Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World: A Gothic Sci-Fi Metroidvania Inspired by Classic Castlevania

Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World is set to make waves among Metroidvania enthusiasts, particularly those longing for the pixel-rich, gothic aesthetics of classic Castlevania games.

Developed by Vertex Zero, this indie title is positioned to resonate with fans who appreciate the intricate exploration, atmospheric design, and challenging gameplay that defined landmark entries like Symphony of the Night, Aria of Sorrow, and Portrait of Ruin. The resurgence of Metroidvania can be seen in recent moves from major publishers like Konami, which is reviving the Castlevania franchise with new titles such as Belmont's Curse, developed in collaboration with Motion Twin and Evil Empire—known for their acclaimed work on Dead Cells.

While this latest Castlevania entry has generated excitement, some longtime fans have expressed disappointment over its modern graphical approach, craving the retro visuals that established the genre’s identity. For players seeking a return to that iconic style, Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World provides a promising alternative.

According to official materials, the game is described as “an exploration-focused, gothic sci-fi Metroidvania rooted in cosmic horror.” Set in the year 2997, players will navigate the haunting, labyrinthine environment of a massive underground complex, unraveling the fate of a technologically advanced—but now extinct—civilization.

The artistic direction fuses gothic overtones with futuristic gloom, resulting in an atmospheric experience reminiscent of classic Castlevania while charting its own distinct path. The narrative places players in the role of Apranik, who journeys to the planet Thulcandra on a quest to retrieve the Angel’s Egg, a mysterious artifact believed to hold the secret of all life in the universe.

The game is characterized by its tense, claustrophobic corridors populated by the remnants of both technological and biological horrors.

This deep, lore-driven approach is expected to appeal to genre veterans who value environmental storytelling and exploratory gameplay mechanics. Though Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World is currently announced for Steam, its unapologetic homage to 2D pixel-art Metroidvanias is generating buzz across the gaming community.

The creative vision of Vertex Zero, combined with a focus on atmospheric world-building and haunting visuals, signals a strong addition to indie offerings on the platform.

As the Metroidvania genre continues its renaissance, Silent Planet stands out as a title deeply rooted in the traditions that made classics like Symphony of the Night and Aria of Sorrow beloved. For fans eager to revisit the golden era of gothic exploration with a fresh sci-fi twist, Silent Planet – Elegy of a Dying World is one to watch as its release on Steam approaches.