A demo code was used, with many thanks to Hooded Horse.
Beyond These Stars, a simulation strategy game is being developed by Balancing Monkey Games, the same developers who brought us Before We Leave a few years ago, which I reviewed here. I’ve had the pleasure of playing the demo for Beyond These Stars for the last week.
Embark on a Journey in Beyond These Stars
In the vast expanse of space, Beyond These Stars offers you a unique experience by tasking you with building a city on the back of Kewa, a solitary Space Whale.
This premise sets the stage for a game that blends city-building, resource management, and exploration in a way that feels fresh and intriguing.
A Living World
From the beginning, the game immerses you in a vibrant universe. Your Peeps (that’s people to you and me) are recovering from uncertain times and find themselves on Kewa, and it’s up to you to guide their journey.
Beyond These Stars’s visuals are lovely, bringing to life the desolate environment on the back of the whale, with only a little patch of green to build on. The small patch of green by the water serves as a reminder of the potential for growth and prosperity on Kewa’s back.
City-Building with a Twist
Building a city on the back of a Space Whale introduces unique challenges. The terrain is not just a canvas but a living part of your world that requires careful consideration. The game’s mechanics encourage you to think strategically about placement and efficiency, especially to keep your Peeps happy.
When Beyond These Stars is released, you’ll be able to terraform the land, create canals, and plant trees to maintain resources, adding depth to the gameplay. The balance between expansion and sustainability is delicate, making each decision impactful.
Resource Management and Exploration
Resource management and the need for production networks keep the gameplay engaging. As your Peeps’ needs grow, so do the challenges of maintaining a stable supply chain. The research and technology tree in the full game will offer lots of research for the advancement of your settlement and Peeps, but every step forward must also be weighed against the ecological impact on Kewa. This aspect of the game will create tension between growth and conservation.
Relationship With the Space Whale
One of the standout features of Beyond These Stars is the relationship with Kewa. This Space Whale is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a sentient being with its own hopes and dreams. Beyond These Stars will allow you to invest in technology to communicate with Kewa, fostering a relationship with the whale. I would imagine that the interaction with Kewa will add a layer of emotional depth to the gameplay and make the journey feel personal and meaningful.
The universe in Beyond These Stars isn’t empty. As you journey through space, you’ll encounter various alien species, each with their own opinions on your approach to sustainability and co-existence with Kewa. These interactions can lead to additional objectives, trade opportunities, and access to new technologies. The game’s narrative is enriched by these encounters, making your journey feel expansive and interconnected.
Final Thoughts
Beyond These Stars is shaping up to be a promising addition to the city-building genre, offering a fresh take on the genre with its unique setting and mechanics.
The demo hints at a rich and immersive experience that balances resource management, exploration, and a meaningful relationship with a living world as you navigate the stars with Kewa; the game challenges you to think critically about sustainability, co-existence, and the future of your Peeps.
For those looking for a game that combines thoughtful strategy with a captivating narrative, Beyond These Stars is definitely one to watch; I can’t wait to play Beyond These Stars when it releases. You can find the Beyond These Stars Steam page here. Try the demo for yourself and add it to your Wishlist.
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