Starsector

Starfarer

Release Date: April 29, 2011 Early Access

Simulation, science fiction, space sim, sandbox, in space, 2D, indie games, space ships, singleplayer

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Starsector is a powerful space simulator developed by Fractal Softworks. During the adventure, the player sits at the helm of his own ship; the game does not impose specific objectives, opting for free exploration and character development.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Starsector is a powerful space simulator in which the player takes on the role of ship's captain and sets off to conquer the universe. The title does not impose any specific objectives and is based on freedom of play. The studio Fractal Softworks is responsible for the production.

Plot

The world in Starsector is extremely extensive. The action of the game takes place in the 206th cycle (year 3126) in Perseus' Arm, one of the four main arms of the Milky Way. This is one of the many sectors that has been engulfed in an endless war for resources caused by the cut-off from the rest of space.

In the distant past, mankind ruled a large part of the Milky Way. The whole empire, called the Human Domain, was governed by the Council, which had its seat on the "Old Earth". The territories under its control have been divided into a number of sectors; smooth movement between them has been made possible by special gates. One day, all the gates in the sector were closed and all the communication links to the Human Domain were broken. Lack of contact with the rest of the empire combined with insufficient food resources resulted in an outbreak of war between the planets.

In such a reality, the action of the game takes place. The player takes control of his spaceship and crosses the space of the Perseus Arm sector. During his adventure, he can join a number of different factions: Hegemonia, an organization that claims to be the spiritual successor of the Human Domain, or Tri-Tachyon corporation.

Mechanics

Starsector is a space simulator with a procedurally generated world that gives almost unlimited freedom of exploration. The player is in charge of one of a series of ships available in the game, among which you can find cruisers, frigates and fighters. Each of them has its own unique properties, which influence the way the game is played. In addition, vessels may be modified to the extent limited by their design. The inspection of the vessels was carried out in great detail, taking into account the many components installed. For example, you can turn off transponders to avoid detection by enemies, or start crankshaft engines and expose yourself to cosmic pirates.

The player can not only explore space alone, but also create a fleet of many different ships. A captain may be employed on any one of the ships inspected.

During exploration, a number of wrecks and abandoned settlements can be found, from which technology can be extracted. There is also an option to assault one of the colonies. In this case you need to gather a strong fleet and hire a sufficient number of Marines - all settlements have their own defensive structures. The chance of success of the attack is defined by a special indicator. Each colony can be conquered once a day. However, if it is attacked too often, it will strengthen its defensive structures.

Character development also plays an important role in Starsector. The player along with the progress of the game collects points, which can then be used to gain new skills. Capabilities are divided into four categories: combat, leadership, technology and industry. Each tree consists of 10 different perks, divided into five levels - after reaching each of them you can choose one of the two available skills. Additionally, after unlocking a given ability, it can be further upgraded up to a maximum of fifteenth level.

Apart from the exploration of space itself, there is also the possibility of building colonies. Players can create their own settlement on one of the available planets. It can serve many different purposes, e.g. the production and export of materials for profit or the creation of vessels and weapons for the fleet. How effective a facility will be depends on its stability: the higher the value of the indicator, the better the market position and the stronger the fleet.