It's been an exciting Summer so far for fans of Star Control. Last month we re-released the classic trilogy on Steam, posted a major update to the engine to improve the visuals and we are busy working on chapter 3 of the Earth Rising expansion.
For those of you who have played the game or will be buying the game in the near future, let's talk about the galactic scene today.
Star Control takes place in the not-so-distant future. The stars are real stars and in Origins they're placed based on their actual relative distances from Earth. We even have the known exoplanets in there.
The part of the galaxy we are in is known as the "Mid Spur" which refers to Orion's Spur (sometimes called Orion's arm) in a single sector called the "Scryve Sector".
The Scryve sector contains hundreds of stars with thousands of planets. We travel between stars skipping slightly above our dimension through what is called Hyperspace.
Hyperspace isn't truly FTL travel (though you are traveling at near relativistic speeds) in the sense that your ship isn't itself going faster than light. Rather, Hyperspace exists in a dimension that warps space in incredibly intricate and really impossible to understand ways.
Traveling through hyperspace requires two key components: A Hyperdrive (which allows a ship to enter hyperspace) and a Hyperspace map to tell you where the stars are. Without the map, a ship would quickly get lost in Hyperspace. It is only through the map that the sensors of a ship can detect other star systems.
What this means is that only stars that have been mapped and given Hyperspace coordinates can be found. This becomes obvious when you travel to the edge of "the map". The better question is, why is the edge so fixed and arbitrary? For instance, why is Earth placed where it is? These are all mysteries that Star Control players will gradually discover over the coming years.
For now, we hope you're having a good time playing and welcome any feedback, suggestions or requests for what you would like to see next!
If you're new to Star Control, welcome to the galaxy!
Star Control: Origins v1.4 Update Improves Visuals and Increases Performance
https://youtu.be/J-VZh7dKeSI
v1.4 is here with significant visual improvements, including updated planet visuals, adjustments to creature colors, and improvements to planet terrains.
Planets are now far more detailed than it was in the game’s previous versions thanks to enhancing terrain textures and lighting. Improvements to the terrain rendering system have also allowed for better frame rates and performance. Textures on props found on various planets like tentacle plants, mushrooms, bones, and more, have also been improved for more visual appeal.
Community requests have been addressed regarding bugs with the particle sorting and crashing. The game’s lore has also been updated. The aliens previously known as the Observers will now be canonically called the Arilou, and the ships they pilot will be renamed accordingly.
For more details, visit the forums or www.starcontrol.com.
Stardock released Part 2 of its expansion to the new Star Control game today. In it, players will finally come face to face with the very beings who inspired the formation of Star Control in the first place -- the Lexites. Earth Rising - Part 2: Return of the Lexites introduces players to the post-singularity species called the Lexites whose mysterious motives to stop Earth’s expansion into the galaxy will require all the player's efforts.
Set in the late 21st century, the player is the Captain of Earth's first interstellar starship with the mission to explore the galaxy, find allies to help protect Earth from hostile aliens and find the resources necessary to help Earth begin to expand to the stars.
The expansion pack, Earth Rising, is being released in 4 parts. It adds a host of new aliens, ships, adventures and destinations to the already rich universe introduced in Star Control: Origins. Because Star Control is a non-linear action/RPG game, the new content does not require the player to have already completed the main story arc from the base game.
Highlights in Return of the Lexites include:
Lexites - The Post-Humans who left Earth decades ago are back!
New Missions - A series of missions dealing with Earth's expansion into the galaxy as well as missions involving your command crew.
New Ships - Battle against new, fully-armed Lexite ships. Earn rewards from quests in order to unlock and purchase ships.
New Weapons - Take on new challenges as you face enemies with weapons you’ve never seen before.
Check out the features and quests in Part 1: Aftermath here!
Star Control: Origins - Earth Rising Part 2 brings Humanity Face to Face with the Technological Singularity
Return of the Lexites adds new quests, new locations, new ships for Star Control players.
The epic space RPG, Star Control: Origins is due to receive the second part of its 4 part expansion, Earth Rising soon. Return of the Lexites presents the player with its most dangerous challenge yet -- a post-singularity species whose motives are a mystery.
The Lexites are impeding Earth's efforts to expand into known space. But why? Playing as the Captain of Earth's first interstellar starship, you will find yourself visiting new worlds, engaging in combat against strange new ships while trying to unravel the mysterious plans of the post-humans who left Earth.
