Kerbal Space Program: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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|title=Kerbal Space Program |
|title=Kerbal Space Program |
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|publisher = [[Squad (game developer)|Squad]] |
|publisher = [[Squad (game developer)|Squad]] |
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|series = |
|series = |
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|engine = [[ |
|engine = [[Unity]] |
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|released = June 24, 2011 (alpha |
|released = June 24, 2011 (alpha 0.7.3)<ref name=VersionHistory>{{cite web|title=Version History - KSP wiki|url=http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Version_History|publisher=Kerbal Space Program Wiki|date=May 30, 2013|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> |
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May 30, 2013 (latest, 0.20.2)<ref name=VersionHistory /> |
May 30, 2013 (latest, alpha 0.20.2)<ref name=VersionHistory /> |
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|genre = [[Space flight simulator game |
|genre = [[Space flight simulator game|Space Flight Simulator]] |
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|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] |
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] [[Sandbox (video games)|Sandbox]] |
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|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]] |
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]] |
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|media = Download |
|media = Download ([http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/kspstore KSP Store]) |
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[http:// |
[http://store.steampowered.com/app/220200/ Steam] |
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[http://store.steampowered.com/app/220200/ Steam catalog] |
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}} |
}} |
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'''''Kerbal Space Program''''' (commonly abbreviated '''''KSP''''') is a [[ |
'''''Kerbal Space Program''''' (commonly abbreviated to '''''KSP''''') is a [[Sandbox (videogames)|sandbox-style]] [[space flight simulator game|space flight simulator]] currently in development for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], and [[Linux]]. The first public [[Software release life cycle#Alpha|alpha]] was released on June 24, 2011 and updates have been continually released since. KSP has support for [[Mod (computer gaming)|mods]], all of which are hosted on the official modding website, [http://kerbalspaceport.com SpacePort]. It can be purchased through the official KSP Store or, since March 20, 2013, through [[Steam (software)|Steam]]. |
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[[File:KSPscreenshot.png|thumb|A rocket sitting on the launchpad with the Mün in the background.]] |
[[File:KSPscreenshot.png|thumb|A rocket sitting on the launchpad with the Mün in the background.]] |
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==Gameplay== |
==Gameplay== |
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Gameplay consists of building a rocket or [[spaceplane]] and flying into space. Many intricate designs of plane or rocket can be constructed out of different engines, fuel tanks, pods and wings. A player can also add many different types of scientific equipment such as an [[accelerometer]]. The player can choose for the ship to have multiple stages, causing much debate over which staging designs are the most efficient. Many players also choose to add [[Spacecraft Docking and Berthing Mechanisms|docking]] support, allowing for [[Lander (spacecraft)|landers]] to be created. |
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{{expand section|date=April 2013}} |
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To achieve space travel, the player must design spaceships out of available parts. These include different types of fuel tanks, capsules, boosters and rockets, scientific equipment, and electrical parts. This design process can be quite involved, with players in some cases making complex calculations during the design process to ensure their rocket has the performance necessary to complete the proposed mission. With only a sandbox mode currently available (however a career mode is planned) the player has an infinite budget and can apply endless amounts of parts to their ship. The player can adjust the particular staging of their craft, changing when decouplers, rocket engines, and parachutes are triggered (which can be done by pressing the space bar). The player can also assign action groups to parts such as solar panels which activate a specific functionality of the part when pressing the assigned key. Once the player presses launch, they either go to the Launchpad or Runway. This is determined by the facility that the vehicle was constructed inside (the Vehicle Assembly Building or Space Plane Hangar, respectively). When in flight or on the ground, the player has the option to control the pitch, yaw, and roll of the ship by control surfaces or forces applied by the command module. The direction that the command module is facing is displayed on the "navball". The "navball" also displays a prograde, retrograde, target prograde, target retrograde, maneuver prograde, throttle of activated engines (controllable by player), speed in m/s, and an indicator showing where the command pod is facing. The "navball" can be considered the most used tool in the game. |
