Summary
- Release Year: 2019
- Genres: Indie, Simulator
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), SteamVR
- Developers: Vladimir Romanyuk
- Publishers: Vladimir Romanyuk
SpaceEngine: A Universe at Your Fingertips
SpaceEngine is a free 3D astronomy program and game engine developed by Russian astronomer and programmer Vladimir Romanyuk. Using real astronomical catalogs and procedural generation, it creates a three dimensional planetarium representing the entire universe.
SpaceEngine is unique in that it allows users to travel through space in any direction or speed, and forwards or backwards in time. This makes it a powerful tool for both education and exploration.
Features
Some of the key features of SpaceEngine include:
- Procedural generation: SpaceEngine uses pseudo-random numbers to procedurally create any kind of planetary system, nebula, or galaxy. This means that the universe is effectively infinite, and there is always something new to discover.
- Realistic graphics: SpaceEngine’s graphics are some of the most realistic in any space sim. The planets, stars, and galaxies are all rendered in stunning detail, and the lighting and physics are incredibly accurate.
- Time travel: SpaceEngine allows users to travel forwards or backwards in time. This makes it possible to see how the universe has evolved over billions of years, or to explore the future of our solar system.
- Multiplayer: SpaceEngine supports multiplayer, allowing users to explore the universe together. Players can create their own custom planets, stars, and galaxies, and share them with others.
Gameplay
There is no set gameplay in SpaceEngine. Players are free to explore the universe in any way they want. They can visit real-world planets and stars, or they can create their own custom solar systems. They can also travel to the edge of the universe, or even beyond.
One of the most popular activities in SpaceEngine is simply to explore the Milky Way galaxy. Players can visit our solar system, of course, but they can also travel to other star systems and explore their planets. SpaceEngine’s procedural generation ensures that there is always something new to discover, even in the most familiar places.
Another popular activity is to create custom planets and solar systems. Players can choose from a variety of presets, or they can create their own custom planets from scratch. They can control the size, mass, atmosphere, and other properties of their planets. They can also place planets in orbit around stars, and create entire solar systems.
SpaceEngine is also a powerful tool for education. It can be used to teach students about astronomy, physics, and other scientific disciplines. The program includes a wealth of information about the universe, and it can be used to create interactive simulations of astronomical phenomena.
Development
SpaceEngine has been in development for over a decade. Romanyuk began working on the program in 2005, and he has been releasing new versions ever since. The latest version of SpaceEngine, version 0.990, was released in December 2022.
Romanyuk has said that he plans to continue developing SpaceEngine for many years to come. He has a number of ambitious plans for the future of the program, including adding support for virtual reality and multiplayer.
Reception
SpaceEngine has been praised for its realism, its vastness, and its educational value. It has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The BBC.
SpaceEngine has also won a number of awards, including the 2013 Indie of the Year award from PC Gamer.
Conclusion
SpaceEngine is a truly unique and groundbreaking program. It is a powerful tool for both education and exploration, and it offers an unparalleled level of realism and immersion. Whether you are a seasoned space enthusiast or a complete novice, SpaceEngine is sure to amaze and inspire you.
Review Score
9.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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