Overview
Endless void has the player piloting a gigantic sleeper ship on a journey through deep space. The ship itself is huge, full of numerous passages and tunnels for players to explore and find issues with. The objectives are fairly straightforward - keep the ship ticking over as it moves through space. Numerous issues can arise - from faulty engines to loss of power. As the sole human on the ship, it is the player's task to make sure the ship continues to trek on.
Core Mechanics
The ship's travel through the void is a lonely one; players only have the automated systems aboard the ship as their companions, and they serve a variety of functions. Players can deploy them to different areas of the ship to collect resources, check for issues, and retrieve items. As the game is presented from a first person perspective, the player controls these robots through one of the many terminals scattered throughout the ship. Void does not involve combat of any kind - instead requiring players to both problem solve and work within limitations to complete tasks. Players have to prioritise issues - choosing to fix the cooling units over the engines means that there will be a lower risk of the ship's occupants being compromised. Different benefits and penalties applied for certain jobs also forces players to make quick decisions.
The Ship
The ship itself is a dilapidated, crumbling wreck. As last hopes of humanity go, it is one of the least inspiring. Because of this, players are charged with making sure it reaches its destination without dooming its occupants. Whether players choose to neglect their tasks and enjoy the splendor of outer space, or diligently go about their duties is up to them. The player is able to wander about the ship at will, observing the countless citizens of a past earth, entombed forever in stasis. The ship has multiple observation and mechanical areas, allowing players to craft tools and equipment that help them navigate the ship. As the journey progresses, the ship may change. If the player keeps it in good repair, the quality of mechanical equipment will improve, resulting in less major repairs. If the player neglects their duties, sections of the ship may 'go dark' and need to be repaired. In extreme circumstances, players may have to fix entire sections of the ship with a giant construction vehicle.Players may need to at some times, venture out into space to fix sections of their ship.
Osiris is a sci-fi 4X game revolving around humanity's first forays into deep space. From one planet, players expand their empire by developing technology that allows them to explore further and further afield. Starting from the Sol system, players send out probes and explorers, in real time, to explore the universe. Other races can be discovered and communicated with, as the universe is slowly revealed. Unlike many turn-based 4x games, Osiris runs in real time, forcing players to make the decision on the fly. As players discover destinations further and further afield, they may expand their empire more and more. As players expand their nations, they must deal not only with supply routes and more territory to defend, but instability. Citizens can become dissatisfied with their rule and revolt, splitting and creating independent nations. At the same time, humanity has to also contend with whatever civilizations or creatures they encounter. Many situations can occur that will affect the universe - such as the detonation of a star, or the spreading of a galaxy-wide plague.
Features Include:
Ever-Changing Universe: Watch as the universe adapts and changes according to the decisions made by both the player and AI factions - everything has an equal and opposite reaction.
Beyond the Frontier: Experience the thrill of discovering new and exotic locations with deadly hazards or valuable resources, then harness attributes of planets to develop your existing technology.
Image sourced from: http://www.amplitude-studios.com/ , showing Endless Space - a similar 4x game.
