Kerbal Space Program

 PC
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 724 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 584 out of 724
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 724
  3. Negative: 86 out of 724

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  1. Geekzill
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    This is the game I've wanted ever since I told my mom to write NASA a dirty letter for not inviting me along for the first trip to the moon (I was four at the time).

    The game's not perfect, it has a few WTH level bugs in the 1.0 release, and while the simulation is far more accurate than you'd expect from a game, there are some corners that got cut, such as life support, in the    This is the game I've wanted ever since I told my mom to write NASA a dirty letter for not inviting me along for the first trip to the moon (I was four at the time).

    The game's not perfect, it has a few WTH level bugs in the 1.0 release, and while the simulation is far more accurate than you'd expect from a game, there are some corners that got cut, such as life support, in the interest of keeping the game fun for more normal people.

    It doesn't require a lot of math or science to start, but you will learn orbital mechanics and such along the way. If you've ever had any interest in planning or flying semi-realistic space missions, you should try this game. I'm among those that have played this game for thousands of hours, and I can still find interesting things to do. On the other hand, it doesn't have a campaign, even in career mode you don't get goals forced on you other than "don't go broke."    … Expand
  2. scrap104
    Oct 15, 2017
    10
    I learned so much from this game than I would from school. I have an appreciation of rocketry, orbital mechanics, and space exploration in general. After looking at game-play videos and trying the demo, I bought it on the day it was made available for Steam in 2013. Lots and lots of hours played and still playing to this day, I can safely say it's money well spent unlike certain $60 games.I learned so much from this game than I would from school. I have an appreciation of rocketry, orbital mechanics, and space exploration in general. After looking at game-play videos and trying the demo, I bought it on the day it was made available for Steam in 2013. Lots and lots of hours played and still playing to this day, I can safely say it's money well spent unlike certain $60 games. Learning curve is steep and YouTube videos help but you still have a lot to learn. I love it.… Expand
  3. inopinatus
    Mar 16, 2019
    6
    Eight years on from its first appearance, KSP would clearly benefit from a rewrite or replacement by something more polished. The rocket building and physics simulation are still a superb education in orbital mechanics, but it was never a great-looking game, was (and still is) plagued by bugs, and never really had a sense of game progression even in career mode.

    Visually and in    Eight years on from its first appearance, KSP would clearly benefit from a rewrite or replacement by something more polished. The rocket building and physics simulation are still a superb education in orbital mechanics, but it was never a great-looking game, was (and still is) plagued by bugs, and never really had a sense of game progression even in career mode.

    Visually and in gameplay, the modding community has far surpassed the original. Unfortunately installation and management of mods is complicated and poorly supported; few players will bother.

    KSP proved that there's demand for a gamified simulation of rocketry and orbital mechanics. The alternatives such as Orbiter and SimpleRockets are either extremely specialised or massively simplified, so for now it's your only option.    … Expand
  4. SAFJFA-F1-Team
    Sep 24, 2016
    10
    I'm Aerospace Engineer, so it's the perfect game for me. It's amazing! I have Space Stations orbiting over the Moon and others planets, and some bases with Kerbals.

    It's like a virtual Meccano, but with space theme. You have some parts, and you have to design a space ship with these parts. And the whole of parts have to work properly to have a successful mission, and it isn't easy.    I'm Aerospace Engineer, so it's the perfect game for me. It's amazing! I have Space Stations orbiting over the Moon and others planets, and some bases with Kerbals.

    It's like a virtual Meccano, but with space theme.

    You have some parts, and you have to design a space ship with these parts. And the whole of parts have to work properly to have a successful mission, and it isn't easy. There are a lot of things that could go wrong.

