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Some early thoughts on Helium Rain, the single-player space simulation

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Few games genuinely make me feel in awe, but even this early on Helium Rain [Steam, Official Site] has made a lasting impression on me.

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We don't actually have many good first-person space simulation games, certainly not many that look as visually impressive as Helium Rain did from the trailer. What I'm pleased about is the fantastic style shown in the trailer translates perfectly to the actual gameplay. From the first moment I actually got into the game, I was amazed by how utterly striking the scenery was. Like this gorgeous blue planet in the starting system, it looks incredible.

I was even quite surprised by the tutorial and how easy to understand it was. I rarely like tutorials, but something about this seems right. It was very clear, concise and a breeze to actually get through. Basically, it's everything a tutorial should be. It does still need a couple tweaks, like taking into account you having already done part of it. In my case, I had already researched something and it didn't realize.

The controls feel responsive, with plenty of keybinds to learn but it still remains pretty simple to operate. Standard WASD controls for flight, Q&E to roll and so on. The controls are slick and learning it was a breeze. Actually being any good at flying is another story though of course.

My first station docking was a little confusing, with many bumps made, but a total cinch once you do it the first time. Lining up your ship, rotating and slowly coming into range as you click into place with the station. I was expecting some sort of crummy interface as soon as I docked, but no! You see your ship nicely docked, you can rotate the camera around and appreciate the scenery and it's just breathtaking — take a look:
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What is also impressive is the tiny loading time. From the moment I hit Play through Steam it took 2-3 seconds to load fully to the menu and loading a saved game was also nearly instant.

I did a little video of the docking system below. After three takes of crashing into stations (mainly as I tried some silly manoeuvrers), my cooling system was damaged so my ship was overheating, power was way down and I think I might have messed up. Thankfully, the game has various research options, one of which being "Auto Docking" which completely saved my butt until I could grab some Fleet Supplies to repair my ship. It's pretty fun watching your ship swing around a station using Auto Docking, but way more fun to do it yourself, see my little video:
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You can construct stations, upgrade your ship, get more than one ship, engage in space battles and hopefully much more as development continues.

I will have a more thorough review in time as the game furthers development while in Early Access. For now though, my overall impression of Helium Rain is pretty fantastic. I have high hopes for this one, a solid start.

I had one single crash in my current play time, which isn't bad for an unfinished game.

You can find Helium Rain on Steam. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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31 comments
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Asu Aug 23, 2017
hehe x rebirth has a linux client didn't know this...
soon I will go on a binge space opera lol...
and we will get this game too...
hah linux is space ready!


Last edited by Asu on 23 August 2017 at 11:10 pm UTC
Shmerl Aug 24, 2017
Looks impressive indeed, and with failure of Everspace to come out for Linux (hopefully not permanent), we do lack good looking space games. I hope it will be available DRM-free, I'll surely buy it then.
Shmerl Aug 24, 2017
Quoting: BeamboomSpeaking of fantastic space games... Anyone know the status of Star Citizen?

No concrete dates even for Windows release. And Linux one will happen only afterwards, which they said multiple times. So expect a few years more of waiting.
Shmerl Aug 24, 2017
Quoting: StrangerHey, dev here ! Glad to see we're getting some love.

Do you plan to release your game in some DRM-free store? GOG or itch.io would be best, or even directly from your site. Thanks!
Stranger Aug 24, 2017
We're trying to get on the GOG store.
Geppeto35 Aug 24, 2017
Sounds good! I will spend 15€ and see if my son likes space game.

@Stranger (Bonjour ^^) and people that played Helium Rain: Can you detail if its the kind of realistic simulation (seems to be claimed), if so is there a more arcade mode like Everspace? There are combats it seems, space station management? Craft? Spaceship custom to tune the manoeuvrability, acceleration, speed,inertia,etc.? Missions? Quests? interaction with asteroids, planets, Other civ(s) to meet, trade, discuss with, fight?
What do you plan? You will allow mods?
:-D
edit: my bad, I didnot explore the website where i got most answers ^^ I like the sheet about factory and trade


Last edited by Geppeto35 on 24 August 2017 at 7:06 am UTC
musojon74 Aug 24, 2017
It's Newtonian but the engines are really a bit strong. So I'm not sure you'll need an arcade mode as the ship computer really keeps it under control for you I think he'll be fine. :-)
tuubi Aug 24, 2017
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Quoting: Luke_NukemThe last time I ever played and enjoyed a space sim was over two decades ago. This looks absolutely awesome!
Agreed, it does look good. My only serious space sim ever was the original Elite. Must have played the Amiga version.

I'll definitely keep my eye on this until release. I hope the EA goes well.
Trump Aug 24, 2017
This makes me think of EVE online. As I love that game and the huge world with all the teleports and various things to do or become. Maybe this will aim for a similar approach.
musojon74 Aug 26, 2017
Nice. Engine sounds seem to work much more realistically now :-) you've absolutely nailed the main engine in terms of it shutting off when speed is constant nice one. If the same can be done for rcs so when you turn as it's fixed how quick you can turn, when the rate of turn is constant, again rcs should not be heard. :-). 3 patches in 6 days. You guys have a proper work ethic :-)
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