SimpleRockets is a physics-based space simulation game that lets you build and launch your own rockets. With a variety of parts to choose from, you can create rockets, rovers, and even space stations. Challenges and realistic orbital physics teach players about rocket science while they explore the solar system and share their creations.
Simple Rockets offers a fun and accessible introduction to rocket building and space exploration, making it a great alternative for those who find Kerbal Space Program too complex.
The game runs smoothly on low-end devices, allowing players to enjoy rocket simulation without needing high-end hardware.
Players appreciate the simplicity of the controls and the engaging sandbox mode, which encourages creativity in designing and launching rockets.
The game lacks depth and variety, with limited parts and features, making it feel repetitive after a short period of play.
Many players have reported bugs, including crashes when saving or launching rockets, which detracts from the overall experience.
The user interface can be clunky and unintuitive, especially for PC users, leading to frustration during gameplay.
gameplay
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
68%
12%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by its focus on realistic orbital mechanics and simple building mechanics, making it an accessible entry point for players interested in space exploration. While some users find the gameplay entertaining and educational, others criticize it for being simplistic and lacking content. Overall, it offers a unique blend of challenge and creativity, appealing to those looking to practice orbital mechanics in a straightforward environment.
“Overall, the gameplay is entertaining as well as informative.”
“The very aptly named SimpleRockets has a very fun and creative premise: assemble more than two dozen different types of mechanical modules into just about any shape you want, and taking into account an accurate simulation of fuel usage, weight distribution, and air resistance, test it out from a take-off point on any planet in a to-scale representation of our solar system.”
“Although this game couldn't be said to have the best graphics of any space game, I believe it is reasonable to claim that this has some of the best and simplest gameplay of all realistic space games.”
“The gameplay is meh.”
“Overall I give this a 9/15, 4/5 for controls, 2/5 for gameplay, and 3/5 for graphics.”
“The only thing that affects the gameplay is that you can't connect parts in multiple places.”
graphics
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
44%
28%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users noting their simplicity and cartoonish style, which some find charming while others criticize as inadequate or unattractive. While some players appreciate the graphics for their fit within the game's physics-based gameplay, others feel they detract from the overall experience, leading to a range of scores from 2/5 to 4/5. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they serve the gameplay effectively for those who prioritize mechanics over visuals.
“The graphics are wonderfully done, and the gameplay is challenging while adhering to Newtonian physics.”
“As far as it goes, you can build rockets, probes, and rovers, and basically send them wherever you want - oh, and the graphics are just plain awesome.”
“Simple graphics, but they do look more akin to something you'd find in a flash game, yet they fit the game well.”
“The graphics are terrible.”
“The models look ugly and don't fit the theme at all; it's like some weird plastic steampunk graphics.”
“It is a waste of money because the graphics are horrible, and previews may make it look cool, but it is a piece of trash, no offense.”
story
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The game's story aspect is minimal, primarily revolving around physics-based missions that serve as training and orientation rather than a cohesive narrative. While players can engage in sandbox mode, the lack of a true free flight experience and the featureless planets detract from the overall immersion. The missions are entertaining but ultimately limited, leading to a sense of boredom once completed.
“The learning curve is smooth and simple, thanks in part to a good tutorial and progressive challenge missions to master, before jumping into the sandbox and designing one's own from scratch.”
“The planets are out there in this game and only in understanding what it really takes to get to the planets in our solar system can one truly appreciate the value and accomplishment of the real space missions that have been achieved.”
“Finish the missions - use the tools (the intercept is nice) and see if you can make it as a 'by the seat' orbital mechanic - in real time!”
“There's no career mode, no true 'free flight' although every mission is a free flight because there's no hard 'game over' unless death, and so on.”
“This game is basically a challenge mode and nothing else, no missions, points or anything.”
“The planets and moons are basically featureless, which detracts a little from the thrill of completing a mission.”
replayability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it entertaining initially, citing a lack of updates and content as reasons for diminished replay value, others claim it offers exceptional replayability. The divide suggests that player experience may vary significantly based on personal preferences and expectations for ongoing content.
“Lots of replayability”
“This game has the most replayability of any game I have ever owned.”
“In short, it is entertaining for a short amount of time, but it loses replayability because it doesn't appear as though new parts or updates are being added.”
“Fun at first, but only lasts about 2 hours; not much replayability at all.”
“I prefer KSP, but without modding support, it loses replayability too.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing planet names and the comedic chaos that ensues from rocket malfunctions, providing players with plenty of laughs. While some users noted annoying bugs, these often added to the humorous experience, making the game enjoyable for sandbox play and lighthearted exploration. Overall, the game successfully combines fun and education with a comedic twist.
“It's a fun game that teaches you a little science and has some pretty funny names for the planets.”
“Learning curve seems a bit steep, but this game is a hoot for just sandboxing around in, building rockets and then laughing maniacally when they malfunction and explode!”
“Annoying bugs but sometimes with humorous effect.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game's optimization for PC is lacking, with users noting a need for fixes and improvements, particularly for larger monitors. However, it performs well even on low-end systems, running smoothly on less powerful hardware.
“It runs smoothly on the most potato of computers.”
“For PC, the game needs some fixes and optimizations.”
“This could certainly be optimized for PC gaming and larger monitors, but sadly it hasn't.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game tends to become repetitive and annoying over time, leading some players to prefer listening to their own tracks instead. While the overall experience is entertaining and well-executed, the simplicity of the game may limit its long-term appeal.
“The music gets a little annoying after a while; I just turn it off and put on my own music.”
“The music plays and it doesn't auto-pause when tabbed out, which can be quite frustrating.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
150%
The atmosphere in Simple Rockets is characterized by a trial-and-error experience similar to Kerbal Space Program (KSP), but it lacks the vibrant and engaging feel of KSP, offering a more limited 2D environment with fewer parts and challenges. Players may find the atmosphere less immersive due to its simplistic design and restricted gameplay options.
“While playing Simple Rockets, you’ll experience a trial and error focused atmosphere where the player tries to reach new goals, like creating a rocket capable of leaving the atmosphere and piloting it into orbit.”
“The atmosphere is quite different from what I am used to in KSP, as it lacks the happy-go-boom style and is limited to miscellaneous challenges and a sandbox mode.”
“Being 2D-only, with only two dozen or so parts to choose from, lacks the happy-go-boom style and atmosphere I am used to in KSP, limiting the experience to miscellaneous challenges and a sandbox mode.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, making it hard to get immersed in the gameplay.”
“The lack of depth in the environment and sound design really detracts from the overall atmosphere of the game.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and boring, often feeling lost due to a lack of direction and support in navigating challenges.
“Tedious and boring with a 'figure it out yourself' attitude, and no direction or help in figuring things out.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game has been widely criticized for its instability, with users reporting numerous bugs that significantly impact gameplay.
“The game is buggy as hell.”
“I experienced constant crashes that made it unplayable.”
“Frequent glitches and bugs ruin the overall experience.”