Controlling an exoplanet rover on the go
Extrasolar has always been a tough sell for hardcore gamers, in my eyes. Though it was one of my top games of last year, most readers tune out when they see a description like “free-to-play science simulator,” and going any further into why it’s so good spoils it. With an update to the mobile interface today, it may lower the barrier to entry for some.
As a browser game, playing on mobile has always been an option, but now it has been designed and optimized for the platform. The map now has a pinch-to-zoom feature and menus are swipeable. I played around with it for a bit on my Nexus 4, and it runs great. I still think I’d prefer playing on my PC, since the high resolution vistas looks so good on a bigger screen, but it’s nice to know that when the next season becomes available, I’ll be able to set up photos while I’m out and about.
