DSS: Full 3D space combat
Recently I discovered Deep Space Settlement, a 4X real-time strategy game in the making by an indie video game developer named (or code-named) Stéphanie.
“DSS is a real-time strategy game focused on empire building and grand-scale space battles. It is in development since February 2011 and is for PC Windows.” ~Stéphanie
DSS looks rather interesting. The focus seems to be put on epic-scale 3D space battles, with special emphasis on tactical aspects judging from what seems to be a somewhat complex fleet editor system. But, the game’s features also include your typical 4X game aspects like resource gathering, interstellar empire building, customizable ships, technology progression, interstellar trade and what seems to be diplomatic options.
Stéphanie proposes to offer single and multiplayer gameplay and high modability.
DSS: Fleet Editor
The game looks very promising. The fleet editor system (above – click to enlarge), for example, looks wonderful, with gorgeous graphics and what seems to be lots of attention to detail. The full 3D space combat also looks great, as you can see in the combat trailer below.
The game’s lore also sounds interestingly different than usual in 4X games. Instead of expanding your domain from an established homeworld DSS seems to put you on-board of a generational fleet in the search for a new home. Eventually you will reach a suitable area to establish a new home and start developing from there.
“You are part of a multi-generational mission to colonize distant regions of space. Your journey brings you to a star cluster rich in resources and lightly populated. Or so it seems. Your goal is clear: setup a space settlement and thrive. Whether you choose to make allies or conquer through supremacy is up to you.” ~Stéphanie
Stéphanie states to be far into development with some features left to implement still. The idea as it seems is to reach alpha by this summer.
You have more screenshots here.
Deep Space Settlement is Stéphanie’s dream
This was another indie venture, of many to come, that I think has a stellar quality to it. Stéphanie needs our support to help her bring her game vision to life sooner and better.
The dev would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions you may have. You can use this channel to post your comments or use the TIG forums if you like, where the game announcement was originally made. You can also follow the dev on twitter or check and follow the dev’s blog here.
I want to thank James Coote, a Space Sector forum member, for raising my attention to Deep Space Settlement.
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The game does look promising, however I didn’t care for the gun fight video. The beginning of the fight (zoomed out) looks very arcade like, with a bunch of white lines shooting everywhere…not visually appealing. Also seemed very fast.
The zoomed in part looked nice, but it was slowed down compared to the zoomed out part. Curious how it looks on regular speed.
I watched their other video and they showed a different weapon and the visual on that was much better. It wasn’t just a bunch of white lines.
From what I saw, it has potential, I just didn’t like the zoomed out fight.
I didn’t like the zoomed out fight either. Perhaps if it wasn’t so fast it could be ok, as you also pointed out.
I kinda liked the zoomed in part also. The full 3D sensation is quite nice, but I missed some capital ship action.
I could find bits of space combat but really nothing about empire building, or the other promised features. It would be great if the dev could drop by to talk a bit about those.
Hello! I’m Stéphanie (the developer of DSS)
First thanks for the nice blog post :)
Ships in the video are really fast indeed. Those are probably the fastest (and smallest) units you’ll be able to build. Also keep in mind that it’s a pre-alpha video, there are no balancing nor polishing done. I do however encourage you to post any comments/suggestions/questions on the new DSS forum (http://www.stephanierct.com/forum/). I take great care of what people have to say about DSS :)
The empire building aspect of the game is basically taking care of your economy and your population. By building defenses, expending, exploring and exploiting new resources (It’s a 4X after all). You can build stations that essentially transform resources into other resources. Thus, you create an economy based on production and consumption. Also, you might have to buy resources you do not have access to yet. That’s where trading comes handy. You’ll find neutral traders throughout the galaxy that sell & buy resources. Making good relation and creating trade route with them will play an important role in the development of your empire.
Welcome Stéphanie!
Well, thanks. It was a pleasure writing about your game project.
Regarding empire building your explanations make it much clear, thanks. So, I understand that all empire development is done off-world right? With defending and resource extraction space stations built around planets? (No planetary development in the colonies?)
What about other factions, diplomacy and research? What are your plans for those?
Yes everything is off-world.
Diplomacy is kept to a minimal as of now. I do not feel the need of a complex system other that a simple relation state (either ally, neutral or enemy).
Research is done with Science Lab which give ‘Tech’ points that can be spent on new available technology from a technology tree. I might also add other ways to unlock technologies, but that’s part of my wish-list.
So is this just for PC? It looks like the game I was hoping Sword of the Stars II would be.
Thanks for the article! What a great project. I’ll keep an eye on it, might even be able to contribute at some point.
Hi Mathias! Stéphanie was looking for a 3D artist! :)
“I’m going to need someone to make good looking 3D assets for DSS soon. Mostly for ships and starbases. Anyone interested?” ~Stéphanie @StephanieRct (twitter)
@Owen Initial release is PC Windows only.
@Mathias I need 3D models + textures. If you are interested, contact me on my twitter :)
Cool and good looking project, keep it up !
So many 4x games i’ll wait for a review before i spend money, now all we need is another 4X mmo like Celetania but one that will last. loved that game was truely fun.