The vastness of space has captivated humanity for generations, inspiring countless dreams of exploration. While only a select few have experienced its wonders firsthand, the Swedish game studio Morgondag offers a virtual journey with their indie title, RymdResa. The question is: does this game provide a compelling spacefaring experience, or is it one best left unexplored?
My initial encounter with Morgondag’s RymdResa was devoid of preconceived notions. I was aware of a new space-themed indie game from a Swedish developer, but little else. Upon launching the game via Steam, I was immediately struck by its unique atmosphere. From the very beginning, it distinguishes itself as something special. Players assume the role of a solitary astronaut, piloting a small spacecraft on a voyage of discovery through the infinite expanse of space. Each playthrough begins with the selection of a spacecraft from a roster of eight distinct options. As players progress through the game’s three levels, they unlock new and improved vessels that enhance their chances of survival. Death results in the loss of most progress, necessitating the selection of a new ship and the commencement of a fresh journey. Furthermore, the game procedurally regenerates the game world upon each death, ensuring that the cosmos encountered is always unique. This element of the unknown mirrors the uncertainty inherent in real-world space exploration.
The game’s structure, comprising only three levels, might initially appear concise. However, each level is expansive and presents significant challenges. During my initial hours with the game, I felt overwhelmed, perishing multiple times before finally completing the first mission. The level and upgrade systems are implemented effectively. Throughout their journey, players earn ‘skillpoints’ that enhance their astronaut’s capabilities. At each level, five skillpoints can be allocated across four categories: ‘Exploration’, ‘Scouring’, ‘Technology’, and ‘Survival’. While each upgrade provides some benefit, the impact of individual skillpoint allocations is subtle until higher levels are reached, at which point the benefits become noticeable – such as increased resilience or improved resource acquisition. My first three hours with the game were characterized by frustration, as I focused on ‘Survival’ but struggled to progress. The core issue wasn’t the difficulty itself, but rather a lack of clarity regarding the requirements for advancement. However, once I acquired a more capable ship, I was elated to complete the first mission and venture into new sectors of space.
In addition to skillpoints, two other factors are critical for survival: the ‘Inventory’ and ‘Spacepoints’. The inventory is arguably the most vital aspect of the game. During their voyage, players discover components that augment or diminish their ship’s capabilities. Thorough exploration is essential to acquire the parts necessary to fortify the vessel. The spaceships available for selection at the start of each journey possess varying characteristics. Some are optimized for energy capacity, while others prioritize speed. During my playthrough, the ship’s survivability seemed significantly more crucial than its velocity; eventually, I reached my objectives regardless of the time required. The ship’s inventory allows players to customize various aspects, from the engine to the ship’s visual aura. Components found in space are categorized into different tiers: ‘rare,’ ‘good,’ and, if fortune favors, ‘legendary,’ which significantly enhance the ship’s performance.
‘Spacepoints’ are earned by exploring the cosmos, landing on planets, and discovering space stations. However, caution is paramount, as these encounters can yield both ‘resources,’ essential for survival, and potential hazards. Landing on an unexplored planet with low energy reserves can risk the destruction of the ship and the player. Spacepoints are utilized both for research, which facilitates further exploration, and as currency when selecting a ship for each launch. Insufficient points may force players to pilot a fragile vessel through perilous regions of space.
After approximately 15 hours in RymdResa, I felt as though I had only scratched the surface of its content. Each journey into the unknown yielded new surprises, both welcome and unwelcome. The relaxing soundtrack contributed to a pleasant experience, and aside from an initially frustrating period, I found the gameplay engrossing. The astronaut’s internal monologue, voiced at various points throughout the game, provided some of the most compelling moments of the experience.
My exploration of space in RymdResa is far from over, and I anticipate returning to its virtual cosmos on multiple occasions. The game’s title accurately reflects its content: it is, quite simply, a journey into space.
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