Factorio’s original concept revolves around players constructing an expansive manufacturing plant, with the ultimate goal of building a space rocket to escape an alien planet. This intricate task requires exceptional planning and engineering skills, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in gaming. The upcoming expansion, Factorio: Space Age, promises to elevate these achievements to unprecedented heights.
Expansion Overview
Set to release on October 21, 2024, for / £30, this ambitious expansion by Wube Software significantly enhances the original game. Space Age introduces a staggering increase in the number of visitable worlds, quadrupling the options available to players. Each new world presents unique geological features, challenges, and hazards, necessitating a complete rethinking of factory construction strategies.
While some may liken Space Age to a sequel, it is more accurately described as a profound extension of the base game. The expansion begins where Factorio concludes, right after the construction of your first rocket. Wube Software has streamlined the process of unlocking rocket technology, reducing the requirements from five types of ‘science’ to just three. This adjustment still demands considerable effort, and the satisfaction of placing your first rocket silo is palpable. However, instead of using the rocket to escape, players will now launch a space platform into orbit.
The Space Platform
The space platform serves multiple functions, initially acting as an extension of your ground factory. It is here that players will manufacture a new research product called space science, essential for progressing through the expansion. As with previous scientific endeavors, space science requires a variety of resources, compelling players to construct a factory in space.
Interestingly, the construction of the space platform differs from that of the ground factory. Players must transport necessary components via rocket, including the crucial ‘space platform foundation’ to expand the platform’s area. Once the parts arrive, players can utilize Factorio’s “ghost-builder function” to build the factory remotely, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.
Innovative Resource Management
One of the standout features of Space Age is the asteroid collector, a new gadget that allows players to gather resources from asteroids. These devices attach to the ends of the space platform, using mechanical arms to capture passing asteroids. The animation of these collectors is particularly delightful, as they deftly snatch asteroids in a manner reminiscent of catching a bouncing ball. Once collected, asteroids are processed into valuable resources, such as ice and carbon, which are then used in the factory assembly.
As players navigate the challenges of building in space, they will find that while the platform can be expanded, it is inherently more constrained than a planetary factory. However, there are advantages to this limitation; unwanted resources can be easily discarded, simplifying initial sorting processes. The produced space science is sent back to the planet via drop-pods, enabling players to discover new planets and acquire the necessary thrusters for interplanetary travel.
Interplanetary Exploration
Traveling between planets marks a rare moment when players must personally visit their space platform. The transition from the top-down perspective of Factorio to the vastness of space is seamless and evocative. However, the experience of traveling on the space platform itself is exhilarating, as players navigate through asteroid fields that threaten to damage their factory. To mitigate these risks, robust turret defenses are essential.
Players have the freedom to choose which planet to explore first, each offering distinct challenges. For instance, Fulgora, a planet devoid of natural resources, requires players to drill into heaps of refuse, recycling advanced products to obtain basic resources. The planet is also plagued by intense lightning storms, which can be harnessed for power. Other planets, such as Vulcanus and Gleba, present their own unique environments and technological opportunities, further enriching the gameplay experience.
Complexity and Challenges
While Factorio: Space Age introduces a wealth of new content and mechanics, it also increases the complexity of the game. Players familiar with the base game may find themselves grappling with new challenges that require innovative problem-solving. Although some aspects have been streamlined, such as the ability for inserters to filter resources, the overall experience remains intricate and demanding.
In summary, Factorio: Space Age is poised to be a remarkable addition to the franchise, enhancing the already rich gameplay of the original title. As the factory-building genre continues to evolve, this expansion solidifies Factorio’s position at the forefront, inviting players to explore the cosmos while mastering the art of interplanetary logistics.