    10/10    … Expand
  5. SaviorGaming
    Dec 7, 2017
    8
    Kerbal is one of those games people will love or hate, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because of what you have to put into it. Sure you can sit down and play it for 5 minutes or 5 hours, that really isn't the issue. The game just has a HUGE learning curve. Running a space program takes a lot of work and a lot of trial and error. The tutorials will be a god send and willKerbal is one of those games people will love or hate, not because there is anything wrong with it, but because of what you have to put into it. Sure you can sit down and play it for 5 minutes or 5 hours, that really isn't the issue. The game just has a HUGE learning curve. Running a space program takes a lot of work and a lot of trial and error. The tutorials will be a god send and will help, but you will fail a lot aiming for the stars and success. Failure is actually half the fun.… Expand
  6. Kluge
    May 10, 2015
    10
    You've spent weeks finally getting a Kerbel to the "mun." He's out of fuel and it's your fault. -And your contract sure didn't tell you to strand a Kerbel on the mun - it demanded you orbit the mun, and you're running out of time. You don't have any new parts to work with, and what you thought was your best - that beautiful 8-stage setup, a masterpiece of drag-conscious design - wasn'tYou've spent weeks finally getting a Kerbel to the "mun." He's out of fuel and it's your fault. -And your contract sure didn't tell you to strand a Kerbel on the mun - it demanded you orbit the mun, and you're running out of time. You don't have any new parts to work with, and what you thought was your best - that beautiful 8-stage setup, a masterpiece of drag-conscious design - wasn't good enough. It sucked, and until you correct your mistake, you suck. It was pretty and elegant - easy to understand (and it sure was expensive!) - so I guess you're like the Apple of rocket design without the benefits of using UNIX... congratulations, go man the Genius Bar.

    You don't click "recover kerbel and spacecraft." Nope - he effectively represents 100,000 units of currency frozen because you didn't plan well enough. Your budget's tighter than before you screwed up, but you need to build a spacecraft which can collect the kerbel, orbit the mun, and then return to not-Earth without burning up or crashing too hard. Right? Not necessarily, and probably not. KSP challenges you to think long and hard about the most efficient solutions to problems, no matter how ugly they appear. -And nobody's going to fault you for starting career mode from scratch at that point... so long as you learned enough to not repeat your mistakes, which is easier said than done.    … Expand
  7. cephalo
    May 5, 2015
    10
    This is the most original and successful game design to come out in years. The kind of challenges it provides are the kind where you master the challenge by learning, and then you move on to the next challenge ready to learn the next thing. The game is difficult when you lack knowledge, and easy when you gain knowledge. That is not a common thing in computer games, and is what makes KSPThis is the most original and successful game design to come out in years. The kind of challenges it provides are the kind where you master the challenge by learning, and then you move on to the next challenge ready to learn the next thing. The game is difficult when you lack knowledge, and easy when you gain knowledge. That is not a common thing in computer games, and is what makes KSP very special. If you have any doubts that you must experience this game, check out the tutorials on youtube for getting into orbit. If you're the kind of person who is interested enough to read a review, see it in action and you will be hooked.… Expand
  8. Skylord_wolffae
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    KSP is the sort of game you don't simply "Get in to" nor is it the sort of game that you can just leave alone. The detail and time taken to get the game easy enough to learn and mess around with but realistic enough to make everything feel like an achievement is staggering. The difference between it's current state and that of even the last update (Beta than ever to he full version) isKSP is the sort of game you don't simply "Get in to" nor is it the sort of game that you can just leave alone. The detail and time taken to get the game easy enough to learn and mess around with but realistic enough to make everything feel like an achievement is staggering. The difference between it's current state and that of even the last update (Beta than ever to he full version) is phenomenal and just shows how dedicated the team is. The only fault (as of the time of writing 20:18 GMT 30/4/15) is we are yet to be given the barn.… Expand
  9. Exwin0880
    May 14, 2015
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played.

    The word game doesn't feel right. Kerbal Space Program is hard, make no mistake about it, but with its challenge comes the feeling that you have accomplished something. After smashing countless numbers of brave Kerbals, the feeling you get when you land one on the planet's moon for the 1st time and he plants the flag makes it all worth it.    One of the best games I've ever played.

