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Starsector (formerly "Starfarer") is a game that I've followed for quite a few years now, one I personally purchased many years ago and the latest release is a big one.

I've tested it at various points over the years, always coming away impressed by the visual design just as much as the gameplay. The spaceship design really is quite incredible.

Thankfully, the issues that plagued the Linux version (for me) in the past are gone. Multi-monitor support has vastly improved, with it not messing with my secondary monitor and going fullscreen correctly on my primary monitor. That alone, is a big deal for me and it's so much nicer.

It's not really a game to play on a coffee break, there's quite a bit of depth to it and quite a bit to learn. It's worth it though, because it's absolutely fantastic. After trying it some more since the latest version, I was blown away by how engrossing it is now. There's so much about the game to love, starting off with nothing as you build up your fleet and empire while exploring the galaxy. The combat is absolutely my favourite part though, being able to take direct control of ships and get into the action while it's hot is awesome. I love that you can transfer your command to another ship, but you have to wait for your little transport shuttle to make it over during combat—very cool.

After taking on a few small pirate fleets, I managed to salvage a few ships that weren't completely destroyed and turn them into fully armed and operational warships. A feature I was pretty pleased to see in the game, even if my fleet was utterly annihilated an hour later by a much bigger enemy fleet before I had a chance to expand my forces any further.

What's new in this release?

  • Establish colonies! Build up industrial production to make a profit, improve your colonies, and protect them from many dangers
  • Visit a portside bar to find missions and other opportunities
  • Fight alongside – or against – massive orbital stations
  • Create your own faction and set up its military doctrine
  • Find blueprints and use them to let your colonies produce ships, weapons, and fighters
  • Face enemy ships with dynamically generated weapon loadouts
  • Discover new dangers and derelicts on the fringes of the Sector
  • Explore planetary ruins
  • Raid core worlds for plunder or to disrupt your competition

You can pick up a copy direct from the official site. I absolutely recommend picking it up, brilliant fun. I'm going to be playing it a lot more now for sure.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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iiari Nov 20, 2018
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Quoting: Doc AngeloImagine someone would make a 3D game in space that is physically correct and you have to plot courses to other planets which are moving all the time and will be at a completely different place when you get there.

I think only very few people would have fun with this.
I would want that game :). But in my game, that's what flight computers are for ;p.


Last edited by iiari on 20 November 2018 at 2:27 pm UTC
denyasis Nov 20, 2018
You mean like Kerbal Space Program? There's also Children of a Dead Earth (but it's Windows) if you want something more military focused.

I like the idea, but ultimately it would be very different than a shooter. Once a course is set, and dV spent, that's it. That's why so many of the old sci-fi stories focused on the people, because there's very little "space" action. Maybe more RPG in focus?

Edit: ya know, in my head, I keep thinking Oregon Trail in space. Sounds fun


Last edited by denyasis on 20 November 2018 at 2:44 pm UTC
Micromegas Nov 20, 2018
Thanks GamingOnLinux for reporting also about Linux games outside the Steam/Gog/Itchio universe and this game especially because it really looks intriguing!
niarbeht Nov 24, 2018
I love me some Starsector! The addition of colony management adds a dash of Mount & Blade to the mix.
Kabouik Dec 22, 2018
Quoting: Doc AngeloImagine someone would make a 3D game in space that is physically correct and you have to plot courses to other planets which are moving all the time and will be at a completely different place when you get there.

I think only very few people would have fun with this.
Rogue System is doing that. Development is very slow, but it is a great game. Very alpha at the moment though, don't expect dogfights or even enemies.

In the past it did run on Linux with Wine, not sure if this is still the case with the current version.


Last edited by Kabouik on 22 December 2018 at 8:46 pm UTC
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