I was sent a free copy of Starcom: Uknown Space to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
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What is Starcom: Unknown Space?
Starcom: Unknown Space is a top-downspace exploration action RPG on Steam.
You are a proud Starcom count tasked with the important task of spreading the organization’s reach across the universe. Take your little scout ship across the darkest reaches of space as you explore new planets, fight off enemies, and build the mighty starship of legends. What secrets will you uncover? Do you have what it takes to survive the cold unforgiving vacuum of space, or will you merely disappear into the darkness?
Gameplay
Starcom is like any other RPG. Players pick from the main base or different NPCs and fly through space to complete them. There is a lot of flying through the darkness, but there is combat and exploration to break up some of the monotony.
Flying in this game takes a bit of getting used to. The ship feels like it is flying over ice as it moves through frictionless space, but you won’t need extensive knowledge of physics or a fancy flight stick to beat this game. While there is some realism, this isn’t a 1-for-1 space simulator. Combat works like your typical top-down ARPG like Diablo. Players move around the map with the movement keys and use the mouse to point and shoot. Players do need to maneuver skillfully around enemy fire, but it remains a pretty casual experience overall.
Exploration can feel a tad bit repetitive. Players will move from galaxy to galaxy, scanning new planets and sending out scientific expeditions. Scanning planets and conducting expeditions reward players with research points and sometimes even new tech for ship upgrades. Exploration is tied to simple point-and-click mechanics with the occasional piece of lore to make things interesting.
Questing is the main driving force of this game. Make sure you talk to everyone everywhere or you will get stuck.
Finally, there is a neat ship customization mechanic that sets this game apart. As players spread their influence across the universe, money will start flowing and their reputation will start opening access to more upgrades. Starcom gives players the freedom to design their ship however they want. This includes color, look, and shape. There is probably a practical way to build a Starship, but players have the right to go nuts. This is my favorite mechanic and the part of the game that I spent most of my time on.
Review
I enjoyed Starcom: Unknown Space, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The gameplay loop is repetitive, and there will be a lot of flying through the darkness (sometimes even in the wrong direction). Combat feels engaging at first, but all battles eventually start feeling the same. Starcom has its grind, but it can be an oddly relaxing one if you don’t mind the repetition.
The game has an auto-pilot mode that lets players sit back as the ship flies itself to a destination. There will be the occasional dogfight, expedition, or scanning to keep things engaging. I thought it was enough for me, but I also understand that not everyone finds repetition as soothing as I do.
Combat in this game can be exciting, especially when you have to account for the lack of friction. You aren’t getting the adrenaline-pumping dog fights from Star Wars, but there is enough strategy involved to require some effort. While the fights eventually start to feel the same, players are still required to win them.
If you’re looking for a realistic space simulator, look elsewhere. This isn’t for you. If you’re looking for something relaxing to pop on that is fun and engaging and don’t mind the repetition, Starcom: Uknown Space is a fantastic option. Starcom has a solid story to hook players, a relaxing gameplay loop, and a creative ship-building system.
You can pick up Starcom: Unknown Space on Steam for $24.99.