    The word game doesn't feel right. Kerbal Space Program is hard, make no mistake about it, but with its challenge comes the feeling that you have accomplished something. After smashing countless numbers of brave Kerbals, the feeling you get when you land one on the planet's moon for the 1st time and he plants the flag makes it all worth it.

    Afterwards comes more challenges, visiting other planets in the solar system, playing with aircraft design, it's all in this "game". KSP is more than a game, it is something you HAVE to experience.    … Expand
  10. Ming120
    May 9, 2015
    10
    I first tried KSP during early access, and have playing it ever since. Even after all this time, I have hardly even scratched the surface as to what one can really accomplish in this game. There is tons of learning and exploring involved with this game, and that is part of it's charm. The sense of accomplishment you get when you overcome obstacles is unlike anything you will experience inI first tried KSP during early access, and have playing it ever since. Even after all this time, I have hardly even scratched the surface as to what one can really accomplish in this game. There is tons of learning and exploring involved with this game, and that is part of it's charm. The sense of accomplishment you get when you overcome obstacles is unlike anything you will experience in other games. When you finally land your Kerbals on the Moon (Mun) for instance, that in itself is an accomplishment that Is worth bragging about to your friends.

    Even my coworkers have taken a liking to KSP after watching me play it. There is, quite frankly, no other experience like it.    … Expand
  11. Thomas988
    May 5, 2015
    10
    Kerbal Space Program is nothing less than a modern masterpiece. I have poured countless dozens, perhaps hundreds, of hours into this game, and not one second of it all do I regret. Buying KSP is by far the greatest investment I have ever made. The parts are diverse, the physics and aerodynamics works perfect with any craft, and the amount of exploration possible is unparalleled.

    Don't    Kerbal Space Program is nothing less than a modern masterpiece. I have poured countless dozens, perhaps hundreds, of hours into this game, and not one second of it all do I regret. Buying KSP is by far the greatest investment I have ever made. The parts are diverse, the physics and aerodynamics works perfect with any craft, and the amount of exploration possible is unparalleled.

    Don't even give buying KSP a second thought, you WILL love it.    … Expand
  12. PoopMcDonald
    May 1, 2015
    10
    One of my favorite games, astrodynamics FTW, not only that but also explosions! When I got the game in 2012, The first thing I did was to crash my rocket into the ground (Not intentionally), later of course was to get a rocket to land into the mun, it took me 1 week trying to not crash into the mun, Later I didn't know what to do, and I would quit playing, but later an idea came into myOne of my favorite games, astrodynamics FTW, not only that but also explosions! When I got the game in 2012, The first thing I did was to crash my rocket into the ground (Not intentionally), later of course was to get a rocket to land into the mun, it took me 1 week trying to not crash into the mun, Later I didn't know what to do, and I would quit playing, but later an idea came into my head that I would love to try it out, and most of the time it didn't work, but that didn't stop me cause I just knew it could be done. And I kept playing until new updates came and I saw how the game changed and just new ideas came into my head. I must have spent at least 1000 hours in this game just doing stuff that I knew it could work, when you see this potential of time you realize this game its really what I would call a sandbox, doing things because you want. I can't say that this game is perfect I used to play with mods, BTW the community is awesome, speaking of science in the forums is quite nice, I also got to say that I love science, that's why I am studying a career related with it. Going back to the game the Kerbals are Hilarious, the science mechanics and career mode are quite nice, even tough it could be better, and just because its released doesn't mean it can't have updates, the team is committed into make a nice game. Finally I don't think all people will agree in my position, its not a game for everybody, its quite unique, and because of that I give it a nice score, just because its a really original game that people from all ages like. Hopefully people get inspired from this indie game that deserves a place.… Expand
  13. ShellbyC__GT500
    May 5, 2015
    10
    An amazing science sandbox for all users, have tons of hours on it. I can't wait until they start using this in schools (if they even will do anything).
  14. Boilesen
    May 3, 2015
    10
    One of the best sandbox games I have ever played. Spend hundred of hours jus trying to build a rocket that could reach the first moon. The career mode is incredible, mixing the right amount of progress and cost. 11 out of 10!
  15. amzeratul
    May 3, 2015
    10
    I dare say that no other game features such a high-quality blend of sandbox fun, rewarding challenge, and educational value. Realistic but fun, awe-inspiring but cute, this game ticks many unique checkboxes and should have a place in the collection of every geek, or fan of simulation games.
  16. JoeJoeJoeJoe
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    My favorite game since 2012, 1006 hours played, greatly boosted my comprehension of astrodynamics.
    Visited all celestial bodies. Used Hohman transfers, warp engines, Oberth effect, boosters, ion engines, ISRU. Zeppelins, performed rendez-vous, docking.. aero-braking, flew around kerbin, performed aerial acrobatics for fun, landed on top of the buildings.. Designed hundreds of vessels,    My favorite game since 2012, 1006 hours played, greatly boosted my comprehension of astrodynamics.
    Visited all celestial bodies. Used Hohman transfers, warp engines, Oberth effect, boosters, ion engines, ISRU. Zeppelins, performed rendez-vous, docking.. aero-braking, flew around kerbin, performed aerial acrobatics for fun, landed on top of the buildings.. Designed hundreds of vessels, etc.

