Is Starcom: Unknown Space the Next Big Sci-Fi Game? Honest Review!

[@user-tb7ml8kz7h]

I did play (and complete) the "extended demo", a.k.a. early access build: You basically fight and mine with a starship you build (which is neat), explore to unlock research to staple together a better ship, rinse and repeat. The enemy ships getting dismantled as you damage them, losing firepower and mobility as you destroy their weapons and engines. There are currently just 4 weapon types, each with an upgrade tree. the generator/battery power system, together with the heat mechanic at later stages of the game add a reason to tinker, as otherwise the ship is just a bunch of engines and weapons (and maybe armor, and later shields, if you feel fancy) stapled together... There is a decent variety of enemies(10-ish types), and even an optional overpowered one... The progression is linear (but you can always go back to respawning enemies and resources, and a couple of traders to ease the grind), with marked objectives, a couple of jokes, a tedious, clunky, maze... So 8/10 as of now, and hopefully more once the developers finish the game...

[@GameVaultHQ-5]

Awesome, thanks for sharing your detailed experience with the early access! 😄 Sounds like you really got into the ship-building mechanics, and I agree-the way enemy ships break apart during combat is a cool touch. The power system and heat mechanic definitely add some depth to customization. Hopefully, they expand on the weapon variety in future updates! How did you find the difficulty balance?

[@user-tb7ml8kz7h]

@@GameVaultHQ-5 Difficulty? {notes to the developer team} I do believe that I accidentally started on the most optimal path of focusing exclusively on plasma weapons (only they get a mk3 version), so I didn't use the research-tree-reset. {make sure that any weapon choice is viable at least until mid-late game} I did occasionally run away from groups of enemies at the very end-game, only to turn around and deal with them one-by-one.{good} The enemy bases were underwhelming - how a stationary base of a faction has less health than their biggest ship? And why can I just power my shield, get close, exchange fire head on (instead of using my mobility to dodge most of its' attacks), and win? Shouldn't a base sacrifice mobility specifically to be stronger than any ship, including mine? {add HP, DPS, and probably size (the largest ships should be dwarfed by base), to enemy bases} I do remember holding myself from just going full murder-hobo on the friendly factions solely because there were so few enemies to fight. {either add more enemies, or a system were enemies constantly respawn} The invisible enemy at the edge of the map was VERY underwhelming - it should be scary (as its' name suggests), and require a reload the first time I meet it, and a hunter-ship-I-have-to-build-specifically-for-it, not an invisible pushover, that I obliterated with merely 2 mk2 plasma guns. And why it didn't give any cool technology after dying? You know, like a proper secret boss... {make it a proper secret boss: add HP, DPS, movement (the invisibility is a nice touch, and I understand why it doesn't drop the tech for it, since invisible player ship will be either useless or completely overpowered), maybe add a disabling attack, and give the player its' research as a reward for killing this enemy}

[@Laulaulove]

Hey thanks I’m thinking about buying the game

[@bozzb.1451]

Great review mate ^^

[@GameVaultHQ-5]

Thanks so much! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the review! Have you had a chance to play Starcom: Unknown Space yet? What do you think of the ship-building and exploration? 🚀

[@paulreynolds814]

Thanks, this is great. Also, what's the song!?

[@Isoquant]

Is this at all similar to the classic Star Control series?

[@GameVaultHQ-5]

"Definitely! Starcom: Unknown Space feels like a spiritual successor to the classic Star Control series in many ways. It captures that same sense of adventure and exploration across a vast galaxy filled with alien factions and mysteries. The ship customization and tactical combat are also reminiscent of Star Control. However, Starcom has its own modern touches, like enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements. If you enjoyed Star Control, there’s a good chance you’ll find a lot to love here!

[@GameVaultHQ-5]

🌌 What’s your favorite part about space exploration games? 🚀 Do you prefer building epic starships or diving into the mysteries of alien worlds? Let me know your thoughts on Starcom: Unknown Space! I’d love to hear how you’re customizing your ship or which alien faction you’re siding with. Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about this epic space RPG! 💬👾

[@krm398]

hmm the first thing I noticed in the new game was flat 2D graphics and God mode, not for me

[@WingsOfDomain]

Does this have anything over Starsector expcept better presentation?

[@GameVaultHQ-5]

Starcom leans more into exploration, storytelling, and streamlined ship-building mechanics, while Starsector offers deeper fleet management and a more complex economy. If you’re looking for a game that focuses on narrative and mystery, Starcom might have the edge. That said, Starsector is still the king of depth in terms of strategic gameplay.

[@gdsvalentine1193]

Combat reminds me of Asteroids from years back. 2D is not for me.

[@adawg3032]

You don’t have multiple weapons and abilities and skill tree in asteroids dude.

[@gdsvalentine1193]

@@adawg3032 That may be true but you know exactly where I'm coming from here.