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After an aircraft is designed, a crew is selected and the player may fly wherever they choose throughout a large [[solar system]] - providing they have enough fuel, of course. |
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| ⚫ | |||
{{expand section|date=May 2013}} |
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Prior to Version 0.17 of Kerbal Space Program, only four celestial objects existed, the sun (kerbol), kerbin, mun and minmus. Since then, 5 planets, a dwarf planet and 7 moons were introduced. |
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A career mode is to be added soon, incorporating features such as money and limited resources. |
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The star in the middle of the solar system is known as the Sun, though the Kerbal Space Program community has named it "Kerbol", a combination of the human sun's name, Sol, and the Kerbal Space Program's analog for Earth, Kerbin. However, it is possible that Kerbol is named such because of the game's tendency to add 'K' or 'Ke' to the names of several objects. |
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| ⚫ | |||
Moho is the [[Mercury (Planet)|Mercury]]-analogue in KSP, being the closest planet to Kerbol. Moho has an eccentric and inclined orbit, a crater-marked surface, and no moons. It once had a superheated atmosphere, which made ships' engines overheat much more quickly, prior to version 0.18. |
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The [[solar system]] in KSP is designed to reflect our real-life solar system, with many planets having similar features to real-life counterparts (such as the planet of the game's main base, Kerbin ([[Earth]])). The solar system also incorporates [[Natural satellite|moons]], including [[Moon|Earth's moon]] (renamed to the Mün) with a monument to [[Neil Armstrong]] situated on the exact co-ordinates of the [[Apollo 11]] landing site. |
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The second planet in the solar system, the [[Venus (Planet)|Venus]]-analogue of the game, is the vivid-purple planet Eve. Eve has a thick atmosphere, high gravity, and one small moon named Gilly, which is a captured [[asteroid]]. Eve is also home to large swaths of purple ocean, theorized to be made of [[mercury (metal)|mercury]] by the players. |
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The third planet, and [[Earth]]-analogue, in the solar system is Kerbin, the main focus of KSP and the home of the Kerbals. Kerbin has two moons, the Mun, a [[Moon]] analogue; and Minmus a small and comet-like body, which are often the first goals for long-distance space missions. |
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The fourth planet in the solar system is Duna, the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]-like planet in KSP. This planet has a tidally-locked satellite named Ike, and has large ice-caps at the poles. |
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Dres is a [[1 Ceres|Ceres]]-like dwarf planet in KSP, orbiting Kerbol in an eccentric and inclined path It has numerous canyons and craters scattered on its surface, suggesting several large impacts. |
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The fifth planet out from Kerbol is the green [[gas giant]] of Jool. Jool is a large [[Jupiter]]-like planet. Jool has 5 moons: Laythe, an oceanic world; Vall, an icy and mountainous moon; Tylo, a [[Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]]-like moon, the largest in the game; Bop, a captured asteroid; and Pol, another captured asteroid resembling a pollen grain. |
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==Physics== |
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The sixth and last planet in the Kerbol system is Eeloo, a [[Pluto]]-like planet. It is covered in large ice chasms, giving it a look resembling Jupiter's moon [[Europa (moon)|Europa]]. The developers have stated that Eeloo will become the moon of a second gas giant in a future version of the game. |
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The game has been praised for its realistic representation of orbital physics, incorporating [[Orbital transfer|orbital transfers and escapes]] as a method of navigating the solar system. It also contains realistic simulations of [[atmosphere|atmospheres]] and [[re-entry]]. |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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| ⚫ | The game is currently in development and is considered by the developers to be only a small approximation of the final product.<ref name=KSPAbout>{{cite web|url=https://kerbalspaceprogram.com/about.php |title=KSP Website - About 2013}}</ref> New features are added regularly in updates to the game. No dates or requirements for a transition into [[Software release life cycle#Beta|beta]] or a final release have been announced. KSP is written in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] and uses the [[Unity|Unity engine]]. |
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{{expand section|date=April 2013}} |
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| ⚫ | The game is currently in development and is considered by the developers to be only a small approximation of the final product{{ |
