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Strange Adventures in Infinite Space Review

Rating:

If you've ever wanted to explore the vastness of space and do it all in one go, without a heavy interface or game system to learn, Strange Adventures in Infinite Space might just be for you.

Full Review

I've been a fair weather fan of cheesy, classic science fiction for most of my life. There's something to be said for bad makeup, William Shatner, and campy looking aliens from "Subsector 9" or some other inconsequential part of space, hellbent on the destruction of man for reasons unknown . Strange Adventures in Infinite Space [SAIS] captures much of this aesthetic and creates with it a fun, roguelike space adventure game.

I classify this as a roguelike because each game is self-contained and can be completed in one sitting. Additionally, you only get one shot: there are no saves or extra lives. What separates it from the pack it is a space exploration game with strategy elements, not an RPG.

The interface is intuitive and controls are completely mouse-driven, making the game immediately accessible. The tutorial gets you into things very quickly, giving you just enough to feel that modicum of confidence to launch yourself into the deepest parts of space. This is, in my opinion, one of the keys to a good roguelike: there should be a deep sense of open-ended adventure and the interface should be just so, only enough to put you in the action without holding your hand. The world is appealing as well. The planets you explore and the beasts and aliens you encounter all have a particular kitsch draw you into their fun universe; it's like an inside joke for scifi nerds.

But, like any roguelike, there is frustration to be had. My first few games wound up with events beyond my control sending me to certain death; plausible when one is engaged in the deepest, strangest parts of space. So there is a certain element of fate involved, because on my first successful run a lost pilot joined my ranks and proved to be the deciding factor in battles that otherwise would have ended my journeys. I also picked up a very powerful weapon that had combat turn in my favor, though the aforementioned ally met an untimely end.

There is much more to be said about this game: the original but familiar planet and creature design, the humorous narrative, the authentic art direction and design, or the extensive bestiary on their website, but you'll have to see all of that for yourself when you try this excellent game.

Posted by Derek Kamal on April 29, 2010 Comments (1)


Zhou Xuanming said at 2010-04-29 09:09:

Nice review. Tempted now to go try the game for myself. :)