Kerbal Space Program 2
- February 24, 2023
- Intercept Games
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Epic Games Store"Kerbal Space Program 2" is a space flight simulation game where players can design, build, and launch their own space vehicles. The sequel introduces new planets, moons, and celestial bodies to explore, as well as enhanced modding tools and multiplayer capabilities. Players must manage their crew, resources, and technology to establish a sustainable human presence in space.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Cloud
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- optimization2,905 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Kerbal Space Program 2" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues even on high-end systems. Users have noted that the game often runs at significantly lower frame rates than expected, particularly during complex builds or when near celestial bodies, leading to a frustrating experience. While some players have observed improvements in performance with recent updates, the consensus remains that the game is currently poorly optimized and lacks many features present in its predecessor, making it difficult to recommend for purchase at this time.
“Despite the known issues with frame rates, bugs, and other glitchy stuff, this is a worthwhile game to play and it is super fun and will continue to be as it gets more optimized and updated down the line!”
“The performance has improved greatly since the original launch for me (rtx 3090, i5 13600k)”
“The game is now basically ksp1 with increased performance/graphics, some new parts and overhauled vehicle assembly.”
“I would recommend KSP 1 over this, however, since it has more content and is more optimized than what KSP 2 has been left with.”
“The game is a rudimentary clone of the first Kerbal Space Program with slightly better graphics, a tenth of the features, and a one-hundredth of the performance.”
“The performance is abysmal, the optimization is next to none, and the bugs are completely overwhelming.”
- graphics2,323 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of Kerbal Space Program 2 have received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements over the original game, particularly in terms of visual fidelity and detail. However, these enhancements come at the cost of performance, as numerous users report severe frame rate drops and graphical glitches, even on high-end systems. Overall, while the graphics are praised for their beauty and potential, the game's optimization issues and lack of content compared to KSP1 have led to disappointment among players.
“The graphics are beautiful and the updates to topography make the planets feel real.”
“The graphics are stunning at times, the music is very well executed.”
“The graphics are a huge improvement over kerbal space program 1, and the promise of colonies and interstellar exploration is the cherry on top.”
“To sum up, KSP 2 is KSP 1 with better graphics and a terrible development of everything else.”
“The only thing this has over the original is better graphics.”
“It's a graphical reskin of KSP 1, but far buggier.”
- stability1,879 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The stability of Kerbal Space Program 2 has been widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that render the game nearly unplayable. Many reviews highlight that the game feels unfinished and lacks essential features compared to its predecessor, KSP 1, leading to frustration among users. Despite some acknowledging the game's potential, the overwhelming consensus is that it is currently a buggy mess, not worth the full price tag, and better suited for those willing to endure its many issues in early access.
“It runs great now and is a lot of fun!”
“The game runs great and is pretty fun.”
“At this time, almost a year later, the game runs great and works well, as well as having more fleshed out features that are present in the first game.”
“The game is buggy and the development has stopped; still, they won't do any announcements and will leave this here to try to scam people into buying an early access that will never be completed.”
“It's unfinished, lacking even basic features the first game had on launch, it runs terribly, and is unjustifiably buggy, even for a game that has been completely abandoned and will never see another update.”
“The game is a buggy mess, broken beyond playability.”
- story1,097 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 85 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players noting a lack of engaging narrative or mission depth compared to its predecessor, Kerbal Space Program 1. While some appreciate the introduction of a mission system that provides a sense of progression and purpose, others criticize it for being shallow and riddled with bugs that disrupt gameplay. Overall, the game's story elements are seen as a work in progress, with potential for improvement as future updates are released.
“It has a pretty cool set of missions which create some plot, lore, and actually directs and pushes the player to continue improving and progressing in their play.”
“The missions seem fast-paced but that's because KSP1 I had modded to be very slow and realistic with missions like unmanned before manned space flight.”
“The missions are much more enjoyable than the old contracts, and the briefs and debriefs are endearing, and capture the spirit of the Kerbals excellently.”
“They promised us interstellar travel, epic planet bases, multiplayer, gameplay and story, but we get this.”
“None of the selling points are in the game except for slightly better graphics and an unfinished storyline.”
“The story of this game is one of abysmal mismanagement and incompetence and I do not have any more trust that what we were promised will ever be achieved.”
- gameplay1,003 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Kerbal Space Program 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over its numerous bugs, performance issues, and the absence of promised features such as career mode and interstellar travel. While some appreciate the improved graphics and user interface, they feel that the core gameplay mechanics are either broken or lacking compared to the original game, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, players recommend waiting for further updates and fixes before investing in the game, as it currently feels more like an unfinished product than a polished sequel.
“The gameplay is enjoyable when it works.”
“The core gameplay loop (build, launch, fail, adjust, repeat) is not there because it is not possible for the game to avoid falling apart before you've done one loop.”
“The gameplay remains familiar to those accustomed to the original, and the quality of life improvements made to in-flight controls and UI are very welcome.”
“When the game was first released, it was riddled with bugs and completely lacked meaningful gameplay.”
“The developers put years and a lot of money into it, but the basic gameplay mechanics like physics, orbital mechanics, joints, and maneuver nodes barely work and are as janky as they are in KSP1.”
“The game is mostly stable (I only encountered a few crashes in quite a few hours of gameplay) and none game-breaking bugs.”
- atmosphere326 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in KSP 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its visual improvements and immersive sound design, which enhance the overall experience. However, significant issues persist, including a lack of atmospheric drag and heating effects, leading to unrealistic re-entry scenarios and performance drops during atmospheric flight. While some players appreciate the aesthetic aspects, the absence of core mechanics from the original game has left many feeling disappointed and frustrated.
