Fly an Apollo-style lander around various planets, landing to earn points and then redocking with the command module to advance to the next level.
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4 user reviews - Need more user reviews to generate a score
Release Date:
Oct 16, 2017
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Early Access Game

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Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“I'm putting this game out on Early Access in order to get a feel for how game publishing works. And I want the community to be involved in the development of this game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

This game will probably be in Early Access for about a year, maybe less. I cannot meet the one-year goal. This game will probably be in Early Access for at least two years, but hopefully no more than three.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version of this game will not be exclusive to Steam and will be a lot more feature-rich. The goals for additional features include the following:

  • Online high score tracker instead of the current save-to-file system. Implemented
  • A feature-complete upgrade system instead of the current system that just makes sure the engines are strong enough for you to safely land. Implemented
  • An AI system for the command module to make it easier to dock with. Partially Implemented
  • A multiplayer option to compete against other players.
  • An online achievement-tracking system for various things you can do in-game. Implemented
  • Better orbital mechanics integrator.
  • Saving game state and reloading. Implemented
  • Time acceleration! Implemented

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version has had a major physics update, and the game currently has the following major features:

There is an upgrade system in place for progression mode that allows you to choose how you upgrade your lander between levels. There is also in-game sound, and fully-configurable joystick and keyboard controls.

You start each level in orbit around a planet docked to the command module (just like the Apollo missions). You are able to undock and redock, stage the lander, and land on the planet below. There is a HUD to help you get your bearings and fuel status. And you have the ability to zoom in and out with the mouse wheel or other control of your choice.

You have translation controls to help you with docking, and a kill rotation button just in case you get into trouble.

You can affect the orbit of the command module when you are undocked as it's under the same physics that you are under. When you're docked, all controls except for undock are disabled.

Each planet in the game is loosely modeled after real life objects in the solar system and have their own unique characteristics including planet-specific terrain generation parameters.

Unlike earlier lander games that require you to land on perfectly flat terrain, you have the option of landing on any terrain feature that you like.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The price of this game will double when it comes out of Early Access.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I would like the community to provide feedback with the type of hardware that this game can and cannot run on, and to let me know if they think they've found a bug or an exploit. I also want the community to provide feedback on what would make the game overall more enjoyable for everyone, and what should be improved upon.”
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About This Game

Solar Lander a 2D space lander that simulates orbital mechanics and the conservation of angular momentum. Players fly around in an Apollo-style lander, land on the surface of a planet, and then redock with the command module to advance to the next level. You start out in orbit around a planet and docked with the command module. It is your job to make a safe landing on the surface of the planet, then get back into orbit to redock with the command module. Each planet has it's unique characteristics based on real life planetary bodies with procedural terrain generation.

All of the game's mechanics are simulated with a full physics simulation that runs 1,000 times per second! This makes the 2D simulation very accurate and very realistic. There is no arbitrary rotation rate or acceleration. As you use-up fuel, your maximum acceleration will increase and you will be able to change your rotation rate more quickly.

System Requirements

Windows
SteamOS + Linux
    Minimum:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS *: Windows 7
    • Processor: 1.0 GHz, 64-bit
    • Memory: 256 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Not Determined
    • DirectX: Version 10
    • Storage: 65 MB available space
    • Sound Card: N/A
    • Additional Notes: Needs Testing on Lower-End Hardware
    Recommended:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10
    • Processor: 2.0 GHz, 64-bit
    • Memory: 512 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Not Determined
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • Storage: 75 MB available space
    • Sound Card: N/A
    • Additional Notes: Tested on 2.8 GHz, 64-bit Quad-Core Processor with Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 Integrated Graphics
* Starting January 1st, 2024, the Steam Client will only support Windows 10 and later versions.
    Minimum:
    • OS: Not Tested
    • Processor: Not Tested
    • Memory: 256 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Not Tested
    • Storage: 120 MB available space
    • Sound Card: N/A
    • Additional Notes: Linux Version Completely Untested
    Recommended:
    • OS: Not Tested
    • Processor: Not Tested
    • Memory: 512 MB RAM
    • Graphics: Not Tested
    • Storage: 150 MB available space
    • Sound Card: N/A
    • Additional Notes: Linux Version Completely Untested

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