesting that the oppression Ceyda experiences is not just human-made but part of a larger, cosmic conspiracy.

The game’s setting in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is also significant. Bulgaria is a country with a complex history of gender and identity politics, and the game’s cyberpunk aesthetic draws on both Eastern European and global influences. The Old Planina District, for example, is inspired by East Asian culture, with its masked inhabitants and distinct architecture, hinting at a world where cultural boundaries are fluid and identity is constantly in flux.

Character Analysis

Ceyda Farhi is a compelling protagonist, not least because she is a trans woman in a genre that has historically lacked diverse representation. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resistance, as she grapples with her identity and the oppressive forces that seek to erase her. The game’s portrayal of Ceyda is nuanced, showing her as both a skilled assassin and a vulnerable individual who faces constant discrimination.

Elsa, Ceyda’s handler, serves as a mentor figure, providing guidance and support. However, her role is ambiguous, and it is unclear whether she is truly an ally or part of the conspiracy. The game’s other characters, including the robotic assistant SED and the various NPCs Ceyda encounters, add depth to the world, though many of them are underdeveloped.

Dialogue and Writing

The game’s dialogue is a mix of serious and humorous, with Ceyda’s internal monologue providing insight into her thoughts and feelings. However, the writing can be uneven, with some lines feeling forced or out of place. The game’s attempt to balance its political themes with humor and action sometimes results in tonal inconsistency, which can be jarring.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Aerannis is a mission-based game, with each mission involving stealth, combat, or a combination of both. The game’s structure is linear, with progress gated by story events rather than exploration. This sets it apart from traditional Metroidvanias, where progression is often tied to acquiring new abilities that allow access to previously inaccessible areas. In Aerannis, new abilities are introduced, but they are primarily used to overcome specific challenges within missions rather than to unlock new areas of the world.

The game’s stealth mechanics are central to its identity. Ceyda must sneak past enemies, using distractions, hostage-taking, and silent kills to avoid detection. The stealth system is unforgiving, with instant failure if Ceyda is spotted during certain missions. This can be frustrating, especially given the game’s clunky controls and inconsistent enemy AI.

Combat and Progression

Combat in Aerannis is fast-paced and action-oriented, with Ceyda using a variety of weapons and abilities to take down enemies. The game’s emphasis on stealth means that combat is often a last resort, but when it does occur, it is satisfying and intense. The game’s boss battles are a highlight, with each boss requiring a different strategy to defeat.

Character progression is tied to the acquisition of new abilities, such as wall jumps and dashes, which allow Ceyda to traverse the environment more effectively. However, the game’s linear structure means that these abilities are often used in scripted sequences rather than for exploration.

UI and Controls

The game’s UI is functional but unremarkable, with a focus on providing the necessary information without overwhelming the player. The controls, however, are a major point of contention. The game’s default control scheme is awkward, with actions mapped to unintuitive keys, and the lack of control remapping in the initial release was a significant oversight. While later patches added the ability to rebind keys, the controls remain clunky, with input lag and inconsistent responsiveness.

Innovative and Flawed Systems

Aerannis attempts to innovate by blending stealth and Metroidvania elements, but the execution is often flawed. The stealth mechanics, while ambitious, are marred by inconsistent enemy AI and unforgiving failure states. The game’s mission-based structure also limits the sense of exploration and discovery that is central to the Metroidvania genre.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Aerannis’s world is a cyberpunk dystopia, with a vibrant and detailed pixel art style that sets it apart from the typical cool blues and grays of the genre. The game’s use of red, purple, and orange hues gives it a distinctive look, and the city of Plovdiv is brought to life with glowing neon signs, bustling streets, and towering buildings. The game’s setting is richly detailed, with each district having its own unique aesthetic and atmosphere.

The Old Planina District, for example, is inspired by East Asian culture, with its masked inhabitants and traditional architecture, while other areas of the city are more futuristic and high-tech. The game’s world is interconnected, with Ceyda able to traverse the city streets between missions, though the lack of optional areas and collectibles limits the sense of exploration.

Visual Direction

The game’s pixel art is a standout feature, with detailed sprites and environments that are both visually striking and functional. The character designs are diverse, with a range of body types and appearances that reflect the game’s commitment to representation. The animations, while sometimes jerky, are generally well-executed, with Ceyda’s movements and actions feeling fluid and natural.

Sound Design

The game’s soundtrack is a synth-heavy affair, with tracks that evoke the cyberpunk aesthetic while also providing a sense of tension and urgency. The sound design is effective, with environmental sounds and enemy cues helping to immerse the player in the world. The voice acting, while limited, is well-done, with Ceyda’s internal monologue providing insight into her thoughts and feelings.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical Reception

Aerannis received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising its ambitious narrative and striking visuals but criticizing its clunky controls and unforgiving stealth mechanics. The game’s political themes were a point of contention, with some critics applauding its bold approach to representation and others finding the story confusing or heavy-handed.

Commercial Performance

The game’s commercial performance was modest, with sales likely limited by its niche appeal and the crowded indie market of 2015. However, its inclusion in the itch.io Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality in 2020 introduced it to a wider audience, leading to a resurgence of interest in the game.

Influence and Legacy

Aerannis’s legacy is one of ambition and imperfection. While it may not have achieved the critical or commercial success of other indie darlings, it remains a notable example of a game that sought to push boundaries in both its narrative and gameplay. Its portrayal of a trans woman protagonist and its engagement with political themes make it a significant entry in the canon of indie games, and its blend of stealth and Metroidvania elements, while flawed, is an interesting experiment in genre hybridization.

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Conclusion

Aerannis is a game that defies easy categorization. It is ambitious, flawed, and unapologetically political, a product of its time and the indie ethos that drove its development. Its strengths—its striking visuals, its bold narrative, and its commitment to representation—are often undercut by its weaknesses—its clunky controls, its unforgiving stealth mechanics, and its uneven writing. Yet, for all its flaws, Aerannis is a game that demands to be experienced, a testament to the power of indie development to tackle complex themes and push the boundaries of what video games can be.

Final Verdict: Aerannis is a flawed but fascinating experiment in cyberpunk storytelling and stealth gameplay. Its ambitious narrative and striking visuals make it a standout in the indie scene, but its clunky mechanics and uneven execution hold it back from greatness. For players willing to overlook its flaws, Aerannis offers a unique and thought-provoking experience that is well worth the journey. 7/10