After years of development, Kerbal Space Program 2 is entering early access on February 24, and has been redesigned from the ground up to give prospective rocket scientists all new parts to play with. Developer Intercept Games and publisher Private Division worked to make this sequel not only live up to the standards set by the original Kerbal Space Program, but improve on them. Better tutorials, new star systems, space colonies, and more help to teach physics and rocket science in a fun and humorous way.
While many of the touted features, such as the new multiplayer mode for Kerbal Space Program 2, are still in development, the early access title already offers players a lot of content. The most notable change in this sequel is the onboarding tutorial process. Where the original Kerbal was full of heavy physics and created an engine for players to design their own rockets, it was a bit lacking when it came to teaching the concepts. This has now been corrected with all new animated tutorials and an improved user interface.
In addition to animated tutorials, the assembly and flight interfaces have been revamped to allow for even more creativity and freedom with less frustration. Kerbal Space Program 2 still provides a lot of challenge for players who will find themselves watching most of their rockets end in catastrophic explosions. The launch content and updates for Kerbal Space Program 2 early access phase includes next-generation technologies to help players reach even further into the Kerbolar System, and possibly beyond, assuming they can get out of the atmosphere.
Kerbal Space Program 2 has also made interstellar travel and celestial bodies more rewarding with more realism and beauty added to the new environments. Features such as atmospheric scattering and all-new terrains make exploration all the more intriguing for human and Kerbonaut alike. Customizable camera angles and viewpoints make it easy to get a good look at the details as well.
Though the tutorials and UIs have been improved, the game itself is still a very difficult one to master and players should be prepared for lots of failures and explosions while learning. The amount of scientific jargon and virtual physics which are included in the game can become overwhelming at times. In an interview with Kerbal Space Program 2's Nate Simpson, he mentions that the team has focused on reducing the frustrations that can come from failure and instead helping players to find the fulfillment of the triumph once they can overcome it.
Currently, Kerbal Space Program 2 is just entering early access and not all features are made available yet. Future announced updates will include multiplayer, space colonies, modding capabilities, improved interstellar travel, and updated next-gen technologies. There is already plenty available in the game for players to get started with, however, so they can learn how to overcome some of the challenges of space travel for themselves.
Kerbal Space Program 2 releases into Early Access for PC on February 24, 2023, with PS5 and Xbox Series X/S editions TBD. Screen Rant was provided with a digital download for the purpose of this preview.
Source: Kerbal Space Program/YouTube