“Underspace” is an ambitious Early Access title that aims to recapture the magic of classic space sims like “Freelancer,” while infusing it with a unique twist of cosmic horror. Developed by Kevin “Trainwiz” Brock, known for his modding prowess in games like Skyrim and Fallout, “Underspace” promises to be a passion project that could potentially stand out in the crowded space sim genre.
A Nod to the Classics
From the moment you boot up “Underspace,” the influence of “Freelancer” is unmistakable. The game brings back the arcade-style space combat and exploration that many fans of the genre have been yearning for. The controls are responsive and intuitive, making it easy to jump into the cockpit and start blasting away at enemy ships. The ship handling feels smooth and satisfying, capturing the essence of mid-2000s space sims perfectly.
Cosmic Horror Meets Space Sim
What sets “Underspace” apart from its predecessors is its incorporation of Lovecraftian horror elements. The game’s universe is teeming with eldritch creatures and mysterious phenomena that add a layer of suspense and intrigue to the exploration experience. During my time in the demo, I encountered massive tentacles lurking in nebulae and fought against a giant skeletal snake, all while navigating through space storms that threatened to tear my ship apart. These moments of cosmic horror are well-executed and provide a refreshing change from the usual space sim fare.
Content and Customization
Despite being in Early Access, “Underspace” already offers a wealth of content. The demo includes a single star system packed with planets, space stations, and trade lanes reminiscent of “Freelancer.” The promise of over 100 star systems, 60 ships, 150 pieces of equipment, and 40 factions in the final game is tantalizing. The game’s job system, which allows players to take on various missions to earn credits and reputation, adds depth and replayability. Whether you’re hunting down pirates, escorting clients, or uncovering hidden missions, there’s always something to do in “Underspace.”
Early Access Impressions
While “Underspace” shows a lot of promise, it is still very much a work in progress. The current story content is sparse, with only a few missions available that hint at a larger narrative. However, the game’s potential is clear, and the foundation laid by Brock and his team is solid. The planned features, including a class system, PvP, and co-op, suggest a game that could grow into a beloved space RPG.
Conclusion
“Underspace” is a thrilling blend of classic space sim gameplay and cosmic horror, brought to life by a passionate developer with a clear vision. While it’s too early to tell if the game will fully realize its ambitious goals, the early access version is already a compelling experience for fans of the genre. If you loved “Freelancer” and are intrigued by the idea of facing down eldritch horrors in the depths of space, “Underspace” is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Underspace” holds the potential to become a standout title in the space sim genre, offering a fresh and terrifying take on the vastness of space. Check it out on Early Access
Helrato, or Hel for short, is your typical young gamer from Australia who grew up with an older brother that introduced him to gaming. That same older brother would give him an unplugged controller and told him that he was playing, and that's how Helrato's journey into games started - by believing he was playing something when in fact he wasn't playing anything.
Helrato's favourite game franchises include Assassin's Creed, Age of Empires, Call of Duty, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid. With his old favourite games of all time being Brigandine: The Legend of Forsena, Legaia 2 and Dark Chronicle (Dark Cloud 2). If you know those games, mad respect.
When he's not writing reviews, he's playing games, when he's not playing games, he's thinking about playing games, when he's thinking about playing games, he's at work - not playing games.
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