    I do not see the end of my playing this game anywhere in the near future.    … Expand
  17. Kalle_Paulsen
    May 2, 2015
    10
    I've already clocked over 900 hours in this game throughout the early access. Talk about getting your money's worth out of a game thousandfold!
    It is easily one of my all time favorites.
  18. Naibaki
    May 1, 2015
    10
    A hardcore orbital physics simulator disguised as a casual sandbox rocket-builder. Doesn't handhold and provides a real sense of accomplishment for self-made goals. Hundreds of hours of fun to be had.
  19. vandana
    May 12, 2015
    10
    Kerbal Space Program is one of those games that make you feel privileged to experience them and play them.

    KSP is perhaps the biggest achievement in the field of combining enjoyable gameplay with educational value. No wonder that NASA has endorsed this game. KSP teaches you the basics of orbital mechanics, rocket science and aerodynamics leaving you hungry for more. It makes learning    Kerbal Space Program is one of those games that make you feel privileged to experience them and play them.

    KSP is perhaps the biggest achievement in the field of combining enjoyable gameplay with educational value. No wonder that NASA has endorsed this game. KSP teaches you the basics of orbital mechanics, rocket science and aerodynamics leaving you hungry for more. It makes learning those things fun, because you can instantly apply the knowledge into practice and achieve some space exploration of your own.

    But all science aside, this is just a fun, satisfying experience. Clever, by also being emotional. You immediately connect withe the cute little Kerbals and I would risk a statement that putting feet of your little pioneers: Jebediah and Valentina on new celestial bodies, or getting your first plane to fly, is comparable to real-life adventuring conquests. Building and flying rockets has never been more fun.

    Possibilities for expansion of gameplay are vast thanks to the awesome modding scene and community. I recommend a playthrough of classic career mode, without any mods, in order to learn the game. From there, you can take it in many directions using countless mods - more realism, new planets, multiplayer, weapons, hundreds of new parts and rocket types, you name it.

    At the moment I would say the downsides are the limited engine and the career mode not being very interesting. At some point, when your rockets start getting really big, there is a lot of graphical lag. 64-bit client is still unstable. The all-new career mode is supposed to add financial side to the game and make you build more responsibly taking care of reputation and, most importantly, money, but to be honest it feels like a bottleneck and obstacle on your way to conquering the space. at the end of the day it doesn't matter, the building and flying part of the game is so magnificent, it deserves the highest score on its own. Perhaps, the game developer will find a way to make career work, but that would only add a cherry on top of a cake that is already delicious.

    I consider the money paid on KSP as the best money I ever spent on entertainment.

