Captain Blood - Weird adventuring in space, Amiga version for the PC

Let's go back to 1988, a time when one of the strangest games was to set the tone for space adventuring, alien communication and finger pointing game play. It just had to be Captain Blood developed by the French company Exxos (ERE informatique), which is once again playable on the PC but from the original Amiga version.

Starbound - Terraria in space gets a big Winter update trailer!

We haven't featured Starbound for a very long time, as although it was one of my favourite games during it's release it did became very stale afterwards and I hadn't touched it since. But the developers are hoping to bring new life into the Terraria style space game with a brand new Winter update, with a very big list of features. From the developers of Terraria, the hit Action, Adventure, Rpg game which sold over 50,000 copies will be patched with new features such as : A new playable race, hundreds of new items, personal ship AI, ship upgrades, new tech systems, new biomes, warp gates, improved status systems, quests, missions and much much more. See trailer!

FreeOrion - Open Source Master of Orion inspired 4X strategy 0.4.4 release!

It has been a long time coming but finally we have a brand new release of FreeOrion; a turn based 4x strategy game with inspirations from Master of Orion style titles. Developed as an Open Source release, FreeOrion is currently at v0.4.4 RC2 which is nearly a year from it's previous release and according to the developer fixes nearly over 100 commits. Although FreeOrion isn't a Master of Orion beater it's looking to be far better than the spreadsheet that was Master of Orion 3, with lots of lovely battles, colonizing and researchable technology.

Transcendence - Space Combat and Exploration V1.3 release!

Kronosaur Productions have just informed us about their latest v1.3 release for Transcendence, which is a single player, PC based RPG of space combat and exploration. For those of you who enjoyed games such as Star Control II or the mechanics of Nethack, then check out the latest release which features a full orchestral score!

Core Miner - A modern-styled 2d space game released today for Android

Core Miner which is a modern styled 2d space game by Utility Function, will be available today for Android based devices. Explore deepest space and mine for resources as you take on the role of an industrial worker trying to make a living. This resource collection game has no combat, but does give you the ability to upgrade your mining ship as you mine asteroids while enjoying the immersive tactile effects that Core Miner provides.

Elite : Dangerous - Beta 1 is now available to download, and it's HUGE!

Although Indie Retro News isn't based around Elite Dangerous, we've been following David Braben's latest game for some time, and have been a huge fan of Elite ever since the first original release way back in 1984. Elite : Dangerous is so full of awesome that it will have 400 Billion Star Systems, incredible graphics, huge space stations, the oh so amazing hyperspace and more (so yes certainly drool worthy). But the big news today is, the developer has released the first big Beta 1 release and it's so big that the change log will have to be cut down on our site!

Even the Stars : Explore space and contemplate

Laika on our twitter feed just informed us about a new game that is in development that requires you to explore space, type commands and generally contemplate your tiny existence in the vastness of space. According to PolClarissou, Even the Stars was originally created for the Venus Patrol’s Space Cowboy game jam that tries to give you a purpose in life, to explore and discover rather than getting getting old, lost and have no meaning.

Oolite: Inspired by the 8-bit classic Elite gets a 1.80 release

As many of you know David Braben is still working hard on the latest space combat/trading game Elite Dangerous, but there's another game out there that should be getting your attention which is inspired by the original 8-bit classic Elite. Titled, Oolite, which is inspired by that great classic, features all the best which we've come to expect of an open world space game that brings back memories of a golden age of gaming.

Elite : Dangerous - Brand new E3 2014 trailer

Only just recently we featured the majestic Anaconda from David Brabens latest game Elite Dangerous, and of cause then there was the drool worthy dev diary footage we featured before that. Well now it's time for a brand new E3 2014 trailer to wet your appetite. A trailer so cool I'm just thinking to myself take my money now and after you watch it you'll probably think the same thing. Could this be the space game we've all be waiting for? 400 Billion Star Systems, incredible graphics, huge space stations, the oh so amazing hyperspace and more, this is a game at the top of my most wanted list.

No Man's Sky - The latest Sci-fi game gets an E3 2014 trailer

Developed by Hello Games, No Man's Sky is a new Space Sim set to drop jaws, at least going by what we've seen so far. Set in an infinite, procedural universe. You'll be exploring the stars in your space ship, visiting many unique planets and battling against fleets of ships all in a universe that is never the same. If the videos are anything to go by, it's a game with plenty of eye candy and all this developed by a small indie company which is very impressive. Let's hope the final lives up to the hype, so check out the trailers and enjoy!

Elite : Dangerous - Watch the majestic Anaconda in action from the Premium Beta!

Just recently we gave everyone the heads up about the latest Elite Dangerous Dev diary video developed by David Braben, which pretty much dropped jaws as soon as the play button was pressed.  It gave us a good look at the graphics including the hyper jump, planetary systems and ship graphics. It was pretty incredible, but today there's a new video that has just surfaced which gives a look at the majestic Anaconda. A new ship which nobody has yet seen and what's more, it was playable in the Premium Beta. If you haven't yet delved into the beta, I'm sure this video will persuade you to do just that.

