Exiled to the Void

In ‘Exiled to the Void’, set in a post-apocalyptic 22nd century, humanity struggles to survive after a catastrophic comet storm devastates Earth and its colonies. As the captain of a small space station exiled to the orbit of Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, you must manage resources, expand your habitat, and lead a fragile community toward rebuilding civilization. The game blends strategy, city-building, and survival elements in a sci-fi sandbox, where players research technologies, construct orbital stations, and aim to establish a self-sustaining society capable of venturing beyond the Jovian system.

Exiled to the Void: A Post-Apocalyptic Space Survival Strategy Game Review

Introduction

Exiled to the Void is a strategy game that places players in the role of a space station captain tasked with rebuilding civilization after a catastrophic comet storm devastates humanity. Released in 2018 by Wonderbox Games, the game blends elements of city-building, resource management, and survival in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting. This review delves into the game’s development, narrative, gameplay mechanics, and its place in gaming history.

Development History & Context

Wonderbox Games, the developer behind Exiled to the Void, is a relatively small studio known for creating niche strategy games. The game was built using the Unity engine, which allowed for a flexible development process. The studio’s vision was to create a game that combined the depth of a strategy game with the immersive atmosphere of a sci-fi survival narrative. The game was released during a period when space-themed strategy games were gaining popularity, but it struggled to stand out in a crowded market.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The game’s narrative is set in the year 2125, following a catastrophic event in 2108 where human activity in the Oort Cloud destabilized the gravitational balance, leading to a comet storm that nearly wiped out civilization. Players take on the role of a space station captain orbiting Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, with the goal of rebuilding society. The story is rich in themes of survival, resilience, and the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Players must decide between paths of cyborgization and genetic improvement, each with its own moral implications.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Exiled to the Void is a sandbox strategy game where players manage an orbital station, expanding it with various modules to support a growing population. The core gameplay loop involves resource extraction, population management, and technological research. The game features a mix of direct control and point-and-select interfaces, allowing players to interact with their station and its inhabitants. The combat system is minimal, focusing more on defensive strategies like plasma deflectors and railguns to protect against asteroid impacts.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s setting is a post-apocalyptic solar system, with a focus on the Jovian moons. The visual design is a mix of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic elements, creating a stark and immersive atmosphere. The sound design complements the setting, with ambient noises and a soundtrack that enhances the sense of isolation and survival. The cinematic camera and fixed/flip-screen perspectives add to the game’s unique visual style.

Reception & Legacy

Exiled to the Void received mixed reviews upon release. While some players appreciated the game’s depth and atmospheric setting, others criticized its lack of polish and steep learning curve. The game’s reception on Steam was mostly negative, with a player score of 25/100 based on 12 reviews. Despite its flaws, the game has developed a small but dedicated fanbase. Its influence on subsequent games is minimal, but it remains a notable example of a niche strategy game with a unique setting.

Conclusion

Exiled to the Void is a flawed but ambitious strategy game that offers a deep and immersive experience for players willing to overlook its rough edges. Its unique setting and narrative make it a standout in the genre, even if its execution falls short in some areas. For fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi and strategy games, Exiled to the Void is worth a look, but it may not appeal to a broader audience.