If you haven’t heard of a game called FTL, then get ready to have your brain exploded. This small, indie game happens to be one of the greatest examples of simplicity used to full effect. Or to be more precise; simplicity combined with incredible design, to create a true masterpiece of video games.
Though, it also happens to be the greatest, unofficial Star Trek simulators you will ever experience. But if extremely overwhelming odds put you off, you may just wasn’t to look elsewhere. Because this is also a game that doesn’t pull its punches.
The Premise
You’re piloting a federation spaceship, and are carrying valuable information that must be delivered to your superiors. But what’s that behind you? An impenetrable fleet of fast approaching, death dealing ships? Best you get to your delivery point fast, before you’re swarmed, and destroyed.
Don’t worry though, as you make your travels you’ll gather scrap, new weapons, and other upgrades. So by the time you arrive at your destination, you should be strong enough to turn, and face the Rebel Flagship.
Sounds easy? It isn’t. Things are about to get complicated, so if online bingo for real money is more your speed, head off now.
The Gameplay
At its core, FTL requires that you jump your ship from node to node, progressing to the right. But each node holds the possibility of an encounter. Sometimes a decision must be made, such as whether to help a space station in distress, while other times there will be a fight against an enemy ship. If you survive each encounter, scrap, missiles, and other necessary loot is rewarded.
Your ship, seen from a bird’s eye view, is divided into rooms. Each room has a function, which ties into the possible actions of your ship. The main areas are; a shield room, weapons room, pilot room, and engine room. As long as these rooms remain undamaged, your ship engine and cockpit work well enough, and you can jump to the next node.
Juggling Systems
The idea of FTL is to juggle a remarkably well integrated network of systems. Shields have layers, each of which is penetrated by a single projectile, weapons have distinct functions, such as lowering shields or dealing damage. Though, your shields and weapons won’t function, if their systems are damaged, or they don’t have enough power.
Describing it all is an act in futility. FTL is a game that has to be experienced to be truly be understood. But the short explanation is; it is a game that is visually simple, but expertly crafted to a degree that defies most other games.
Players will quickly begin to grasp how everything works, and how it all ties together. But grasping the systems is one thing, operating them all under fire from an enemy ship something else entirely. If you feel this game is too much for you and want to try something a bit more simple, signup now.
It can all quickly become overwhelming, but at the same time will remain as simple as the first time it was introduced. Warning; it can all get very stressful.
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