3030 Deathwar Redux - A Space Odyssey

Doesn't just evoke the classics... it actually feels like an old-school space sim, the simple kind from a simpler time. Think the original ELITE, except without the 3D. Honestly, I've been enjoying the top-down space-sim/RPG genre lately, games like Transcendence and Starcom: Nexus, and 3030 Deathwar absolutely fits in that same mold. While not advertised as a cozy game per se, there are elements of Spacewar that definitely help it feel very cozy. It's also a game that largely lets you do what you want, how you want. You only really get locked in on the main story near the end, and up until that point you're free to do as you please. Mining? Check. Bounty hunting? Check. Piracy? Check. Exploration. Check. Running a space taxi? Check. Crushing bugs on the computer screens in decrepit space stations? Definitely check. One of the ways this game succeeds is in the continuous feedback loop that better gear provides. Want to just stick to relaxing asteroid mining? Well, better upgrades help you mine faster, store more, and identify which asteroids have the best haul. Want to hunt the best bounties? Upgrades to shields, maneuvering thrusters, better missiles, and faster afterburner…

This is Cotton Candy in videogame form. It's easy to pick up and it sticks with you long after you are done with it. In no small part due to the excellent Pop Soundtrack by the Kyoto Connection, who provided songs from their No Headphones Required record. It's a one of a kind game. Very nice, very easy to like.

This game was so good. I would have paid good money for some DLCs or a sequel. It takes a little getting used to, but once you have it down, it really is a special game

This is a great space sim, I'd call it among some of the best ones. If I were to give a label to this one, it captures the vibes a space sim should have, more than complex/challenging gameplay. You'll rarely find yourself dying or losing in this game, at a loss for what to do or lacking the tools to do it. If you're looking for a game that challenges your build-crafting skills or reflexes, this isn't it. But, if you're looking for something that captures the energy that other media like Firefly, Starsector, Escape Velocity, FreeSpace, NMS, Elite and similar games capture, and a game which is wholly focused on that energy and aesthetic over gameplay, this is the game for you. I do wish the gameplay was generally more engaging, I did find my fingers and the strategic thinking part of my brain getting bored. But the story is interesting, the writing is solid and entertaining, and the vibes are immaculate. Aligns most closely with Escape Velocity/Endless Sky-inspired games; mainly about roleplaying and supporting roleplaying. If you're looking for something closer to Everspace/Chorus and friends you'll be disappointed.

Definitely worth a playthough, especially given its price. The little cutscenes are charming. That being said, I did have a few issues with the game: - There doesn't seem to be much reason to salvage derelicts. - Bounty hunting trumps every other method of making money. The only exceptions are delivery and taxi missions that take take you in a direction you're already going. - Once I had the plasma cutter, I didn't see any reason to use missiles, or upgrade to any of the more expensive weapons. With a maneuverable ship you can effortlessly circle strafe enemies so they can't shoot you, and burn them down in seconds. Even the final boss went down quickly. - You can't rebind the keys, and having afterburner on control feels pretty awkward It's still fun despite all this, and doesn't overstay its welcome (my playtime is this long due to me playing it in a very early state, quite a few years ago).

Well, I'm almost 10 years late, but this was a fun ride. Decent variety of missions and activities to get sidetracked by. Story is serviceable, mostly silly and doesn't overstay its welcome. Music is fantastic. My only gripe is that salvage, which would otherwise be my favorite activity, has no relevant upgrades and never really changes or scales. Unless you count more cargo space letting you hit more derelicts in a row, anyway. Difficulty's a bit on the low side, but I didn't mind. If top-down space sims are your jam, you could do a lot worse.