Reentry: An Orbital Simulator
- November 15, 2018
- Lyra Creative
- 4h median play time
"Reentry: An Orbital Simulator" is a single-player and multi-player space flight simulation game featuring real-life spacecrafts with intricate systems and missions based on real or fictional challenges. Players create and level-up astronauts, learning to fly and operate spacecrafts via in-game academy and manuals, while exploring space in a high-resolution, realistic environment. The game offers a splendid graphics experience, recreating space travel's beauty and complexity.
Reviews
- Incredibly detailed and historically accurate simulation of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs.
- Engaging and immersive experience that allows players to learn and operate real spacecraft systems through checklists and tutorials.
- Active developer support with regular updates and a responsive community, enhancing the overall experience.
- Steep learning curve that may overwhelm casual players, requiring significant time investment to master the systems.
- Some bugs and performance issues present, particularly in early access, which can affect gameplay experience.
- User interface elements, such as checklists, can obstruct views and may need improvement for better usability.
- story310 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 89 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The game's story immerses players in the historical context of NASA's early manned missions, particularly the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, allowing them to experience the challenges and triumphs of these iconic space flights. Players appreciate the attention to detail in mission profiles and spacecraft design, which enhances the educational aspect while fostering a deep emotional connection to the characters and events. Despite some early access limitations and bugs, the overall narrative experience is engaging and rewarding for space enthusiasts.
“It has its flaws like any game, but it's pretty minor. I've had lots of fun and the story is great; I got really attached to the characters.”
“The spacecraft, mission profiles, and the challenges faced by the astronauts are all captured beautifully, making it both educational and exciting.”
“Players get to experience these historic missions from a first-hand perspective, which is both educational and exhilarating.”
“There are quite a number of typos both in the manuals and the on-screen prompts during academy missions.”
“Some missions were very frustrating as they are scripted, to benefit you in learning, but if you miss something or screw up, it seems the scripting may be affected to where you can no longer continue the mission as intended.”
“Early access means there's only a handful of missions available; if you want to relive the entirety of mercury, gemini, and apollo then maybe wait till the official release.”
- graphics94 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their high level of detail, particularly within the spacecraft interiors, which create an immersive experience for players. While the external visuals, such as planetary graphics, are considered somewhat dated, the overall graphical fidelity and realism of the cockpit environments are highlighted as exceptional. Players appreciate the ongoing optimization and improvements, indicating that the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal, despite some areas still needing enhancement.
“The setup is incredibly detailed, the graphics are amazing, and the gameplay makes you feel like you're one of the astronauts.”
“The graphics are fantastic, the soundtrack is great and the developers are constantly working on perfecting the game.”
“Very realistic, highly polished graphics, awesome content; if you are interested in space, this simulation is definitely a requirement.”
“The graphics are mediocre and non-existent.”
“On the downside, the game needs to be optimized for graphics performance and there are a number of features not yet implemented.”
“Apart from the rockets and spacecraft, the visuals aren't that compelling, but again the game is in beta.”
- gameplay48 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly detailed and immersive, effectively simulating real-life spaceflight procedures and mechanics, which may appeal to players with a background in orbital mechanics. While the game offers various modes, including tutorials and custom missions, it does not provide extensive guidance for newcomers, making it challenging for those unfamiliar with spaceflight concepts. The developer's commitment to enhancing the experience with future updates, such as VR support and cooperative gameplay, further enriches the overall gameplay experience.
“The setup is incredibly detailed, the graphics are amazing, and the gameplay makes you feel like you're one of the astronauts.”
“Petri is a genius and has done an amazing job of blending real-life procedures with accessible gameplay.”
“It is remarkable how well a faithful recreation of all of their procedures, instruments, and controls translates into an engaging gameplay experience.”
“Some knowledge of orbital mechanics will benefit those who are familiar with it, but new players to this sim may be at a loss to those mechanics as the game really does not teach those; it only tells you what to do and mostly when to do it.”
“This will not appeal to the normal gamer or someone who is expecting some kind of 'plot' or game mechanic: this is pretty much an actual simulation and extremely technical.”
“I guess the best way to describe it is as a very good payware aircraft, but for an average flight simulator (orbital mechanics seem a bit strange when compared to references like Orbiter or even KSP).”
