Shortly about the game

I haven't played this game in a long time. I first tried in 2004, perhaps as a demo version from a gaming magazine disc. Later, I bought a second-hand physical copy. I was thrilled, when the HD edition was released on Steam.

It's like a space Sims that was never released. Exploration, mining, task management, humorous animations, cool aliens and androids. The voice-over is funny, and I like how the diverse crew becomes a big, efficient team. You start to like each one of the crew members.

I don't mind that it's not in true 3D, or that the characters are pre-generated. Overall, I think the game has a nice concept and a great atmosphere. With ambient music and the slow, steady breathing sounds of the oxygen generator, this game gave its players a meditative ASMR experience even before it was cool.

Taking a fresh look

It simply ignites my imagination. Just picture yourself having sauna or chilling in a hot tub, looking up at the galaxy above through the thin glass ceiling of a biodome. Just a wall away, there is a harsh wilderness. As I write this, I feel it sounds a bit like unwinding in a mökki (a Finnish holiday home) in the middle of a forest.

My imagination complements the graphics like it did with games of the 80's. I usually play on easy mode without speed-up to let myself think and enjoy the mood.

As an adult, I'm less interested in choosing my favorite character and finding the perfect match for them. I more interested how the different characters may feel in the situation.

And I was shocked by the cruelty of the space chicken farmer unit. The sound of that machine is anything but funny. I didn't notice it earlier, but it is something that makes you think about the meat industry. Perhaps shocking the players with it will have an impact.

The original version of this post is part of the Blaugust 2025 series on my blog along with:

• Friendships in my life
• Jousting in video games
• Helsinki Biennial
• Data & Encryption
• Intro through traits
• Hospital visit
• Win 3.1 Nostalgia
• Poets of the Fall
• Project done!
• Video games that made me learn
• Blaugust