Slingshot: a hard sci-fi spaceflight simulator with orbital mechanics and space combat
Hey folks! I’ve been developing a hardcore spaceflight simulator for the past year. I’ve been so frustrated with games that simplify the really cool parts about spaceships and turn into arcade games. As an engineer and pilot, I wanted a game that could capture how thrilling it would be to actually fly a fusion powered spacecraft in the future.
This is a demo of the combat capabilities I just added, showing a light frigate defending itself from anti-spacecraft missiles using its point defense lasers and interceptor missiles. The onboard fire control system automatically utilizes its defenses while the player steers the ship away from the danger. All of this motion affects the orbit of the ship. The basic game loop will be taking on missions to fly cargo around, attack other ships for their cargo, and defend yourself from all types of threats.
I would love some feedback from you guys on whether this is something you’d play. I know it’s really in depth, and I’m trying to make sure you don’t need a degree in spaceflight to play it by including detailed autopilot functionality. Would you be interested in playing a demo version? What features would you want to see?