Kerbal Space Program

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 85,034 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • humor
Kerbal Space Program Game Cover
A perfect blend of science and slapstick, and a robust and compelling sandbox of possibility. Simply outstanding.
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Kerbal Space Program Enhanced Edition is a physics-based space exploration game where you build and manage a space program for a race of aliens called Kerbals. Construct and launch spacecraft, build bases and stations, and explore the Kerbol solar system in three game modes: Science, Career, and Sandbox. Optimized for consoles, this edition features a reworked user interface and new controls for a smooth gameplay experience.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Linux
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 85,034 reviews
gameplay1,211 positive mentions
stability539 negative mentions
  • gameplay4,924 mentions

    The gameplay of Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is widely praised for its unique blend of fun and education, particularly in teaching players about orbital mechanics and rocketry. Players engage in building and launching spacecraft while navigating realistic physics, which fosters a deep understanding of complex concepts like delta-v, thrust-to-weight ratios, and gravity assists. The game features a variety of modes, including sandbox and career, and is supported by a robust modding community that enhances replayability and introduces new mechanics, making it a compelling experience for both casual gamers and space enthusiasts alike.

    • “It masterfully combines realistic physics with accessible gameplay, allowing players to design, build, and launch their own spacecraft while exploring the intricacies of orbital mechanics.”
    • “This game has taught me more about things like delta-v, inertia, friction, atmospheric pressure, atmospheric density, gravity, orbital mechanics, orbital maneuvering, and more, much better than any science or college class ever will.”
    • “Its unique blend of realistic physics, engaging gameplay, and endless possibilities makes it an essential experience for anyone interested in space, engineering, or simply enjoying a deep, rewarding game.”
    • “The gameplay itself has gotten progressively more solid as the years have progressed seeing more gameplay functionality, additions to the world that add more enjoyment to the simple sensation of exploration and growth of your space faring company and research center.”
    • “The game has a steep learning curve to understand certain mechanics or building techniques but when you learn how to control maneuver nodes or design good rockets the game becomes simple.”
    • “The physics follow the actual laws of physics so there is no 'handwavium super magic space drives' involved, this is a realistic simulation (even if the solar system and planets are scaled-down versions of our own, the laws of physics remain the same) involving a lot of planning and a lot of learning about how orbital mechanics and rockets work.”
  • story4,089 mentions

    The story aspect of Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is largely non-existent, with players primarily engaging in sandbox-style gameplay or career mode, where they create their own missions and objectives. While there are some structured missions and contracts to complete, the game emphasizes player creativity and experimentation over a traditional narrative. Players often recount personal stories of their experiences, such as launching rescue missions for stranded kerbals, which adds a unique, self-generated narrative to their gameplay.

    • “The satisfaction of successfully landing on another planet after carefully planning and executing a mission is unmatched in gaming.”
    • “The game captures the spirit of exploration and makes you feel a true sense of accomplishment when you complete missions - whether given by the game or determined by the player.”
    • “Every single time I've tried to get into KSP, I end up uninstalling it within 30 minutes because the career mode missions are dog trash.”
    • “This game has no story, just a series of missions that can feel repetitive and tedious after a while.”
    • “The missions are sometimes game-generated, and they can be quite challenging and require a fair bit of trial and error to master.”
    • “The game lacks a cohesive story, and while there are missions to complete, they often feel like random tasks rather than a structured narrative.”
  • humor1,673 mentions

    The humor in "Kerbal Space Program" is a standout feature, characterized by the charmingly clumsy antics of the kerbals, whose misadventures often lead to hilariously catastrophic failures. Players find joy in the absurdity of sending these little green characters into space, only to watch them meet comical fates, such as explosive crashes or unintended orbits. The game's lighthearted tone, combined with witty part descriptions and the kerbals' expressive reactions, creates a delightful atmosphere that makes both success and failure equally entertaining.

    • “The developers made kerbals the cutest, most hilarious characters; the whole game is wholesome and well developed in a very pleasing way.”
    • “Kerbal Space Program is not just about reaching the stars; it’s about doing it with a sense of humor and a love for the absurd.”
    • “The humor in the game is a nice diversion from the intensity of your mission/design cadence.”
    • “Maybe not for the unfunny.”
    • “I have put so many hours into this game; it's not funny.”
    • “You may eliminate everything that makes this mode not funny at all, and still not have the ability to load your saves.”
  • graphics1,580 mentions

    The graphics of Kerbal Space Program are generally considered dated and basic, often described as "PlayStation 1" level, but they are functional and charming in their cartoonish style. Many players note that while the stock graphics may not impress, the extensive modding community offers numerous enhancements that can significantly improve visual quality, making the game visually appealing. Overall, the gameplay experience is prioritized over graphics, with many reviewers emphasizing that the fun and educational aspects of the game outweigh its visual shortcomings.