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Alpha 0.7.3 was released on June 24, 2011 - this was the game's first public release. In version 0.14.1, mod support was introduced and an [[API]] was added. Versions 0.13.3 (March 3, 2012) and 0.18.3 (February 12, 2013) are available, in limited form, as [[game demo|demos]]; they are available at no cost but have limited content and can not receive updates. The latest version of the game, 0.20.2, was released on May 30, 2013.<ref name=VersionHistory /> |
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===Planned features=== |
===Planned features=== |
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According to the game's website, several features are planned for future releases:<ref name=PlannedFeatures>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Planned_features#Future_releases |title=Planned features - KSP Wiki |publisher=Kerbal Space Program Wiki |date=March 6, 2012 |accessdate=June 17, 2012}}</ref> |
According to the game's website, several features are planned for future releases:<ref name=PlannedFeatures>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Planned_features#Future_releases |title=Planned features - KSP Wiki |publisher=Kerbal Space Program Wiki |date=March 6, 2012 |accessdate=June 17, 2012}}</ref> |
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* Career mode |
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* Space program economic management |
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* Weather systems |
* Weather systems |
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* Research and development |
* Research and development |
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==Mods== |
==Mods== |
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KSP allows support for extensive modding, allowing anything from craft parts to whole autopilot systems to be created. All mods can be hosted on the game's official mod site, [http://kerbalspaceport.com SpacePort]]. |
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The game supports extensive [[mod (video gaming)|end-user modification]], allowing craft parts to easily be built and implemented by players. As a result, a significant modding community exists, with hundreds of modifications having been released.<ref name=Spaceport>{{cite web|title=KSP Spaceport (official mod source)|url=http://kerbalspaceport.com/|accessdate=June 20, 2013}}</ref> These modifications to the game add to its functionality, such as allowing land vehicles or airplanes to be created more easily than with the unmodified game. |
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A wide variety of mods have been produced, including [http://kerbalspaceport.com/mechjeb/ MechJeb], an advanced autopilot system, and the [http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/23979-Kethane-Pack-0-6-1-Multiple-resources-support-generator-Dev-stream-recording-up Kethane Pack], which adds support for interplanetary mining. |
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The plugin [[API]] allows mod-makers to create parts that load additional code at runtime; this code extends the base game, allowing for new functionality or for more powerful control of the existing features (e.g. autopilot modules, or telemetry).<ref>{{web cite|title=Plugins - KSP Wiki|url=http://wiki.kerbalspaceprogram.com/wiki/Plugins|publisher=Kerbal Space Program Wiki|accessdate=June 20, 2013}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The initial public |
The initial public release was received well, with sites such as [http://kotaku.com/5822081/will-you-help-these-stupid-aliens-into-space Kotaku] and [http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/07/12/trans-lunar-kerbal-space-program/ Rock paper shotgun] praising the game's replayability and creative aspects. The game has also been well-received on [[YouTube]], with many channels being created solely to cover the game.<ref>{{web cite|title=Youtube Search - Kerbal Space Program|url=https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=kerbal+space+program|accessdate=June 19,2013}}</ref> It has also received a substantial following on [[Reddit]] with over 25,000 subscribers.<ref>{{web cite|title=/r/KerbalSpaceProgram statistics|url=http://www.reddit.com/r/kerbalspaceprogram|publisher=stattit.com|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> |
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===Commercial=== |
===Commercial=== |
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The game has |
The game has been a smash-hit success, having over 74,000 members registered on the [[Internet forum|forums]] with over 5,000 active users.<ref>{{web cite|title=Kerbal Space Program Forum|url=http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/forum.php|publisher=Squad|accessdate=June 20, 2013}}</ref> In the hours after its [[Steam (software)|Steam]] release on March 20, 2013 it reached the top 5 of best sold games,<ref>{{cite web|title=PC Download Charts |url=http://technology.xin.msn.com/gaming/pc-download-charts-kerbal-space-program-1|author=Relaxnews|date=June 17, 2013|publisher=xin.msn|accessdate=June 18, 2013}}</ref> as well as the best seller on [[Steam (software)|Steam]] for [[Linux |Linux]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerbal Space Program Is the Best-Selling Game on Steam for Linux |author=Silviu Stahie|date=April 1, 2013|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Kerbal-Space-Program-Is-the-Best-Selling-Game-on-Steam-for-Linux-342028.shtml|publisher=softpedia|accessdate=June 18, 2013}}</ref> |
