Spacebase DF-9 gameplay video — Early Access impressions

spacebase df9

Shocking news today: I'm playing another game ! This time I take a look at Spacebase DF-9 , an Early Access game from Double Fine (opens in new tab) that I've already put about 10 hours into. The goal: build a sweet space station without everyone dying terribly.

Consider this an introduction to Spacebase, but even in 40 minutes I couldn't get to everything, including all my issues with it. (That's partially because I spend way too much time trying to design a single structure station... but I like making things pretty, OK?) Raiders, for instance, can be unfairly strong. I've lost entire bases because no one—even my dumb security officers—can figure out how to deal with one guy . Even turrets are useless.

There are also general AI problems (the crew loves to get stuck and has no sense of self preservation) and it's frustrating that tasks can't be prioritized during emergencies.

I like Spacebase, but often in spite of it. The variables are off right now. I'm optimistic, though—a few more big updates and it could be really special.

Tyler Wilde
Executive Editor

Tyler grew up in Silicon Valley during the rise of personal computers, playing games like Zork and Arkanoid on the early PCs his parents brought home. He was later captivated by Myst, SimCity, Civilization, Command & Conquer, Bushido Blade (yeah, he had Bleem!), and all the shooters they call "boomer shooters" now. In 2006, Tyler wrote his first professional review of a videogame: Super Dragon Ball Z for the PS2. He thought it was OK. In 2011, he joined PC Gamer, and today he's focused on the site's news coverage. His hobbies include amateur boxing and adding to his 1,200-plus hours in Rocket League.