Contender: Star Citizen
Developer: Roberts Space Industries
Current Status: Well-funded and ambitious intended reclamation of the “dead PC space sim” genre.
Release Date (projected): “space combat beta” in Summer 2014.
Key Facts:
- Over 100,000 registered supporters of the development project.
- Funding raised through various means including Kickstarter exceeds US$7m.
Background
Star Citizen will be the direct descendant of hit space-sims of the 90s such as Wing Commander and Starlancer, mainly because the driving force behind this project is Chris Roberts, the man responsible for those genre-defining titles, one of which even spawned a Hollywood movie.
Partially funded by a record-breakingly successful Kickstarter campaign, Roberts aims to use the $7m of accrued funds to deliver a story-led sandbox with multiplayer and single-player elements set in “a rich universe focused on epic space adventure, trading and dogfighting in first person”.
Strengths
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Impressive video showcases evidence an already well-realised vision true to the Roberts legacy, with clear cinematic influences from Battlestar Galactica and Top Gun. -
Strong community support with one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns on record ($2.1m).
Weaknesses
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Surprisingly modest targets for a persistent multiplayer game universe, with only 100 worlds planned at launch (although it really depends how well-realized those worlds and surrounding environs are.) -
Most potential for “theme park” game play, which could dilute the free-form sandbox concept.
Summary
Star Citizen is a bold vision with no shortage of swagger which could deliver a cinematic experience coupled with an immersive sandbox universe.
[Previous contender] — [Conclusions]
Article Index
Page 1: Sci-Fi Sandbox Showdown: The Battle for the Stars
Page 2: Contender – EVE Online
Page 3: Contender – Elite: Dangerous
Page 4: Contender – Star Citizen
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