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===Critical=== |
===Critical=== |
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The game has received an overall positive critical reception. [[IGN]] |
The game has received an overall positive critical reception. [[IGN]] mentioned the game in the article "Five Ridiculous Upcoming Games"<ref>{{cite web|title=Five Ridiculous Upcoming Games |author=Anthony Gallegos|date=April 21,2012|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/04/21/five-ridiculous-upcoming-games|publisher=IGN|accessdate=November 12, 2012}}</ref> [[PCGamer]] has given the game extensive coverage.<ref> {{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/tag/kerbal-space-program/|publisher=PCGamer|accessdate=June 29, 2013}}</ref> Other publications have referred fondly to Kerbal Space Program, including [[Gamespy]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Become a Terribly Awesome Rocket Scientist With Kerbal Space Program|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/kerbal-space-program/1221987p1.html|author=Mike Nelson|date=March 29, 2012|publisher=GameSpy|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> The Torch,<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerbal Space Program (Beta) , SQUAD (P)review |url=http://thetorchslguide.com/2013/01/31/atomp-game-reviews-kerbal-space-program-beta-squad-preview/|author=Atomp|date=Jan 31, 2013|publisher=The Torch|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> [[Rock paper shotgun]],<ref name=RPS052413>{{cite web|title=(Not) Rocket Science In Kerbal Space Program|url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/05/24/not-rocket-science-in-kerbal-space-program/|author=Craig Pearson|date=May 24, 2013|publisher=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> and [[The PA Report]].<ref name=PA061913>{{cite web|title=NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is obsessed with a certain game, and I bet you can guess what it is|url=http://penny-arcade.com/report/article/nasas-jet-propulsion-lab-is-obsessed-with-a-certain-game-and-i-bet-you-can-|author=Andrew Groen|date=June 18, 2013|publisher=The PA Report|accessdate=June 19, 2013}}</ref> |
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Positive reception has been, however, tempered with |
Positive reception has been, however, tempered with acknowledgement that the game is only in early development and is therefore unfinished. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://kerbalspaceprogram.com Official Website] |
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*{{Official website|KerbalSpaceProgram.com}} |
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*[http://www.reddit.com/r/kerbalspaceprogram |
*[http://www.reddit.com/r/kerbalspaceprogram KSP sub-reddit] |
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*[http://kerbalspaceport.com/ |
*[http://kerbalspaceport.com/ SpacePort, official mod repository] |
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[[Category:Video game cleanup]] |
[[Category:Video game cleanup]] |
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Revision as of 18:32, 29 June 2013
| Kerbal Space Program | |
|---|---|
| File:KerbalSpaceProgramFullRedLogo.png Official logo of the game | |
| Developer(s) | Squad |
| Publisher(s) | Squad |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Mac OS X, Linux |
| Release | June 24, 2011 (alpha 0.7.3)[1] May 30, 2013 (latest, alpha 0.20.2)[1] |
| Genre(s) | Space Flight Simulator |
| Mode(s) | Single-player Sandbox |
Kerbal Space Program (commonly abbreviated to KSP) is a sandbox-style space flight simulator currently in development for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The first public alpha was released on June 24, 2011 and updates have been continually released since. KSP has support for mods, all of which are hosted on the official modding website, SpacePort. It can be purchased through the official KSP Store or, since March 20, 2013, through Steam.
Gameplay
Gameplay consists of building a rocket or spaceplane and flying into space. Many intricate designs of plane or rocket can be constructed out of different engines, fuel tanks, pods and wings. A player can also add many different types of scientific equipment such as an accelerometer. The player can choose for the ship to have multiple stages, causing much debate over which staging designs are the most efficient. Many players also choose to add docking support, allowing for landers to be created.
After an aircraft is designed, a crew is selected and the player may fly wherever they choose throughout a large solar system - providing they have enough fuel, of course.
A career mode is to be added soon, incorporating features such as money and limited resources.
Solar System
The solar system in KSP is designed to reflect our real-life solar system, with many planets having similar features to real-life counterparts (such as the planet of the game's main base, Kerbin (Earth)). The solar system also incorporates moons, including Earth's moon (renamed to the Mün) with a monument to Neil Armstrong situated on the exact co-ordinates of the Apollo 11 landing site.