    Tip: Watch Scott Manley's tutorials, game is hard.    … Expand
  20. EtherDragon
    Apr 30, 2015
    9
    Introduction
    • Build and fly your own rocket designs in a simulated solar system!
    • Model of Early Access success! • Create and Play game: You create your own rockets and planes, and then you play with them! • Robust simulation with accurate flight sim and space-flight characteristics. • Variety of Game Mode is easy to start enjoying right away. Game Play – SOLID, a solid    Introduction
    • Build and fly your own rocket designs in a simulated solar system!
    • Model of Early Access success!
    • Create and Play game: You create your own rockets and planes, and then you play with them!
    • Robust simulation with accurate flight sim and space-flight characteristics.
    • Variety of Game Mode is easy to start enjoying right away.

    Game Play – SOLID, a solid consistent experience (18/20)
    • Accurate simulation, but not so restrictive it’s impossible to learn. (5/5)
    • Huge variety of building blocks, nearly infinite variety of designs. (5/5)
    • Great variety of game modes. (5/5)
    • Certain game modes have a steep learning curve with little help.
    Also, not clear which one to start with. (3/5)

    Controls – EXCELLENT, but can’t edit in-game (18/20)
    • Customizable controls. Flight stick useful but not required. (5/5)
    • Some minor options missing – can’t change controls in-game. (4/5)
    • Default controls are easy to use, but take a bit of getting used to. (4/5)
    • Construction controls are intuitive, with deep customization. (5/5)

    Challenge Level – HIGH, lacks some guidance (14/20)
    • The challenge level starts at moderate, but fun. (5/5)
    • Learning curve is steep. With frequent road-blocks. (3/5)
    • Good Tutorials overall, sometimes can’t finish for seemingly arbitrary reasons. (3/5)
    • Hard to know what game mode is best to start. (3/5)

    Presentation – SIMPLE IS GOOD (16/20)
    • Ships parts are simple but detailed. Ships can end up being quite detailed! (5/5)
    • KSC Buildings are highly detailed and destructible, but few other buildings to be found. (3/5)
    • Sound is excellent, flight, crashes, explosions, music, and menu blips. (5/5)
    • Atmosphere is well done, but no clouds and water lacks detail. (3/5)

    Unique Elements – ONE OF A KIND (20/20)
    • Build your own Rocket Ships and Planes with a huge variety of parts. (5/5)
    • Fly your own creations to other planets. (5/5)
    • 100% Newtonian Physics! (5/5)
    • It’s Rocket Science Tycoon! (5/5)

    Conclusion: 86/100

    My Recommendations
    • New to KSP? Start with Science Mode.
    • Go through all the tutorials, at least once.    … Expand
  21. Mavrik
    May 1, 2015
    10
    Kerbal Space Program is one of the most genius, enthralling, satisfying and suspenseful games I have had the pleasure to play. It combines elements of open world sandbox, building, physics, strategy and EXPLOSIONS in perfect harmony like the strings of a finely tuned instrument.

    While exploring the Kerbal solar system, I encounter challenges and hardship as my Kerbonauts and spacecraft    Kerbal Space Program is one of the most genius, enthralling, satisfying and suspenseful games I have had the pleasure to play. It combines elements of open world sandbox, building, physics, strategy and EXPLOSIONS in perfect harmony like the strings of a finely tuned instrument.

    While exploring the Kerbal solar system, I encounter challenges and hardship as my Kerbonauts and spacecraft traverse deeper into space. The tension I felt while landing on the moon for the first time and the satisfaction there after is unmatched by any other computer i have played.

    The games accurate physics lets you take advantage of gravity-assists, aerobraking, and the Oberth effect, which will a necessity for prevailing in more ambiguous endeavors. Building absurd contraptions and exploring the limits and loopholes of the physics is so stimulating.

    Kerbal Space Program tests your perseverance as well as your ingenuity, while sparking your creativity and curiosity.

