Reentry: An Orbital Simulator
- November 15, 2018
- Lyra Creative
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Incredibly detailed and historically accurate simulation of early US space programs, including Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo.
- Engaging and immersive experience that allows players to learn and operate complex spacecraft systems through interactive checklists and tutorials.
- Active developer support with regular updates and a responsive community, enhancing the overall experience and addressing bugs.
- Steep learning curve that may overwhelm casual players, requiring significant time investment to master the controls and procedures.
- Some technical issues and bugs present, particularly in early access, which can affect gameplay and immersion.
- User interface and certain UI elements could be improved for better accessibility and ease of use during missions.
- story155 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 90 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The game's story immerses players in the historical context of NASA's early manned missions, including Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, allowing them to experience the intricacies and challenges faced by astronauts. Players appreciate the attention to detail in mission procedures and the educational aspect of the simulation, which enhances their understanding of space exploration. While the game is still in early access with some bugs and limited missions, it has the potential to evolve into a comprehensive and engaging experience for space enthusiasts.
“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.”
“The amount of care that has gone into recreating these spacecraft and missions is evident, and making the experience not just accurate, but fun as well speaks to its excellent design.”
“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.”
“The missions feel canned because they are.”
- graphics47 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their high level of detail and realism, particularly within the spacecraft interiors, which enhance the immersive experience of being an astronaut. While some users note that the external graphics could be improved and are somewhat dated, the overall visual quality is considered excellent, especially with recent optimizations. The combination of stunning graphics and responsive controls contributes to a compelling simulation experience, despite some minor aesthetic suggestions for improvement.
“The graphics are amazing, and the gameplay makes you feel like you're one of the astronauts.”
“The level of technical details, graphic quality, fidelity, and immersion is unbelievable.”
“Very realistic, highly polished graphics, awesome content; if you are interested in space, this simulation is definitely a requirement.”
“Surprised to see that this runs with 24 fps with 'balanced' graphics preset on Steam Deck.”
“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.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 88 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly detailed and immersive, effectively simulating real-life astronaut experiences and orbital mechanics, though it may be challenging for newcomers without prior knowledge. Players can engage with various gameplay options, including tutorials and custom missions, but the game does not provide extensive teaching on orbital mechanics, which may leave some players feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy complex simulations and are willing to learn about the intricacies of space flight.
“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.”
“If you like complex mechanical things and/or games where you have to learn a bunch of stuff without it holding your hand and you feel overwhelmed at first, look no further.”
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive quality and emotional impact, often described as a standout feature that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the original soundtrack, noting its superiority to other space simulation games, and highlight how it complements the nostalgic elements of the gameplay. Additionally, the incorporation of real astronaut communications adds to the authenticity and depth of the audio experience.
“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.”
“I've had the music send chills down my spine.”
“Last but not least, a soundtrack that will have you gazing at the star-field while blissfully pushing RCS through your nozzles to get the best horizon view.”
“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.”
“Although it's not the main focus of the game, I have to say that the music is an absolute pleasure to listen to.”
“✔️ Immersion is okay, but the wow factor is boosted by music and sound bytes.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 89 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has improved significantly over time, with users noting great performance and solid graphics on capable systems. However, some players have experienced performance degradation in later versions, and there are still ongoing issues related to graphics optimization and missing features, particularly given its early access status.
“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.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting numerous bugs and glitches, particularly since it is still in early access. While some players appreciate the developer's responsiveness and regular updates, others find the issues too significant to overlook, leading to a consensus that the game shows promise but requires further refinement before it can be fully endorsed.
“I haven't encountered any glitches.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes.”
“I've experienced consistent performance throughout my playtime.”
“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.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is described as immersive and engaging, particularly for players who enjoy the narrative of space travel 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.
“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).”
“I recently tried the Apollo lunar landing and a few minutes prior to PDI, I randomly popped up in Earth's atmosphere!”
“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).”
- humor2 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 issues, exemplified by the phrase "sce to aux," which highlights the comedic value of seemingly insignificant actions leading to significant outcomes. This blend of quirky logic and playful absurdity resonates well with players, enhancing the overall experience.
“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.”
- grinding1 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 dedicated fans and casual gamers, avoiding excessive technicality or tedium.
- emotional1 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 for those who have aspired to be astronauts.
“This is not just a simulation; it is an emotional and educational experience for individuals (myself included) who dreamed of being an astronaut.”
“The game evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, making every moment feel significant.”
“I found myself genuinely moved by the characters' stories, which added a profound layer to the gameplay.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The replayability of many flight simulators, such as Eagle Lander 3D and Orbiter, is noted for being accessible and straightforward, allowing a wide range of players to enjoy them without delving into complex instrument and mission details. This simplicity contributes to their enduring appeal, making them easy to revisit.
“Many are very simple flight sims (Eagle Lander 3D, Orbiter, MS Space Simulator), which do not go into instrument and mission detail and are playable by most.”
“The lack of depth in gameplay mechanics makes it hard to find reasons to replay the game after finishing it.”
“Once you've completed the main objectives, there isn't much incentive to dive back in for a second playthrough.”