"Because Star Control is a non-linear RPG, the Earth Rising expansion series doesn't require you to have completed the main story-line," said Brad Wardell, Designer of Star Control: Origins. "As we release each part to the expansion, players get to experience an ever richer sandbox to explore."
Star Control: Origins - Earth Rising is $19.99. Part 1, Aftermath, is available now. Part 2: Return of The Lexites will release this Spring. Part 3 arrives this Summer with the conclusion due this Fall.
To learn more, visit www.starcontrol.com
Contact: press@stardock.com
The Lexites have their own set of ships that you'll get to see first hand.
Of course the Tywom dress up like humans. Because: OF COURSE THEY DO.
New weapons and other goodies come with part 2 that you can experience in battle.
Encounter with a group of Lexites.
PREVIEW: Star Control: Origins - Return of the Lexites
The first expansion pack to Star Control: Origins, Earth Rising, is broken into 4 parts that is being delivered as a season pass (that is, a new part every season). The first part, Aftermath, was released in December and added a whole new region of space to explore, as well as new quests for your crew and the beginning of Earth's journey into being an interstellar power.
Part 2 is arriving soon and it concerns itself mostly on the mysterious Lexites. The Lexites first appeared in Dawn of the Singularity and started out as a small group of humans that developed strong AI, resulting in a controlled technological singularity. The Lexites contributed greatly to humanity in the mid part of the 21st century, but then suddenly, they left, with very little reason given. Their departure was the original impetus for the formation of Star Control.
Now, the player will learn more about why the Lexites left and what this means for the future for not just humanity, but for all the worlds that exist in Orion's Spur (the part of the galaxy that we live in).
As we put the finishing touches on it, we thought we'd share some of the first gameplay screenshots. Note: these aren't final shots, but you can get an idea of what the Lexites, or at least the beings you encounter, look like.
The Lexites have their own set of ships that you'll get to see first hand.
Of course the Tywom dress up like humans. Because: OF COURSE THEY DO.
New weapons and other goodies come with part 2 that you can experience in battle.
Encounter with a group of Lexites.
If you don't already have Star Control: Origins, you can grab it here. Earth Rising is also available here.
The nice thing about Star Control being a non-linear "sandboxy" RPG is that you don't have to have finished the game to enjoy the expansion. In fact, you don't even have to have started the game to start experience the new content. It simply builds out the universe. What you do in that universe is up to you.
Star Control: February 2019 Status
Hello...BEST FRIENDS!
We are currently working on version 1.4 of Star Control: Origins. It's mostly a combination of performance improvements and some quality of life enhancements. We are targeting this month to get it out.
Meanwhile, part 2 of the Earth Rising expansion is coming along. Part 2 focuses on the Lexites which is a mystery that many players have wanted to learn more about.
Now, with the expansion, you don't need to have already finished the main story line. Each part of the expansion integrates new adventures throughout the game. If you're just starting out, you'll simply see new side-quests and new places to visit. If you've already finished, you'll see those same things now visible.
Star Control is a non-linear RPG so the order in which you accomplish things doesn't matter.
One of the bits of feedback we've gotten is that people really like expanding Earth's influence in the universe. This trend continues in Earth Rising and we hope to do even more of that in the future but we'd love to hear what things you'd like. It's an element of the game that we were pleasantly surprised to see so well received.
As has been mentioned on the forums, we have a Linux version running. We are, however, working through a lot of performance related challenges so the first step of this will be to release a Vulkan version of the game for Windows first just so we have a good base-line.
Stay tuned!
NEW "Earth Rising" for Star Control: Origins is Now Available!
Earth Rising is a 4-part season pass that covers humanity's expansion into the galaxy.
The story of Star Control: Origins continues today with Earth Rising, a 4-part season pass continuation, Aftermath is available to play today, while the other 3 parts will release over the next 6 months.
In Aftermath, Star Control has ordered the construction of a new Star Control base in Epsilon Trireme. Not every alien is happy about the prospect of an expanding human empire, however, and already the efforts there have run into trouble.
Meanwhile, a group of suspiciously helpful aliens have informed you of a potential new ally: the Gloosh, who are, quite possibly, the laziest aliens in the universe. On top of it all, a new enemy appears in the shadows, one who seems to have their own long history with humanity...
New Quests Aftermath includes six new major quests, including several large, multi-stage quest chains, that chronicle the beginning of humanity’s first steps onto the galactic stage. Some of these quests are available during the main campaign, while some others take place after the main adventure is completed, so there’s something for everyone whether you’re just starting out or have already beaten the game.
