Lucky number 13, eh? Sure, the last 12 blew up on the launchpad, but I’ve got a good feeling about this one. Tonight, the absolutely spiffy accessible-but-deep comedy spaceflight simulator/management hybrid Kerbal Space Program updated for both Windows and Mac. While light on new content, this update promises massive improvements in performance, with load-times up to 5x faster, and up to 20x smoother gameplay for some. It’s also going to be the last free update – everything from 0.14 upwards is going to be for paying/donating customers only with full access currently costing $7 in the newly opened KSP store.

The gameplay footage above is pre-optimization and possibly before they added the moon of Kerbal (the Mun, as those loveable little green men call it), but that gives you a rough idea of what you can expect from KSP. All the science and math of real space-flight, but with the accessibility of Spore and the sense of humor of Looney Toons. It’s already remarkably deep stuff, and there’s an active modding community adding new ship components to use every day, but all you need to know to play is which end of the rocket faces forwards.

Right now, the game is just the ship construction and spaceflight elements, but plans are to expand it into a much deeper game with management elements and (under)funding affecting the quality of craft you can launch. There’s a lot to like already here, and a lot to look forward to, with the first big goal being exploring the rest of the Kerbal solar system. And almost on cue, my copy of 0.13 is finishes downloading – race you to the Mun! Safe landings optional!

[Kerbal Space Program]

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