Nebulous: Fleet Command is a tactical space game inspired by “The Expanse” TV show, featuring intricate 3D space battles and a focus on careful planning and strategy. The game offers challenging gameplay, with a forthcoming update that will enhance missile warfare, allowing players to customize their missiles for specific needs.
Nebulous: Fleet Command is a tactical space game that draws inspiration from the TV show “The Expanse.” It features intricate space battles with ships that move and combat similar to the ones in the show. The game was released in early access on Steam in February 2022 and has received positive reviews. The first major update for the game, called “Modular Missiles,” is set to be released soon and will overhaul the missile aspect of the game.
In Nebulous: Fleet Command, players control a task group of 1 to 10 ships in fully 3D space battles. The game features kinetic and beam weapons, missiles, sensors, and electronic warfare. Each ship has a detailed damage model with per pixel armor damage representation, and all damage is positional. Careful planning and intelligence gathering are important for victory, as unit construction during battle is not possible. The game currently offers single-player versus AI and team-based multiplayer skirmish battles.
The graphics in Nebulous: Fleet Command are good for a non-AAA studio, although not up to AAA standards. The gameplay is challenging, slow, and methodical, requiring careful decision-making and strategy. Players can switch between tactical and irregular views, each providing different information. The game offers different skirmish modes, including annihilation, capture the flag, and more. Combat in the game is interesting and complex, with ships lacking health bars and damage being represented visually. Ship management, including damage control and ship orientation, is crucial for success.
The upcoming update, “Modular Missiles,” aims to add even more depth and complexity to the game’s missile warfare. This update allows players to mix and match various missile components, such as missile bodies, warheads, guidance modules, seeker types, and support modules. Players can customize their missiles to suit their needs and even configure their approach angle to the target. The update also introduces features like cruise guidance for sending missiles on waypoint paths and support modules to help penetrate point defenses.
Overall, Nebulous: Fleet Command offers an interesting and challenging take on the RTS genre. With its detailed space battles, complex ship management, and upcoming modular missiles update, the game provides a unique and engaging experience for players.