New Alien Faction Located in a previously undiscovered region of space, the Gloosh are almost unbelievably slow moving, lazy aliens. It’s honestly astounding that they’ve managed to survive in such a harsh region of the galaxy. But, the Observers - shifty as they are - seem to think that they’d make good allies for your cause, so surely there’s more to them than meets the eye...
New Ships The Gloosh, Lexite, and Kzanti factions have all had new ships added, some of which can even be recruited for the player’s fleet. The Kzanti have also somehow managed to obtain themselves a massive new Factory Ship, which, as is so often the case, is probably going to need to be destroyed during a long and dramatic battle.
New Precursor Mysteries Throughout the main campaign, events will cause Precursor Starbases to restore power to their multi-manifold sensor systems. These systems have revealed the location of a number of new items of interest throughout the galaxy, including ancient (and recent!) relics.
More is on the way! Following Aftermath, three more parts will release. Purchasing the Earth Rising season pass will
give access to each part as they become available.
Part 1: Aftermath (Now Available)
Part 2: The Lexites (Winter 2019)
Part 3: The Syndicate (Spring 2019)
Part 4: Earth Rises (Summer 2019)
FREE Reinforcements DLC and v1.3 update is now available for Star Control: Origins!
Explore all-new ways to destroy your enemies with a dozen BRAND NEW ships!
Send in the Reinforcements! Stardock has released a new FREE DLC and v1.3 update for its space adventure game, Star Control: Origins. The DLC, Reinforcements, adds a dozen new ships to pilot in Star Control's combat mini-game, Fleet Battles.
Challenge your friends, annihilate your enemies (and your friends for that matter, you do you!), and climb in the ranks of online competitive play with diverse and exciting new ships.
Prepare for battle! Everyone will find something that suits their playstyle in this free DLC that almost doubles the amount of playable ships in the Fleet Battles mode for Star Control: Origins.
From the lithe Harmony Fighter and its long beam turrets all the way to the Vulzon Galley with its rows of powerful missiles, you’ll enjoy devising a wide range of new strategies for commanding and battling against these ships.
All of the new vessels have been carefully balanced and are available both in single and multiplayer matches of Fleet Battles. Challenge your friends online and see who can master these new ships and claim victory!
Pilot the Norast’s finest attack vessel! Equipped with a highly damaging dual laser, this ship has a huge range and high DPS. Be careful to watch how much energy you consume, though.
Inamorata Strike
Actions speak louder than words, usually in the form of an explosion. Created by aliens of action, the Inamorata Strike is one of the more mysterious ships in the new collection. These actions seem to come in the form of tracking Destiny Missiles and a devastating rear-shot.
Menkmack Opportunist
In space, no one can hear you scream… but that doesn’t change the fact that you can still make some money! Barrage your enemy with deadly dumbfire missiles and canister mines and turn your foes into Swiss cheese. Very, very lucrative Swiss cheese...
Muaertreaze Fighter
Just...hold...still! The perfect drone vessel for drive-by ship destroying, this Fighter can drop immobilizing mines to stun the enemy long enough to release an onslaught of laser spurts with its Flank Blasters.
Harmony Fighter
Nothing says 'harmony' like zipping around dropping flame turrets to scorch your enemies from wing to wing. We’re not sure who exactly it’s harmony for, but we’re pretty sure it's not your enemies! Aim your vessel carefully, then unleash your Eradication Ray. While you’re zooming across the map, plop down some of those ship destroying turrets to ensure your victory.
Radiant Angel
This angel will bring a beautiful light - beautiful, murderous light, that is. Burst open enemy ships with a bubble of light and then get away quickly to recuperate before your next attack.
Scavenger
Come just a little closer! Pull your enemies in close using your deadly tractor beam, then tear their ships to bits. Though the Scavenger is simple, it’s robust, and holds its own well in a fight.
Xelnathi Conqueror
Hole-y yikes, this thing is dangerous! A stylish new vessel loaded with Xraki tech, this machine shoots triple lasers. Bolt Casters are also ready to slow down some unwary foes.
Trandal Overwhelmer
Aiming is optional with this vessel! This little scout ship shoots three bolts at once and has a pretty good chance of hitting any enemy that flies too close. A fine example of Trandal tech, the Overwhelmer is also equipped with a destructive phasor.
Vulzon Galley
Old doesn’t always mean outdated! Although this vessel is a little old-fashioned, this floaty, heavy ship still packs quite a punch. The Vulzon Galley shoots a line of missiles from either side of it - though, it’s up to the pilot to remember which button shoots which missiles where. Good luck.
