Described as an "open-world stealth-action space game" Objects in Space is an incredibly detailed and awe-inspiring space game that emphasizes tactical hands-on control of an entire spaceship. Blinking lights, readouts, visiting space stations, plotting courses, taking on contracts, getting ambushed, repairing engines - so it's no wonder it was a PAX Australia Indie Showcase winner.

Especially when there's a separate in-game system for all of the above - with a stylish retro look to boot.

Developed by Sydney-based indie developer Flat Earth Games, Objects in Space has been designed with inspiration drawn from Cold War era submarines - as opposed to aerial dogfights. This means there's even an option for players to build their own custom controllers full of dials, switches, and buttons. Including a big red one that fires a space torpedo.

In the game, players have their own ship and must make their way in the Apollo cluster – a new home disconnected from our solar system for almost fifty years – an uncaring place alone in the universe where a new era for humanity has manifested and we thrive in bleak conditions.

“This is a massive and complicated open world game,” said Leigh Harris, co-founder of Flat Earth Games. “But we created it to harken back to some of the early open world space games of the 80s and 90s. It lends itself very heavily towards sandbox play - players can engage with whatever parts of the world interest them the most and will be equally rewarded regardless of where their focus may lie.”

“One of our main drives was to get around the reflex-based combat gameplay present in a lot of other space games, and replace it with more tactical, decision-based stealth combat,” said Elissa Harris, co-founder of Flat Earth Games. “We wanted to offer players the choice to engage in combat or avoid it in lieu of a more creative solutions to problem, especially by making the act of avoiding combat - a form of cat and mouse stealth play - enjoyable in its own right.”

The submarine side of the insipration also finds its way into how combat plays out in Objects in Space. with a hand-crafted open world filled with stars and uncharted systems players will also be able to decide whether they want to be a trader, pirate, or even bounty hunter. Available now on Steam and GOG.com for $17.99 USD, future updates on the space road to full release will include scenarios, a sandbox mode, and multiplayer.