Get the Space Exploration: Serpens Sector Demo off WP (40mb)

This preview features an improved combat mode where you can use planets for cover, navigate past dangerous asteroid fields, hack enemy spaceships, and partake in fleet battles. The game now also contains music by Rozovian, a choice of difficulty levels, and more fleshed-out interactions with the crew of your ship, who will give you advice and sometimes pursue their own agendas.

Space Exploration: Serpens Sector is a role-playing game based on classics like Starflight and Star Control. You are tasked with exploring the mysterious Serpens Sector after a long period of human absence. Each game has a different map and a different set of encounters, drawn from a large list. The base game will be free, and purchasable expansions will add further encounters for those who enjoy the game and want to see more.

The game is still under development, but preview versions are available for download, and player feedback is very much encouraged. The engine is mostly complete, and development is now focused on creating game content. The writing aims to be an entertaining mix of the classically pulpy, subversions of the pulpy, and mild horror.

Space Exploration: Serpens Sector is under development by UK-based Metal Beetle Ltd since late 2007 and is slated to be released in the second quarter of 2009. The first expansion will be released simultaneously.