    • “While the graphics might not be cutting-edge, the cartoonish kerbals and clean visual style create a perfect balance between accessibility and functionality.”
    • “There are so many great mods for this game, most notably the graphical mods; with those mods, this game is spectacular!”
    • “The graphics hold up, even in 2023, and it has the potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay, consisting either of screwing around, recreating real-life spacecraft, or creating your own missions.”
    • “The graphics are not good at all.”
    • “The game has pretty bad graphics; however, it makes up for it with no glitches or lag.”
    • “The graphics are dated (it is an old game), but the community modding scene is gargantuan and there is a plethora of visual mods that bring the game to a more visually appealing condition.”
  • atmosphere928 mentions

    The atmosphere in Kerbal Space Program is a blend of educational and entertaining elements, providing players with a realistic simulation of atmospheric physics and rocket mechanics. Players often experience a mix of frustration and exhilaration as they navigate the challenges of launching rockets, managing atmospheric drag, and executing successful re-entries, all while enjoying the humorous antics of the game's kerbals. The game fosters a sense of accomplishment as players learn from failures and gradually master the complexities of space and atmospheric flight.

    • “I'll soon have been playing this game 10 years and I keep coming back to it because it's hard to beat that feeling re-entering the Kerbin atmosphere, the heat shield glowing, knowing you pulled it off.”
    • “This is one of the most inspiring games I have ever played; it maintains a really light atmosphere (space pun intended!) while teaching a surprising amount about space, physics, and flying rockets.”
    • “The atmosphere of daily minutia holds you back and keeps you from becoming your best self.”
    • “The game is hard to learn, the learning curve is steep because although the build system is seemingly simple and the planets are small enough to be friendly (smaller atmospheres, slower orbital speeds), the aerodynamic model is incredibly intricate and the physics engine scarcely pulls its punches.”
    • “I can't express the tremendous guilt I have due to all the kerbals I've left stranded in LKO or burned up in the atmosphere because I messed up the staging.”
    • “The atmosphere simulation for airplanes is decent but do not expect Microsoft Flight Simulator.”
  • stability570 mentions

    The stability of the game is frequently criticized, with many users reporting a variety of bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly during complex tasks like building rockets or launching missions. While some players find the glitches amusing and part of the game's charm, others describe them as frustrating and game-breaking, leading to a mixed reception regarding overall stability. Despite these issues, many still enjoy the game for its engaging mechanics and the fun derived from its physics-based challenges.

    • “The game runs great on my machine, although it will chug a bit with very large ships docking (running a 2600k and 390).”
    • “It may be early access at the moment, and new things are being added, the game is being fleshed out ready for full release, but in its current form it's pretty much bug free and plays flawlessly.”
    • “There were performance issues in early access but the devs switched the game to run on a new version of Unity with x64 support for release and the game runs great now.”
    • “Game is buggy, it's unplayable... such a shame.”
    • “Eternally frustrating, endlessly buggy, proverbially rage inducing.”
    • “The game is full of bugs and annoying glitches, it gets really frustrating when you spend hours playing with your spaceship or aircraft only to be bogged down by the bugs in the game.”
  • replayability432 mentions

    Kerbal Space Program (KSP) is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, largely attributed to its extensive modding community and the game's sandbox nature, which allows for limitless creativity and experimentation. Players report that even the base game offers significant replay value, but the addition of mods can enhance the experience to near-infinite levels, providing countless hours of engaging gameplay. Overall, KSP is considered one of the most replayable games available, appealing to both casual players and those seeking deeper challenges.

    • “Despite its age, KSP continues to feel fresh, thanks to its depth and replayability.”
    • “The modding scene really brings it up to being replayable forever, practically.”
    • “This game has a great replay value, and a lighthearted comedic value to it.”
    • “No replayability on base but with mods it's much better, especially with the multiplayer mod.”
    • “Replay value on career mode is a bit short, and leaves you wanting more... this game has great mods for it currently that stay up to date with the game's patches so far.”
    • “So replayability dwindles as you do more.”
  • optimization371 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, particularly when dealing with large spacecraft or numerous mods. While some users report smooth gameplay on lower-end machines, others experience lag and frame drops as part counts increase, indicating that the game is not well-optimized for high complexity. Overall, while there are improvements in performance over time, many players still find it lacking, especially in terms of stability and efficiency on older hardware.

