Slitherine and Buzz Aldrin Team Up

[Sigma One]

Hi gents! Big news!

We've signed an exclusive deal with Buzz Aldrin Enterprises to produce a strategy game based on space exploration, with a release in 2013! We'll be using our wargame experience and Buzz's space know-how to help on the game design.

Here's what good ol' Buzz had to say: "I'm very happy to be working with Slitherine on this project. Not only will it focus on the space missions I was privileged to take part in, but it will also include my Aldrin Cycler concept which incorporates my vision of how we should get to Mars."

And JD McNeil, our Chairman, had this to say: "We are privileged and honored to have the opportunity of working with Buzz. He is an extraordinary individual and a true hero of modern history. The game will sit perfectly in our catalogue, we work in a particular niche of the videogames market and this title will fit very well. With Buzz's help we will be expanding our gaming experience into space exploration!"

To the stars!

[steve58]

 Race into Space remake?   :o

[Steelgrave]

Too cool for school! That's great news!

[steve58]

Can't find a link to Polar Motion.  Anyone?

[Nefaro]

This already sounds awesome.

Exploration + space = Woot!  ;D

[TheCommandTent]

You've got me listening.... :)

[LongBlade]

Saw the tweet. That is an interesting development.

[tgb]

A BARIS-style game would be awesome.

[Windigo]

Apollo Program but with cannons?     :o

[panzerde]

And if you don't like it, Buzz will kick your ass!  ;)

Seriously, this is cool news...

[Toonces]

I'd be cool with an updated BARIS for sure.

[Gusington]

Wow, that is pretty awesome.

[Nefaro]

Doubly so for getting out of the WW2 glut even further.  :D

[Arctic Blast]

Can we have some sort of 'Buzz punches moon landing conspiracy nutjobs' minigame?  ;D

[steve58]

Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager...coming in June.

Game Features
• Manage all aspects of your fledgling space agency from the 1950's through to the Lunar landings in the first episode. Later episodes will add a permanent space station in Earth orbit all the way to the ultimate goal – a Manned Mission to Mars!
• Create space programs and launch missions inspired by real programs such as the X-15 Space plane and the Sputnik satellite through to the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo manned spacecrafts and more!
• Research and develop hundreds of mission components from 40 different program categories.
• Develop your facility with advanced structures and upgrades including the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Mission Control Center and the Observatory.
• Recruit and train astronaut candidates and assign them to missions.
• Assemble an elite team of Scientists, Engineers, Technicians and Flight Controllers for the best chance of success.
• Manage your agency's extensive budget.
• Components can cause catastrophic failures. You must decide whether to abort or push on with each mission.
• Vast amounts of research ensure the huge database includes missions that launched and many more that never left the drawing board!
• In Campaign Mode, manage your agency while pandering to the requirements of government to keep your position as Director!
• Play in Sand Box mode to manage your budget with no politics involved.
• Hundreds of components built in 3D and rendered out in exquisite detail allow you to follow the progress of your missions.
• A historic advisor gives background information on the real missions and astronauts throughout the game.
• Designed in consultation with Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot and the second human being to set foot on the Moon.

This talk of "first episode" and "later episodes" hints of DLC...but I'm still looking forward to it!  Some screenshots here.