Astro Colony is a space simulation game that focuses on exploration, automation, and management. This demo version from Terad Games combines third-person management and first-person exploration mechanics to have you create the largest space colony. Harvest materials, sustain your workers, and travel the endless space in search of new lands.

Visually, Astro Colony feels somewhere between No Man’s Sky and Starcraft II. However, its gameplay is like a simpler Startup Company. Either way, it’s a fun game that doesn’t have an end scenario, allowing you to do whatever you want for as long as you want.

Breathtaking graphics on a grand scale

At its core, Astro Colony is a simulation game that will have you planning how to maximize your resources to keep your own space colony thriving and growing. One of its simple yet fun mechanics is the use of its pipes and conveyor belts as a means of transporting resources and products. You get to lay them out and plan how they go through elevations and depressions in the ground.

Visually speaking, the game becomes more fun the more you expand and unlock features in-game. Its smooth animation works in every aspect of your base, provided your setup can keep up with the system requirements. You can then expand to the next location and even connect your bases together to create a network across the galaxy. The game even has a branching technology tree that creates different gameplay experiences.

One thing this game does well is throwing wrenches into the player’s plans. There are randomized elements that can pose a challenge as you play. There are hostile elements and even environmental hazards such as black holes that can and will suck your developments into oblivion. This, however, is out of your control and could even feel unfair at times.

The excitement and terror of space

Its scale and unpredictability makes Astro Colony worth playing for hours. It’s great to see your space colony working smoothly and flawlessly, with small workers and robots wandering about. This visual treat is an incentive in itself to get you working on a bigger and better base. However, there are hazards and problems that will set you back — and there’s nothing you can do about it.