    • “Very fun to play, I always enjoy tweaking and optimizing my aircraft to get the best performance out of them.”
    • “KSP 1 has much better performance, and if you want to make it look better, just use mods.”
    • “The game has been released as a full version for some time now, got an engine update, huge performance improvements, bug eradication, a ton of new features, and the community is as vibrant as alpha and beta stages, with lots of constantly updated and maintained mods.”
    • “Moreover, the game's computational demands can sometimes lead to performance bottlenecks, especially when simulating complex orbital mechanics or rendering intricate spacecraft designs.”
    • “The biggest problem with the game is the poor optimization of certain aspects like time warps and the high quantity of objects in space.”
    • “The only downside to Kerbal is that it is terribly unoptimized and even high-end computers struggle to keep up with the inefficiency of design.”
  • grinding338 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely regarded as both tedious and time-consuming, particularly in career mode, where players often feel they need "a second life" to manage the repetitive tasks required for progression. While some find the grinding rewarding and integral to the learning experience, many reviews highlight that it can lead to frustration and boredom, especially during mid to late game. Overall, the game offers a mix of fun and frustration, with the grinding often detracting from the enjoyment of space exploration.

    • “It's not tedious though, it's actually fun.”
    • “Unlike some other games with a lot of hours behind them, this one isn't grindy; this is 600+ hours of me figuring stuff out and enjoying the learning process.”
    • “Fun, something many new games lack; no tedious grind. Yes, the distances between worlds are huge, but with the time warp function, hours can pass in minutes or seconds.”
    • “Playing with rockets that go boom most of the time trying to go further each time you installed the game and losing interest when you just can't reach that planet or moon you have been grinding for the past weeks, only to try again a couple of months later because you still think you can do it if you just try again and again.”
    • “Repetitive tasks: grinding resources and completing contracts can feel monotonous after a while.”
    • “The career mode feels a bit grindy and boring; science mode is my preferred mode, as you don't instantly have like a million parts at your disposal, which is what sandbox feels like.”
  • music272 mentions

    The music in the game is generally described as calming and fitting for the space exploration theme, often featuring royalty-free tracks that enhance the atmosphere. While many players appreciate the nostalgic and lighthearted tunes, some find the soundtrack repetitive after extended playtime, leading them to prefer their own music in the background. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the immersive experience, though there are calls for more variety and original compositions.

    • “The soundtrack fits well with the gameplay.”
    • “The music is calming and the little kerbals are always entertaining.”
    • “The music when you finally reach orbit after many failed attempts just hits different.”
    • “I think the part that sold me on this game is that half the music is stock Kevin MacLeod songs.”
    • “They never bothered to secure an actual soundtrack, so the whole game sounds like an online psychology class module (lots of free and free-sounding music), easily fixed by mods of course but still annoying.”
    • “The music is calming, but it, too, will start to grate on you as you hear the same song yet again.”
  • emotional147 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, eliciting a wide range of feelings from joy and pride to heartbreak and frustration. Players often form deep attachments to the adorable kerbals, experiencing intense highs with successful missions and devastating lows with failures, making each achievement feel uniquely rewarding. Overall, the game is described as an emotional rollercoaster that combines humor, challenge, and a sense of accomplishment, leaving players both elated and emotionally scarred.

    • “This game has made me cry many times.”
    • “Took me years to get to the moon in this game and to see my Jeb step out onto the surface made me cry.”
    • “The emotional payoff when I was executing moon landings was really high.”
  • monetization122 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, primarily due to the recent introduction of a launcher that serves ads for the sequel and DLCs, which many players view as intrusive and unnecessary. While the original game was praised for its lack of microtransactions, concerns have arisen following the acquisition by Take-Two Interactive, with fears that future updates may include monetization strategies such as paid DLC and microtransactions. Overall, players express frustration over the shift towards a more advertisement-driven model, which they feel undermines the game's integrity and user experience.

    • “No microtransactions except DLCs.”
    • “It's fun, difficult, void of in-game purchase popups or overlays, and you might even learn a little.”
    • “This game is in early access admittedly, this may put some of you off, but do not let it be so, this game is as polished and tidy as most AAA releases these days; there are no microtransactions here, you are buying practically a finished game.”
    • “The sequel was nothing but a cash grab based on the IP.”
    • “I used to love this game, then they broke it by adding their own crappy launcher just to launch KSP, this launcher wasn't asked for and is full of advertisements for their other games.”
    • “Game now comes with its own bloatware launcher, increasing the already horrible load times, harvesting user data without asking, all while shoving ads in your face and bricking the performance of a game already heavy to run.”
  • character development5 mentions

    Character development in this game is largely absent, with many reviewers noting a lack of story or progression for the characters. However, the character design is often highlighted as amusing and engaging, contributing to the overall enjoyment despite the minimal narrative depth. The clever progression system and real physics enhance the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable even without traditional character development.

    • “Real physics, great character design, and a clever progression system make this a true game for the ages.”
    • “Funny character design.”
    • “Never has a game with no story, character development, or even plot been this fun.”
    • “No character development.”
    • “Character design is... umm... not important in this genre, but I can't stop seeing minions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

Buy Kerbal Space Program

Play time

205hMedian play time
372hAverage play time
115hMain story
602hCompletionist
50-600hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 566 analyzed playthroughs

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