    It might even teach you a thing or two about rocket science.    … Expand
  22. Catfud
    May 1, 2015
    10
    This game does everything right. Perfect mix of hardcore physics simulation and casual tongue in cheek fun blowing stuff up with little green men. Active developers that listened to feedback and made changes throughout it's time as a poster child of early access games, amazing modding community and open frameworks to play any way you want. If anything about any of these genres interest youThis game does everything right. Perfect mix of hardcore physics simulation and casual tongue in cheek fun blowing stuff up with little green men. Active developers that listened to feedback and made changes throughout it's time as a poster child of early access games, amazing modding community and open frameworks to play any way you want. If anything about any of these genres interest you there is no way you could go wrong with Kerbal. Need it more hardcore or realistic? Mod it. Need it more casual? Sandbox modes. The game will subtly teach you orbital mechanics and real concepts and expand your interest and knowledge about our real life space exploration and give you the appreciation and wonder for space like you are a kid again wishing to be an astronaut no matter your current age.… Expand
  23. nestor_d
    May 5, 2015
    10
    Kerbal Space Program is a game where you design, build and fly your own spacecraft. It is probably not for everyone. It's not a game you can just casually play, but it isn't a game for gamers necessarily. It is most of all a game for the curious and creative minded. I say it's not casual not because you have to obsess over it, but because it will demand a lot from you. With the officialKerbal Space Program is a game where you design, build and fly your own spacecraft. It is probably not for everyone. It's not a game you can just casually play, but it isn't a game for gamers necessarily. It is most of all a game for the curious and creative minded. I say it's not casual not because you have to obsess over it, but because it will demand a lot from you. With the official 1.0 release physics were greatly improved and so the learning curve will be steep at first, after all it is rocket science!

    If you are up to it it will give you some of the most rewarding experiences the gaming world has to offer. Mind you, I say you need curiosity and creativity for good reasons. It is a game that has a very vast universe (a whole solar system) but absolutely no pre-set goals, except those you set for yourself. Even in career mode, where you will be given contracts to complete, you can choose which contracts to accept and they you will pobably have set yourself a lot of challenges before contracts to do exactly that are even available. In the end contracts are more a menas to an end. They will reward you with precious funds and science points, needed in career mode, to launch ever better spacecraft. Once you get the basics, getting to orbit or the moon will feel almost intuitive, but when you want to get to the moons of Jool (KSP analog for Jupiter) and back you will need to get creative. After all the kerbal's level of technology is only slightly more advanced than humanity's!

    In the first of stages of the game you may find yourself asking "how can I make a rocket that will get me to the moon and back in one piece?" but later on you will be thinking about things like how to build a carrier in orbit that will take your new spaceplanes to one of the moons of Jool where you have established a colony but you need transportation for the Kerbals now living and doing science in there. Really neat stuff.    … Expand
  24. axela
    May 5, 2015
    10
    Short version: Buy it now! What are you waiting for?
    Long version: I'm 40 years old and I play video-games from when I was 8 years old and this is the game that I love more then any other! I played almost 700 hours on Steam and only because I've a work, a wife and two little children to attend for, if only I had more free time I would have played KSP a lot more.
    Just an hint: don't stop    Short version: Buy it now! What are you waiting for?
    Long version: I'm 40 years old and I play video-games from when I was 8 years old and this is the game that I love more then any other! I played almost 700 hours on Steam and only because I've a work, a wife and two little children to attend for, if only I had more free time I would have played KSP a lot more.
    Just an hint: don't stop at the stock version, explore the wonderful mods. If you are searching a more focused Career game play try BTSM, an extremely polished mod (but much harder than stock KSP).    … Expand
  25. knutsi
    May 2, 2015
    10
    I have never played anything like this. I suspect what got me started was the constant news about SpaceX and it's landing attempts, giving an enormous appreciation for the engineering that goes into space exploration and access. In this game, you will be touching up the engineering, the science and astronomy, the astronauts, the orbital and celestial dynamics and so much more. It's anI have never played anything like this. I suspect what got me started was the constant news about SpaceX and it's landing attempts, giving an enormous appreciation for the engineering that goes into space exploration and access. In this game, you will be touching up the engineering, the science and astronomy, the astronauts, the orbital and celestial dynamics and so much more. It's an incredible experience, despite occasionally presented in rudimentary ways. It sometimes makes me wonder if Unity was the best game engine for this, but it has non the less been masterfully executed. I've played on and off since early access on Steam, and it just keeps getting better. Add a vibrant mod community, and you have what I think should be game of the year. Like Civilization, it inspires you to learn about the real world, and you will never watch a rocket launch on TV in the quite the same way. Learn it, play it, love it. (and for God's sake, use YouTube, or you will be truly lost in space).… Expand
  26. ireviewthings1
    May 8, 2015
    10
    It is a very fun game on its own. Producing catastrophic failures has never been this fun. It provokes childish curiosity like nothing I've experienced since leaving primary school. Great mod support and charming little astronauts to boot.

