Space Sims with real orbit mechanics

[diegzumillo]

Hi all

I'm really happy to see that the space sim is finally making a solid return, with a bunch of new games being announced, some with E3 level of hype even. However, it seems that the only ones that still respect our universe's gravitation physics is Orbiter and KSP, which I find unfortunate!

Anyone knows of games old or upcoming that have real orbital mechanics?

[cantab]

There's Simple Rockets, which is a 2D KSP clone on Android.

I think the original Spacewar had physically correct gravity, the clone I have (KSpaceDuel) seems to, screen wrapping nothwithstanding.

[How2FoldSoup]

You could read up some about Infinity:Battlescape. They should be having their kickstarter soon and features seamless planetary transitions across a full scale solar system .

As far as I know they are still unsure about exactly how accurate their physics will be but I am hoping it's Newtonian. It always makes it more fun to fly that way.

Soup

[diegzumillo]

soup: Thanks for the tip, I'll check it out. (maybe even suggest them newtonian physics, if there's a proper channel somewhere)

cantab: sorry for not replying before, as I completely forgot about this topic. I didn't know this game, it looks... interesting. ish.

Maybe worth mentioning, there's a game still in development that I simply fell in love called outer wilds. It has newtonian mechanics but the solar system is so tiny (the scale reminds me of The Little Prince) that orbiting is optional, as you can simply point and fire. But it's still newtonian!

[Skyler4856]

I have designed accelerating gravity on scratch...

Shameless self promotion, GO!

http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/21092535/#player

[deadshot462]

Universe Sandbox.

There's a sequel that's being partially developed by one of the KSP ex-devs, C7.

[The Destroyer]

I have designed accelerating gravity on scratch...

Shameless self promotion, GO!

http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/21092535/#player

That has to be the worst game ever. I tried to land very softly. Crashed. Hit a wall at 0.1 mps. Crashed.

[cantab]

I landed fine. Wasn't sure what to do when I was down mind.

The physics is a shade iffy - turning without thrusting gives you lateral speed - but hey, take it as a first draft.

[diegzumillo]

I really was expecting to get a nice list of sims to play from this topic. Strictly speaking it seems ksp, orbiter and microsoft space simulator are pretty much the only space flight simulators up to date. I am baffled! That's what wikipedia tells me too http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_flight_simulator_game

skyler: I managed to land after that I couldn't do anything though. It told me to press M but I did and nothing happened.

[xcorps]

Delete please.

[diegzumillo]

http://www.roguesystemsim.com/

Hey, this one looks promising.

[The Destroyer]

I landed fine. Wasn't sure what to do when I was down mind.

The physics is a shade iffy - turning without thrusting gives you lateral speed - but hey, take it as a first draft.

How did you land! I landed as soft as possible! D:

EDIT. Did it! You have to hover over the cracks to mine.

[KvickFlygarn87]

Delete please.

Edit post > Go Advanced > Delete Post

[The Destroyer]

Edit post > Go Advanced > Delete Post

Since when did that feature come back! :-/

[Skyler4856]

That has to be the worst game ever. I tried to land very softly. Crashed. Hit a wall at 0.1 mps. Crashed.

I had two hours to make a two level game with accelerating gravity, give me a break.

Also that was my first scratch game...

[The Destroyer]

I had two hours to make a two level game with accelerating gravity, give me a break.

Also that was my first scratch game...

Sorry, but the whole combination of scratch (okay, it usually isn't the best quality of games) the MUAHAHAHA with squigeless and odd collision boxes kinda made me rant.

One other thing, it would be nice to have other levels after you do SCIENCE!

[TheScareCake!]

Space engine has it. You can pick up the spaceship or shuttle.

[Red Iron Crown]

There's Simple Rockets, which is a 2D KSP clone on Android.

I love me some SimpleRockets. Great way to get a KSP-flavored game while on the go. The other space games I've tried for Android have laughably inaccurate physics (Space Agency, I'm looking at you).

[SpaceXray]

www.space-simulator.com

it will be an Orbiter clone for PC and iOS, I gotta say, flying real Soyuz on your iPad is very cool.

[TheScareCake!]

I hate ios now.

[SpaceXray]

I hate ios now.

Why? Most developers release for iOS before Android since coding for iOS is much easier since iOS is less gimmicky and there are very few devices that need bug testing. There are less than 20 devices on ios and 1000+ devices on Android so finding problems for its users is easier. I suggest just buying and IPad or iPhone, you will ne'er regret it.

[cantab]

I may be mistaken, but I believe you need to own a Mac to develop for iOS. Nice little money-spinner for Apple there if I'm right, and for a hobbyist developer that may not be an insignificant barrier to entry.

[Red Iron Crown]

I believe you have to pay for the SDK for iOS as well, whereas Android's SDK is available for free. At least it used to be that way, it may have changed.

[Skyler4856]

Sorry, but the whole combination of scratch (okay, it usually isn't the best quality of games) the MUAHAHAHA with squigeless and odd collision boxes kinda made me rant.

One other thing, it would be nice to have other levels after you do SCIENCE!

Oh and your rants would be justified if it were not for the information I gave you post factor...

[diegzumillo]

A friend of mine made a very pertinent comment about the subject. Car driving simulators are quite rare and driving is something a lot of people do on their daily lives, so I can imagine how space flight simulators can be less accessible.