Space Transport

This game prototype is a physics-based 2d (for now) space cargo simulator. In some ways it's very zen, but if you get in trouble, it can be action-packed and even unforgiving.

I have been sitting on this procedural prototype for years. The ideas I have for it are vast, but time is what it is. Please let me know if you enjoy the mechanics of this prototype and would like to see more.

Playing the game

The goal is to get the ship from the departure station, through the asteroid field waypoints, into the destination station.

Everything is controlled by five thrusters. The compression of the cargo is a balance between the front lateral thrusters and the main thruster. Two rear lateral thrusters provide extra control of the rear of the ship.

Tips

• There is a reset button in the upper left - use it to start over and generate a new scenario
• Slow is smooth, smooth is fast
• Cargo can be damaged and destroyed
• If you get in trouble, smash the stabilizer on to keep things together. This maximally compresses the cargo hopefully preventing a de-stack condition.
• The stabilizer removes all control except the rear lateral thrusters, so use with care
• Asteroids that get too close to stations are exploded. Those explosions affect your ship.
• Use the minimap to your advantage to line up the ship for the next leg
• Thrusters will push asteroids - just don't push them too close to a station's auto defense system when you're too close to the asteroid
• Docking is manual - the dock button (when it shows up) will close the docking clamps so make sure you're in position before you hit that button