Physics
The game has been praised for its realistic representation of orbital physics, incorporating orbital transfers and escapes as a method of navigating the solar system. It also contains realistic simulations of atmospheres and re-entry.
Development
The game is currently in development and is considered by the developers to be only a small approximation of the final product.[2] New features are added regularly in updates to the game. No dates or requirements for a transition into beta or a final release have been announced. KSP is written in C# and uses the Unity engine.
Alpha 0.7.3 was released on June 24, 2011 - this was the game's first public release. In version 0.14.1, mod support was introduced and an API was added. Versions 0.13.3 (March 3, 2012) and 0.18.3 (February 12, 2013) are available, in limited form, as demos; they are available at no cost but have limited content and can not receive updates. The latest version of the game, 0.20.2, was released on May 30, 2013.[1]
Planned features
According to the game's website, several features are planned for future releases:[3]
- Career mode
- Weather systems
- Research and development
- Recruitment and training of astronauts [4]
- Solar flares/radiation and other dangers
- Mining and resource gathering [5]
- Asteroids
Mods
KSP allows support for extensive modding, allowing anything from craft parts to whole autopilot systems to be created. All mods can be hosted on the game's official mod site, SpacePort].
A wide variety of mods have been produced, including MechJeb, an advanced autopilot system, and the Kethane Pack, which adds support for interplanetary mining.
Reception
The initial public release was received well, with sites such as Kotaku and Rock paper shotgun praising the game's replayability and creative aspects. The game has also been well-received on YouTube, with many channels being created solely to cover the game.[6] It has also received a substantial following on Reddit with over 25,000 subscribers.[7]
Commercial
The game has been a smash-hit success, having over 74,000 members registered on the forums with over 5,000 active users.[8] In the hours after its Steam release on March 20, 2013 it reached the top 5 of best sold games,[9] as well as the best seller on Steam for Linux.[10]
Critical
The game has received an overall positive critical reception. IGN mentioned the game in the article "Five Ridiculous Upcoming Games"[11] PCGamer has given the game extensive coverage.[12] Other publications have referred fondly to Kerbal Space Program, including Gamespy,[13] The Torch,[14] Rock paper shotgun,[15] and The PA Report.[16]
Positive reception has been, however, tempered with acknowledgement that the game is only in early development and is therefore unfinished.
See also
- List of space flight simulator games
- Buzz Aldrin's Race Into Space
- Microsoft Space Simulator
- Noctis
- Orbiter (simulator)
- Shuttle
- Space Shuttle Mission 2007
References
- ^ a b c "Version History - KSP wiki". Kerbal Space Program Wiki. May 30, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ "KSP Website - About 2013".
- ^ "Planned features - KSP Wiki". Kerbal Space Program Wiki. March 6, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
- ^ HarvesteR (June 4, 2013). "0.21 Update News". Squad. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
- ^ HarvesteR (May 03, 2013). "0.20 Update Goals". Squad. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Youtube Search - Kerbal Space Program". Retrieved June 19,2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "/r/KerbalSpaceProgram statistics". stattit.com. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ "Kerbal Space Program Forum". Squad. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
- ^ Relaxnews (June 17, 2013). "PC Download Charts". xin.msn. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ Silviu Stahie (April 1, 2013). "Kerbal Space Program Is the Best-Selling Game on Steam for Linux". softpedia. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ Anthony Gallegos (April 21,2012). "Five Ridiculous Upcoming Games". IGN. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ . PCGamer http://www.pcgamer.com/tag/kerbal-space-program/. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ Mike Nelson (March 29, 2012). "Become a Terribly Awesome Rocket Scientist With Kerbal Space Program". GameSpy. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ Atomp (Jan 31, 2013). "Kerbal Space Program (Beta) , SQUAD (P)review". The Torch. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ Craig Pearson (May 24, 2013). "(Not) Rocket Science In Kerbal Space Program". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
- ^ Andrew Groen (June 18, 2013). "NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab is obsessed with a certain game, and I bet you can guess what it is". The PA Report. Retrieved June 19, 2013.