“I have fond memories of struggling to launch my first pod into orbit, and then being blown away as the sun rose over Kerbin's distant horizon, refracting through the atmosphere and casting long shadows over the mountains far below, all while the music swelled in grandeur.”
“There were multiple moments during my first session where I had to pause time and just look at the sun reflecting off the atmosphere of Kerbin; it's genuinely that nice.”
“The atmospheric effects (sunrise on the surface of/on orbit around Kerbin is lovely), ship lighting (with reflections and planetshine and bloom), exhaust effects (lovely mach diamonds, and expanding plumes at lower pressures), explosions, all top-notch.”
“The game is playable at high settings; I can get upwards of 100 fps in space, 89 in atmosphere, and 70 around the Kerbal Space Center.”
“You don't feel any of the thrill of traveling at fast speeds while in the atmosphere whatsoever.”
“The graphics are great, but the atmosphere effects and clouds still just suck so bad.”
- music306 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in KSP 2 has received widespread acclaim for its dynamic and context-sensitive design, enhancing the overall gameplay experience with unique themes for different celestial bodies and situations. Many players appreciate the orchestral and cinematic quality of the soundtrack, which adds emotional depth to key moments, such as launches and landings. However, some users have noted that the music can become repetitive over extended play sessions, and a few miss the charm of the original game's soundtrack. Overall, the sound design and music are considered standout features, contributing significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.
“The music and sound design is nice and I like the immersion it brings to the game.”
“The dynamic music really makes exploring worthwhile.”
“The music swells at just the right time to highlight key accomplishments, and the rocket plumes and light reflecting off parts are really beautiful.”
“The music is different: less jazzy and charming.”
“After about 8 hours, I had to turn off the music - there is no variety (as far as I can tell) or distinct soundtrack that the music drones on the mind.”
“I also really hate the music.”
- monetization224 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly criticized by users, who describe it as a blatant cash grab that capitalizes on the goodwill of its predecessor, Kerbal Space Program. Many reviewers express disappointment over misleading advertising, unfinished features, and the high price point for an early access title, leading to calls for refunds and accusations of fraudulent practices by the publisher, Take-Two Interactive. Overall, the sentiment is that the game was rushed to market primarily for profit, rather than to deliver a quality experience to fans.
“Since they're asking a full price, wait until it's playable and they've come clean on their additional monetization scheme.”
“I had a quick skim through it and immediately saw a section on in-game purchases.”
“They're setting this game up to feature in-game purchases and digital currency.”
“They started selling the game with prerelease advertising that showcased a huge roadmap, then they fired the entire development team without delivering what was promised.”
“This game isn't 'early access', it's just a buggy, unfinished, $50 cash grab.”
“It breaks my heart to say this but this entire game and marketing campaign was a cash grab with no real intent to deliver.”
- humor138 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the quirky, light-hearted elements and funny glitches that lead to amusing moments. However, some feel that the humor has become overemphasized at the expense of gameplay mechanics, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. Overall, while the game retains its charm and comedic aspects, the balance between humor and functionality remains a point of contention among players.
“Guiding the endearingly inept kerbals through the galactic playground feels like trying to teach a fish to ride a bicycle, resulting in hilariously disastrous launches.”
“The funny names and descriptions are seeded all through the game and they always motivate at least a chuckle :)”
“It's fun and pretty funny to see all the glitches.”
- replayability87 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability has improved significantly with recent updates, particularly the "For Science!" update, which has added content and goals that enhance the experience. However, many players still find it lacking compared to its predecessor, KSP 1, especially in terms of features and stability. While some users report high replayability for dedicated space enthusiasts, others suggest waiting for further updates to address bugs and performance issues before fully engaging with the game.
“The amount of content in the game has washed away any concerns I had about replayability, and I've personally found the learning curve challenging enough to make the game addictive.”
“For Science has finally made the game incredibly fun and replayable with incredible gameplay progression.”
“This game has a lot of replayability now and also has some great tutorials to help get you started.”
“Lack of replayability.”
“Not sure why it was released without any science components, really drags down all the replayability potential.”
“Very limited replayability.”
- grinding63 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 63 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time to progress. While some appreciate the removal of certain grindy elements from previous versions, many still encounter frustrating bugs and clunky mechanics that contribute to a laborious experience. Despite these challenges, a few players still find enjoyment in the game, particularly those who are passionate about the series.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Gone is the grinding to make enough money for each and every rocket you launch, which only took away play time from what I actually wanted to do.”
“In the current state, KSP2 is full of core system bugs that make playing the game hard and tedious.”
“Building a rocket is tedious and way more difficult than in KSP1, even though the ability to not have to rely on subassemblies is a plus.”
- emotional55 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response to the game is overwhelmingly negative, with many players expressing deep disappointment and heartbreak over its failure to meet expectations, especially after the success of its predecessor. Users feel a strong attachment to the original game, and the perceived mismanagement and corporate decisions surrounding the sequel have left them feeling betrayed and disillusioned. The combination of technical issues, unfulfilled promises, and a lack of communication from developers has led to a profound sense of loss within the community.
“For a game that garnered so much anticipation and excitement from its dedicated fanbase, it's truly heartbreaking to see how it turned out upon release.”
“Kerbal Space Program is one of the best games ever made, and when I saw the cinematic trailer for KSP2, an homage to the Build Fly Dream trailer, exemplifying everything to love about the creativity of the community and the drive the game inspires us with, I cried incredibly hard for everything it meant to me.”
“The musical themes for each planet are unique, and their subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, changes make things even more emotional, cinematic, and impactful.”