Elite : Dangerous - David Braben releases another drool worthy progress diary video (#12)

Remember that huge article I wrote about Elite Dangerous and the original Elite? Well if you haven't check out the article here. But enough about that it's time for the update! David Braben has just released the very latest dev diary #12 for the drool worthy game, Elite Dangerous. Which is the brand new sequel to Elite, an all time classic space combat trading game from 1984. In short : The next game in the Elite series - an amazing space epic with stunning visuals, incredible gameplay, breath-taking scope and fully multi-player. Carve your own path through the richest, largest gaming sandbox ever created, set against a backdrop of raw anarchy, galactic powerplays and intrigue. Do whatever it takes to upgrade your ship’s hull, engines, weapons, defences, cargo hold; constantly improve your capabilities and influence on your journey towards the most coveted rank in the history of gaming - ‘Elite’. So prepare yourselves for another incredible video, go full HD and marvel at just how incredibly detailed this game is looking so far!

Flagship - Command your fleet from your very own Flagship

Prepare to be impressed as Urban Logic Games have just announced Flagship, which is a real-time strategy game viewed through a first person perspective on your very own spaceship! Command entire fleets from the deck of your bridge, explore the stars and expand your territory. Watch as huge space battles commence around you, feel the emotion and power as you place the Oculus Rift on your head and be immersed in the space ship experience. A game that will probably drop jaws when it's released! As of yet the only sign of a release is possibly 2015, however it's still in very early stages of development. Hopefully we will know more soon!

OpenIG : Imperium Galactica Open Source Remake fixes planetary bugs

David Karnok has recently released the latest update (0.95.174) to his free open source remake of Imperium Galactica, OpenIG. This was a hit strategy game where you colonize the stars and involve yourself in a rather cool fmv based story. Although not much of a change log with this release it does fix the problem of planet names when using the random galaxy generator from the previous version. This is one of the best open source remakes available and if you love space strategy games you've got to play this!

Unclaimed World - Survival and Exploration in a Sci-Fi world (Steam Early Access)

Game Genre : Sci-Fi, Strategy

Game Info : I've just been informed by Refactored Games that their sci-fi title Unclaimed World, will be available via Steam Early Access on the 26th of March at 12.00 CET. Unclaimed World is a game that I've had my eye on for some time, not just because of how cool it looks but it's a genre I'm greatly fond of. A game about survival and exploration of an alien planet that focus's on the clash between humans and nature in a survival setting. Currently the game is in an Alpha state that contains a single, hand-crafted scenario, but they aim to quickly expand the game with more scenarios, sandbox maps and randomized content.
Release : Final - 2014 (Steam Early Access : 26th March)

Systems : PC

Raze Laserstorm- Fast paced action space game up on Steam Greenlight

Game Genre : Action, Shooter

Developer : Langford Digital
Game Info Quote : Raze: Laserstorm is a fast paced 2D action space game. With five different ships to select, you go up against waves of hundreds of enemies. How long can you survive for? With 5 playable ships you must dodge, strafe and fight your way through huge dog-fights in space.
Release : May 2014

Systems : PC

Unclaimed World - Survival and Exploration trying for Steam Greenlight success

Game Genre : Sci-Fi, Strategy

Developer : Refactored Games
Game Info : This is Unclaimed World, developed by Refactored Games, which is a sci-fi game about survival and exploration of an alien planet. Sure we've had games like this in the past, but not many that really push the boundaries of greatness and this game could well do just that. You direct a small group of pioneers who are creating a settlement on a lush planet with a harsh and challenging environment. Although you do not directly control each individual character, instead you make strategic choices by prioritizing the overall goals of the collective which they will try and fulfill – if their health and morale allows it and when they have the time. However it all comes down to strategic planning, if you do not plan ahead, even if the world moves on without you, you could well find everything failing completely. Your planning will have to deal with both the Pioneers and the deadly wildlife on the planet itself. A game that certainly peaks my interest, but the developers need your votes so it comes to Steam!
Release : Early 2014

Systems : PC

Star Lords - Iceberg Interactive next 4x space strategy game is up for early access on Steam

Game Type : 4x Space Strategy
Developer : Arkavi Studios
Publisher : Iceberg Interactive
Game Info : Star Lords is an epic-sized complex and dense 4X strategy game for the PC, set in space where you take the command of one race to join the struggle for supremacy in the Star Lord galaxy. As the leader of your empire you are to deal with exploring the stars, colonizing new worlds, manage your empire and conquer whoever dares to oppose.
Release : Steam early access £14.99
Systems : PC

Tiny Trek - Star Trekking across the universe, in pixel style (Kickstarter)

Game Type : Adventure, Space Exploration

Kickstarter Goal : $4,000

Developer, Project By : Chris Carson
Game Info Quote : Have you ever wanted to play your favorite weekly Science Fiction show and engage in the same exciting adventures they do? Travel to strange alien worlds, meet interesting and unique life forms and then if you want... shoot them? In Tiny Trek you will be able to do exactly that. Tiny Trek's mission is to provide you with the exact same experience as those favorite adventures we watched on TV, allowing you to sit in the Captain's chair and make those critical and dramatic decisions. From diplomacy, exploration and resource management to epic space battles and exploring alien worlds.

Release : May 2014
Systems : PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Ouya

Star Lords - Iceberg Interactive teases the next 4x space strategy game

Game Type : 4x Space Strategy
Developer : Arkavi Studios
Publisher : Iceberg Interactive
Game Info : Star Lords is an epic-sized complex and dense 4X strategy game for the PC, set in space where you take the command of one race to join the struggle for supremacy in the Star Lord galaxy. As the leader of your empire you are to deal with exploring the stars, colonizing new worlds, manage your empire and conquer whoever dares to oppose.
Release : December 2013 (Steam early access)
Systems : PC