Looking for a fun way to connect with people through computer games that are out of this world? For the July/August issue of SkyNews, three space-lovers logged into their Steam accounts, and they reviewed four multiplayer games that have an astronomical twist, and will be streaming their gameplay for all to watch through July. Dates and times are below.
The players
Dr. Benoit Larouche. Mission manager at Space Flight Laboratory, amateur cyclist, occasional ultimate player and poor crimper of rocks. Was alive before the internet was popular and was raised on the frustration of Battletoads and Paperboy. Spends 9 to 5 putting satellites in space, then spends 5 to 9 flying spaceships around the galaxy.
Jenna Hinds. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s outreach coordinator and Robotic Telescope project lead. Enjoyed Portal and SOMA in university. Because of this article, she is now addicted to Elite Dangerous.
Allendria Brunjes. SkyNews editor-in-chief and glider pilot. Grew up playing Star Fox, Microsoft Flight Simulator and Star Trek on Windows 3.1. Occasional Leeroy Jenkins. Can’t wait for Kerbal Space Program 2 to come out.
The games
Stellaris
Online streaming game night
July 7, 2021 • 7 p.m. EDT
This complex, beautifully designed game is an art form unto itself. It’s a grand strategy sci-fi, played as a multiplayer or with AIs as neighbouring civilizations. And really, it’s huge. There’s a lot to track, including resource extraction, technological advancements, personnel management, military expansion, colony growth and neighbouring empire relations. And it’s all in space.
Out of Space
Online streaming game night
July 14, 2021 • 7 p.m. EDT
Does Halo’s Cortana ever remind Master Chief to stop for a sandwich? Does Metroid’s Samus ever take a nap? An element of humanity that is overlooked in almost every space game ever is the fact that we require regular maintenance and are burdened by our basic needs. Out of Space zeros in on these — and makes your friends worry about them, too.
Elite Dangerous
Online streaming game night
July 21, 2021 • 7 p.m. EDT
It calls itself “the definitive massively multiplayer space epic.” After learning to fly and gaining some street cred, you can explore the galaxy by hopping from star to star at three different speeds. It’s rich and graphically-gorgeous kind of choose-your-own-adventure, with opportunities to change careers and try different options.
Among Us
Online streaming game night
July 28, 2021 • 7 p.m. EDT
This game became popular during quarantine last year, garnering a following that includes United States Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and PewDiePie. It’s a fantastic party game with simple instructions, but the strategy can definitely be deep and involved.
Read the July-August 2021 issue of SkyNews for the full reviews.