- music24 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many players noting its exceptional quality and ability to enhance immersion, often surpassing soundtracks from similar titles like Kerbal Space Program. The soundtrack, along with authentic sound snippets from real astronaut communications, significantly contributes to the nostalgic and emotional experience of the game. Overall, players find the music to be a standout feature that elevates the gameplay and evokes strong feelings of nostalgia.
“The music is a key part of the experience, as are the sound snippets of real communications between astronauts and control on the real flights.”
“Although it's not the main focus of the game, I have to say that the music is an absolute pleasure to listen to.”
“I've had the music send chills down my spine.”
“There's some minor aesthetic improvements that could be made (new soundtrack, or replace with better ambiance; radio chatter instead of text boxes; other limited changes), but otherwise the bones are here for something really cool.”
“The music is a key part of the experience as are the sound snippets of real communications between astronauts and control on the real flights.”
“✔️ Immersion is okay, but the wow factor is boosted by music and sound bytes.”
- optimization18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has seen improvements over time, particularly in graphics and stability, with many users noting solid performance on high-end systems. However, some players have reported a slight degradation in performance with recent updates, and as it is still in early access, further optimization and feature implementation are needed.
“Performance of the game is great so far.”
“I bought this a year ago and since then the graphics have been optimized.”
“Doesn't overheat or anything and maintains solid performance.”
“I bought this game a few years ago and it had performance issues and some bugs.”
“Of course, as the game is early access there are still some issues, namely performance optimization and difficulty.”
“On the downside, the game needs to be optimized for graphics performance and there are a number of features not yet implemented.”
- stability16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game is currently in early access and is reported to have numerous bugs and glitches, with some players experiencing freezing issues during loading. While many acknowledge the game's potential and appreciate the developer's responsiveness in releasing patches, the overall consensus is that stability remains a significant concern, making it a challenging investment for some. Despite these issues, several users still recommend supporting the developer due to the game's promise.
“No glitches I have found.”
“No glitches I have found.”
“This game holds a lot of promise, but for now it's just too buggy to invest in.”
“I really only have one issue with the game, but technically I can't even call it an issue as this game is not a complete release yet and still early access, but there are many bugs and glitches, some of which have been fixed and others not.”
“It freezes up on the loading screen every time.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is described as immersive and engaging, allowing players to feel like they are genuinely flying to space and following detailed procedures. However, some users express frustration with the lack of seamless transitions during atmospheric entry and exit, which detracts from the overall experience. The focus on intricate details, such as waste management, is seen as misplaced when more critical aspects of reentry are not adequately addressed.
“I play for the immersive narrative of pretending I'm flying to space, following checklists, understanding the basics, and overall taking in the atmosphere (or lack thereof).”
“The only downside in my opinion is the lack of seamless atmospheric entry/exit (same for lunar entry/exit).”
“Why spend all that time telling you how to bypass waste excrement via an optional vacuum pipe using the alternate MNA bus vacuum seal opening, instead of telling you how much delta-v you need to reenter the atmosphere without burning up during the first full exam? I just don't know.”
“I recently tried the Apollo lunar landing and a few minutes prior to PDI, I randomly popped up in Earth's atmosphere!”
“No, I play for the immersive narrative of pretending I'm flying to space, following checklists, understanding the basics, and overall taking in the atmosphere (or lack thereof).”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from absurdity and the unexpected resolution of trivial problems, exemplified by the phrase "sce to aux," which highlights the comedic value of seemingly insignificant actions leading to humorous outcomes. This blend of quirky dialogue and situational comedy resonates well with players, creating a lighthearted atmosphere.
“Do you know why saying 'sce to aux' when you do something seemingly insignificant somehow fixes a problem is funny?”
“It's not about building rockets and coming up with crazy yet funny contraptions.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the grinding aspect of the game for striking a balance that appeals to both hardcore enthusiasts and casual gamers, making it engaging without feeling overly technical or tedious.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the experience transcends mere simulation, offering a profound emotional and educational journey, particularly for those who have aspired to be astronauts. This aspect resonates deeply, making it a meaningful experience for participants.
“This is not just a simulation; it is an emotional and educational experience for individuals (myself included) who dreamed of being an astronaut.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The replayability of many flight simulators, such as Eagle Lander 3D, Orbiter, and MS Space Simulator, is noted for being accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience, despite their simplicity and lack of detailed instrumentation and mission complexity. This broad appeal contributes to their lasting engagement among players.