Summary

This space-sim allows the player to explore a solar system, mining for resources and fending off, or raiding other space space ships. I was the Game Designer/Programmer for this project where I had to design the player controls, enemy types and AI behaviours, in-game economy and upgrades. This prototype was created in Unity with one other developer and one artist.

Play it here (uses old Unity web player)

Controls:

W/S – Speed up and down
1, 2, 3, 4 – Weapon selection keys (note only 1 is unlocked at the start)
Mouse axis – Ship movement
A/D – Barrel roll left/right
E – Action (collect resources)

Development

We initially set out to create a space sim where every time you play, a new solar system is generated making every play through different. As well as this we wanted a reputation system, in game economy, AI patrol and random spawning, the list got fairly extensive. Whilst we achieved a fair amount in our year development on this title, this game’s development definitely taught me the dangers of feature creep!

In the end we managed to get a game where the player can fly around a pre-built solar system and collect resources which they can trade at a space station for new weapons and upgrades, as well as battle with pre placed ships which remember your friendly or hostile actions based on their faction.