    If I would have kids, this would be the game I want them to play.
  27. fixmbr
    May 1, 2015
    10
    I have logged over 1500 hours since update 17.3 over two years ago, and am still playing just as much today. It is impossible to be bored playing KSP. From building a plane to launching a rocket to the depths of outer space and back, everything will have you on the edge of your seat, and have your kerbal astronauts hanging on for dear life. This is probably the best game that I have everI have logged over 1500 hours since update 17.3 over two years ago, and am still playing just as much today. It is impossible to be bored playing KSP. From building a plane to launching a rocket to the depths of outer space and back, everything will have you on the edge of your seat, and have your kerbal astronauts hanging on for dear life. This is probably the best game that I have ever played and more than likely the best you ever will.… Expand
  28. Rimmsolin
    May 18, 2015
    10
    Lunar Lander to the extreme! Work through the launching test rockets into the air all the way to landing and rovering on the moon and back via real physics. Makes you feel like Yuri Gagarin. Absolute must buy for any NASA or space fan. One of the best feelings of accomplishment ever produced in a video game.
  29. soulsource
    Jun 12, 2015
    9
    KSP is the epic of your very own space program.
    You start out with not much more than a parachute, a command pod, and a solid fuel rocket engine.
    Based on these rather simple parts you'll build and pilot your first rockets, that'll send Kerbonauts up into the air to do some research, which allows you to quickly unlock the parts necessary to send Kerbonauts up beyond the air, and soon to    KSP is the epic of your very own space program.
    You start out with not much more than a parachute, a command pod, and a solid fuel rocket engine.
    Based on these rather simple parts you'll build and pilot your first rockets, that'll send Kerbonauts up into the air to do some research, which allows you to quickly unlock the parts necessary to send Kerbonauts up beyond the air, and soon to orbit, and further out. Where to? Well, that's completely up to you. The Mün is a natural goal of most space programs, but there are also 6 planets (not counting Kerbin) and their natural satellites to go to. But why just go there and back again? You can do much more! Assemble a permanent space station in the orbit of another planet, with a reusable lander and a fuel depot! Bring along mining equipment and drill for rocket fuel! Take the challenge of returning a Kerbonaut from the surface of Eve (a planet inspired by Venus -> thick atmosphere)! Drive a self-designed rover over the dunes of Duna (a Mars-like planet)! Fly a jetplane through the alien, but oxygen-containing atmosphere of the Joolian moon Laythe (no real life equivalent)!

    But back to reality. KSP is a spaceflight simulation that tries to be as realistic as possible, as long as realism doesn't have any negative effect on how fun the game is. For instance, the way orbital mechanics is simulated is pretty realistic (patched conics), meaning that for calculating fuel requirements one can use the real formulas (or look up the numbers on the wiki, if one doesn't like maths). On the other hand, without mods there is no need for life support, there is only one type of liquid fuel, the planets are too dense to exist in the real world, ion engines are vastly overpowered,...

    Nevertheless, KSP is one of the "sciencier" space sims, as the spacecraft parts in the game are either similar to something that exists in real life, or things that probably will be built soon or have been built in labs but never used on actual spacecrafts. So, for all the science fiction fans out there: No, there is just one planetary system, and no, there is no over-c drive, and no, there are no aliens (if you don't count the Kerbals themselves).
    This also means that there's a steep learning curve, if one doesn't have a background in spaceflight engineering, but as long as one can handle a calculator or a spreadsheet application, and one can read wikipedia, one should be fine.

