Astrox Imperium is my attempt to create the space game that I wanted to play, but no one had created. I wanted a single player, open-world space game that is similar to games I enjoyed, like Homeworld and EVE, with economies, factions, and a simple story. A game where I could set all the parameters, and the universe would come alive with new challenges each time I played. I tried to take the best of what I liked from many of my favorite space games, and combine them into something simple but deep, familiar yet fresh, and enjoyably addicting to play.
The main game play loops are fairly simple, and familiar. What makes Astrox Imperium unique, is the way that you can easily glide between the various loops to maintain a nice level of progression, without it feeling to slow or too fast. You have complete control over how the universe is generated. You can make it long and 'grindy', or tweak the endless sandbox settings for fast and rapid progression to access all the mechanics the game has to offer.
As with most space games of this genre, mining is a big mechanic of Astrox. It is the easiest way to earn credits. You can also complete contract missions. These are randomly generated missions that offer a variety of task and objectives to complete. Some of these contracts are combat missions that will involve raiders, pirates, and sometimes regular npcs. The combat missions offer a bit more action to an otherwise relaxed game. The rate at which you choose to progress is up to you. There are a number of small, interesting little mechanics sprinkled throughout the game that were given a lot of thought and care, but you will not find anything groundbreaking or innovative here. This game is meant to feel comfortable and familiar. The game play loops are designed to be simple enough to understand quickly, and complex enough to enjoy over many hours of play.
Many of the classic mechanics from the space game genre have been incorporated into Astrox Imperium. Basic interface controls were designed using elements from some RTS and FPS games. All the fan favorites and core game play elements have been included; mining, crafting, trading, refining, fleets, combat, exploration, survival, and more. This game will seem familiar to fans of the space survival / exploration game genre. Here is a list of features that are currently in the game. Check out our community forum if you are looking for more information about upcoming features.
Basic Features Overview
All features listed here are currently in this Early Access Release.
Open World - Free to do as you please, go where you want, do what you want.
Exploration - Over 100 maps to explore, each with unique resources, stations, structures and secrets.
Flight - You can fly your ships with the mouse, WASD, or point and click. (No controller support)
Camera Control - You have full control of the camera. 3D rotational focus, first and 3rd person , and follow behind views with lots of options.
Mining - 12 different types of resources to collect.
Skills- 100+different skill to train.
Refining - Break down ore into raw materials and components used for crafting.
Crafting - Use those raw materials and components to create new items.
Trading & Economy - Profit from the simulated economy with trade.
Missions - 15 unique mission types. Contract missions for the 18 game factions.
Factions -18 factions, ratings effect all areas of life in the Astrox Universe.
Combat - Real time, dynamic, tactical and strategic. hundreds of weapons, ECM, drones, bombs , ships and more.
Smart AI - Intelligent, and plays by the same rules are you do.
Life support -expand your range of exploration, manage and upgrade your life support systems.
Ships-Currently over 70 ships and growing.
Drones -10 unique drones , each with special abilities. Automate their control, or manually manage their tasks.
Fleets - Build a fleet of up to 10 Merc ships. Command and control their actions individually or as a group.
Station Building - Yes you can progress to the point where you can construct stations, and employ your mercs generating passive income and opening station services.
Tons of sandbox options that will allow you to adjust the universe to your liking.
MOD tools built into the game, Allowing you to create just about everything you see in the game. No need for additional downloads.
The game files, databases, scripting files , ship files are all in plain text and can be edited with notepad. All images are exposed for easy editing and modding.
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What NOT to expect
Astrox is NOT a fast-paced space shooter... there is no mouse aiming.
Astrox is NOT an idle game. There are things you can do AFK, but this game requires user input to play.
Astrox is NOT multiplayer.
Astrox does NOT have AAA quality models and textures. Many are placeholders and will be replaced.
The game will be soon leaving early access. With over 144 updates over 7 years, the journey has been a long one. I could not have done it with the endless support and help from some amazing players and contributors. I am eternally grateful for their years of support and encouragement.
