Slice Bar Games is celebrating the third anniversary of Astra Protocol 2 with a substantial new update — and if you already own the game, the Three Year Anniversary Patch is completely free.
The update lands later today on Steam and itch.io, introducing a long list of graphical and performance improvements designed to give the stylish cassette-futurism adventure a noticeable glow-up. Having recently covered Astra Protocol Remake entering beta, it’s great to see Slice Bar continuing to refine and support the universe they’ve built.
What’s in the Anniversary Patch?
The new patch includes a sweeping set of enhancements:
- Overhauled visuals and improved shader effects
- Expanded environmental animations
- Multiple performance optimisations
- A refreshed, updated user manual
Slice Bar Games has also released an anniversary trailer showcasing the upgrade:
Astra Protocol 2: A Cassette-Futurist Space Mystery
If you’ve missed it until now, Astra Protocol 2 is a space-navigation adventure inspired by 1980s futurism. Players command a search-and-rescue craft using text-based instructions and a chunky retro-styled interface — complete with an operations manual that feels like it was rescued from a forgotten BBC Micro lab.
The goal: navigate asteroid fields and celestial hazards while evading hostile forces and trying to piece together the truth behind the Astra Protocol. It’s tactile, atmospheric, and unlike just about anything else on the modern indie scene.
Where to Play
If you already own Astra Protocol 2, you can get the patch automatically on both Steam and itch.io.
Learn more on the Slicebar Games website.
(Thanks to Dan)
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