Shantid Destroyer
Looks can be deceiving! This ship may look a little strange, but it shoots plasma bolts that track over quite an impressive distance, so your enemies should beware.
Xraki Horror
Surprise! Looming in the shadows, this ship will attack you with deadly black hole mines. But beware, it’s fairly small so it doesn’t have much crew or shields, which renders it fairly unprotected. So if you’re going in for an attack, you better sink that ship, or else...
NEW in v1.3
Accompanying the free DLC, v1.3 adds a few fun features to entice more exploration during the main game.
Highlights
Uncover the rumors of a Scyve super weapon that can destroy planets, and seek it out before they can use it against you
Evasive manuevers! Improved controls on the Vindicator make it feel more responsive to your inputs
Investigate alien ruins and crashed spaceships to discover powerful new weapons for your ship
Preapre to fire! Several new weapons have been added to the Crafting Menu, including the Frag Missile, Rapid Laser, Flame Thrower, and the Heavy Gatling Laser
Changelog Details
Added option to disable AI fleet coordinator for fleet battles before a battle starts. You only get to pick once as after that things are all setup and there is no UI again.
Added a "replay battle" option when you lose a campaign battle thus allowing you to continue the game without doing a reload. Also works if you surrender.
Increased the deceleration of the Vindicator, making it more responsive and less drag.
Increased the rotation speed of vindicator by 25% in Solar System/Hyperspace.
Increased rotation speed of Vindicator (in combat) and the free pickup ships to make them feel more responsive.
Added new weapons that can be found by investigating alien ruins and crashed spaceships throughout the galaxy
Added new weapons to the Crafting Menu including the Frag Missile, Rapid Laser, Flame Thrower, the Heavy Gatling Laser, and more.
Fix for a broken/crashed Jeff.
Fix for a scripting bug with the Free Trandals where you could leave their initial conversation
Added additional inventory popups when you get a Pink Lorris Egg.
Adding a popup to notify the player their crew is replenished when they visit human colonies.
Correcting typos
Added more detailed Captain's Logs for new human colonies.
Fixing a minor Objective bug for a Free Trandal quest.
Reduced collision box of Harmony ship.
Added hints of a Scryve super weapon that can shatter planets.
Star Control: Origins - Earth Rising Announced
The story of Star Control: Origins continues next week with Earth Rising, a 4-part season pass that covers humanity's expansion into the galaxy.
The first part, Aftermath, will release on December 11, 2018. Earth Rising will add dozens of missions, new alien races, and a variety of ships.
As Captain of Earth's first interstellar starship, your primary mission is to ensure the safety of Earth from hostile alien forces through a combination of diplomacy and combat skill, while acquiring the materials and technologies Earth needs to begin growing beyond its home solar system.
In the first part, Aftermath, players discover that not every alien is happy about the prospect of an expanding human empire. There are unknown enemies lurking in the shadows seeking to undermine Earth's ambitions, while others begin to react to the recent successes of the Earth captain and his primitive ship.
While the expansion adds a great deal of content for those who have already completed the major events of Star Control: Origins, much of the new content greatly expands the richness of the Star Control universe for first-time players, including many new side-quests, new alien species, and new ships to recruit.
Star Control: Origins - Earth Rising is $19.99 with Part 1, Aftermath, available on December 11. Part 2 will be released this winter, Part 3 this spring and Part 4 this summer.
Meet the Gloosh, a new hidden power of the Scryve sector.
New map areas are unlocked in Aftermath to explore.
Not everyone is pleased with the rapid ascension of the primitive humans from Sol III.
Free Star Control: Origins DLC Arrives December 6
Stardock will release a new FREE DLC for its new space adventure game, Star Control: Origins. The DLC, Reinforcements, adds a dozen new ships to pilot in Star Control: Origins' combat mini-game, Fleet Battles.
Star Control: Origins puts the player in command of Earth's first interstellar ship on a mission to save the earth from impending destruction at the hands of a hostile alien empire. During the course of the game, players will encounter dozens of alien civilizations, explore hundreds of planets and attempt to find a way to prevent the malevolent Scryve Empire from finding and destroying Earth.
Star Control: Origins also includes a combat mini-game called Fleet Battles in which players assemble fleets of ships and take them into combat either against the computer or against other players online. The free Reinforcements DLC nearly doubles the number of ships available to choose from by default.
