I got an electronic missive from Shrapnel Games that they were opening up pre-orders on an upcoming space-exploration roguelike called Approaching Infinity. Since it had space, exploration, roguelike, procedurally generated, and randomized in the description, I had to pick up the demo.
It is an interesting game, a mix of a traditional "hack and slash" roguelike with a bit of space trading and exploring thrown in. It reminds me of something from the past, but I can't quite put my finger on what. At first, I thought the game was rather simplistic - jump down on a planet, kill things, pick up stuff, go home. But as I played a bit more I came upon a space temple, an artifact, and some interesting interactions I had not expected.
Here is the website, where you can get more info and the demo:http://www.gamersfront.com/store/approa ... inity.html
Like all Shrapnel Games, this one is likely overpriced for what it is. But, conversely, the developer is an indie developer who had modest success in a Kickstarter campaign and then managed to secure Shrapnel as his publisher, so I have a hard time not thinking of the price as being partially support for a neat idea and a fresh new face.
Do note, the graphics are certainly not the focus here (although they are not bad) and this game is clearly "retro" in its approach. Also note, you can reload when you die, but if your captain dies on an away team, then reloads are no longer an option (and your game is over).
