Ostranauts, the spacefaring followup to the popular Neo Scavenger, has been facing criticism for being too complicated and fiddly in its current Early Access state. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon as Kitfox, known for their ability to make complex roguelikes more accessible, has joined the project as a publisher. With a planned 1.0 release in 2025, there is anticipation for significant improvements to Ostranauts under Kitfox’s guidance.
In Ostranauts, players engage in a “hardcore noir space-sim” where they scavenge shipwrecks to enhance and customize their own vessels. The game features a detailed system where every aspect of the ship can be interacted with through various buttons and displays. Despite the immersive experience it offers, many players have found the game daunting due to its steep learning curve and the overwhelming number of controls. This complexity has resulted in frustration and discouragement among players, hindering the game’s accessibility and enjoyment.
Kitfox’s involvement in Ostranauts brings hope for a more user-friendly experience. The team has previously worked on projects such as the Steam release of Dwarf Fortress, where they successfully transformed a game with ASCII art and convoluted controls into a more approachable version without sacrificing its depth. Additionally, they are currently working on the 1.0 release of Caves Of Qud, another notoriously intricate roguelike that has been in development for over a decade. Kitfox’s past achievements in making complex games more accessible bode well for Ostranauts’ future.
While Ostranauts has made strides in terms of visual clarity compared to games like Dwarf Fortress and Caves Of Qud, there is still work to be done to enhance its usability and appeal to a broader audience. Despite no explicit mention of simplification efforts in the partnership announcement with Kitfox, there is optimism that Kitfox’s expertise will lead to positive changes in Ostranauts. As players eagerly await the game’s full release, there is anticipation for a more engaging and enjoyable experience that retains the game’s unique charm and depth.
Ostranauts’ partnership with Kitfox presents a promising future for the game. With Kitfox’s proven track record of making complex games accessible, there is hope for Ostranauts to reach its full potential and captivate a wider audience. As development progresses towards the planned 1.0 release in 2025, players can look forward to a more welcoming and immersive experience in the world of Ostranauts.
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