I unexpectedly spent the better part of the weekend playing this on PC and really got sucked in. I had initially picked it up on Xbox when it went Epic exclusive, but now that I am using Epic, I used the $10 voucher over the holidays to get the PC version. I've mentioned the game tangentially in a few other threads, but never really went into any detail. Let me just say it is a really unique game.
Basically, its far into the future and mankind has set off into the stars in search of a new world to repopulate humanity. I'm guessing Earth has become a real $hithole. There are various corporations leading the charge into interstellar space and each one offers superior perks...perhaps in weapons, genetics, materials, etc. You unlock new corporations as you reach certain milestones in game.
Your ship is crewed by an initial team of 5 clones. You have the ability to create new clones by collecting biomass and as you explore the galaxy and obtain genetic samples of alien life, you can actually incorporate alien genes into your clones, giving them unique abilities. Of course, the more alien they become, the more of an alien environment they will require aboard your ship, so you must alter your biosphere aboard your ship to account for the kind of air they breath (i.e. oxygen vs. nitrogen, etc.). You get to design your ship which quickly becomes a gigantic mobile base. Build crew quarters, lounges, medical research facilities, workshops, hangars, storage, refineries, etc. Then, travel from sector to sector scanning planets and debris fields searching for resources and artifacts. You launch away missions on planets to harvest resources and planets for your biosphere, and to explore special sites that may reveal new technologies or reveal pieces of information from other travelers.
The problem with landing on planets and "beaming" resources aboard your ship from debris fields is that aliens may get aboard your craft. You need to be vigilant in order to avoid infestations. They attack your crew, destroy your ship and spread disease (which you can research and find cures for, by the way). Its a very fun survival type game with a lot of unique mechanics.
By the way...its a rogue like. You can continue playing so long as you have at least one crew member who can clone more. However, there is no saving, beyond when you exit.
Totally worth a look.
It looks like it is getting ready to be released on Steam this month, so my timing is pretty uncanny...if you can't wait, it is available now on Epic.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/712190/Genesis_Alpha_One/
