Earth is where human life begins and ends—it’s our cradle. We’re born, live, create, and die here. But what if that suddenly changed? That’s the premise of Earthless, a game that poses a big question and lets players find the answer themselves.
Earthless’ Story
Though the story might seem like a small part of Earthless, it asks a crucial question: “Can we find a new home for ourselves?” This central theme ties every game mechanic together.
The game kicks off with a somber scene: hundreds of starships leaving Earth’s orbit as the sun goes supernova behind them. This visual pulls on the heartstrings because it’s a reminder that something similar could happen to us in billions of years. We don’t often ponder this since it’s so far off in the future, but the idea of losing Earth leaves a bitter taste. Thankfully, Earthless offers a hopeful twist: instead of giving up, humanity finds a way to survive.
Gameplay
Earthless blends various genres: it’s part roguelike, part space combat, part turn-based strategy, and part crew management simulator. The game might appear simple at first, but the deeper you dive, the more complex it becomes. I love how the mechanics are interconnected; decisions you make on the map can significantly affect battle outcomes and vice versa.
For instance, the crew morale system is fascinating. As you progress through the map and encounter special events, you’ll either boost or lower your crew’s morale. Making your crewmembers happy enhances their battle performance, while ignoring their needs demoralizes them, affecting combat efficiency. This feature shows how a split-second decision can have long-lasting effects.
Combat
While the game map is roguelike, the combat is grid-based, adding layers of strategy. Three main components influence each encounter: your ship, the cards in your deck, and the asteroids, along with various enemy types.
At the start, you choose from three ships, each named after sci-fi authors (Asimov, Clarke, and Verne). This choice greatly impacts your gameplay style, as each ship has unique abilities.
Another key factor is the deck of cards you draw from during turn-based combat. The randomness of the draw adds an element of unpredictability. Each turn forces you to think critically, similar to chess, where the right move can lead to victory or defeat.
Strategy and Challenges
Your ship might be powerful, but it’s not invincible. The diverse enemy types will challenge you, and underestimating them can lead to failure. Each encounter demands careful consideration and strategic planning to overcome the obstacles in your path.
In summary, Earthless is a game that encourages players to find hope and solutions even in dire scenarios. It’s a complex and engaging experience that tests your decision-making and strategic thinking at every turn.