    If one is up for an extra challenge, KSP can be made even more realistic by installing a collection of mods known as Realism Overhaul, with which one can get an impression of the challenges faced by real space agencies...

    As you probably can tell by now, I love this game. It's my second favorite, just topped by dwarf fortress. One of the reasons I'm only giving 9 instead of 10 points are the bugs the game is still suffering from. With release of version 1.0 one would expect to get a nearly bug-free experience. Well, that's not the case, and the current version 1.0.2 still feels like a beta version. But one learns to work around some bugs, and the community supplies mods that fix some of them as well, so the effect on gameplay is relatively negligible. The other reason I only give 9 points is that the game is currently using a single-threaded physics engine, what means that very big ships can cause the game to stutter, although only one CPU core is under load. The developers have announced a switch to Unity 5 though, so there's hope for multithreaded physics in the future.    … Expand
  30. JonnieWalker
    Jul 25, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Kerbal Space Program is more than just a game. It's a virtual solar system. Unlike most space sims though, this one utilizes a physics system that is closer to the real thing than all of the most popular space sims.

    This game is truly one of a kind and completely amazing. Countless hours will be spent learning and mastering the art of building a rocket that doesn't blow up on launch, can reach space, can achieve orbit, can perform a transfer to a moon/other planet, etc. And it won't be all that stressful while learning. Some people, like myself, choose to build proper rockets... you know... ones that look like they make sense. Some choose to build massive monstrosities that look more like they were supposed to be a 60 story parking garage and have to be adjusted quite a bit to prevent them from being crushed and blowing up from their own weight... but they still fly :)

    A massive collection of mods/add-ons will keep the game fresh for a very long time. When you feel like you've mastered as much as you can... install a mod that requires line of sight to unmanned rockets using satellites to relay the signal... the signal has a delay based on distance... so fine tuned last minute corrections are going to be VERY difficult if not impossible. Too hard? Try Mech Jeb for Auto-piloting, Precise Node to make plotting your courses easier, Throttle Controlled Avionics to make even the most unbalanced rocket fly smooth by having the add-on adjust thrust on every engine to keep the center of thrust right in the middle.

    There's just about an add-on for everything.

    I have to say... building a rocket that's light enough and with enough fuel to reach the furthest planets, land on those planets, place a flag on those planets... then return to Kerbin (Home planet of the Kerbals) and successfully penetrating the atmosphere and not burning up from reentry heat, then landing via parachutes... is one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've ever had. I've even run out of fuel and had to send out rockets to the rescue to either push the rocket the rest of the way home... or just have an extra seat, pick up the pilot, then return leaving the old rocket to float around space forever.

    I've used mods for autopilot... got bored with those so I turned them off and managed to master the art of landing a space craft on alien worlds. (I say mastered... a true master would disagree.) I've assembled space stations a piece at a time. I've sent unmanned satellites to every planet and every moon... and yet I'm still not bored with the game. I've done so much with rockets and still have yet to really mess around with the space planes...

    I could go on and on for a long time but I think I'm starting to ramble... I've fallen in love with this game because it can offer something that most games don't... a challenge.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best PC Game of 2011
44
#44 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011
11
#11 Most Shared PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. PCWorld
    Jan 20, 2016
    100
    Kerbal Space Program isn't just a fantastic space game. It's one of those games that makes you glad you play on PC, because it could only come to exist on PC.
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  2. Power Unlimited
    Jul 24, 2015
    92
    KSP is bloody fantastic! The possibilities are endless and the feeling you get after a successful mission is the best ever. You should probably buy this video game. [Jul 2015, p.063]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jul 8, 2015
    80
    Neither for the impatient, nor for absolute purists this simulation although focuses to the latter significantly more. When your game is supported by NASA itself, you are just doing something exceptionally well. [Issue#253]
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