Reentry: Hyper-Realistic Space Sim Achieves Full Launch
For those who dream of the final frontier, video games often provide the most accessible ticket to the stars. While many titles offer fantastical journeys through alien galaxies, a dedicated genre of simulators strives for something far more grounded: authenticity. After nearly a decade of meticulous development and a long, successful journey through Early Access, the highly-detailed space simulator Reentry: An Orbital Simulator has finally achieved its full 1.0 launch, inviting aspiring astronauts to master the complex art of real-world spaceflight.
Developed by the dedicated one-person studio Lyra Creative, headed by Petri Wilhelmsen, Reentry is a passion project born from a love for the golden age of space exploration. It's not a game of interstellar empires or laser battles; it's a demanding, high-fidelity simulation that puts you in the commander's seat of iconic, real-world spacecraft. The game challenges players to learn and execute the precise procedures and checklists used by actual astronauts during NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. This full release marks the culmination of years of refinement, community feedback, and unwavering dedication to creating one of the most realistic space sims on the market.
What is Reentry: An Orbital Simulator?
At its core, Reentry is a procedural simulator, often referred to as a "study sim." The gameplay revolves around mastering the intricate systems of your spacecraft. From pre-launch checks to orbital maneuvers and the nail-biting tension of atmospheric reentry, every phase of a mission is simulated with painstaking detail.
Players will find themselves inside stunningly recreated virtual cockpits, surrounded by hundreds of functional switches, dials, and gauges. Success isn't about quick reflexes but about careful study, patience, and a deep understanding of the machine you are commanding. The experience is designed to be as close as possible to what historical astronauts faced, forcing you to manage everything from life support systems and electrical power to navigation and engine burns, all while following authentic mission protocols.
A Journey Through Space History
The 1.0 version of Reentry allows players to pilot the legendary spacecraft that paved humanity's path to the Moon. The game provides a comprehensive and historical progression through the dawn of the space race.
The primary spacecraft included are:
- Project Mercury: Experience the challenges faced by America's first astronauts. Learn to control the small, single-person capsule that proved humans could survive and function in the unforgiving vacuum of space.
- Project Gemini: Take command of the more advanced two-person Gemini spacecraft. This module serves as a crucial stepping stone where you will master the difficult arts of orbital rendezvous and docking—skills essential for the lunar missions to come.
- Project Apollo: The ultimate test of your abilities. This includes commanding the Apollo Command Module (CM) in Earth and lunar orbits and, for the most daring pilots, descending to the lunar surface in the iconic Lunar Module (LM). Walking on the Moon in Reentry is an achievement earned through hours of genuine learning and skill.
Each craft has its own unique set of systems, quirks, and mission profiles, offering a deep and rewarding learning curve that mirrors the rapid technological advancements of the 1960s.
More Than a Game, It's an Experience
What truly sets Reentry apart is its commitment to simulation over simplification. The game includes guided tutorials and a "Mission Control" feature to help new pilots get oriented, but it makes no apologies for its complexity. Successfully landing the Lunar Module on the Sea of Tranquility feels less like beating a game level and more like a genuine personal accomplishment.
This dedication to realism is further enhanced by full support for Virtual Reality (VR). In VR, the sense of presence is unparalleled. Sitting inside the cramped confines of the Apollo Command Module, physically reaching out to flip switches and watching the Earth curve below you, is an immersive experience that few other titles can match. It transforms the act of playing into a powerful educational and historical journey.
After its initial Early Access launch in late 2018, the game has been consistently updated with new features, system refinements, and historical missions. The 1.0 release solidifies this foundation, presenting a polished and feature-complete simulation of these three historic space programs. For anyone who has ever looked up at the Moon and wondered what it truly takes to get there, Reentry: An Orbital Simulator is the ultimate test of skill and the closest you can get to sitting in the pilot's seat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Reentry: An Orbital Simulator?A: Reentry is a highly realistic space flight simulator focused on commanding real-world spacecraft from NASA's early space programs. It is a "study sim" that requires players to learn and follow authentic procedures and checklists to complete historical missions.
Q: What spacecraft can you fly in Reentry?A: The game features meticulously recreated, fully functional spacecraft from Project Mercury, Project Gemini, and Project Apollo, including the Apollo Command Module and the Lunar Module.
Q: Is Reentry good for beginners?A: While Reentry has a steep learning curve due to its realism, it includes tutorials and an academy to guide new players through the basics of each spacecraft. However, it is designed for players who enjoy deep, complex simulations and are willing to invest time in learning.
Q: Does Reentry have VR support?A: Yes, Reentry: An Orbital Simulator features full VR support, allowing for a deeply immersive experience where players can physically interact with the virtual cockpits.