Castlevania X: Symphony of the Night has always been an unbeatable classic in the hearts of many gamers. Recently, a new title from the Canadian indie studio Vertex Zero Games, Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World, showcases a strong Under the Moon style. This game features astonishing similarities in art, gameplay, and atmosphere, while incorporating modern technology to meet today’s gamers' expectations for fluidity and systems. Excitingly, the official announcement revealed that over 20,000 players have already added it to their wish lists.
Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World belongs to the genre reminiscent of Metroid and Castlevania, blending a dark Gothic art style with rich pixel detail and a somber narrative tone that tells a tale of sorrow, sacrifice, and beautiful exploration. The game is filled with elements that spark memories of Under the Moon, such as the nostalgic blue afterimage when characters walk.
The story is set on a vibrant yet precarious planet, where the fusion of flesh and metal creates a haunting atmosphere of technological horror. Taking place in the year 2997, the protagonist journeys through a civilization that has already collapsed. This planet is akin to a dying organism, and if the protagonist can find the artifact Angel's Egg, there’s a glimmer of hope to reverse this fate.
The combat segment is fast-paced, with the protagonist equipped with melee attack and mind control abilities, alongside numerous puzzle-solving elements. Overall, it shares a certain resemblance with Under the Moon, but whether special operations are necessary remains to be confirmed. The developers have specifically highlighted that the core feature of this game is a three-layer exploration system, allowing players to switch between the foreground, midground, and background, enhancing both the exploration and tactical experience. While the demo at Tokyo Game Show didn’t showcase this system, it’s undoubtedly a major point of anticipation. Additionally, details regarding the game's scale, skill diversity, and the specific mechanics of boss battles are still under wraps.
Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World will debut in the fourth quarter of 2026, launching on the PC Steam platform.
