Keen Software House has finally launched Space Engineers 2 into Steam Early Access, and the question on every sandbox gamer’s mind is: can it live up to the hype? The sequel to the popular Space Engineers promises a deeper, more refined building experience, and the initial Alpha release gives us a glimpse of what’s to come.
Building with Precision: The 25cm Unified Grid
One of the most significant changes in Space Engineers 2 is the introduction of the 25cm unified grid system. This addresses a common frustration in the original game: the incompatibility between large and small grids. Now, players can seamlessly integrate different block types, opening up a whole new world of design possibilities. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it fundamentally changes how you approach building, allowing for more intricate and complex creations.
Almagest: A Vast Expanse of Creative Potential
The setting for Space Engineers 2 is the Almagest system, a sprawling cluster of asteroids and celestial bodies. This environment serves as a massive sandbox for players to experiment, build, and explore. Whether you’re dreaming of constructing a massive space station or just want to see what happens when you ram a small ship into an asteroid at full speed, Almagest offers the space (pun intended) to do it.
The Roadmap: A Glimpse into the Future
The Alpha release currently focuses on Creative Mode, giving players access to a wide array of building tools and the freedom to explore Almagest. However, Keen Software House has a clear vision for the future of Space Engineers 2. Survival Mode is planned, which will introduce resource management and survival challenges. Explorable planets, volumetric water, and even a story campaign with NPCs are on the roadmap. These additions could significantly expand the game’s scope and add layers of depth beyond pure building.
Early Access: A Work in Progress
It’s important to remember that Space Engineers 2 is in Early Access. This means that the game is still under development, and players should expect bugs, unfinished features, and potential changes to game mechanics. Keen Software House has been transparent about their development process, and they seem committed to incorporating player feedback.
The Verdict: Worth the Journey?
Space Engineers 2 has the potential to be a truly remarkable sandbox game. The enhanced building mechanics, particularly the unified grid system, are a significant step forward. The ambitious roadmap suggests a rich and evolving game world. However, it’s still early days. Whether Space Engineers 2 ultimately achieves its full potential remains to be seen. If you’re a fan of sandbox games and are willing to embrace the Early Access experience, Space Engineers 2 is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Explore the Alpha and Creative Mode and Conquer on GeForce Now.