Recently I started playing a new game, Kerbal Space Program, and I just have to take a few seconds to share this gem of a find. The game is still in development and all, but it’s still easily one of the most addictive games I have in my library.
KSP allows you to run your own space program from the planet ‘Kerbin’, home of the adorable ‘Kerbals’, and this is not some cheapo arcade style game; it has plenty of realistic simulation in it to make it fun for nerds, or to use as a learning tool for learning about physics, gravity, etc.
You build your rocket from a selection of parts, then launch your creation…and assuming it doesn’t break apart and achieves orbit…it’s off to the Mün! The game uses realistic enough space mechanics, so achieving Münar orbit and landing is by no means an easy feat.
Check out this cute ‘found footage’ style promo short.
Right now the game is still in an early stage, but is being actively developed with plenty of input from the players, and the game already has plenty of mods. There’s even a website, Kerbal Spaceport, just to browse through the mods available, or to share your own. And you can also check out the plethora of videos on youtube for examples of gameplay, strategies, and more.
And make no mistake, there are several strategies you can follow. Afraid to send Kerbals out to die because you cannot build a reliable return vehicle? You can send out unmanned (unkerbaled?) probes to other planets in the solar system and explore that way. You can build an ever expanding space station above the planet Kerbin itself, or even around another planet or one of thier moons as well. The sky is not the limit 🙂
A great game, plenty of fun, and still only going to get better. Highly recommended.
Just for fun, here are a few of my own screenshots.
